BC Transit is offering free transit in the West Kootenay Region (includes handyDART) on Saturday, October 19, 2024, for the Provincial Election. This will make it easier for residents to get to the polls and cast their ballots. GET OUT AND VOTE!
Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is pleased to announce, effective immediately, Stage 3 Water Conservation Measures have been rescinded for the South Slocan Water System.
On October 4, Stage 3 Water Emergency Conservation measures were issued in the South Slocan Water System due to low source water flows and to facilitate adequate night-time reservoir filling and recovery. Two intake leaks were located and repaired, and source water levels have now recovered.
The RDCK appreciates South Slocan water users’ cooperation and patience during this time and apologizes for the inconvenience experienced.
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Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is launching its new CHEER (Community Harmony for Equitable Engagement in Recreation) program that is the start of our new No or Low Cost Recreation Programming Initiatives. This new initiative is intended to provide accessible and inclusive opportunities for residents to access RDCK recreation services.
“We are excited to begin to provide no or low cost recreation programming across the RDCK, starting with CHEER,” said Trisha Davison, Regional Manager of Recreation & Client Services. “CHEER is a one hour period where all patrons, regardless of age, pay $2 to receive general admission access to our Castlegar, Creston, Nelson and Salmo facilities. The $2 admission will provide facility users with access to the pool, fitness centre and public skate events.”
CHEER events fall under the RDCK’s new Financial Access and Inclusion Policy approved by the RDCK Board of Directors in September. This new policy is intended to provide opportunities for RDCK families and individuals who are facing financial barriers to participate in various recreation services.
The first CHEER events will be offered on the following dates and times:
For future CHEER dates or more information on our new No or Low Cost Recreation Programming Initiatives, visit rdck.ca/LowCost.
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Nelson, BC: Effective immediately, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has implemented mandatory Stage 3 Water Conservation Measures for the South Slocan Water System in Electoral Area H due to low source water flows and to facilitate adequate night-time reservoir filling and recovery.
Stage 3 Water Conservation Measures include:
The RDCK appreciates your cooperation in adhering to the above water conservation measures. Stage 3 Water Conservation Measures will remain in effect until further notice. Stricter water conservation measures may be required if demand increases significantly, dry weather persists, or if the reservoir declines to critically low levels.
Additional water conservation measures are available on the RDCK website: www.rdck.ca/water.
Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.
Upgrades at The Rosebery Transfer Station are now complete and the site will resume normal operating hours as of Saturday October 5th, 2024.
The upgrades included the addition of a compactor bin, expansion of the tipping area to include a yard and garden waste bin, adjustment to the access road, and installation of site surveillance.
If you have questions for RDCK Staff, please email rrdept@rdck.bc.ca.
The Slocan Transfer Station will be temporarily closed, due to construction, beginning October 5, 2024.
Completion of the work is expected by December.
Slocan upgrades are the last of a larger project to replace aging infrastructure, increase site capacity, and improve the efficiency of waste management in the area, following upgrades to both the Rosebery and Nakusp waste facilities.
The RDCK may increase hours of operation at the closest neighbouring facility for both waste and recycling, if required.
Visit www.rdck.ca/2024Construction for more details and updates or email rrdept@rdck.bc.ca.
Nelson, BC: The RDCK in partnership with the East Shore Trail and Bike Association (ESTBA) is moving forward with the trail development, previously planned to start last spring, connecting Peters Road to the main parking lot and beach area at Crawford Creek Regional Park. This new trail will focus on enhancing trail safety and accessibility by providing an accessible trail route with crushed gravel resurfacing, a loop extension to the network and eliminating safety hazards.
Work on the trail is set to begin on October 3, 2024 with an anticipated completion date of November 25, 2024. Park users can expect to see flagging and roping identifying the trail work area along with pre-mowing and scraping of organic materials in the designated trail space. This work needs to be completed prior to constructing the main trail build, which will be done by laying cloth and trail building materials.
There will also be a deconstruction of the existing bridge crossing at the pond site and removal of the rock gabions that support the bridge. The deconstruction of the existing bridge is due to safety concerns. The new bridge, currently on site, will be set into place at a later date.
The RDCK has been in close consultation with a Registered Professional Biologist, First Nations Communities and the Province of BC to ensure all permits, permissions and environmental procedures are in place before work begins. The RDCK will continue to consult with all parties throughout the project timeline.
Sections of the park will be closed during phases of construction. Please be mindful, maintain a safe distance from equipment and trail crews working in the area, and observe on site signage.
For more information visit rdck.ca/parks, email us at parks@rdck.bc.ca or call us at 250.352.1574.
