Category: Uncategorized

Nelson, BC:  The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has collaborated with several project partners to complete a fuel management project aimed at reducing wildfire risk in Selous Creek near the City of Nelson. Started in 2017, this unique project is supported by funding from the Forest Enhancement Society of BC and is an example of the high level of collaboration between regional and municipal governments, fire services and a local timber licensee.

This complex project consists of the following completed phases of treatment:

• 65 ha of mechanical harvesting by Kalesnikoff Lumber Company;
• 20 ha of mechanical fuel modification (debris piling);
• 5.5 ha of understory hand treatment along The Vein bike trail and surrounding areas; and,
• 2 ha of understory hand treatment along the Rail Trail.

Coming into the final stages of the project the following treatments will commence this autumn:

• 5.5 ha of understory hand treatment along the Rail Trail;
• 40 ha of machine-tethered fuel modification to create a debris-free guard around the outer perimeter of the harvested area and around reserve patches; and,
• Prescribed burning.

The prescribed burn will be completed under the direction of BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) this autumn and again next spring or autumn, dependent upon weather conditions and BCWS availability.

During operations the Rail Trail will have some restricted use during weekdays; please respect workers and posted signage.

Additional information is available at www.rdck.ca/Selous. 

If you have questions, please contact project manager John Cathro at cathro@netidea.com or 250.505.3513.

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In regcongition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, all RDCK offices, recrecation facilities, landfills, transfer stations and recycling depots will be closed on Friday, September 30. 

Click here to learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

The imagery used in our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation shows various visual elements illustrating Indigenous cultures. The circle is at the centre, which represents being together in spirit of reconciliation. The orange colour represents truth-telling and healing. The pathway represents the road to reconciliation. First Nations, Inuit and Métis are represented in the image.

Description of the three icons:

• The eagle to represent First Nations
• The narwhal to represent Inuit
• The beaded flower to represent Métis

New bylaw adopted for Salmo and Electoral Area G Library Financial Aid Service

The Board approved the adoption of the Salmo and Electoral Area G Library Financial Aid Service Bylaw. The bylaw received electoral approval via the Alternative Approval Process. Zero electoral response forms were received during the process. This new bylaw expands the service to include all of Electoral Area G for the purpose of funding the Salmo Valley Public Library.

Regional curbside collection program consultation to proceed to next phase

With the successful start of the Town of Creston curbside collection organics program, the Board directed staff to proceed with Phase 2 of the consultation for the proposed rural curbside collection services of garbage and organic waste. This consultation will provide Directors with information on the level of public support for the program, which would increase organics diversion and preserve landfill space. An estimated cost range per household per year would be between $180 – $240. Electoral Areas A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I and J have been identified as being feasible, while engagement with the Villages of Salmo and Slocan will proceed to assess their interest in participating in the program. Grant funding is in place to cover the cost of the consultation.

Funding agreement reached with Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for paving in Electoral Area B

The Board approved the RDCK enter into an agreement with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) for the paving of 27^th Avenue South, Creston (Electoral Area B). The paving of the street will allow better access to a growing local business hub and more importantly, ensure public safety for pedestrians walking along the stretch of road, by expanding the shoulders. The Board also directs staff to prepare a Community Works Funds application in the amount of $100,000 to go towards the cost of the project. The remaining cost of the project with be funded by MOTI.  

Dog control service establishment bylaw for Electoral Areas A, B and C

In order to address dangerous dog issues in the region, the Board authorizes staff to prepare a service establishment bylaw for dog control services within Electoral Areas A, B and C. The bylaw would provide statutory authority to act and be responsive to dog complaints from the community. Currently, the RDCK provides dog control services in Electoral Areas E, F, I, J and K. Based on a service case analysis, a $40,000 (between all three electoral areas) maximum annual requisition would adequately fund the service for the next five years.

