Evacuation Alert expanded to include 28 additional properties due to Michaud Creek wildfire

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has expanded its Evacuation Alert to include 28 additional properties for a total of 358 properties in Electoral Area K due to the Michaud Creek Wildfire (N57165) approximately 21 kilometers south of Edgewood. The decision to expand the alert was based on field observations by the RDCK Evacuation Site Command to acknowledge properties at risk from the fire.

The Evacuation Alert area starts at Johnston Creek and continues north to Highway 6, including the community of Edgewood and Needles. Under the Evacuation Alert, residents and visitors should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. It is recommended to prepare an emergency kit and have a plan where you will go if the situation worsens and you need to evacuate.

Evacuation Alert MapEvacuation Alert for Michaud Creek wildfire

The Evacuation Order for Michaud Creek wildfire remains in place.

The Michaud Creek wildfire was discovered on July 10 and is an estimated 450 hectares. BCWS has determined the cause to be lightning.

The RDCK EOC will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

For more detailed information on this alert or about evacuations and emergency preparedness, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo . The RDCK EOC public inquiry line is 250-352-7701.

For more information:

• Current RDCK Evacuation Alerts, Orders and Rescinds: www.rdck.ca/eocinfo or call 250-352-7701
• Sign up for RDCK Emergency Notification System to receive notification: https://voyent-alert.com/ca/community/ 
• BC Wildfire – Interactive Map of Current Fires: https://governmentofbc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/index.html#/f0ac328d88c74d07aa2ee385abe2a41b 
• Public weather alerts for BC from Environment Canada: https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=bc 
• Highway closures and conditions from DriveBC: https://www.drivebc.ca/ 
• For the BC Air Quality Health Index: https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/data/aqhi-table.html 
• Emergency preparedness information and tips from the Prepared BC website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/preparedbc 

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Emergency Support Services for ongoing evacuation orders

As the evacuation orders for the wildfires within the Regional District of Central Kootenay remain in place, many of our evacuated residents may be coming to the end of their initial 72 hour period of ESS support.

If you are still subject to an Evacuation Order and still require ESS support, please visit one of our Reception Centres at:

Nakusp: 200, 8 Ave NW, Nakusp, BC, V0G 1R0. Monday, Wednesday & Friday between 9am to 12pm.Castlegar: 2101 6 Ave, Castlegar, BC, V1N 3B2. Monday, Wednesday & Friday between 8:30am to 12pm.Kelowna: 1480 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 5Y5. Between 10am to 6pm.

One of our volunteers will assist you at the Reception Centre nearest you.If you have not yet registered for ESS support, visit https://ess.gov.bc.ca/ 

For the latest updates on Evacuation Orders and Alerts, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. 

View the RDCK Evacuation Order and Alert webmap.

If you have any questions, please contact the EOC Public Inquiry line at 250-352-7701.

Emergency Preparedness Week May 2-8, 2021 – Test of the Emergency Notification System May 4

Nelson, BC: This Sunday, May 2, marks the beginning of Emergency Preparedness Week -– a national awareness initiative that has taken place every year since 1996. The week long initiative runs through Saturday, May 8 and is an opportunity to take action to ensure you are prepared to protect yourself, your family and your community during an emergency. The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) will use this week of awareness to promote emergency preparedness and run a test of its Emergency Notification System.

“With flood season approaching, this is a perfect time to refresh and double check your emergency plans and preparations,” said Chris Johnson, RDCK Emergency Operations Centre Director. “At the RDCK, we are busy making our own preparations, and encourage our residents to do the same for your families and neighbourhood groups.”

Emergency Preparedness week encourages residents to take three simple steps to become better prepared to face a range of emergencies:

• Know the risks
• Make a plan
• Get an emergency kit

Each year, thousands of people face emergency situations that could change their lives forever. Don’t be caught off-guard. Know the hazards in your area and take the time now to assemble your family grab and go emergency kit and plan where you will go if you need to evacuate, e.g. with family or friends within your bubble, especially now as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Remember to include your pets.

