Category: Uncategorized

RDCK Adopts Five-Year Financial Plan

The Board of Directors adopted the 2024-2028 Financial Plan Bylaw, an annual requirement which must be completed by end of March each year. This year’s budget will see a 5.8% average increase in property taxes for RDCK residents, although this is highly variable depending on the Electoral Area or Municipality the resident lives in.

The RDCK hosted nine hybrid public information sessions (in-person and online), plus two Special Budget Meetings over the last two months, which allowed the public in our various sub regions to comment and provide feedback on the five-year Financial Plan.

Residents are encouraged to review the financial plan and reach out to staff or Directors with questions.

West Creston Fire Protection Services

Assent voting will be held July 27, 2024 in Electoral Area C for the approval of the West Creston Fire Protection Area Service Establishment Bylaw and the West Creston Fire Protection Service Loan Authorization Bylaw. The loan authorization bylaw requests a 20-year financing term up to $2,129,000 for the construction of the West Creston Fire Hall, the replacement of the water tender, and the purchase of a frontline fire engine for the West Creston Fire Department.

Recording RDCK Board Meetings

Starting in April, the Board has approved the recording of RDCK Board meetings and making the recordings available to the public. This applies to all RDCK Board meetings or Special Board meetings and not to meetings held by RDCK Committees, Commissions, departments, or specific staff.  While meeting minutes serve as the official record, recordings will be offered to enhance access to Board meeting content, while allowing for increased transparency in how the Board of Directors makes decisions on RDCK program and services.

Director’s Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports outlining what they have been working on. Click here to read the March reports in the Board minutes.

RDCK Quarterly Report

For the latest RDCK Quarterly Report, which details the current projects and initiatives of the RDCK, please follow the link.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Board of Directors adopted the 2024-2028 Financial Plan Bylaw, an annual requirement which must be completed by end of March each year. This year’s budget will see a 5.8% average increase in property taxes for RDCK residents, although this is highly variable depending on the Electoral Area or Municipality the resident lives in.

“We are pleased that we were able to substantially reduce the average taxation increase for this year, bringing it down to 5.8% from the initially proposed 11.1% in January’s draft plan,” stated Yev Malloff, RDCK Chief Financial Officer. “This improvement was achieved due to the diligent efforts of both RDCK staff and Directors over the past two months. Part of the improvement was also aligning the way we calculate the taxation change with other B.C. local governments. The 5.8% figure places the RDCK at the lower end of the scale for 2024 regional district taxation increases. It is important to recognize that not all regional districts face the same set of challenges and opportunities in any given year.”

Residents are encouraged to review the financial plan and reach out to staff or Directors with questions.

The RDCK hosted nine hybrid public information sessions (in-person and online), plus two Special Budget Meetings over the last nine weeks, which allowed the public in our various sub regions to comment and provide feedback on the five-year Financial Plan.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC: In spite of a change in its management structure, the innovative and highly successful Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors Program will continue to support local producers.

The Program is a partnership of the Regional Districts of East Kootenay, Central Kootenay, Kootenay Boundary and the Columbia Basin Trust, and has been managed by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) since its inception over six years ago. In 2024, the management of the Program has shifted to the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), though the daily administration of the program will continue to be done by a consultant on the partners’ behalf.

“With the change in oversight shifting from the RDEK to the RDCK, we felt this was also an opportune time to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the administration contract,” explains RDEK General Manager of Development and Protective Services, Michele Bates. “The current contractor has done an outstanding job. They have taken it from an untried, pilot initiative and developed it into a robust Program that offers education, support and extension services to hundreds of producers around the Basin. We want to acknowledge and thank them. A great deal has changed in the six-plus years since the first RFP was issued.  Issuing a new RFP will help ensure the contract remains cost effective and incorporates the vision and needs of the Program into the future.”

The RFP, which closes on March 22, 2024 at 4:00 pm PST, has been posted on BC Bid and the RDCK website.

