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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.

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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.

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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.

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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]

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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.

Nelson, BC: Starting December 1, 2023, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) will implement a new structured recruitment program for volunteer firefighters. The goal of the program is to create a regional approach to training that will see volunteers train as a cohort and ready for active duty in a quicker time frame.

In the past, each fire department has been responsible for recruiting and training their own firefighters. Under the new program, the goal is to hold a recruitment drive twice a year and train the incoming volunteers at a “RDCK Fire Training Academy” before sending them off to their respective fire departments.

“By controlling the intake process, we believe this is the quickest way to get volunteers trained and ready for active duty,” said Tristan Fehst, RDCK Regional Deputy Fire Chief. “Normally it takes about 64 hours of training to get a volunteer up to speed and ready to join a department. In our current system, this can take anywhere from a couple of months to years to complete depending on the volunteer’s schedule. With our new program, the objective is to create an accelerated process by hosting weekend boot camps and additional evening training, which will get volunteers ready to join a department much quicker.”

There are currently 16 volunteer fire departments operating out of 17 fire halls within the RDCK. All RDCK fire departments must have a minimum of 15 volunteers, but ideally that number is 20 plus per department.

Starting December 1, the RDCK will be holding a six-week recruitment drive with an application deadline of January 12, 2024, looking for volunteers from everywhere from Balfour to Yahk to join the first cohort of the new recruitment program.

“We are always on the lookout for outstanding, community-oriented residents to join our team. This is a great opportunity to learn valuable skills, provide a service to your community, and work with a great group of people,” said Fehst.

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter? For more information or to apply, go to www.rdck.ca/volunteer.

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Chair and Vice-Chair acclaimed by Board of Directors

Electoral Area D Director Aimee Watson was acclaimed as Board Chair for 2024 by the Board Directors at this month’s meeting. Chair Watson has served as the RDCK Electoral Area D Director since 2014 and begins her sixth term as Chair.

Village of Salmo Mayor and RDCK Director Diana Lockwood was also acclaimed as Board Vice-Chair for 2024 by the Board of Directors. Vice-Chair Lockwood has served as a RDCK Director since 2018 and begins her second term as Vice-Chair.

Pictured L-R: Chair Aimee Watson & Vice-Chair Diana Lockwood

The Board Chair and Vice-Chair are elected annually by the Board of Directors and serve a one-year term.

Resident Directed Grants Program

The RDCK will begin accepting grant applications for the Columbia Basin Trust Resident Directed Grants (ReDi) on January 3, 2024. The program, administered by the RDCK under contract to the Trust, supports local projects to provide additional value to Basin communities and that benefit the broad community and public good. The granting allocation for the entire RDCK for 2024-2025 is $1,409,849. In 2023, more than $1.4 million in project funding was awarded to 312 community groups throughout the RDCK. For more information go to www.rdck.ca/ReDi.  

New permit fees and forms for RDCK Building Inspection Services

The RDCK Board adopted the RDCK Building Amendment Bylaw which will update building permit fees and forms to best serve clients and foster an efficient and effective building service. All permit fees have been updated based on industry standards and in comparison with other local governments. These changes will provide a better balance of funding the building inspection services by providing greater revenue generation from increased fees and lessening the portion funded by taxes. This will assist in funding staff and providing timely service with respect to permit issuance and administration. The new fee structure will take effect on February 1, 2024.

Curbside collection service proposed for portions of Electoral Areas F, H and J

Two service establishment bylaws for curbside collection will be submitted for the approval of the Provincial Inspector of Municipalities after being given three readings by the Board. In supporting its goal of reducing household waste and diverting recyclables and compostable materials from the landfill, the RDCK is working at establishing three-stream (garbage, recycling, and food waste) curbside collection for portions of Electoral Areas F and H and two-stream (garbage and food waste) curbside collection for portions of Electoral Area J to start in 2025.

The RDCK has determined the potential cost per household based on consultations with other municipalities, regional districts, and solid waste consultants to estimate a conservative and realistic collection fee. For Electoral Areas F and H, the maximum cost per household annually has been placed at $280.02 ($23.33/month) and for Electoral Area J, the maximum cost per household annually has been placed at $283.06 ($23.59/month). Only those who have access to the service will be charged for the service.

