Category: Uncategorized

Nelson, BC: Public engagement is an integral part of the Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Program Funding (CIP/AAP) process. For a third straight year the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) will use an online engagement tool, which will allow the public to provide their feedback on proposed projects for the area in which they live.

Public input into Salmo and Electoral Area G funded projects will be considered at an in-person meeting to take place in April. The location and date is to be determined.

The online public engagement period will be from March 28, 2022 at 8:00 am to April 8, 2022 at 4:30 pm.

To participate in the public engagement process, please visit the RDCK website at www.rdck.ca/cip-aap on or after March 28th.

In 2021, the online engagement tool was very successful as a total of eight thousand four hundred thirty five (8,435) entries were received, almost double from 2020. Once the public engagement period was complete, all feedback was shared with the adjudication committee of each of the 20 RDCK jurisdictions (11 electoral areas and nine municipalities) for their review and consideration. The adjudication committees then provided their recommendations to the RDCK Board of Directors.

Please note the online engagement tool is not a voting system, but a way for the public to provide the feedback on projects they feel are most important to the area they live in.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

RDCK Adopts Five-Year Financial Plan

The RDCK Board adopted its 2022 – 2026 Financial Plan Bylaw, an annual requirement which must be completed by end of March each year. This year’s budget was focused on dealing with the continued impact COVID has had on the RDCK, in particular in recreation which has seen reduced user fee revenue over the past two years. Core services such as fire services, recreation and resource recovery have tax increases in 2022 with the RDCK in general seeing a 6.55% increase in taxation. Click here to view the financial plan (agenda item 8.6, pg. 262)

The RDCK hosted eight virtual public meetings and one in-person meeting through February and March which allowed the public in our various sub regions to comment and provide feedback on the five year Financial Plan.

City of Castlegar Economic Development Service Establishment

The RDCK Board has established the City of Castlegar Economic Development Service to address regional economic opportunities and challenges. The goal is to promote sustainable, diversified economic growth, work with and for all economic sectors, while supporting existing businesses, promoting alliances between businesses and encouraging new opportunities. With the support of local government and the community, local businesses can thrive and grow in the City of Castlegar.

Cottonwood Lake land transfer

The RDCK is proceeding with the next step of transferring 49 hectares of land near Cottonwood Lake to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). The land was acquired by the RDCK in 2021 as a result of fundraising efforts by the Cottonwood Lake Preservation Society (CLPS). The RDCK, CLPS and NCC developed a memorandum of understanding to work in collaboration to protect the natural habitats and ecological features occurring on the land. These next steps include publishing the intent to transfer the land in a local newspaper, paying all related expenses and the stewardship endowment, finalizing the closing dates and signing of the land donation agreement.

Cottonwood Lake Accessibility Project

The RDCK Board approved entering into a partnership agreement with the Kootenay Adaptive Sports Association (KASA) for the completion of the Cottonwood Lake Accessibility Project. The project will upgrade the park so it is accessible to all segments of the population. Work to be done includes ensuring accessibility to the following areas: parking, washroom facilities, wildlife nature viewing, fishing platforms, trails, footbridge and wharf.

The cost of the project will be $425,000. The Nelson, Salmo, Areas E, F, and G Regional Parks Service will cover up to $225,000 while KASA will contribute $200,000.

Public Library Contribution Services

The RDCK Board directed staff to take the next steps in expanding funding for library services in the region. An establishing bylaw for an Electoral Area E Library Contribution Service to provide funding to the Nelson Public Library will be prepared for Board consideration. Additionally staff will prepare a bylaw to expand the Salmo and Area G Library Financial Aid Service to include the entirety of Electoral Area G. This service currently funds library services within the Village Salmo. The objective of these contribution services is to create sustainable funding from rural areas for local library services located in municipalities and accessed by rural residents.  The adoption of both bylaws would be subject to public consultation processes and elector approval by means of the Alternative Approval Process (AAP).

Major upgrade for outdoor pool in Salmo

The outdoor pool at the Salmo Valley Youth & Community Centre will be undergoing a major upgrade. The RDCK Board approved entering a contribution agreement with Columbia Basin Trust for a $150,000 grant to replace pool heaters, the mechanical room and sanitization equipment at the pool. This is part of Columbia Basin Trust’s commitment to outdoor recreation assets in the area by providing grants to help communities improve facilities that support active, healthy lifestyles.