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Local Conservation Fund
The Board adopted Local Conservation Fund Service Area Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw No. 2959, 2024, a bylaw to amend Local Conservation Fund Service Area Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 2438, 2013 which provides for the preparation of a parcel tax roll to fund the Local Conservation Fund Service in Electoral Areas A, D, E, F, and H. The service supports local conservation projects that reflect local priorities. Local Conservation Fund Service Area Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 2438, 2013 stipulated a 10-year term for the parcel tax. The adopted amendment removes the term. Adoption of the amending bylaw reduces administrative burden and the risk of the parcel tax bylaw timing out in a manner that does not allow for renewal in the subsequent tax year.
Moving forward, the Board has directed staff to engage with Areas A, D, and E on the Local Conservation Fund based on the 10-year clause in the original service bylaw.
Medical First Responder Service – Electoral Area A
The Board directed staff to complete a service case analysis regarding the provision of Medical First Responder Services for all of Electoral Area A by no later than June 2025. A proposed service establishment is intended to address inequities in the provision and costs of medical first responder services for Electoral Area A. The objective is to establish consistent service levels, equitable distribution of costs, and appropriate authorization for medical first responder services for a defined portion of Electoral Area A. If the Board moves forward, staff will prepare a service establishment bylaw, which will be subject to conducting a public consultation process and voter approval by means of Alternative Approval Process.
Director’s Reports
RDCK Directors provide monthly reports outlining what they have been working on. Click here to read the September reports in the Board minutes.
RDCK Quarterly Report
For the latest RDCK Quarterly Report, which details the current projects and initiatives of the RDCK, please follow the link.
Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.
Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) will be issuing a Boil Water Notice for users on the Ymir Water System. The system is located in the community of Ymir between Nelson and Salmo and is within RDCK Electoral Area G.
Effective Wednesday, September 25, 2024 a localized BOIL WATER NOTICE will be issued as a precautionary measure due to water main depressurization from a reservoir metering project. Affected users will also experience water outages on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
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, facility owners 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 rdck.ca/water.
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Nelson, BC: The official results of the September 14, 2024 referendum for the West Creston Fire Protection Service have been declared by the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Chief Elections Officer. The proposed West Creston Fire Protection Area Service Establishment Amendment Bylaw and Loan Authorization Bylaw in Electoral Area C did not receive voter assent.
REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL KOOTENAY
WEST CRESTON FIRE SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT & LOAN AUTHORIZATION
ASSENT VOTE
ASSENT VOTING RESULTS – OFFICIAL RESULTS
| VOTING STATIONS | YES | NO | SPOILED/REJECTED | TOTAL |
| Mail-In Ballots | 4 | 7 | 0 | 11 |
| Creston & District Community Complex | 86 | 140 | 1 | 227 |
| Voter Turnout: 52% (457 on Voters List) | 90 | 147 | 1 | 238 |
The questions asked to obtain the assent of the electors were:
Are you in favour of the RDCK adopting both of the following bylaws?
☐ YES ☐ NO
1. West Creston Fire Protection Area Service Establishment Amendment Bylaw No. 2912, 2024 which will permit the Regional District to increase the maximum annual allowable requisition for West Creston Fire Service S291 from $146,250 or $1.57/$1,000 of net taxable value of land and improvement within the service area, whichever is greater, to $393,831 or $2.5519/$1000 of net taxable value of land and improvements within the service area, whichever is greater; and
2. West Creston Fire Protection Service Loan Authorization (Fire Hall, Water Tender & Frontline Fire Engine) Bylaw No. 2916, 2024, which will permit the Regional District to borrow an amount not to exceed $2,151,900 for the purpose of completing the construction of the West Creston Fire Hall and replacing the frontline West Creston Water Tender and Fire Engine.
The results of the referendum mean the proposal will not go ahead. RDCK staff and Directors thank the voters for turning up and casting their ballots. There was a 52% voter turnout for the referendum. From the beginning of the process, the RDCK was committed to ensuring the electors made the decision on if this service should proceed or not, and is pleased voter turnout for this process was substantial.
“The RDCK will now be looking at potential options for fire protection and response in the West Creston service area,” said Kelly Vandenberghe, RDCK Electoral Area C Director. “We will be working with the Town of Creston and other stakeholders to determine these options. Once we have had these discussions we will communicate them to the community.”
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The RDCK is anticipating service disruptions for the commercial cardboard recycling service in Central and West sub-regions until September 23.
We kindly ask commercial users to hold on to their cardboard until we resume our commercial cardboard recycling service.