If the bylaws are approved by the Inspector of Municipalities, the RDCK may initiate the assent voting (referendum) process to receive the required elector approval for the two bylaws. To see if your property is within the defined portions for the service, click on the maps below.

Electoral Areas F & H Map

Electoral Area J Map

Demolition of South Slocan Schoolhouse

The demolition of the South Slocan Schoolhouse will begin by the end of November and should be completed by the end of December this year. Originally, built in 1929, the former elementary school was bought in 1987 by the RDCK, but due to the cost of upgrading and maintaining, the South Slocan Commission of Management voted to demolish the building. The Board directed staff to award the contract for the demolition and disposal of the building superstructure, including the disposal of all hazardous materials, to Hydraclean Disaster Restoration Services Ltd. Funding for the project will be through the allocation of the Growing Communities Fund.

Nelson and Area Economic Development Partnership Delegation

A delegation from the Nelson and Area Economic Development Partnership along with M’Akola Development Services presented the results of the Greater Nelson Non-Market Housing Study created by M’Akola. The objective of the study is to assess the need for local government supported housing entity and to explore strategies and tools to facilitate the creation of non-market, affordable housing with a focus on meeting the needs of moderate-income, working families or individuals.

Recommendations from the study included identifying regional district owned sites in Electoral Areas E and F which are appropriate for non-market affordable housing and sell or lease the land to the corporation at a reduced cost for the purposes of development and exploring a regional housing entity approach.

Click here to read the Greater Nelson Non-Market Housing Study.

 Director’s Reports

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

RDCK Quarterly Report

The Board received the 2022 Q3 Quarterly Report which details the current projects and initiatives of the RDCK. Please follow the link to the most recent RDCK Quarterly Report.

Click here to view print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC: Due to staffing issues, residents can expect service disruptions at Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Central Sub-Region transfer stations in Balfour, Kaslo, Meadow Creek (Marblehead), Nelson (Grohman Narrows), Salmo (Central), and Ymir over the coming weeks.

“Unfortunately, the RDCK has been impacted by a shortage of drivers who are responsible to move and empty the bins at our Central Sub-Region transfer stations,” said Amy Wilson, RDCK Resource Recovery Manager. “This seems to be a trend across the Province, but we are doing our best to hire new drivers and in the mean time contract out some of our hauling to other companies.”

The following sites will be impacted over the next few days:

*Kaslo Transfer Station
Friday, November 17 – WILL NOT ACCEPT HOUSEHOLD WASTE
Sunday, November 19 – OPEN TO ACCEPT HOUSEHOLD WASTE

*Balfour Transfer Station
Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18 – WILL NOT ACCEPT HOUSEHOLD WASTE

*Marblehead Transfer Station
Saturday, November 18 – WILL NOT ACCEPT HOUSEHOLD WASTE

*All these facilities will accept recycling, yard and garden waste, wood, metals, tires, and appliances.

Other facilities within the Central Sub-Region; Grohman Narrows (Nelson), Central (Salmo), and Ymir are expected to have regular operations this weekend.

Residents should expect rotating closures for the next few weeks while staffing levels get back to normal.

“We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate the public’s patience while we hire new staff,” said Wilson.

Before going to your local transfer station, residents are encouraged to go to www.rdck.ca or Facebook for the latest information in regards to service disruptions.

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Nelson, BC:  The Province of British Columbia’s Ministry of Forests has released its post wildfire natural hazards risk analysis for the 2023 West Kokanee Creek Wildfire. The report contains information on potential hazards and risks following a wildfire, such as downslope and downstream risks to life, property and infrastructure. Click here to view the full report.

Following a wildfire, the chances of soil erosion, landslides, and floods can increase. This risk can be increased with intense rainfall or rapid snowmelt. To better understand the risk, the Ministry of Forests conducts post wildfire analyses of the hazard areas that can affect residents. The recent report warns of potential risks to private property, forest service roads and bridges, roads and other transportation infrastructure and water supply infrastructure.  