Ootischenia Fire Hall Expansion and Improvement Project

NDB Construction Ltd. has been awarded the design and construction services by the RDCK Board for the Ootischenia Fire Hall vehicle bay expansion and improvement project. An additional 720 square feet of space will be added to house rescue apparatus and address safety issues regarding insufficient space for equipment storage. The project will also include a new main entrance and energy efficiency work. The cost of the project is limited to a maximum value of $212,429 and is expected to be completed by the end of September 2022.

RDCK to donate to Canadian Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis

The RDCK will contribute $5,000 to the Canadian Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal to assist Ukrainian children and its citizens impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Ukraine.

Director’s Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports explaining what they have been working on. Click here to read the March reports in the Board minutes (agenda item 4.4, pg. 128).

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has closed a portion of the dock at Sunshine Bay Regional Park in Harrop due to safety concerns.

The boat launch is still open and accessible.

Repairs to the dock will be made once the water levels allow for floating of the entire dock.

The RDCK is working on a full replacement of the dock, which will be completed in 2022 if funding allows.

Questions?

Contact the RDCK Parks department:

• Tel: 250-352-1574
• Email: parks@rdck.bc.ca

Nelson, BC:  The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) and Kalesnikoff are collaborating on a Selous Creek fuel management project that is designed to reduce the risk of wildfire adjacent to the City of Nelson and the Selous Creek water intake.

The main objectives of the project are to reduce wildfire risk by retaining large, healthy fire-resistant trees, while removing dense understory trees and surface fuels, as well as enhancing infrastructure protection for potential future suppression efforts.

Mechanical harvesting is starting above the rail trail south of Mountain Station, from the cemetery south to the first trestle. Due to safety considerations, rail trail users will be detoured around the high hazard area by traffic controllers. The rail trail will be fully accessible during weekends. Activities are anticipated to occur for 8 weeks from mid March to mid May. Please respect posted signage.

This project is supported through funding from the Forest Enhancement Society of BC and covers an area of approximately 65 hectares directly upslope from the Rail Trail on provincial Crown land.

Similar projects have been completed in our area including in West Arm Provincial Park and Harrop Procter Community Forest. The Selous Creek project is unique due to its scope and scale, as well as the high level of collaboration between regional and municipal governments, fire services and a local licensee.

The planning for this project commenced in 2017. Kalesnikoff developed the cutting specifications in consultation with the RDCK and local experts. The cutting permits were issued in summer 2021.

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.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC:  The Province of British Columbia’s Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (MFLNRORD) has released its post wildfire natural hazards risk analysis reports for the Trozzo Creek wildfire and Akokli Creek wildfire from 2021. These reports contain information on potential hazards and risks following a wildfire, such as downslope and downstream risks to life, property and infrastructure. To view the reports click www.rdck.ca/hazardreports.

Following a wildfire, the chances of soil erosion, landslides, and floods can increase. This risk can be enhanced with intense rainfall or rapid snowmelt. To better understand the risk, MFLNRORD conducts post wildfire analysis of the hazard areas that can affect residents. Recent reports for Trozzo Creek and Akokli Creek warn of potential risks to private property, highways and other transportation infrastructure and water supply infrastructure.  

“The Regional District of Central Kootenay recommends that residents in the affected areas carefully read and understand the reports,” said Chris Johnson, RDCK Manager of Community Sustainability. “The information provided by MFLNRORD advises how conditions may have changed as a result of the wildfires, and we encourage residents to update their personal, family and neighbourhood emergency plans accordingly.”

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

2021 was an unprecedented year for emergencies. The Trozzo Creek wildfire originated on July 9^th in the Winlaw Creek drainage southeast of the community of Winlaw and spread into the Trozzo Creek, Lemon Creek and Grohman Creek drainages. As a result, a number of residents in Electoral Area H’s Slocan Valley were under an Evacuation Alert and others were on Evacuation Order. The Akokli Creek wildfire was also discovered on July 9^th and affected Akokli Creek, Charles Creek, McGregor Creek, Holiday Creek and Mack Creek. The wildfire resulted in residents from Boswell, Destiny Bay and Sanca on the east shore of the south arm of Kootenay Lake in Electoral Area A being under an Evacuation Alert for 29 days.