To learn more about the Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors Program and the services it provides, visit https://kbfa.ca.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is asking customers that reside within RDCK owned and operated water systems to check their location settings for the Voyent Alert! notification system. Recently, some RDCK customers reported they did not receive Voyent Alert! notifications for their water system although they are signed up for alerts. The RDCK requests all water system users to sign-up for Voyent Alert! notifications as this is the primary method of communication for all RDCK water system information as well as RDCK Emergency Notifications.

Customers are asked to confirm the “My Location” setting within the Voyent Alert! app is set within the appropriate water system. If customers do not have the app, they can login to their Voyent Alert! account (https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/client.html#!/login) and manage the location setting. If the location setting is not within the RDCK water system servicing you, you will not receive a notification. Communication on upcoming projects that impact customers will be done through Voyent Alert!, in addition to all water quality and system information.

Not signed up for Voyent Alert!? Sign up for free at https://register.voyent-alert.com to receive notifications about your water system’s water quality, system maintenance activities, and water conservation by telephone call, email, and/or text message.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

RDCK Budget – Public Budget Information Session Schedule

As part of the annual budget process, the RDCK will be hosting public budget information sessions for all its Municipalities and Electoral Areas. The RDCK invites the public to join for a breakdown of the financial landscape and to understand what goes into the development of the 2024-2028 RDCK Financial Plan. Read the 2024-2028 RDCK Draft Financial Plan.

All meetings will be available to attend in-person or online. Click on the links below for information on how to join virtually.

Curbside collection referendum ballot question

On May 11, 2024, the RDCK will hold two separate referendums to determine if electors are in favour of the establishment of curbside collection service in their respective area. The Board approved the following ballot questions for each referendum.

In a defined portion of Electoral Area J the question for voters will be:

Are you in favour of the Regional District of Central Kootenay adopting Defined Area J Curbside Collection Service Establishment Bylaw No. 2934, 2023, which will permit the Regional District to establish a curbside collection service for defined portions of Electoral Area J; which if approved will result in an annual requisition not to exceed $406,818.39 based on a cost per household of $283.06.

For more information about the referendum, including how to register to vote, service maps, advance voting, and upcoming public information sessions go to www.rdck.ca/JCurbside.

In defined portions of Electoral Area F and H the question for voters will be:

Are you in favour of the Regional District of Central Kootenay adopting Defined Areas F & H Curbside Collection Service Establishment Bylaw No. 2933, 2023, which will permit the Regional District to establish a three-stream curbside collection service with waste, organics and recycling for defined portions of Electoral Areas F & H; which if approved will result in an annual requisition not to exceed $596,235.28 based on a cost per household of $280.02.

For more information about the referendum, including how to register to vote, service maps, advance voting, and upcoming public information sessions go to www.rdck.ca/FHCurbside.  

Draft Climate Action Plan Community Feedback

From April to October 2023, the RDCK engaged with the public to receive feedback on its draft Climate Action Plan. During this time, the RDCK held 20 open houses, six dialogue circles, six webinars, utilized its public engagement platform (http://engage.rdck.ca), received emails, letters, phone calls, as well as having countless informal conversations with residents. The key themes of the feedback included:

• Concerns with the engagement process, communications, and affordability;
• Desires for freedom of choice, a local perspective, and support for farmers;
• Cautions around building regulations and electric vehicles; and
• Interest in improved transit/active transportation, emergency preparedness, water stewardship, renewable energy, and grid resilience.

Click here for a full breakdown of the public engagement process.

Moving forward the Board approved staff to solicit additional feedback from the Directors via survey and from there staff will use all feedback to identify different possible Climate Action Plan versions, which they will provide to the Board for direction.

Emergency and Disaster Management Act

In November 2023, the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA) was adopted by the Province of BC, replacing the Emergency Program Act. The goal of EDMA is to reflect the realities of the modern world and shifts focusing on emergency response to the four phases of Emergency Management: mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery. As part of the phased implementation, the Province was seeking feedback from local governments.