“The Regional District of Central Kootenay recommends residents in the affected areas read and understand the report,” said Dan Séguin, Manager of Community Sustainability at the RDCK. “Residents are encouraged to get to know their watershed and related risks and be prepared for potential emergencies with having a plan and an emergency kit.”

For information on emergency preparedness, visit emergency management in B.C.

2023 was the worst wildfire year on record for BC. The West Kokanee wildfire originated on August 7th, 2023 and burned 46 hectares of forest on the ridgetop between Sitkum Creek and Kokanee Creek, 15 km northeast of Nelson. This wildfire was highly visible from neighbouring communities and was declared under control by BC Wildfire Services on August 16^th, 2023.

The Post Wildfire Natural Hazard Risk Analysis reports for previous wildfire events are also available on our website at: www.rdck.ca/hazardreports.

The RDCK encourages residents to remain prepared for unexpected events or emergencies by making a plan and having a household emergency kit and a grab and go bag. As well, it is recommended for residents to exercise extreme caution in areas below recent wildfires and near creeks. Following a wildfire, the likelihood of the occurrence of landslides, erosion, floods and snow avalanches within or downslope of the burned area can increase.

For more information about emergency preparedness, along with other resources:

• RDCK Emergency Management
• Sign up for the RDCK Emergency Notification System
• Emergency Management – Prepared BC
• Prepared BC emergency guides and resources
• Post-wildfire Natural Hazards Risk Analysis in British Columbia – MFLNRORD
• Landslide and Flooding Risk Due to Wildfires – MFLNRORD
• Public weather alerts for BC from Environment Canada
• Landslide Emergency Preparedness
• Current RDCK Evacuation Alerts, Orders and Rescinds or call 250-352-7701

To report floods or landslides, contact Emergency Management BC at 1.800.663.3456.

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Nelson, BC: On October 19, 2023, it was announced by the City of Castlegar and the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), Pioneer Arena in Castlegar will close for public use at the end of the 2023-2024 ice operating season. Originally opened in 1957, Pioneer Arena has long served the community. It was the first indoor ice surface in Castlegar and since the construction of the Castlegar & District Community Complex has served as a secondary ice surface.

The Castlegar & District Recreation Commission (City of Castlegar, Electoral Areas I & J) understand this news has raised concerns for many user groups and residents. A call for proposals has been issued to solicit the services of a consultant to assist the Commission with a public engagement process to collect feedback on reimagining recreation at the Castlegar & District Community Complex. The process will identify what services and what level of services the community feels would provide the highest public benefit to the region. This process is expected to get underway in January 2024. 

“While the closure of Pioneer Arena is a challenging situation, having the community voice the importance of these services and ultimately what services they want to support in the community is critically important,” said Sue Heaton-Sherstobitoff, Castlegar & District Recreation Commission Chair. “Our focus now shifts to future and the Commission encourages the public to be actively involved in the upcoming process.”

The complete request for proposal document can be found here.

Once a consultant is confirmed and the full public engagement process is underway, the community will have several different ways to actively participate in this process and a full engagement platform will be established. Anyone wishing to share their thoughts prior to this public process commencing are encouraged to email communityservices@rdck.bc.ca. 

Once confirmed, the RDCK will update the public in the new year to outline the public engagement timeline.

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On Saturday, November 4, the Central Transfer Station (550 Emerald Rd., Salmo) and Marblehead Transfer Station (13825 Highway 31, Meadow Creek) will not accept mixed waste. All other forms of waste, such as metal, wood, and yard trimmings, will be accepted. We apologize for the inconvenience and will re-evaluate the situation on Monday, November 6. Thank you for your patience. 

Union of BC Municipalities Convention

The RDCK Board of Directors attended the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention in Vancouver from September 18-22 in Vancouver. This is an opportunity for Directors to collaborate with colleagues, meet with Provincial Ministers, and attend sessions on a variety of topics, including housing, climate action, decriminalization and public use of illegal drugs, wildfires, and using new technologies (artificial intelligence) in a local government setting.  

Electoral Area G Director Hans Cunningham received a long-term service award for over 35 years of public service. Congratulations Hans!