Cancelled BC Transit Routes

Residents throughout the RDCK have dealt with cancelled BC Transit routes over the last two years due to a number of issues, including staff shortage. In order to determine how to better service RDCK communities, the Board direct staff to prepare a report regarding the cancelled transit routes within the RDCK service area for 2021 and 2022. The goal is to share this report with BC Transit and NextGen Transit to help find a solution to the service disruptions and ensure residents are able to get where they need to go, whether it is work, the grocery store or visiting friends and family.

Director’s Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports explaining what they have been working on. Click here to read the September reports in the Board minutes (agenda item 3.4, pg.120).

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The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has issued a BOIL WATER NOTICE for users on the West Robson Water System. The system is located on Broadwater Road in the community of West Robson on the western border of Robson-Raspberry, within RDCK Electoral Area J. West Robson is downstream of Keenly on the Columbia River.

The BOIL WATER NOTICE has been issued due to adverse water sampling test results indicating the presence of total coliforms. 

The RDCK and Interior Health recommend that all customers drink boiled water or a safe alternative until further notice. Water intended for drinking, washing fruits and 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. 

Owners of all public facilities must post a BOIL WATER NOTICE 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 BOIL WATER NOTICE. 

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.

Incorporated in 1965, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is a local government that serves 60,000 residents in 11 electoral areas and nine member municipalities. The RDCK provides more than 160 services, including community facilities, fire protection and emergency services, grants, planning and land use, regional parks, resource recovery and handling, transit, water services and much more.

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Nelson, BC:  The local general election for the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is less than a month away. The RDCK will hold elections in five of its 11 electoral areas. Every four years, local general elections are held across British Columbia and include elections for regional district electoral areas, municipal councils, and boards of education. General voting day in the RDCK is Saturday, October 15.

At 4:00 pm today, six RDCK Regional Directors were officially elected by acclamation:

Office of Director of Electoral Area A                            Garry Jackman (incumbent)

Office of Director of Electoral Area D                            Aimee Watson (incumbent)

Office of Director of Electoral Area F                             Tom Newell (incumbent)

Office of Director of Electoral Area H                            Walter Popoff (incumbent)

Office of Director of Electoral Area I                              Andy Davidoff (Incumbent)

Office of Director of Electoral Area K                             Teresa Weatherhead

Declaration of Election by Acclamation

The RDCK will hold elections in Electoral Areas B, C, E, G and J. Here are the candidates for each Electoral Area:

Declaration of Election by Voting

While the general voting day is Saturday, October 15 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm), there will be advance voting opportunities on Wednesday, October 5 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm). Click here for the complete list of voting locations for both the general voting day and advance voting day.

The RDCK also has the ability to vote by mail ballot. As a registered voter you may request a ballot up until October 5, 2022. To request a mail order ballot please do so by contacting the Chief Elections Officer at 250.352.8173 or email elections@rdck.bc.ca.

For more information on the 2022 general local election, including voter registration go to www.rdck.bc.ca/elections.

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Nelson, BC: On the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has removed the Evacuation Alert for the area around the Fry Creek wildfire  (N71980). These areas include part of Johnsons Landing south of Gar Creek, including the Fry Creek area and community of Birchdale. Located northeast of Kaslo on the east shore of Kootenay Lake in Electoral Area ‘D’, the area has been on Alert since Thursday, September 8.  At this time, the Fry Creek wildfire is no longer threatening the area.

Evacuation Alert Removed [PDF – 575 KB]

The Fry Creek wildfire was first discovered on August 25 in the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy in steep and inoperable terrain. The cause of the fire is believed to be lightning. Estimated to be 900 hectares, BCWS has utilized all resources at its disposal, including multiple helicopters and an Incident Management Team to fight the wildfire. Originally, the RDCK issued an Evacuation Alert on September 8 for the boat access only community of Birchdale and the Fry Creek area. The Alert was later expanded to include part of Johnsons Landing south of Gar Creek on September 9.