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 250-352-7702

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

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC:  Following today’s announcement from the British Columbia Provincial Health Officer (PHO), the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) will no longer require masks to be worn by members of the public in any of its offices or facilities effective Friday, March 11, 2022. The PHO based this decision on B.C.’s lowered hospitalization and transmission rates.

Today’s announcement applies to members of the public accessing RDCK offices and facilities; however it is still the responsibility of the RDCK to determine what is appropriate to ensure the health and safety of its staff. As a result, staff will continue to follow masking and proof of vaccination guidelines set by the RDCK Board of Directors and RDCK management. Please respect the fact staff will be wearing masks even if members of the public are not required to do so.

Some members of the public may also continue to wear masks. This is their personal choice, and should be respected.

“We appreciate the public’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety, not only of our employees and volunteers, but the community at large, when using our facilities since these mandates were originally implemented,” said Stuart Horn, RDCK Chief Administrative Officer. “While the RDCK looks forward to seeing more smiling faces at all our facilities, we also recognize that some people will feel more comfortable wearing masks.”

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version

International Kootenay Lake Board of Control

A delegation from the International Kootenay Lake Board of Control (IKLBC), including David Hutchinson, Colonel Alexander Bullock, Adam Greeley, and Martin Suchy, joined the meeting for an informative discussion on the mandate and activities of the IKLBC. The IKLBC is responsible for the supervision of the operation of the Corra Linn Dam and ensures that conditions set for Kootenay Lake are maintained.

Click here to read the presentation from the IKLBC (agenda item 2.5, pg. 48).

Kootenay Lake Local Conservation to fund 2022 projects

The Board approved $75,000 in grant funds for the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund to be spread among eight different projects. In its eighth year, the fund provides grants to support Kootenay Lake area conservation efforts in Electoral Areas A, D and E focused on the conservation of water and aquatic systems, as well as wildlife and habitat. Here are the eight projects:

Water Services Committee established

The Board established a new Water Services Committee to consider matters related to all 18 RDCK-owned water systems. Under consideration by the Board since 2013, the governance changes will streamline decision making and improve risk mitigation while still ensuring effective public input into local water systems. The committee will also be responsible for reviewing and recommending to the board on water metering, water conservation standards and water regulated bylaws, as well as reviewing criteria for the acquisition of new water systems. Bylaws for most of the existing Water Commissions will be rescinded or amended later in 2022.

RDCK awards compost facility contracts

The RDCK’s organics diversion program is one step closer to implementation. The RDCK Board awarded the construction project for the Central Landfill Composting Facility (Salmo) to Border Holdings Ltd. and approved GFL Environmental handle the operations and maintenance of the Creston Compost Facility.

The Creston Compost Facility is set to be operational in May, while construction of the Central Landfill Composting Facility is scheduled to start in the spring with completion expected by the fall. The RDCK received grant funding to design and build the facilities through the Low Carbon Economy Fund which supports projects that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the RDCK also received funding from the CleanBC Organics Infrastructure and Collection Program which will go towards establishing curbside collection of organics materials in Castlegar and Creston in 2022.

Silverton recycling depot closure

Effective April 1, 2022, the RDCK will permanently close the Silverton satellite recycling depot (406 Hume Street). With a core depot located 5 km away in New Denver (602 Slocan Avenue), it did not make financial sense to continue to operate the Silverton location. Over the last year, the RDCK has tracked usage and material volumes at the Silverton location and the data proved the facility was using sparingly. Operating just the core depot (accepts all Recycle BC category types) in New Denver will be much more cost efficient.

RDCK Climate Action Targets

With the ultimate goal of creating climate resilient communities, reducing risks of climate change, while holding the organization accountable, the RDCK Board adopted progressive science based carbon pollution (greenhouse gas emissions) reduction targets of 50% below 2018 levels by 2030 and 100% by 2050. The Board also directs staff to prepare four-year climate action plans as a pathway to 2030 climate action targets.