The RDCK recommends that residents are able to be self sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours following an emergency, and for up to a week for more remote communities. More information is available on the RDCK website at www.rdck.ca/emergency.

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM TEST

On Tuesday, May 4, as part of our emergency preparedness activities, the RDCK will be conducting its annual test of the Emergency Notification System.

• Residents who have already signed up for notifications will receive a test message on Tuesday, May 4
• If you are new to the area, or have not yet signed up for emergency notifications, please go to www.rdck.ca/notifications
• To ensure you receive important emergency information relevant to your location it is imperative residents update their account with the most accurate location information.  Please take this opportunity to log into the system and double check your details www.rdck.ca/notifications

USEFUL LINKS

RDCK Emergency Preparedness Information – www.rdck.ca/emergencypreparedness

Sign up for Emergency Notifications – www.rdck.ca/notifications

Prepared BC

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Edgewood Transfer Station CLOSED Wednesday, July 21

Edgewood Transfer Station – Closed July 28, 2021

Edgewood Public Water Use from Standpipes or Yard Hydrants

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is not responsible for the public water access points recently turned off within the Edgewood water system. Residents throughout the Edgewood area have voiced their concerns to the RDCK; however, the cause may be due to the equipment being frozen based on unsuitable equipment and incorrect use, as standpipes and non-draining yard hydrants are not intended for year round use. The RDCK is not aware of potentially permitted public access to stand-pipes or yard hydrants by the former water system owner (BC Hydro), nor has it ever designated water standpipes or yard hydrants for public use.

“We need to understand the extent of the problem and gauge the interest from the public outside the water system boundary, then determine what type of solution is required and feasible,” said Uli Wolf, General Manager of Environmental Services.

In the summer of 2020, concerns were brought to the RDCK by Edgewood water system users that people not residing within the system boundaries were using Edgewood water system infrastructure to secure potable water, at times in large quantities, for their residences. A letter was sent to Edgewood residents in June 2020 indicating public operation of the water system is not permitted.

Unauthorized drawing of water from standpipes could lead to a potential cross-connection health hazard and damage to the standpipe, which would result in repair costs (e.g. labour and excavation for one 2” buried valve costs $1,500 – $2,000 to repair). Furthermore, standpipes not properly and frequently flushed can pose a health risk from accumulated organics within the standpipes.

Standpipes are also utilized by the Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department and any unknown damage could impact standpipe functionality during fire emergency events. Economic losses to the water system occur with the associated additional pumping and energy costs, staff time and costs for public correspondence, enforcement, maintenance, repairs, and potentially locking standpipes, if required. In accordance with Local Government Act legislation, all costs incurred by a RDCK service must be paid for by that service, meaning existing Edgewood customers would have to pay for any damages or other economic losses.

Providing water to others outside of the service boundary is not permitted under the Edgewood Water System Water Licence issued by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD). The RDCK is not concerned about small quantities of water being taken from the water system, particularly if emergency access to water is required by area residents; however, the RDCK does require any water taken by the public be done at a private or commercially owned water tap.

Since there is an apparent need for public access to water from Edgewood area residents, the RDCK will be reviewing the feasibility of providing a public water filling station. Any costs for installing and operating a filling station cannot be borne by the existing Edgewood water customers. For those area residents outside of the Edgewood water system boundary that are interested in a commercial type pay-per-use filling station, please contact: Alexandra Divlakovski, Environmental Coordinator for Utility Services, at (250) 352-8192 or email to adivlakovski@rdck.bc.ca.

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Edgewood and Burton Transfer Stations to resume normal summer hours

The Edgewood and Burton Transfer Stations were closed due to Evacuation Orders and Alerts in the area from nearby wildfires.

On August 4, 2021 both Transfer Stations will resume their normal summer operating hours.

Edgewood Transfer Station is open Wednesday and Sunday from 9-1pm.Burton Transfer Station is open Sunday from 10-2.

Residents are asked to only bring urgent household garbage until the Transfer Stations can catch up to normal operations.

Early Site Closures – Sept 20, 2021

Early Closures on September 20 for Federal Election

Nelson, BC: Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) offices in Nelson, Creston and Nakusp will close at 4:00 pm on Monday, September 20, while four waste and recycling facilities will close at 3:45 pm for the 2021 Canadian Federal Election.