While EDMA brings important changes to emergency management in BC, the RDCK Board of Directors and Staff have concerns about increasing demands on local authorities. The Board approved staff sending a second letter to the Premier of British Columbia, the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy expressing its deepening concern to the Province on its Emergency and Disaster Management Act and related Regulation for Local Authorities; including its concerns over funding and the cost to the tax payer, as well as addressing residents’ concerns. The letter will also be copied to all 27 Regional Districts, municipalities in the RDCK, and MLAs for the RDCK.

February 2024 Board Report
Letter to Premier Eby and the Honourable Bowinn Ma – December 20, 2023
December 2023 Board Report

Local Conservation Fund

The Board approved $129,976.85 in grant funds for the Local Conservation Fund to be spread among eight different projects. The fund provides grants to support local conservation efforts in Electoral Areas A, D, E, and H focused on the conservation of water and aquatic systems, as well as wildlife and habitat. Here are the eight projects:

 Director’s Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports outlining what they have been working on. Click here to read the February reports in the Board minutes.

RDCK Quarterly Report

For the latest RDCK Quarterly Report, which details the current projects and initiatives of the RDCK, please follow the link.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version. 

Nelson, BC: Over the next three weeks, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) will be hosting public budget information sessions for all its Municipalities and Electoral Areas. The RDCK invites the public to join for a breakdown of the financial landscape and to understand what goes into the development of the 2024-2028 RDCK Financial Plan. All meetings will have the option of in-person or online.  

This is your opportunity to connect with RDCK Directors and staff, ask questions, learn about the RDCK, and find out about projects and initiatives happening in your area.

At the Special Board Meeting on Friday, February 16, the Board reviewed a draft of the 2024-2028 Financial Plan. After accounting for revisions directed by the Board at the meeting, the latest projection is a 9.3% total increase in tax requisitions. This nets down to 7.9% for RDCK property owners after non-market assessment growth is taken into consideration, although this is highly variable depending on the area or municipality the resident lives in. The taxation increase is comparable to projections from other Regional Districts for 2024. The RDCK has over 180 different services, with each service having its own budget and funding. Surpluses from one service cannot be used to fund a deficit in another service.

“Operational cost increases and required maintenance related capital projects in Recreation, Fire Protection and Resource Recovery services are driving the bulk of the increases in taxation,” said Yev Malloff, RDCK Chief Financial Officer. “Inflation and supply chain constraints also continue to have a cost impact across many services and projects/initiatives, while higher interest rates are putting pressure on both short-term and long-term borrowing costs with a partial offset from increased investment income. The budget includes a Consumer Price Index increase on staff salaries and Directors stipends of 6.2%. RDCK staff are continuing to identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiencies of operations and administration to help temper inflation effects.

2024-2028 Draft Financial Plan

Here is the complete schedule of RDCK Public Budget Information Sessions:

*Click on the highlighted link to join the meeting virtually

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF verison.

Nelson, BC: Results from the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s (RDCK) public engagement process on the draft Climate Action Plan are now available and have been provided to the Board. The RDCK received 3,518 comments on the draft plan during the engagement period from April to October 2023.

“Thank you to everyone who came to our events, connected with our team and shared their thoughts on the draft Climate Action Plan,” said Paris Marshall Smith, RDCK Sustainability Planner. “There has been some polarization around the plan, and we are pleased to see the shared values that have emerged through the engagement process. These shared values include the importance of ensuring we have clean air and water, protecting our ability to grow food in our communities, being prepared for the changes to the climate that are coming and creating solutions that reflect our rural way of life.”