Alternatively, commercial cardboard will be accepted for disposal at RDCK waste facilities at the mixed waste tipping fee during this time.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay’s (RDCK) Creston & District Community Complex (CDCC) pool reopening date has been delayed due to an issue with the new filter valve being installed. The pool is now expected to open on Thursday, September 12.
“During our pool shutdown, we undertook the replacement of the main pool filter valves,” said Craig Stanley, RDCK Regional Manager of Operations and Asset Management.” During this installation, we ran into an issue with the replacement filter valve. This issue has led to a delay in the scheduled work causing us to push back our original opening date.”
The pool at the CDCC has been closed since August 26 for our annual pool shutdown and was originally set to re-open on September 9. During the annual pool shutdown, facility staff as well as contractors undertake maintenance required to the pool that cannot be done when the CDCC pool is open to the public.
“This delay does not affect our fall aquatics programming which is all set to start during the week of September 16,” said Stanley. “Pool users should be aware they may experience cooler pool water than normal in the first few days after opening. This is because the replacement of the filter valve stops us from filling the pool, therefore delaying the ability for the pool to have time to heat up to our regular temperature.”
For more information about our aquatics programming, connect with CDCC staff at 250.428.7127 or visit our website rdck.ca/recreation.
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Nelson, BC: Since August 22, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), working along side provincial geotechnical experts, have been monitoring the logjam in Hamill Creek located in Electoral Area D, near the community of Argenta, approximately 1.25 km up from the Hamill Creek Bridge. Weekly flights have been taken to survey the logjam and no significant changes in the logjam have been observed. There will be no further monitoring at this time.
Logjams such as this occur frequently in natural systems, and can often be stable for many years. The logjam will be evaluated as part of the post wildfire natural hazard risk analysis process for the Argenta Creek wildfire by the Province; this report once available later this fall, will be posted and shared on the RDCK website. Any residents determined to be at increased risk as a result of the findings will also have the report mailed to them.
Should residents observe changing conditions, i.e. a pulsing flow pattern, large unnatural variations in the water levels of the creek, or abnormally dirty water, move away from the creek channel and call the Provincial Emergency Coordinator Centre at 1.800.663.3456 to report these conditions.
If you have any further questions, contact the RDCK Emergency Operations Centre at 250.352.7701.
Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is pleased to announce the reopening of Glacier Creek Regional Park in Electoral Area D effective today. The park was initially closed on July 25, 2024 due to the wildfire situation in the Duncan Reservoir area. With area restrictions being lifted by BC Wildfire Services and the ability to complete a risk assessment, it has been determined that it is safe to welcome the public back to the park.
For current parks and trails statuses, visit rdck.ca/parks.
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Emergency Operations Centre
3:30 PM PST
*This will be our final information bulletin
Currently there are no active Evacuation Orders or Evacuation Alerts in the RDCK.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains in regular communication with BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) to monitor the fires within the region. There are currently 76 wildfires in the Southeast Fire Centre, none of which are classified as out of control; 59 wildfires are being held and 17 are under control. For the most accurate and up to date information go to the BCWS website and the RDCK website.
Resiliency Centres
Three Resiliency Centres remain open to assist residents who were evacuated due to the wildfires in our region. These centres are dedicated to support the community’s recovery and will provide essential information, resources, and connections to NGOs offering well-being support for those returning home. This is the final week for the resiliency centres. If you need further support, reach out to the RDCK EOC at 250.352.7701.
Two Disaster Psychosocial Support (DPS) members will rotate between the three Resiliency Centres. These trained professionals are available to assist residents in coping with the immediate effects of the wildfire and offering psychological first aid. This includes providing practical assistance, helping residents manage stress, and connecting them with additional mental health resources as needed. They are there to support the well-being and resilience of those impacted by the wildfires. Once established, their schedules will be posted on the RDCK website www.rdck.ca/eocinfo.
Silverton Memorial Hall, 203 Lake Ave.
September 6 – 9:30 am to 1:30 pm *At the Silverton Community Market
Argenta Community Hall, 1024 Argenta Johnsons Landing Rd.
September 4 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
W.E. Graham Community Service Society (Learning Centre), 1001 Harold St.
September 4 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
September 5 – 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Road Closures
Despite the Evacuation Order being rescinded, the Glacier Creek FSR on the east side of Duncan Lake in Electoral Area D remains CLOSED under order from the Selkirk Natural Resource District. The area continues to be impacted by the hazards of wildfire.
Returning Home After an Evacuation Order
The RDCK advises all residents to read through the information in this re-entry document on what to do when you return home after a wildfire.
For those residents who lost power for a significant period of time, they could be returning home to fridges and freezers full of spoiled food. Some homeowners may also find their fridges and freezers have stopped working, due to blown compressors as a result of power surges when power returns. Read this document for more information on how to remove food and prepare your fridge or freezer, as well as instruction on how to minimize wildlife attraction.