This early closure is to provide eligible RDCK staff time to vote, as required by the Canada Elections Act. Under the Act, any employee eligible to vote must be provided three consecutive hours to cast their vote on Election Day. Voting hours on Election Day in BC are 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Early Closures

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Creston Valley Transit Future Service Plan

BC Transit and the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) are seeking the public’s feedback on how we can improve transit in the Creston Valley. 

The Creston Valley Transit Future Service Plan will help guide future decision-making for transit in the Creston Valley. We want to know your priorities!

To provide your feedback:

Click here to take the survey online.

Click here to view a printable paper survey

Creston Recycling Depot (412 Helen Street) – Early Closure on June 29, 2021

Creston Landfill – Site has resumed normal operations

The Creston Landfill has resumed normal operations.

Site hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Creston Landfill & Recycling Depot – Customers should expect delays

Creston Landfill – Closed due to excessive dust

The Creston Landfill is CLOSED for the remainder of the day.  They are experiencing excessive dust with the wind storm that is impacting visibility and causing concern for the health and safety of staff and site users.

Site will re-open when conditions are safe.

Creston Car Wash Recycling Depot – Reduced Hours Sept 14, 2021

Crescent Valley Recycling Depot – Early Closure on June 29, 2021

Crescent Valley Recycling Depot – Closed Sept 9, 2021

Crescent Valley Recycling Depot – Closed Nov 30, 2021

Construction begins on new child care centre at the Castlegar and District Community Complex

Nelson, BC: Construction of the new child care centre at the Castlegar and District Community Complex (CDCC) officially broke ground on Tuesday, April 27. The new facility, to be built on the grounds of the CDCC, will provide 30 new child care spaces for local families. The project is being delivered through a partnership with the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s (RDCK) Castlegar and District Recreation Commission (CDRC) and Kootenay Family Place (KFP). KFP is a registered non-profit organization serving the needs of children, youth and families throughout the West Kootenay Boundary region.

Photo courtesy: Jennifer Small

Pictured left to right: Back row – Jim Crockett – Manager of Recreation, CDCC, Rick Smith – Area J Director, Jason Craig – Maintenance Foreman, CDCC, John Paone – President, Alfred Horie Construction Co. Ltd., Elyse Kavanagh – Cover Architecture, Rebecca Vassilakakis – Chair, KFP, Dan Rye – Chair, CDRC

Seated – Shari Imada – RDCK Project Manager, Sally Bojechko – Co-Executive Director, KFP, Sue Heaton Sherstobitoff, CDRC, Audrey Maxwell Polovnikoff, Recreation Coordinator, CDCC

“The child care centre will be a great addition to the Castlegar Recreation Facility and we thank the Ministry of Children and Family Development for recognizing the need by way of financial support of the project,” said Dan Rye, Chair of the Castlegar and District Recreation Commission. “This facility will answer the need for quality child care in our area and most importantly support families with a safe place for their children to learn and grow.”

“Increasing access to quality, affordable and inclusive child care is essential to helping families in Castlegar thrive,” said Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay West. “By working with partners like the Regional District of Central Kootenay, who understand the unique needs of our communities, we’re making progress on universal child care that works for everyone.”

The RDCK, CDRC and KFP with funding support from Columbia Basin Trust, successfully applied to the Province’s Childcare BC New Spaces Fund to support the new, licensed spaces in Castlegar.

The project was officially announced on March 13, 2020 and is expected to open in late September 2021. The centre will be situated across from the skateboard park, adjacent to the complex pool, facing south. Access to the tennis courts and pickle ball courts at the CDCC will not be impacted by the construction.

Rendering of Child Care Centre, Courtesy – Cover Architecture

In addition to the 30 new spaces, the facility will offer 20 licensed pre-school and after school spaces, providing part time care in the mornings and after school. The CDCC will have access to the facility for programming and school break camps when not in use for child care. A child care project committee has been formed with representatives from the RDCK and KFP in order to ensure a cohesive and mutually beneficial facility.