Local government has a critical role to play to limit the effect of the climate crisis and these new targets and action plan demonstrate the RDCK’s commitment to the global efforts. This new framework can integrate emerging technology and capabilities while developing sustainable land use patterns through robust planning policy and regulation to mitigate flood, geohazard and wildfire risks, while preserving the landscape.

Click here for more information on climate action.

West Kootenay Transit Governance

The Board directed staff to investigate governance options for services funding West Kootenay Transit. Staff have been directed to address how local service levels may be prioritized, timely discussions of the criteria based apportionment of transit costs, and oversite for local government transit assets and the development of capital plans.

Special event permit bylaw for Electoral Area H

The Board adopted a Special Event Permit Bylaw to apply only in Area H. Under the bylaw, organizers of events with over 200 attendees must apply for a permit to hold their event. The bylaw will help to mitigate the community impacts and safety concerns associated with large events, especially those held during wildfire season. The special events permit approval process will be handled through the RDCK Fire Services.

Director’s Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports explaining what they have been working on. Click here to read the February reports in the Board minutes (agenda item 4.4, pg. 141).

Click here to view a print friendly PDF version.

The Creston & District Community Complex (CDCC) aquatic centre will reopen as of Saturday, February 26.

The aquatic centre will open with the following modified schedule:

• Monday and Wednesday: 8:00am-2:00pm
• Tuesday and Thursday: 2:00-8:00pm
• Saturday: 11:00am-3:00pm
• Sunday: closed

Aquafit will also resume as of the week of February 28, 2022.

The aquatic centre was previously closed due to staffing shortages.

For information about aquatics programs and more at the CDCC, check out the current Program Guide, browse programs online, or contact the CDCC at 250-428-7127 / crestonrec@rdck.bc.ca.

Nelson, BC – Monday, February 21st is BC Family Day across the province. As a statutory holiday all RDCK offices (Nelson, Creston, and Nakusp) and RDCK landfills, transfer stations, and gated recycling depots will be CLOSED. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, February 22nd.

RDCK recreation facilities will have modified hours:

Castlegar & District Community Complex
Free Skating 2:00 pm-4:00 pm (Reservations only)
Free Swimming 1:30 pm-2:45 pm & 3:00 pm-4:15 pm (Reservations only)

Creston & District Community Complex
Free Skating 2:00 pm-4:00 pm & 4:00 pm-6:00 pm (Drop-in, first come, first serve)
Free Swimming 2:00 pm-3:30 pm & 4:00 pm-5:30 pm (Drop-in, first come, first serve)

Nelson & District Community Complex
Open from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Free Swimming 1:30 pm-3:00 pm & 3:30 pm-5:00 pm (Reservations only)
Parent and Youth Yoga 4:00 pm-5:15 pm (Reservations only)

Click here to view all NDCC Family Day Weekend Activities [PDF – 961 KB]

CLOSED
Salmo and Slocan Valley Recreation

Nelson, BC:  Over the next four weeks the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) will be hosting virtual public budget meetings for all its municipalities and electoral areas. The RDCK invites the public to provide input into the development of the 2022-2026 RDCK Financial Plan. The session for Salmo & Area G has tentatively been scheduled as an in-person meeting.

This is your opportunity to connect with RDCK Directors and Staff, ask questions, find out about projects and initiatives happening in your area, and provide feedback.

Go to the RDCK Events Page, where you can join the meeting virtually.

Here is the complete schedule of RDCK Public Budget Meetings

 Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC:  The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) welcomes the lifting of capacity restrictions and physical distancing requirements announced yesterday by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), which will allow RDCK recreation facilities to begin to open up services to more people.

“The lifting of restrictions is a positive sign for our recreation centres and our staff, because it means we can start working our way back to normal,” said Joe Chirico, General Manager of Community Services at the RDCK. “We look forward to opening up fitness, aquatics and other recreational opportunities to more people in the coming days, in line with what our current staffing levels will allow us to do safely.”

While capacity limits have been lifted, RDCK recreation facilities will be reviewing how many people they can safely accommodate, and whether advance reservations for general admission fitness, aquatics and skating will still be required. This will look different at each recreation facility. Guests are encouraged to visit the website at www.rdck.ca/recreation to find out more about changes to each facility’s operating hours and admission process.