Residents had opportunities to provide feedback through a series of 20 open houses, a survey, dialogue circle conversations, emails, letters, webinars, an online discussion board, and Community Ambassador outreach at community events. The public engagement results highlighted:

• Concerns with the engagement process, communications, and affordability;
• Desires for freedom of choice, a local perspective, and support for farmers;
• Cautions around building regulations and electric vehicles; and
• Interest in improved transit/active transportation, emergency preparedness, water stewardship, renewable energy, and grid resilience.

“Following our extensive community engagement process, we are looking forward to moving on to the next phase with the draft Climate Action Plan and continuing to strengthen our local resilience,” said Stuart Horn, RDCK Chief Administrative Officer.

The draft RDCK Climate Action Plan is a list of ways the RDCK could support our community in reducing carbon pollution and its impacts on our communities. Many of the actions are already underway. The provincial and federal governments require the RDCK to take the lead on some of the actions, such as capturing methane at landfills. Additional actions underway, but that the RDCK is not regulated to take, previously went to the RDCK Board for approval. An example of these actions includes enhancing the Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program. The remainder of the actions are new ideas for consideration.

For more information, visit https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/sustainability-environmental-initiatives/climate-action/get-involved.html.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC:  The Creston and District Community Complex recently installed solar panels on the roof to offset the building’s annual energy usage, with an estimated savings of $274,384 over 30 years. The solar energy produced by the array, which is up to 41,800 kWh per year, will reduce the facilities dependency on the power grid.

“We worked with Energy Economics to install 96 solar panels on the roof of the complex, which will route solar power into the facility,” says Shari Imada, RDCK Senior Energy Specialist. “The installation and usage of this renewable energy system will help improve energy efficiency and reduce the complex’s carbon pollution.”

This project is part of a greater effort to address community resiliency by generating renewable energy on site and decreasing the amount of energy purchased by the facility. Operators will gain experience working with this technology, and the solar performance will be tracked through a facility energy monitoring program. 

“This solar array is a great example of how we can leverage our asset management plans and capital investments while integrating sound energy efficiency measures,” says Joe Chirico, General Manager of Community Services. “The RDCK is also undertaking a regional greenhouse gas reduction feasibility study that will inform future capital investments in recreation and other RDCK facilities.”

Solar array on roof of Creston and District Community Complex

The RDCK would like to thank Columbia Basin Trust, who provided a generous grant through their Basin Charge Up program to help make this project come to fruition.

Residents can explore options for reducing energy usage and installing solar panels at their homes by signing up for the RDCK Regional Energy Efficiency Program (REEP) through the RDCK website.

Information about the project will be displayed in the complex lobby and available on the RDCK website. Information on this project and other community resiliency efforts can be found at rdck.ca/sustainability.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC:  The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Bylaw Enforcement Team is introducing a new online complaint portal to improve operational department efficiency. Effective immediately all referrals for Bylaw Enforcement and Dog Control are required to be submitted in this format.

“As a department we deal with a large volume of inquiries and this new process will help streamline the referral process, ensuring all complaints are dealt with in a timely manner,” said Jordan Dupuis, RDCK Bylaw Enforcement Team Supervisor.

The new portal will help reduce the number of calls/emails, systematically track all inquiries and complaints, while enhancing the overall service to the public. Residents will have two options to submit; a general inquiry form or a complaint form.

Bylaw enforcement within the RDCK is a complaint driven service and the RDCK enforces contravention related to a RDCK Area where a related bylaw applies. Bylaws in your Electoral Area could include Dog Control, Unsightly Property, Noise Control, Nuisance, Land Use and Zoning. Go to www.rdck.ca/bylawenforcement for more information on the bylaws related to your Electoral Area.

Once your complaint is submitted, you will be contacted by a Bylaw Enforcement Officer to confirm details and clarification. If complaint requires action, the Bylaw Enforcement Officer begins the process of trying to reach a solution to achieve compliance to the bylaw. All complainant information is considered confidential and will not be released.