The RDCK advises people to remain vigilant as conditions could change and an Evacuation Alert may be re-issued. It is important to remain cautious around areas impacted by wildfire. Click here for more information. As well, it is recommended to prepare an emergency kit and ensure preparedness, including making plans to relocate your pets and livestock to a safe area, in the event of an emergency.

For the most up to date information on current wildfire activity, conditions and prohibitions, call 1.888.336.7378 or visit www.bcwildfire.ca.

Information about Evacuation Orders and Alerts in the RDCK can be found on the RDCK website, Facebook and Twitter. For details about evacuation and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. The RDCK EOC public inquiry line is 250.352.7701.

For more emergency about evacuations and emergency preparedness, along with other resources:

• Current RDCK Evacuation Alerts, Orders and Rescinds or call 250.352.7701
• Sign up for RDCK Emergency Notification System to receive notifications
• RDCK web map
• BC Wildfire – Interactive Map of Current Events
• Fortis BC Outage Map or call 1.866.436.7847
• BC Hydro outage map or call 1.800.224.9376
• Nelson Hydro 1.877.324.9376
• Drive BC for highway closures and road conditions
• For BC Air Quality Health Index
• Prepared BC

Click here to view on the RDCK website

Nelson, BC:  The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), following the lead of the federal and provincial government, will observe the national day of mourning to mark the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Monday, September 19.

All RDCK offices, landfills, transfer stations and recycling depots will be closed on Monday, September 19. All RDCK recreation centres will remain open to help meet the needs of the community due to school closures.

September 19 – Recreation Hours of Operation

Castlegar and District Community Complex
Public Skating 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Fitness Centre 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
Aquatic Centre 6:00 am to 8:00 pm

Creston and District Community Complex
Fitness Centre 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
Aquatic Centre 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Nelson and District Community Complex
Fitness Centre 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
Aquatic Centre 6:00 am to 8:30 pm

Salmo Recreation
Fitness Centre 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

All Canadians are invited to sign and view the online book of condolences for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Click here to sign and view.

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Nelson, BC:  The results of the alternative approval process (AAP) seeking electoral approval to repeal and replace Salmo and Portion of Electoral Area G Library Financial Service Bylaw have been tabulated and certified. Electoral approval for a new bylaw was obtained to expand the service and include all of Electoral Area G for the purpose of funding the Salmo Valley Public Library

A total of 0 electoral response forms were received by the AAP deadline. This is less than the 10% of eligible electors required to prevent the Board from proceeding with the bylaw. The results will be presented to the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Board of Directors at the September 22 meeting. If approved by the Board, Salmo and Portion of Electoral Area G Library Financial Aid Bylaw No. 791, 1990, will be repealed and replaced with Salmo and Electoral Area G Library Financial Aid Service Bylaw No. 2837, 2022.

This new bylaw will provide additional funding from 145 properties in Electoral Area G to the Salmo Valley Public Library.

Information about the potential tax impact and additional information can be found at: www.rdck.ca/SalmoGLibrary.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC:  The results of the alternative approval process (AAP) seeking electoral approval to establish a new financial aid service bylaw in Electoral Area E for the purpose of funding the Nelson Public Library have been tabulated and certified. Electoral approval for a new bylaw was not obtained.

A total of 717 electoral response forms were received by the AAP deadline, of which 567 responses were verified. This is more than the 10% of eligible electors required to prevent the Board from proceeding with the bylaw. The results will be presented to the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Board of Directors at the September 22 meeting.

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Nelson, BC: Pursuant to section 97 of the Local Government Act, the following persons have been declared as candidates in the 2022 General Local Election by Tom Dool, Chief Election Officer for the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK).