In July of 2020, Cover Architecture was awarded the contract for design services and in April 2021 Alfred Horie Construction Co. Ltd., was awarded the contract for construction services for the child care centre. The design is a standalone building which incorporates an innovative cross laminated timber wood product in the exterior walls and roof, produced locally by Kalesnikoff.

For more information regarding the childcare services that will be offered at the CDCC and status updates on the construction project, click here. 

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Confirmed COVID-19 case at Nelson & District Community Complex

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has been notified by Interior Health (IH) that a guest at the Nelson & District Community Complex has tested positive for COVID-19.

The guest was a participant in a camp program on August 5 and 6. Anybody who may have been exposed is being contacted directly.

This information is being provided out of transparency. Some details are not being released for privacy reasons. If we receive any further direction or guidance from Interior Health, we will act accordingly.

If you are a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case, the IH Public Health team will contact you directly. If this happens, follow the directions provided to you by the Public Health team. In cases where not everyone can be reached, IH will post public exposures online: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/  

The RDCK reminds everyone to continue to be vigilant and to follow the guidance from the BC Provincial Health Officer to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from COVID-19. Learn more from the following resources:

• BC Centre for Disease Control: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19
• BC Ministry of Health: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/coronavirus-disease-covid-19
• Interior Health Authority: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/covid-19/ 
• Health Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
• If you and your family members develop symptoms, call your health‐care provider or 8‐1‐1 (BC Health Link) to discuss any need for testing and follow-up.

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Pioneer Arena and Nelson Civic Centre to close for the season

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) will close the Pioneer Arena in Castlegar on January 18 and the Civic Centre in Nelson on January 29 for the remainder of the winter season. The decision was made after much discussion at both the Castlegar and District Recreation Commission meeting on January 12, 2021 and the Nelson and District Recreation Commission meeting on January 14, 2021 to close the two ice sheets.

 On January 8, 2021 the Public Health Order which restricts adult participation in sport was extended without an expiration date on sections of the order that apply to sport and fitness. Adults have not been able to participate in team sports since November 19, 2020. The restriction on adult participation in team sport and other public health restrictions has resulted in arena rental revenue decreasing $118,000 across the RDCK`s five arenas between September 14 and December 31, 2020 versus the same time period in 2019. The closure of the arenas is being done to reduce expenditures in response to the reduction in revenue.  

“We recognize the shared hardship of this decision and do so with an eye on next year,” said Keith Page, Chair, RDCK Recreation Commission No.5. “Moving to a single ice sheet for the remainder of the season recognizes palpable cost and personnel constraints. The community expects us to provide quality, safe and diverse recreation opportunities within budget for all members of our community. Operating a single rink is the service level that can be reasonably delivered within our budget.”

The impact of COVID-19 on the RDCK’s community services has been significant. Usage of all its facilities throughout the region has dramatically dropped. Adult indoor team sport is not permitted, while minor hockey, the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) and British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League (BCIHL) cannot play games or travel. No games or tournaments have been booked in any RDCK facility, which has impacted revenue. With reduced usage of rinks throughout the RDCK, ice needs can be accommodated by only keeping the ice sheets at the Creston, Castlegar and Nelson and District Community Complexes open for the remainder of the winter season.

“The RDCK supports the Provincial Health Officer and the Province of British Columbia’s efforts to keep communities safe by limiting social interaction, but this comes with sacrifices for everyone,” said Joe Chirico, General Manager of Community Services. “However, these restrictions have seriously affected the rental revenue of our recreation services.  Decisions like this, although difficult, are important to ensure that the cost of our recreation services are balanced between user fees and taxation.”

The RDCK will continue to deliver recreation programming to support our community’s physical, social and spiritual well-being while adhering to all public health guidelines and ensuring the safety of our community and staff.

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Burton Transfer Station CLOSED Saturday, July 24

Building Activity in the RDCK Continues at Record Levels

Nelson, BC: Building activity in the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) remains at record levels as we pass the first quarter of 2021. Through the end of March, inspections completed by building officials are up 50% over last year at this time and permits issued are up 46% over this time last year as well.