If you do not have access to a computer or cannot complete the form online, please contact the RDCK Bylaw Enforcement Department at 250.352.6665.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Proposed RDCK Five-Year Financial Plan

At the Special Board Meeting on Friday, January 19 a preliminary draft of the 2024-2028 Financial Plan was provided to the Board. The latest projection is an 11% average increase in taxes for RDCK residents, although this is highly variable depending on the Electoral Area or Municipality the resident lives in. The RDCK has over 180 different services, with each service having its own budget and funding. Surpluses from one service cannot be used to fund a deficit in another service.

Inflation and supply chain constraints will continue to have a cost impact across many services and projects/initiatives, while an increase in Interest rates will continue to put pressure on both short-term and long-term borrowing costs with a partial offset from increased investment income.

The RDCK will host public information sessions (in-person and online) through February and March which will allow the public the opportunity to understand how the budget impacts them in their respective Electoral Area or Municipality.

Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans

The Board approved and adopted the updated Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans (CWRP) for Electoral Areas D, E, F, and I. The purpose of the CWRP is to identify the wildfire risks within and surrounding a community, to describe the potential consequences if a wildfire was to impact the community, and to examine possible ways to reduce the wildfire risk. These plans are based on seven FireSmart disciplines: education, legislation & planning, development considerations, interagency cooperation, cross-training, emergency planning, and vegetation management. By approving these plans, the RDCK is able to proactively manage wildfire risk and increase community resilience to wildfire.

Electoral Area D CWRP
Electoral Area E CWRP
Electoral Area F CWRP
Electoral Area I CWRP

Wildfire Mitigation and FireSmart Program

The Board directed staff to apply to the 2024 and 2025 Union of BC Municipalities Community Resiliency Investment Program intake to coordinate and manage grant funding with the RDCK to operate the wildfire mitigation and FireSmart program in 2024.

The funding will go towards hiring seven wildfire mitigation specialists and one FireSmart coordinator to deliver FireSmart and neighbourhood programs, offer and administer the FireSmart rebate program, as well as support neighbourhoods pursuing neighbourhood recognition, bolster educational activities promoting FireSmart, and updating Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans.

Last year the RDCK completed 411 FireSmart home assessments, free of charge, with 145 residents receiving rebates and 26 communities were issued grants under the Neighbourhood Recognition Program. In 2024 FireSmart is offering up to a $5,000 cash rebate per household for those that complete compulsory components of the assessment.

West Kootenay Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot

The Board approved funding in the amount of $20,000 over three years ($4,000 in 2024, $13,000 in 2025, and $3,000 in 2026) to the West Kootenay Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) program. The RNIP helps smaller rural and northern communities attract and retain skilled foreign workers to meet their economic development and labour market needs. The West Kootenay region is one of 11 communities selected by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada to be a pilot region for the program. Community Futures Central Kootenay is the community partner responsible for administering the pilot in the West Kootenay.

Creston Valley Fire Service Contract Extensions

The Board entered into one-year contract extensions from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 with the Town of Creston for fire protection services for the Canyon Lister Fire Protection Services Agreement, Wynndel Lakeview Fire Protection Services Agreement, and Electoral Areas B and C and the Arrow Creek Fire Protection Service Area Protection and Response Agreement. Under the contract for the Canyon Lister and Wynndel Fire Protection Areas, the Town of Creston operates and manages both the Canyon Lister and Wynndel Fire Halls, and is responsible for recruiting, training, and maintaining a roster of volunteer firefighters in each fire department.

Under the contract for Electoral Areas B and C and Arrow Creek, the Town of Creston provides fire protection and fire response services respectively to the areas included in the contract utilizing Town of Creston firefighters, and apparatus that are responding from the Creston Fire Hall.

Director’s Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports outlining what they have been working on. Click here to read the January reports in the Board minutes.

RDCK Quarterly Report

For the latest RDCK Quarterly Report, which details the current projects and initiatives of the RDCK, please follow the link.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC:  As of January 1, 2024 the RDCK’s Recreation Commission No. 10’s funding has been paused, and the service is no longer responsible for providing recreation grant funds to local groups running recreational programs. A new community society is being created to coordinate awarding recreation grants to recreation services in Balfour, Harrop and Proctor.