Pictured (L-R): Roger Tierney, Keith Page, Brittny Anderson, Hans Cunningham, Aimee Watson, and Cheryl Graham.

Checkout Mike Morrison’s (Manager of Corporate Administration) meetings notes (Item 9.4.2, pg. 625) and Chair Watson’s report (Item 9.7, pg. 660) for more information on the UBCM convention. 

Recreation Inclusion and Access Select Committee

RDCK Community Services continues to develop new opportunities to promote access and inclusivity in recreation for RDCK communities. As a result, the Board created a RDCK Recreation Inclusion and Access Select Committee. The committee will establish strategic goals for reducing barriers to programs and services. Directors Davidoff (Electoral Area I) and Vandenberghe (Electoral Area C) have been appointed to the committee and will work with staff to develop a budget and sustainable delivery model.

Water Quality Management Policy

The Board adopted the Drinking Water Systems Pathogen Risk Water Quality Management Policy. This policy is for all existing and future RDCK owned water services and improves health risk identification for potential water users on long term water quality advisories or boil water notices. The intent of this policy is to provide guidance on pathogen risk water quality management where financial and budgetary limitations are delaying longer term, permanent solutions to water quality issues.

Permissive Tax Exemptions

The Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw was adopted by the Board. Permissive tax exemptions, which exempt eligible properties from taxation for a specified period of time, are issued by the RDCK Board to foster or preserve development that is aligned with the priorities of the RDCK as they pertain to specific land uses, prescribed by the Province, in the Local Government Act. Properties eligible for a permissive tax exemption include land owned and held by an athletic or service organization for recreational use by the public, places of worship, agricultural or horticultural societies, halls or venues, and art galleries or museums owned by not for profit organizations.

Ktunaxa RDCK Traditional Use Study Summary Report

The Board received the Ktunaxa RDCK Traditional Use Study Summary Report which provides a review of one regional park and four areas of interest for regional parks. The review includes existing Traditional Use Study documents from past projects, documentation of the project sites and areas from a Ktunaxa perspective, and identification of key Ktunaxa places, practices, and species or resources that may be influenced. The five locations studied include: Goat River South, West Creston Ferry Landing, Martell Beach, Powerline Beach, and Crawford Creek Regional Park. Should the RDCK choose to proceed with the development of any of these parks there is a path forward for further engagement and additional studies that are required.

Emergency Program Support for Yaqan Nukiy

The Board approved a Mutual Aid Service Agreement for the RDCK to administer Evacuation Alerts and Orders on behalf of The Lower Kootenay Band, locally known as Yaqan Nukiy. Located on approximately 6,000 acres in the Creston Valley, Yaqan Nukiy has 237 citizens living in their community, but lack an emergency notification alerting system. The RDCK will provide Emergency Operations Centre support during any active emergency by issuing, maintaining, and rescinding Evacuation Alerts and Orders. As well, Yaqan Nukiy residents will be eligible to sign up to receive emergency messages via the RDCK’s emergency notification system (Voyent Alert!).

Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisory Program Funding

The Board approved the allocation of $45,000 per year for the draft 2024-2028 Financial Plan budget to allow the continuation of the Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisor (KBFA) Program. Formed in 2016, the KBFA Program is a project developed through partnership with the RDCK, Regional District of East Kootenay, Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, and Columbia Basin Trust, to provide farmers with free, technical production support and information. Since the inception of the program approximately 800 farms have reached out and received support from the program.

Fire to Food Youth Climate Corps – Wildsight Project

The Board will provide a letter of support to the Rural Economic Diversification & Infrastructure Program for the Fire to Food Youth Climate Corps – Wildsight project with in-kind support of $19,200. Fire to Food is a circular economy pilot to produce biochar from wood waste. Biochar is an organic, carbon-rich material made up of organic residues such as plants and wood waste that when applied to soil allow nutrient-enhancing microorganisms to help feed the plant, providing nutrients and water. They can also help reduce soil’s nitrous oxide emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.

Director’s Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports outlining what they have been working on. Click here to read the October reports in the Board minutes (agenda item 4.4, pg. 189).

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 read a print-friendly PDF version.