Office of Director of Electoral Area A
Garry Jackman

Office of Director of Electoral Area B
Roger Tierney
Tanya Wall

Office of Director of Electoral Area C
Adam Casemore
Kelly Vandenberghe

Office of Director of Electoral Area D
Aimee Watson

Office of Director of Electoral Area E
Reggie Goldsbury
Cheryl Graham
Dan Rye
Landon Veregin

Office of Director of Electoral Area F
Tom Newell

Office of Director of Electoral Area G
Anna Bundschuh
Hans Cunningham
Farrell Segall

Office of Director of Electoral Area H
Walter Popoff

Office of Director of Electoral Area I
Andy Davidoff

Office of Director of Electoral Area J
Henny Hanegraaf
Kim Tassone

Office of Director of Electoral Area K
Teresa Weatherhead

RDCK Rural Area Directors are elected every four years as part of the General Local Election system in British Columbia. This year’s local government elections will occur on October 15, 2022. In addition to the local government elections being held in rural electoral areas, an assent vote regarding the establishment of a Local Conservation Fund Service will be held in Electoral Area H.

For more information on the election go to www.rdck.ca/elections.

For more information on Area H Local Conservation Fund Assent Vote go to www.rdck.ca/AreaHLCF.

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Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Fire Service is celebrating the 100^th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15, 2022. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape”, works to educate everyone about simple, but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires. 

“Today’s homes burn faster than ever. You may have as little as two minutes – or even less – to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds,” said Gord Ihlen, RDCK Fire Prevention Officer. “Your ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.”

The RDCK Fire Departments encourage all residents to embrace the 2022 Fire Prevention Week theme. Here are key home fire escape planning tips:

• Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your household members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.
• Check your smoke alarm and change the batteries when required.

“It’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape,” said Ihlen. “Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different. Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them.”

RDCK Fire Departments are hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week, including open houses and school visits.

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in British Columbia, please contact the local fire department in your area at www.rdck.ca/firedepartments.

For more information about fire prevention, visit:

• Office of the Fire Commissioner: www.gov.bc.ca/FireSafety
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): www.nfpa.org/Events/Events/Fire-Prevention-Week
• Sparky’s Fire Safety Club: www.sparky.org

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC: On the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has expanded the Evacuation Alert due to the Fry Creek wildfire (N71980) to include part of the community of Johnsons Landing south of Gar Creek. The entire Alert area covers Gar Creek south through Fry Creek area and the community of Birchdale. Johnsons Landing is located northeast of Kaslo on the east shore of Kootenay Lake in Electoral Area ‘D’.  The Alert includes the following addresses and Parcel Identifier (PID):

*The addresses below include all properties on Evacuation Alert from Gar Creek south to Birchdale

1956 ARGENTA-JOHNSONS LANDING RD
138 BIRCHDALE WAY
200 BIRCHDALE WAY
2039 HOUSTON RD
2040 HOUSTON RD
2046 HOUSTON RD
2047 STENBERG RD
2051 ARGENTA-JOHNSONS LANDING RD
2051 HOUSTON RD
2075 ARGENTA-JOHNSONS LANDING RD
2080 ARGENTA-JOHNSONS LANDING RD
2110 HOUSTON RD
2155 MCNICOL RD
2165 MACNICOL RD, JOHNSON’S LANDING
2185 HOUSTON RD
2188 HOUSTON RD
2215 KOOTENAY JOE RD
2216 HOLMGREN RD
2223 HOLMGREN RD
2230 HOLMGREN RD
2240 KOOTENAY JOE RD
2244 HOLMGREN RD
2251 KOOTENAY JOE RD
2254 HOLMGREN RD
2260 HOLMGREN RD
2261 KOOTENAY JOE RD
2265 KOOTENAY JOE RD
2275 HOLMGREN RD
2280 HOLMGREN RD
016-429-079
012-731-188
016-077-971
023-193-859
024-677-973
027-545-491
006-438-521
024-384-321
018-363-164
005-439-841
007-093-951
016-077-989
012-526-223
030-378-818
016-077-938
016-417-631
012-929-727
017-681-821
011-125-918
016-444-957

Expanded Evacuation Alert [PDF – 796 KB]

Enire Evacuation Alert Area [PDF – 3 MB]

Added Properties to Evacuation Alert [PDF – 493 KB]

At this time residents or visitors within the area are not required to evacuate, however the RDCK advises people to be prepared to leave the area at a moment’s notice and remain vigilant. Residents should prepare their emergency grab and go bag, prepare to move pets and livestock to a safe area, and sign up to receive RDCK emergency notifications. Part of your plan should include where you can go if evacuated, such as staying with friends or family. 