The Recreation Commission No. 10 was previously established by the RDCK Board to operate the Recreation Program Local Service in Area E East between Kokanee Provincial Park and Coffee Creek, including Harrop and Procter. We thank all of those who volunteered their time as commissioners to this service.

If you reside in what was previously serviced by the Recreation Commission No. 10, you can email areaesociety@gmail.com for more information on how to apply for recreation program funding going forward.

For further information, please contact RDCK Electoral Area E Director Cheryl Graham at cgraham@rdck.bc.ca or call 250-505-4990.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is pleased to announce the opening of three organic waste disposal sites. Starting January 22, 2024, all customers, residential and commercial, will be able to utilize the new service of separated organic waste disposal. Grohman Narrows, Ootischenia, and the Central (Salmo) facilities will be able to accept organic waste during regular hours of operation for each site.

Accepted materials include all food wastes, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, meats, small bones, cooked food, grains, and dairy, as well as food soiled paper products, and other material fit to be composted in the RDCK’s new composting facilities. Items such as glass, plastics, metals, and other household wastes or recycling are not accepted. As well, compostable plastic products are not included as an accepted item. For more information on accepted and prohibited items, customers are encouraged to visit rdck.ca/organics, or review Schedules H & I of the RDCK Resource Recovery Facilities Regulatory Bylaw.

Once brought to the composting facilities, the collected material is mixed with chipped, clean wood waste, yard and garden materials, and food scraps from surrounding community organics collection services. For example, collected materials from the City of Castlegar Green Bin Program is brought to the Ootischenia Landfill, where it is then transferred to the Central (Salmo) composting facility for processing.

The Creston Landfill has been accepting organic waste from all sectors since the Creston composting facility opened in June of 2022. For the communities in and around Nelson, Castlegar, and Salmo, the additional organic waste disposal sites will provide a great alternative to throwing organics in the garbage whenever backyard composting, curbside collection, drop-off, or other options are not available.

The addition of these three facilities for the collection of organic waste allows more residents, businesses, and institutions to utilize separated organic waste disposal at a reduced cost.

While mixed waste is now $151.25 per tonne, organic waste can be disposed of for $96.75 per tonne. Customers can bring in organic waste by the container (max 121 liters) and only be charged $2.50 per container for the first four containers. However, if brought in with mixed waste (garbage), customers can dispose of one container of separated organic waste for free! This is a pilot incentive program to encourage customers to separate their organics from the rest of their garbage whenever possible.

The RDCK is committed to keeping organic waste out of the region’s landfills and supporting reduction in per-household waste. In our landfills, organic waste creates significant problems.

• It takes up finite landfill space, impacting capacity and lifespan of these costly sites.
• It pollutes the environment through contributing to the generation of leachate (run-off from landfills).
• When it rots in an oxygen-poor environment such as a landfill, large amounts of methane are generated.
• Landfill-generated methane accounts for up to 23% of national methane emissions.
• As a greenhouse gas, methane has a global warming potential more than 80 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO₂) over a 20-year period.

Diverting this material to composting facilities greatly reduces the negative impacts of landfilled organic wastes. Additionally, composting is a great way for us to turn waste products into a resource that is valuable to local communities for the production of healthy soils, plants, and food.

The RDCK Organic Waste Diversion Program, including construction of the composting facilities, transfer station upgrades, and start-up costs for municipal curbside green bin programs have been generously funded by the Federal and Provincial Governments, and the Columbia Basin Trust. The RDCK gratefully acknowledges the assistance of these funders.