For residents that were unable to utilize the collection service for damaged refrigerator units provided by the RDCK, the Christian Aid Ministry has volunteered to help transport damaged fridges and freezers to the landfill. Please call 250-254-2417 to make arrangements for assistance. Please note, fridges and freezers must be cleaned out before the Christian Aid Ministry can pick them up.
A reminder to residents that all RDCK transfer stations and landfills accept residential (non-commercial) appliances for recycling free of charge.
As the work continues to shift from wildfire response to recovery, the RDCK recognizes that some residents are concerned about the impacts of wildfires to their water systems. While the RDCK shares in that concern, the responsibility is with the owner of the water system to ensure its quality. The RDCK has created an information sheet to try and facilitate the necessary support for water system owners.
Slocan Lake Complex wildfire
The Slocan Lake Complex includes the Komonko Creek wildfire, Mulvey Creek wildfire, Nemo Creek wildfire, and Ponderosa wildfire. A complex is created when multiple wildfires are managed by a single Incident Management Team, and resources and equipment are shared between all incidents in the complex.
As of Wednesday, August 28 all four fires are being held by BCWS. As well the Area restriction for the Slocan Lake Complex was rescinded.
BCWS has provide this document to help understand the timeline for rehabilitation for those areas affected by wildfire.
Wildfire updates can be found under the Response tab of the incident pages on the Wildfire Map.
Komonko Creek wildfire, N51210 (merged with Aylwin Creek wildfire N51065)
On the recommendation of the BCWS the RDCK EOC has rescinded the Evacuation Alert for all properties impacted by the Komonko Creek wildfire. Click for more details:
Nemo Creek wildfire, N51103
On the recommendation of the BCWS the RDCK EOC has rescinded the Evacuation Alert for all properties impacted by the Nemo Creek wildfire. Click for more details:
Mulvey Creek wildfire, N51117
On the recommendation of the BCWS the RDCK EOC has rescinded the Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert for the Mulvey Creek wildfire. Click for more details:
Ponderosa wildfire, N51069
On the recommendation of the BCWS the RDCK EOC has rescinded the Evacuation Alert for residents impacted by the Ponderosa wildfire. Click for more details:
Lavina Complex
The Lavina Complex includes the Argenta Creek wildfire, Lower Meadow Mountain wildfire, and Howser Ridge 3 wildfire. A complex is created when multiple wildfires are managed by a single Incident Management Team, and resources and equipment are shared between all incidents in the complex. As of August 29 the Argenta Creek wildfire and Howser Ridge 3 are categorized as “Being Held” by BCWS, while the Lower Meadow Mountain wildfire has been extinguished.
Wildfire updates can be found under the Response tab of the incident pages on the Wildfire Map.
Argenta Creek wildfire, N71058 (merged with Glacier Creek wildfire, N71098)
On the recommendation of the BCWS the RDCK EOC has rescinded the Evacuation Order for Glacier Creek FSR. Click for more details:
On July 27 BCWS merged the Glacier Creek wildfire information with the Argenta Creek wildfire.
General Information
For more information on the wildfires refer to BCWS website, BCWS Facebook and BCWS X.
Visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo for the complete details of all current evacuation orders and alerts. Follow the RDCK on Facebook and X. Affected residents with any questions can contact the RDCK Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at 250-352-7701.
Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.
Emergency Operations Centre
2:30 PM PST
*Updated: Evacuation Order rescinded for Glacier Creek FSR. Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert rescinded for Mulvey Creek wildfire.
Currently there are no active Evacuation Orders or Evacuation Alerts in the RDCK.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains in regular communication with BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) to monitor the fires within the region. There are currently 76 wildfires in the Southeast Fire Centre, 70 of which are being held and six that are under control. For the most accurate and up to date information go to the BCWS website and the RDCK website.
Resiliency Centres
Three Resiliency Centres remain open to assist residents who were evacuated due to the wildfires in our region. These centres are dedicated to support the community’s recovery and will provide essential information, resources, and connections to NGOs offering well-being support for those returning home. The centres will be open for just one more week ending Friday, September 6.
Two Disaster Psychosocial Support (DPS) members will rotate between the three Resiliency Centres. These trained professionals are available to assist residents in coping with the immediate effects of the wildfire and offering psychological first aid. This includes providing practical assistance, helping residents manage stress, and connecting them with additional mental health resources as needed. They are there to support the well-being and resilience of those impacted by the wildfires. Once established, their schedules will be posted on the RDCK website www.rdck.ca/eocinfo.