Proof of vaccination with an official scannable QR code for those 12 and older, along with government-issued proof of identity for those 19 and older, is still required for recreation programs and services. Masks are also still required in all public indoor spaces at RDCK recreation facilities. Masks are not required while exercising, but are encouraged.

Time-based memberships (RDCK Active Passes) that were previously on hold will be removed from hold and available for regular use as of Thursday, February 17. Exceptions may be in place for facilities that have reduced general admissions due to staffing levels. Creston and District Community Complex (CDCC) has closed its aquatics centre as of February 16 until further notice due to staffing shortages, and pass-holders can contact the CDCC directly to request a hold.

Capacity limits for spectators at sporting events have also been lifted. Attendees of events at RDCK facilities must follow proof of vaccination and masking requirements, and should follow signage and staff direction for checking in to events.

If you are sick or have any symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home.

To view all current provincial or regional restrictions, visit the COVID-19 information page on the BC government website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions.

More changes to restrictions are expected through March and April. Changes that affect recreation services will be shared at www.rdck.ca/recreation and on RDCK Facebook pages.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF verison.

Due to staffing shortages, the Creston & District Community Complex (CDCC) aquatic centre will be closed starting Wednesday, February 16 until further notice.

Swimming on Tuesday, February 15 from 2:00-8:00pm will continue. Swim Club, Lil Science and Swim Explorers, and Saturday swim lessons will also proceed.

Active Pass pass-holders can call the CDCC at 250-428-7127 to “freeze” their pass until the aquatic centre opens again.

We will re-assess the situation over the coming days, and will provide updates on this website and on the CDCC Facebook page.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Local Conservation Fund

The Board has directed staff to prepare bylaws to add Electoral Areas F and H to the Local Conservation Fund service. The Local Conservation Fund provides grants to support conservation efforts focused on the conservation of water and aquatic systems, as well as wildlife and habitat, with the ultimate goal of supporting actions to provide a healthy physical environment for future generations. Currently, Areas A, D, and E are part of the program and last year $71,000 was distributed to eight different projects. If the bylaws are approved by the Board, elector approval for the bylaws will occur by way of referendum held in conjunction with the local government elections occurring in October, 2022. If residents of Areas F and H approve of joining the Local Conservation Fund service, property owners will be charged an annual parcel tax of $15.

Creston Valley Kootenay Lake Economic Action Partnership

The RDCK agrees to enter a three-year agreement with Kootenay Employment Services to provide a Community Development Manager to deliver the economic development program for the Creston Valley Kootenay Lake Economic Action Partnership.  

Established in 2019 between RDCK Electoral Areas A, B, and C and the Town of Creston, the goal of the Creston Valley Economic Action Partnership is to enable a thriving local economy that builds on the area’s strengths in agriculture, tourism, recreation and small business. Previous projects include supporting the Buy Local Campaign and creating a temporary worker camp to support the local cherry industry during COVID.

RDCK supports Selkirk College project proposal on rural homelessness

With homelessness on the rise in the West Kootenay region, the RDCK will send a letter of support for Selkirk College’s project proposal on bridging rural homelessness and well-being. The goal of the project is to improve the well-being of local residents experiencing, or at risk of homelessness through research that allows partner organizations to make evidence based decisions on how to prioritize and structure services, programs and policies, promote collaboration between organizations and communities to better support target population, and mobilize college resources to enhance the impact of regional response efforts.

RDCK adopts Better Corporate Building Policy

The RDCK Board adopted the Better Corporate Building Policy which supports responsible and sustainable procurement, development, maintenance and repair of all RDCK new and existing buildings. Adherence to the policy will produce more resilient climate adaptive buildings (designing buildings for increased longevity with the use of sustainable materials) with long term cost savings to RDCK taxpayers through life cycle performance and reduced life cycle costs. This policy embodies the RDCK’s commitment to high efficiency, low carbon building practices and can be used as an example for building within our communities.

Regional invasive species strategy

To better determine the extent of invasive species on all RDCK owned or leased properties, the RDCK Board has directed staff to complete an invasive plant inventory and develop a detailed regional invasive species plan with the help of the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society. The objective is to implement prevention and management, as well as improve awareness and community engagement.