The Fry Creek wildfire was first discovered on August 25, 2022 and is currently estimated to be 150 hectares. The fire has grown over the last few days and is highly visible, particularly at night. Airtankers and a skimmer group are en route to the area to cool fire behaviour and slow the spread. Ground personnel are working on creating defensible lines that can be safely worked from.

Updates or changes to the Evacuation Alert will be provided via the RDCK website, Facebook and Twitter as more information becomes available. For details about evacuation and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. The RDCK EOC public inquiry line is 250.352.7701. At this time during the Alert phase, the EOC public inquiry line will be monitored during business hours, between 8:30am and 4:30pm.

For up to date information on current wildfire activity, conditions and prohibitions, call 1.888.336.7378, visit the BCWS Wildfire of Note Page or go to www.bcwildfire.ca.

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

• Current RDCK Evacuation Alerts, Orders and Rescinds or call 250.352.7701
• RDCK web map
• Public weather alerts for BC from Environment Canada
• BC Wildfire – Interactive Map of Current Events
• Fortis BC Outage Map or call 1.866.436.7847
• BC Hydro outage map or call 1.800.224.9376
• Nelson Hydro 1.877.324.9376
• Drive BC for highway closures and road conditions
• For BC Air Quality Health Index
• Prepared BC

 Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC: On the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has issued an Evacuation Alert for the Birchdale and Fry Creek area due to the Fry Creek wildfire (N71980). The boat access only community is located northeast of Kaslo on the East shore of Kootenay Lake in Electoral Area ‘D’. The Alert includes the following addresses and Property Identification Numbers (PID):

138 BIRCHDALE WAY
200 BIRCHDALE WAY
006-438-521 PID
007-093-951 PID
016-077-989 PID
016-429-079 PID
016-077-938 PID
016-077-920 PID
016-077-971 PID
018-874-037 PID
023-193-859 PID
024-677-973 PID
024-384-321 PID
027-545-491 PID

Evacuation Alert Map Fry Creek wildfire [PDF – 625 KB]

Evacuation Alert [PDF – 725 KB]

At this time residents or visitors within the area are not required to evacuate, however the RDCK advises people to remain vigilant and be prepared to leave the area at a moment’s notice. Residents should prepare their emergency grab and go bag, prepare to move pets and livestock to a safe area, and sign up to receive RDCK emergency notifications. Part of your plan should include where you can go if evacuated, such as staying with friends or family. 

The Fry Creek wildfire was first discovered on August 25, 2022. The BCWS has determined the cause to be from lightning.

Updates or changes to the Evacuation Alert will be provided via the RDCK website, Facebook and Twitter as more information becomes available. For details about evacuation and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. The RDCK EOC public inquiry line is 250.352.7701. At this time during the Alert phase, the EOC public inquiry line will be monitored during business hours, between 8:30am and 4:30pm.

For up to date information on current wildfire activity, conditions and prohibitions, call 1.888.336.7378 or visit www.bcwildfire.ca.

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

• Current RDCK Evacuation Alerts, Orders and Rescinds or call 250.352.7701
• RDCK web map
• Public weather alerts for BC from Environment Canada
• BC Wildfire – Interactive Map of Current Events
• Fortis BC Outage Map or call 1.866.436.7847
• BC Hydro outage map or call 1.800.224.9376
• Nelson Hydro 1.877.324.9376
• Drive BC for highway closures and road conditions
• For BC Air Quality Health Index
• Prepared BC

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF

Assent Voting – Electoral Area H Local Conservation Fund

The Board approved assent voting (referendum) to determine whether Electoral Area H will join the Regional District of Central Kootenay Local Conservation Fund Service. If approval of the electors is obtained, Electoral Area H will be a full participant in the Local Conservation Fund Service at a cost of $15 per parcel of land to be collected annually. For more information about the fund and voting opportunities, go to www.rdck.ca/AreaHLCF.