Throughout this high growth period, our small pool of dedicated RDCK building officials, as well as, administrative and technical support staff continue to provide prompt, quality and professional building services to the community, despite working with limited staff resources and a high volume of work. Current processing time for building permits is approximately six weeks, though processing times can be longer as staff are now spending more time in the field completing inspections and less time in the office.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding during this extremely busy time,” said Christopher Gainham, RDCK Building Manager. “We recommend all potential applicants prepare accordingly for extended processing times as we deal with unprecedented demand.”

To reduce the likelihood that an application is rejected or delayed, applicants should ensure they come prepared with a “counter ready application”, meaning the application is complete and free from errors or omissions. By doing so, you will help reduce processing time and do your part to make sure your project stays on schedule.

To assist applicants in navigating the building process, the RDCK has produced some useful online resources, including our permit application information page.

Click here for the RDCK Building Brochure which provides useful guidance on the requirements when applying for a building permit.  

Click here for general information on the building process on our main page.

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Boswell Transfer Station & Nakusp Landfill – Closed January 13, 2021

Boil Water Notice Rescinded for the Fauquier Water System

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is pleased to announce that effective immediately the BOIL WATER NOTICE issued for users on the Fauquier Water System has been rescinded.

On Tuesday July 20, 2021 a BOIL WATER NOTICE was issued due to the need for bypassing the water treatment plant to increase system capacity and meet the demand of wildfire mitigation efforts in the community.

Additional system capacity is no longer required and water quality tests indicate that the water quality is good. Customers may return to regular water consumption.

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

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Boil Water Notice Rescinded for the Fauquier Water System

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is pleased to announce that effective immediately the BOIL WATER NOTICE issued for users on the Fauquier Water System has been rescinded.

On Tuesday, September 28, 2021 a BOIL WATER NOTICE was issued due to the loss of water pressure from an emergency water main repair.

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Boil water notice rescinded for the Edgewood Water System

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is pleased to announce that effective immediately the BOIL WATER NOTICE issuedfor users on the Edgewood Water System has been rescinded.

On Monday, July 19, 2021 a BOIL WATER NOTICE was issued due to the need to increase system capacity through additional untreated water from the decommissioned wells to meet the demand of wildfire mitigation efforts in the community.

Additional system capacity is no longer required and water quality tests indicate that the water quality is good. Customers may return to regular water consumption.

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

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Boil Water Notice issued for the Fauquier Water System

Nelson, BC:  The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has issued a BOIL WATER NOTICE for users on the Fauquier Water System. The system is located in the community of Fauquier, on the east side of Lower Arrow Lake within RDCK Electoral Area K. The Needles Ferry landing is part of the Fauquier Water System.

The BOIL WATER NOTICE has been issued due to an emergency water main repair that requires depressurization of the water main. Water outages currently being experienced are anticipated to be resolved by 6:00pm June 15, 2021.

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) 352-8192 or visit our website at www.rdck.ca/water.

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Boil Water notice issued for the Fauquier Water System

Nelson, BC:  The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has issued a BOIL WATER NOTICE for users on the Fauquier Water System. The system is located in the community of Fauquier, on the east side of Lower Arrow Lake within RDCK Electoral Area K. The Needles Ferry landing is part of the Fauquier Water System.

The BOIL WATER NOTICE has been issued due to an emergency water main repair that requires depressurization of the water main. Water outages currently being experienced are anticipated to be resolved by 4:00 pm, September 28, 2021.

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) 352-8192 or visit our website at www.rdck.ca/water.

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Boil Water Notice issued for the Edgewood water system

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has issued a BOIL WATER NOTICE for users on the Edgewood Water System. The system is located in the community of Edgewood, within RDCK Electoral Area K. Edgewood is on the west side of Lower Arrow Lake off of Highway 6 between Nakusp and Vernon.

The BOIL WATER NOTICE has been issued due to the need to increase system capacity through additional untreated water from the decommissioned wells to meet the demand of wildfire mitigation efforts in the community.

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) 352-8192 or visit our website at www.rdck.ca/water. 

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