Invasive species, such as knotweed, are non-native plants and animals that become well established because they do not have natural predators or controls. They can spread quickly and have the ability to out compete native plants and animal species, impacting fragile ecosystems.

Regional asset management plan

The RDCK Board has approved up to $180,000 to compile building and site condition assessments for fire halls, bus stops, transfer station sites and buildings, regional parks, and small buildings. As one of the Board’s strategic priorities, asset management allows the RDCK to better understand the current conditions, address assets in poor condition and prepare multi-year budgets to ensure these assets are kept in good working condition on a sustainable basis for the life cycle of the infrastructure. Having functional asset management plans or demonstrating progress in asset management is also a requirement for all provincial and federal grant applications. The goal is to complete the report over the next 18 months with the Board potentially funding portions of the project through Community Works funding.

Creston Valley BC Transit Future Service Plan

The Board has adopted the 2021 Creston Valley BC Transit Future Service Plan. The goal of the plan is to provide the blue print for how BC Transit will facilitate reliable services, improve integration with mobility providers, introduce electronic fares, build more transit support infrastructure and transition to greener fleets.

Over the five years of the plan, the priorities are to introduce service between the East Shore and Creston, extend service for the town shuttle to Erickson, provide Monday through Friday by request service, and additional service days for Wynndel route.

RDCK Quarterly Report

For more information on the current projects and initiatives of the RDCK, see the most recent RDCK Quarterly Report.

Director’s Reports

All RDCK Directors provide monthly reports explaining what they have been working on. Click here to read the January reports in the Board minutes (agenda item 3.4, found on pg. 201).

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version. 

Nelson, BC:  As announced by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) on Tuesday, fitness centres at Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) recreation facilities are permitted to reopen as of Thursday, January 20, 2022. Space will be limited due to capacity restrictions, and guests will be required to reserve their visits in advance.

“We are excited to welcome guests back into RDCK fitness centres and provide safe, high-quality recreation experiences,” said Joe Chirico, General Manager of Community Services at the RDCK. “Fitness centres and gyms are opening January 20, but reopening our other fitness programs and services may take some time, and our schedule might look different from what customers are used to. Thank you to our guests for their patience.”

Capacity limitations for fitness activities have been set by the PHO to provide each participant with 7 sq. m. of unencumbered space, and time between sessions is required for ventilation. This may affect registered programs and fitness class schedules as well as the length of reserved fitness sessions. Over the next few weeks, staff will be revisiting fitness program schedules so that registered fitness activities can resume.

Participants are asked not to arrive more than five minutes before their class or workout time. They should come dressed in their workout clothing if possible to minimize time in change rooms, and to leave immediately after their activity.

Time-based memberships (RDCK Active Passes) have been put on hold until February 16, 2022. Pass-holders who wish to have their passes re-activated during this period should contact their local recreation facility.

To reserve a fitness centre time slot, visit www.rdck.ca/recreation or call your local recreation facility.

Participants are still required to wear a mask in all public indoor spaces at RDCK recreation facilities. Masks are not required while exercising, but are encouraged. Fitness instructors, personal trainers and staff are required to wear a mask and maintain physical distance from participants. Proof of full vaccination is also still required for many recreation programs and services, including aquatics.

If you are sick or have any symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home. You will not be charged a fee in the case of cancellation due to COVID-19.

Recreation customers are advised that staff shortages—due to COVID-19 as well as seasonal colds and flus—may lead to a reduction in facility operating hours or the cancellation of programs. Program participants will be advised of changes to programs or schedules.

To view all current provincial or regional restrictions, visit the COVID-19 information page on the BC government website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions.

If there are any changes to restrictions or any new restrictions announced, information will be shared at www.rdck.ca/recreation and on RDCK Facebook pages.

Click here to view print-friendly PDF version.

Understanding and responding to the needs of the community is one of the most important functions of the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK). A well-defined and pressing need for families throughout the RDCK is access to child care services. While child care is not typically within the mandate for a local government like the RDCK, this was recognized as a significant issue for residents. Beginning in 2018, the RDCK stepped in to facilitate and collaborate with community partners, the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) and the province to help develop new child care spaces in our region.