Recreation Commission No.10 – Portion of Electoral Area E Service Establishment

The Board approved the bylaw change to the Recreation Commission No. 10 – Portion of Electoral Area E Service Establishment Bylaw. The change, which was obtained through the Alternative Approval Process, allows the RDCK to increase the annual requisition limit to provide recreational programming to Balfour, Harrop and Procter. Go to www.rdck.ca/Rec10 for more information.

Krestova regional parkland purchase

The RDCK has entered into an agreement to purchase two parcels of private land totalling approximately 134 acres in Krestova, Electoral Area H, as regional parkland. The purchase price of the land is $870,000. The RDCK Board approved a $250,000 Community Development Grant to be put towards the purchase. A donation of $145,000 has also been secured, while the remaining $475,000 must be raised by the RDCK through individual donations and other sources such as grants by October 5, 2022.

The RDCK will host a community meeting in Krestova, Monday, August 29 at 7:00 pm at the Krestova Hall (3325 Krestova Road) to discuss options for fundraising.

Stewards of Six Mile Advocacy Group

Dave Afford and Bob Rutherglen, members of the Stewards of Six Mile Advocacy Group, appeared as a delegation to discuss prioritizing Duhamel Creek for flood mitigation work. While the RDCK has identified the creek as a high priority, the group contends prompt action should be taken to mitigate the affects of aging infrastructure and climate change. They are also requesting funding from appropriate agencies to cover the cost of flood mitigation.

Director’s Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports explaining what they have been working on. Click here to read the August reports in the Board minutes (agenda item 3.4, pg.129).

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

RDCK Recreation facilities at the Castlegar & District Community Complex, the Creston & District Community Complex, and the Nelson & District Community Complex are scheduled for annual maintenance closures in the coming weeks.

These closures have been scheduled during the quietest time of the year at the facilities. We have attempted to reduce the overlap of closures to allow guests to visit neighbouring RDCK Recreation facilities. However, some overlap of closures will occur since the facilities have common operating seasons.

We aim to keep annual maintenance closures as short as possible so there is the least amount of disruption to facility users. Thank you for your patience during these closures.

During closures, time-based membership passes will allow facility users to access other RDCK services that are in operation. For example, time-based memberships at the Castlegar facility may be used for public swimming at the Nelson facility while the Castlegar pool is closed. Likewise, Nelson facility passes may be used for public swimming at the Castlegar facility while the Nelson pool is closed.

Castlegar & District Community Complex closures

• Pool closed: Saturday, August 27 to Sunday, September 11
• Fitness classes closed: Saturday, August 27 to Sunday, September 11
• The gym is open Monday, August 29 to Friday, September 2, and is then closed until Monday, September 12.

Creston & District Community Complex closures

• Pool closed: Saturday, August 27 to Sunday, September 11
• The gym and drop-in fitness programs are running as usual during this time.

Nelson & District Community Complex closures

• Pool closed: Thursday, September 1 to Thursday, September 15
• Fitness classes are closed Sunday, August 28 to Saturday, September 3.

For more information about facility hours of operation, please visit www.rdck.ca/recreationhours or contact a customer service representative at your local facility:

• Castlegar & District Community Complex:    250-365-3386
• Creston & District Community Complex:       250-428-7127
• Nelson & District Community Complex:         250-354-4386

Nelson, BC: On the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has removed the Evacuation Alert for 14 properties along Kaslo Creek South Fork Road. At this time, the Briggs Creek wildfire in Electoral Area D, is no longer threatening the Community of Kaslo Creek South Fork Road.