Silverton Memorial Hall, 203 Lake Ave.
August 30 – 9:30 am to 1:30 pm *At the Silverton Community Market
September 3 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
September 6 – 9:30 am to 1:30 pm *At the Silverton Community Market
Argenta Community Hall, 1024 Argenta Johnsons Landing Rd.
September 4 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
W.E. Graham Community Service Society (Learning Centre), 1001 Harold St.
August 29 – 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
September 4 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
September 5 – 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Road Closures
Despite the Evacuation Order being rescinded, the Glacier Creek FSR on the east side of Duncan Lake in Electoral Area D remains CLOSED under order from the Selkirk Natural Resource District. The area continues to be impacted by the hazards of wildfire. Glacier Greek Regional Park also remains closed until further notice. Park structures were not damaged due to the wildfire, but a risk assessment must be completed before the park can reopen to the public.
Returning Home After an Evacuation Order
The RDCK advises all residents to read through the information in this re-entry document on what to do when you return home after a wildfire.
For those residents who lost power for a significant period of time, they could be returning home to fridges and freezers full of spoiled food. Some homeowners may also find their fridges and freezers have stopped working, due to blown compressors as a result of power surges when power returns. Read this document for more information on how to remove food and prepare your fridge or freezer, as well as instruction on how to minimize wildlife attraction.
For residents that were unable to utilize the collection service for damaged refrigerator units provided by the RDCK, the Christian Aid Ministry has volunteered to help transport damaged fridges and freezers to the landfill. Please call 250-254-2417 to make arrangements for assistance. Please note, fridges and freezers must be cleaned out before the Christian Aid Ministry can pick them up.
A reminder to residents that all RDCK transfer stations and landfills accept residential (non-commercial) appliances for recycling free of charge.
Slocan Lake Complex wildfire
The Slocan Lake Complex includes the Komonko Creek wildfire, Mulvey Creek wildfire, Nemo Creek wildfire, and Ponderosa wildfire. A complex is created when multiple wildfires are managed by a single Incident Management Team, and resources and equipment are shared between all incidents in the complex.
As of Wednesday, August 28 all four fires are now categorized as “Being Held” by BCWS. As well the Area restriction for the Slocan Lake Complex was rescinded.
As the work continues to shift from wildfire response to recovery, BCWS has provide this document to help understand the timeline for rehabilitation for those areas affected by wildfire.
Wildfire updates can be found under the Response tab of the incident pages on the Wildfire Map.
Residents are encouraged to contact the BCWS Information Officer with any questions regarding the Slocan Lake Complex wildfire: BCWS.Slocan.Information@gov.bc.ca
Komonko Creek wildfire, N51210 (merged with Aylwin Creek wildfire N51065)
On the recommendation of the BCWS the RDCK EOC has rescinded the Evacuation Alert for all properties impacted by the Komonko Creek wildfire. Click for more details:
Nemo Creek wildfire, N51103
On the recommendation of the BCWS the RDCK EOC has rescinded the Evacuation Alert for all properties impacted by the Nemo Creek wildfire. Click for more details:
Mulvey Creek wildfire, N51117
On the recommendation of the BCWS the RDCK EOC has rescinded the Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert for the Mulvey Creek wildfire. Click for more details:
Ponderosa wildfire, N51069
On the recommendation of the BCWS the RDCK EOC has rescinded the Evacuation Alert for residents impacted by the Ponderosa wildfire. Click for more details:
Lavina Complex
The Lavina Complex includes the Argenta Creek wildfire, Lower Meadow Mountain wildfire, and Howser Ridge 3 wildfire. A complex is created when multiple wildfires are managed by a single Incident Management Team, and resources and equipment are shared between all incidents in the complex. As of August 29 the Argenta Creek wildfire and Howser Ridge 3 are categorized as “Being Held” by BCWS, while the Lower Meadow Mountain wildfire is “Under Control”.
Wildfire updates can be found under the Response tab of the incident pages on the Wildfire Map.
Argenta Creek wildfire, N71058 (merged with Glacier Creek wildfire, N71098)
On the recommendation of the BCWS the RDCK EOC has rescinded the Evacuation Order for Glacier Creek FSR. Click for more details:
On July 27 BCWS merged the Glacier Creek wildfire information with the Argenta Creek wildfire.
General Information
For more information on the wildfires refer to BCWS website, BCWS Facebook and BCWS X.
Visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo for the complete details of all current evacuation orders and alerts. Follow the RDCK on Facebook and X. Affected residents with any questions can contact the RDCK Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at 250-352-7701.
Click here for a print-friendly PDF version.