In January of 2021, the RDCK, Castlegar and District Recreation Commission, and Kootenay Family Place (KFP), with funding support from CBT, successfully applied to the Province’s Childcare BC New Spaces Fund to support a brand new, licensed space in Castlegar. The result is the Castlegar and District Kids’ Club, a new facility located at the Castlegar and District Community Complex and run by KFP, which officially opened its doors, January 4, 2022.

“Having access to licensed quality care is essential to improving outcomes for the residents of Castlegar and surrounding communities,” said Sally Bojechko, Co-Executive Director, Kootenay Family Place. “As child care waitlist numbers have increased over the past several years, families have struggled to find care options that will support them in being able to fulfill both their professional and personal goals. Kootenay Family Place and the Castlegar and District Recreation Commission have established a collaborative relationship with the common goal of increasing accessibility to quality early learning programs for families’ diverse needs in our community.”

The B.C. government has made child care a priority and their goal is to deliver affordable, accessible and quality child care to families across the province. Since 2018, the government has invested $299 million for the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund, which helps improve access to child care throughout the province by supporting the creation of new licensed spaces.

The RDCK’s involvement in the development of local child care began in early 2018, with the RDCK Board directing staff to evaluate the feasibility of locating child care facilities within underutilized community hall spaces in Electoral Area I. The feasibility study, funded by the RDCK and CBT and completed by Selkirk College’s Rural Development Institute indicated a high demand for child care spaces in the Nelson-Castlegar corridor and significant barriers for families in accessing affordable and convenient child care spaces.

Late in 2018, elected officials in the Castlegar area were approached by KFP to partner on a potential new child care facility at the Castlegar and District Community Complex. Having familiarity with KFP, previously working on the ‘Summer at the Skatepark’ program for 11 years, the Castlegar and District Recreation Commission decided to expand the partnership to fill a much needed void in the community. This was followed by a successful application to the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund.

“This is a great fit for the Castlegar and District Community Complex because this is a community hub and facility designed for all ages,” said Jim Crockett, Manager of Recreation, Castlegar and District Community Complex. “We have a seniors centre and provide programs and services for all ages, so it is a nice fit to add a child care centre right on site.”

“Collaborating with a partner who understood the unique needs of our community was essential to the successful development of Castlegar and District Kids’ Club,” said Bojechko. “The uniqueness of the development of the co-located child care facility will not only address the need for additional child care options, it will also foster a gathering place for families to connect and become more involved in various recreational experiences.”

Having received $2 million in funding from the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund, the construction of the new 2,000 sq. ft. facility at the Castlegar and District Community Complex is now complete and the facility has opened part-time, with the goal of eventually providing preschool care in the morning and afterschool care in the afternoon.

“Castlegar and District Kid’s Club will house a morning preschool program for children ages 2.5-5 years, in addition to providing after school care, for children ages 5-12 years, in the afternoons,” said Bojechko. “These programs will be offered annually through Kootenay Family Place from September through June, with the Castlegar and District Community Complex also having access to the facility for programming and school break camps.”

“One of the biggest reasons why we were successful with our funding application was the ability for the child care centre to utilize all our services, including the rink, pool and soccer fields,” said Audrey Maxwell Polovnikoff, Recreation Coordinator, Castlegar and District Community Complex. “Emphasizing how important it is to connect children at a young age to the importance of health and wellness made sense to the B.C. government and to the Castlegar and District Recreation Commission.”

Click here for more information on the Castlegar and District Community Complex Child Care Centre.

To learn more about the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/childcare/newspacesfund

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Due to staffing shortages, changes to current recreation schedules and recreation facility operating hours may occur over the coming months.

We continue to see high numbers of COVID-19 and Omicron variant cases in our communities, along with seasonal colds and flus. This situation will inevitably affect staff at our recreation facilities. With staff or their family members sick or self-isolating, we may have to reduce operating hours or cancel services if we are unable to deliver those services safely.

Before you visit one of our recreation facilities, please double-check the schedule, since information may change quickly. Any changes to hours of operation will be shared on the facility’s recorded phone greeting, on facility signs, on social media, and on this web page.

The health and safety of our staff and our customers is our number-one priority. Thank you for your patience as we navigate this situation together.

Resource Recovery Bylaw No. 2803