To find out more about the RDCK Organics Waste Diversion Program and view facility hours of operation, go to www.rdck.ca/organics. To ask a question about the organic waste diversion program, go to https://engage.rdck.ca/organics, email organics@rdck.ca, or call 250-551-6647.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

The RDCK head office in Nelson will reopen to the public on Thursday, January 18 for regular hours of operation. The office has been closed the last two days to the public due to flooding from a burst sprinkler pipe. Thursday also marks the first RDCK Board Meeting of 2024. The public is welcome to attend. The meeting starts at 9:00 am in the Board room at 202 Lakeside Drive in Nelson. 

The RDCK head office in Nelson will be CLOSED to the public Tuesday, January 16 and Wednesday, January 17 due to flooding from a burst sprinkler pipe. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you did have an in-person appointment with RDCK staff over the next two days, you are encouraged to call the head office (250-352-6665) to reschedule.

Wednesday`s (9:00 am to 12:00 pm) Rural Affairs Committee Meeting, will now be hosted strictly online. Follow the link for details on how to join the meeting https://www.rdck.ca/EN/meta/events/events-list/meetings/rural-affairs-committee-meeting-26.html.

All damage will be assessed over the coming days and we will keep the public informed when the office is ready to return to our regular hours of operation, including the status of Thursday`s RDCK Board Meeting.

Thank you for your understanding.

Nelson, BC:  Effective January 3, 2024, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) will accept grant applications for the Columbia Basin Trust Resident Directed Grants (ReDi).

The program supports local projects that provide additional value to Basin communities. ReDi Grants are intended to be flexible and incorporate community-based funding decisions. Program funds are distributed annually to the Columbia Basin Trust’s regional government and First Nations delivery partners, including the RDCK, where the program is available to all 11 electoral areas and nine municipalities.

“As a basin community, we at the Regional District of Central Kootenay continue to benefit from Columbia Basin Trust’s long term commitment to support and build up local projects in our area,” said Aimee Watson, RDCK Board Chair and Electoral Area D Director. “We look forward to seeing the submissions and having our community participate in the engagement process that the ReDi program requires.”

Last year, 337 applications were received, of which 312 were approved. The majority of projects that received funding were supporting cultural, social, environmental and economic projects.

The granting allocation for the RDCK for 2024-2025 is $1,409,829.

Click here to find more information about the Columbia Basin Trust ReDi Grants, including, who is eligible and how to apply. The deadline to apply is February 21, 2024 at 4:30 pm.

Click here for a print-friendly PDF version.

Emergency and Disaster Management Act

As part of BC`s modernization of emergency management legislation, the Province is creating new regulations for post-emergency financial assistance and local authority emergency management. They are asking for feedback from regional districts and municipalities across the Province. However, feedback is requested by the end of January 2024. The Board will send a letter to the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness and the Premier of British Columbia, requesting more time to provide feedback. The proposed new requirements place a new and significant workload on local authorities, including making changes to RDCK bylaws and Emergency Program Committee Terms of Reference, as well as the creation of new bylaws and service agreements with partnering municipalities, plus additional resources will be needed.

The Board also directed staff to review and update the Emergency Program Committee`s Terms of Reference in preparation for the changes to legislation and staff will hold a workshop for the Board early in 2024 to draft the feedback which then will be submitted to the Province.

Director’s Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports outlining what they have been working on. Click here to read the December reports in the Board minutes.

RDCK Quarterly Report

For the latest RDCK Quarterly Report, which details the current projects and initiatives of the RDCK, please follow the link.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is pleased to announce effective immediately the Water Quality Advisory issued for users on the Erickson Water System in Electoral Areas B and C has been rescinded.

On December 7, 2023 a Water Quality Advisory was issued as a result of below-target chlorine residual levels due to high chlorine demand from heavy rains increasing dissolved organics (colour) in the water. This advisory was issued as a precautionary measure.

Chlorine residual levels have been restored and water quality tests indicate that the water quality is good.