Evacuation Alert Removed [PDF – 573 KB]

The Briggs Creek wildfire, west of Kaslo, was first discovered at high elevation on Mount Kemp on August 1 and is estimated to be 2,160 hectares. The cause of the fire is believed to be lightning. The majority of this fire has burned in incredibly steep and mountainous terrain. The RDCK issued an Evacuation Alert on August 1 for 14 properties on Kaslo Creek South Fork Road.

“This has been a stressful month for residents along Kaslo Creek South Fork Road and we appreciate their patience and understanding through this process,” said Stephane Coutu, RDCK EOC Deputy Director. “The BC Wildfire Service has done an outstanding job to keep our communities safe and while this Alert has been removed, it is imperative for residents to maintain awareness by monitoring the BC Wildfire Dashboard and make informed decisions.”

The RDCK advises people to remain vigilant as conditions could change and an Evacuation Alert may be re-issued. It is recommended to prepare an emergency kit and ensure preparedness, including making plans to relocate your pets and livestock to a safe area, in the event of an emergency.

The RDCK EOC will continue to monitor the situation, but will no longer be providing bi-weekly information bulletins for the Briggs Creek wildfire. For the most up to date information on current wildfire activity, conditions and prohibitions, call 1.888.336.7378 or visit www.bcwildfire.ca.

Information about Evacuation Orders and Alerts in the RDCK can be found on the RDCK website, Facebook and Twitter. For details about evacuation and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. The RDCK EOC public inquiry line is 250.352.7701.

For more emergency about evacuations and emergency preparedness, along with other resources:

• Current RDCK Evacuation Alerts, Orders and Rescinds or call 250.352.7701
• Sign up for RDCK Emergency Notification System to receive notifications
• RDCK web map
• BC Wildfire – Interactive Map of Current Events
• Fortis BC Outage Map or call 1.866.436.7847
• BC Hydro outage map or call 1.800.224.9376
• Nelson Hydro 1.877.324.9376
• Drive BC for highway closures and road conditions
• For BC Air Quality Health Index
• Prepared BC

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Nelson, BC:  The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has entered into an agreement to purchase two parcels of private land totalling approximately 134 acres in Krestova, Electoral Area H, as regional parkland for use by regional residents and visitors. The purchase price of the land is $870,000.

At its meeting on August 18, the RDCK Board of Directors approved an Area H Community Development Grant of $250,000 be put towards the purchase. A further $145,000 donation has been secured for the purchase. The remaining $475,000 must be raised by the RDCK through individual donations and other sources such as grants by October 5, 2022 to meet the terms of the purchase agreement.

“This property, although it was privately owned, has been used by the local community as an outdoor recreation area and a place for residents to enjoy the historic and cultural attributes of the property,” said RDCK Board Vice-Chair and Electoral Area H Director, Walter Popoff. “The property is now for sale and as the Director for the area the community reached out and requested that the RDCK consider purchasing the property for regional park purposes. To achieve this with community support we still have to raise $475,000.”

The RDCK will host a Krestova community meeting Monday, August 29 at 7:00 pm at Krestova Hall (3325 Krestova Road) to discuss options for fundraising. More information will be shared at the meeeting.

Donations towards the purchase are being accepted by the RDCK. Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $50.00 or more. If fundraising is not successful, donations will be used for future recreational development at Campbell Field at the Playmor Junction. For information on making a donation, please call the RDCK Parks office at 250-352-1574.

Last September, the RDCK Board directed staff to investigate the opportunity to purchase the land by looking into environmental criteria, outdoor experiences and activities, area management and management and planning criteria, as well as other historical and cultural attributes. The local community was also invited to provide input in order to gauge levels of community interest and support next steps. More than 40 letters in support of the purchase were received.

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Repair work will continue on the roof of the RDCK head office in Nelson the week of August 22-26. Due to contractors working throughout the building, the majority of staff will be working from home. However, there will be representatives from each department on hand and available to answer all questions or accept submissions from the public. We do encourage residents to make an appointment with staff rather than just dropping in. To make an appointment, call 250-352-6665. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period of construction.