The RDCK appreciates Erickson water users’ cooperation and patience during this time and apologizes for the inconvenience experienced.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has issued a Water Quality Advisory for users on the Erickson Water System. The system is located in Erickson just outside the eastern border of Creston, crossing the boundary of RDCK Electoral Areas B and C.

The Water Quality Advisory has been issued as a result of below-target chlorine residual levels due to high chlorine demand from heavy rains increasing dissolved organics (colour) in the water. This advisory is being issued as a precautionary measure. The RDCK has been flushing the distribution system, collecting bacteriological samples, and testing for chlorine residual in the distribution system to monitor water quality, and will continue to do so until the advisory is able to be lifted. UV disinfection and membrane filtration treatment components of the Arrow Creek water treatment facility continue to operate as designed.

While health risks are considered low, the RDCK recommends that children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone seeking additional protection drink boiled water or a safe alternative until further notice. For these at-risk populations, water intended for drinking, washing fruits or vegetables, making beverages or ice, or brushing teeth should be boiled for one minute. Boiled water should then be refrigerated in a clean, covered container. Customers could also choose to use bottled or distilled water, or water that has been filtered through a well-maintained treatment device. 

Owners of all public facilities must post a Water Quality Advisory at all sinks or drinking water fountains accessible to the public (alternatively, public fountains and taps may be turned off). As opportunities arise, they must also advise their clientele verbally of the Water Quality Advisory.

The RDCK will be taking measures to reduce risk; water quality will be monitored and the public will be notified when the RDCK is able to lift the Boil Water Notice.

We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause, and appreciate your cooperation and patience during this time.  For more information contact the RDCK (250) 352-8161 or visit our website at www.rdck.ca/water.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC:  The official results of the December 2, 2023 referendums for fire protection service loan authorizations in the North Shore Fire Protection Service, Slocan Valley Fire Protection Service, and Tarrys and Pass Creek Fire Protection Service have been declared by the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Chief Elections Officer. The proposed loan authorization bylaw for each of the three service areas has received voter assent and now will be considered by the Board for Approval.

Eligible voters in each of the three fire protection service areas were asked if they are in favour of the Regional District of Central Kootenay adopting a bylaw which will permit the RDCK to borrow an amount not to exceed $750,000 for the purpose of replacing a frontline fire engine.

In Electoral Area F a total of 60 voters participated in the referendum, out of 2,052 voters on the voters list in the service. 55 voted in favour of adoption of the new bylaw to borrow up to $750,000 for the purchase of a new fire engine for the North Shore Fire Hall.

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL KOOTENAY
NORTH SHORE FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE LOAN AUTHORIZATION BYLAW NO. 2917
ASSENT VOTING RESULTS – FINAL DETERMINATION

Official signed results North Shore Fire Protection Service [PDF – 557 KB]

In the Village of Slocan and defined portions of Electoral Area H and I a total of 103 voters participated in the referendum, out of 3,815 voters on the voters list in the service. 79 voted in favour of adoption of the new bylaw to borrow up to $750,000 for the purchase of a new fire engine for the Winlaw Fire Hall.

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL KOOTENAY
SLOCAN VALLEY FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE LOAN AUTHORIZATION BYLAW NO. 2914
ASSENT VOTING RESULTS – FINAL DETERMINATION

Official signed results Slocan Valley Fire Protection Service [PDF – 564 KB]

In Electoral Area I a total of 69 voters participated in the referendum, out of 2,177 voters on the voters list in the service. 55 voted in favour of adoption of the new bylaw to borrow up to $750,000 for the purchase of a new fire engine for the Tarrys Fire Hall. 

Official signed results Tarrys and Pass Creek Fire Protection Service [PDF – 561 KB]

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

The RDCK and Town of Creston, in conjunction with BC Transit and NextGen Transit are happy to announce the return of the Creston Annual Tour of Lights. We will be doing two trips per night on December 18th, 20th, and 22nd at 6pm and 7pm. If you’re interested in participating, please call the Creston Valley Visitor Centre at 250-428-4342 to register.