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RDEK Board Highlights
RDEK explores possibility of new park
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors March 30 agreed to direct administrative staff to meet with staff from the relevant provincial agencies to review the feasibility of acquiring the Cherry Creek Falls site for regional park purposes. Cherry Creek Falls is located north of Kimberley.
Fernie Transfer Station operation contract awarded
The Fernie Transfer Station Operation contract has been awarded to Waste Management for a five-year period. The new Fernie Transfer Station is expected to open later this spring.
Further consideration on rezoning postponed
The RDEK has postponed further consideration of the rezoning of District Lot 48 until May 2013. The Nature Conservancy of Canada is currently in the process of trying to purchase the property, located on the east side of Columbia Lake, between Canal Flats and Fairmont Hot Springs. The decision to postpone further consideration on the rezoning is intended to provide time for that process to be completed.
St. Mary Lake Rezoning Bylaw adopted
The board adopted an Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendment for the Tembec property on the east shore of St. Mary Lake (pictured above) to facilitate a 15 lot rural residential development. Tembec has agreed to provide a 15 acre parcel of waterfront land to the RDEK for regional park purposes at the time the land is subdivided.
Requesting increased police presence
A letter will be sent to the Solicitor General requesting a reservist be engaged to provide policing service in the Lake Koocanusa area this summer.
West Fernie Dike project moves forward
Kerr Wood Leidal has been awarded the contract for engineering services for the second phase of the West Fernie Bank and Infrastructure Protection Project. The project will include 1,200m of dike upgrades.
Grant application for Spur Valley
An application will be submitted to the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development for an Infrastructure Planning Grant to undertake a study to determine the viability of groundwater wells as a water source for the Spur Valley Improvement District.
Modification agreement signed
The chair and chief administrative officer have signed the Modification Agreement for the Windermere and Timber Ridge Bulk Water Supply and Water Meter Installation Project. The agreement extends the required completion of the project from March 31, 2013 to March 31, 2015. The extension was requested by the RDEK to allow more time for a public consultation process in Windermere to seek options for water system upgrades for the community.
Columbia River boating restrictions
The board adopted a resolution supporting a year round prohibition on vessels over 20HP operating in the main channels of the RDEK portion of the Columbia River. The proposed 20HP restriction is a Transport Canada regulation that is being considered for the Columbia River Wetlands area between Fairmont Hot Springs and Donald, northwest of Golden. The proposed regulation will not affect Columbia Lake or Lake Windermere.
Windermere Utility Advisory Commission appointments
Former Electoral Area F director Mick Eldstrom, Sherry Avery and Gord Lazzarotto have been reappointed to the Windermere Utility Advisory Commission for a two-year term. A total of five members sit on the Commission.
New truck for Windermere Fire
The Windermere Volunteer Fire Department will soon be replacing a pumper truck in its fleet. The new pumper will be purchased from Hub Fire Engines for $390,129 plus taxes.
Wildfire Prevention Program funding sought
B.A. Blackwell and Associates Ltd. will submit applications to the Union of BC Municipalities 2012 Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative Program to develop prescriptions for wildfire fuel management in Lakeview (3.9ha) and Baynes Lake (4.3ha).
Elkford tipping fees to be waived for clean up
Tipping fees will be waived at the Elkford Transfer Station for the District of Elkford Spring Clean Up May 7-19, 2012.
Discretionary Grants In Aid (DGIA)
The Kootenay Female Bantam Ice Hockey Team will receive $250 from the Area A DGIA account, $500 from the Area C DGIA account and $200 from the Area E DGIA account to go towards their participation in the BC Hockey Provincial Championships.
Fernie Skiing Heritage will receive $2,500 from the Area A DGIA account for the establishment of a website; assistance with recording and documenting inductees into the Fernie Skiing Heritage Wall of Fame; and coordinating other events to celebrate 50 years of skiing in the area.
The Society of Old Age Pensioners will receive $5,000 from the Area A DGIA account for the Sparwood Senior Citizens Hall expansion project.
The Elko Parks and Recreation Association will receive $500 from the Area B DGIA account for the Early Childhood Education program operating costs. The 16-session program will run in Elko.
The Kimberley Nordic Club will receive $2,000 from the Area C DGIA for its Storage/Maintenance Building Project.
The Kimberley Dynamiters will receive $1,000 from the Area E DGIA account and $1,000 from the Area C DGIA account for the Bull-a-Rama fundraiser in early May.
Cranbrook Family Connections will receive $500 from the Area C DGIA to assist Darelyn Hutchinson with costs to attend a National Youth Conference.
The BC Senior Games Society—Zone 7 will receive $500 from the Area C DGIA to offset costs for their participation in the 2012 BC Senior Games.
The East Kootenay Performing Arts Festival Society will receive $300 from the Area C DGIA for the upcoming East Kootenay Performing Arts Festival.
The Senior Citizens Branch 11 will receive $1,000 from the Area C DGIA for the purchase of a vertical platform lift to improve access to both levels of the Seniors Hall.
The Cranbrook Friendship Hockey Tournament 2013 will receive $2,500 from the Area C DGIA account to help cover expenses related to the team’s participation in the Friendship Hockey Tournament in Aldergrove.
The BC Senior Games Society—Zone 7 will receive $500 from the Area C DGIA to offset costs for their participation in the 2012 BC Senior Games.
Wings over the Rockies will receive $500 from the Area F DGIA account and $500 from the Area G DGIA account for the 16th annual Wings over the Rockies Bird Festival.
The Columbia Valley Cycling Society will receive $500 from the Area F DGIA and $500 from the Area G DGIA accounts to help with trail management.
10-Year Service Award
RDEK Planning & Development Services Manager Andrew McLeod received his ten-year service award. McLeod started out with the RDEK as a Planner in 2002.
Public input meetings
Columbia Basin Trust—Community Initiatives & Affected Areas Programs
April 4 6 p.m. Columbia Valley – Invermere Community Hall – 709 10th Street. Proposals affecting: District of Invermere, Village of Canal Flats, Village of Radium Hot Springs, Electoral Area F (rural Canal Flats to rural Invermere), and Electoral Area G (Wilmer to Spillimacheen).
April 10 6 p.m. Cranbrook – Cranbrook Library Manual Training School – 1212 2nd St N. Proposals affecting: City of Cranbrook.
April 11 7 p.m. Fernie – Council Chambers – 501 3rd Avenue. Proposals affecting: City of Fernie.
April 11 7 p.m. Area E – Wasa Community Hall – Wasa School Road. Proposals Affecting: Electoral Area E (rural Kimberley, Wasa, Ta Ta Creek, Skookumchuck, etc.).
April 12 7 p.m. Area C – Cranbrook Library Manual Training School – 1212 2nd St N. Proposals affecting: Electoral Area C (rural Cranbrook, Moyie, Fort Steele, Bull River, Wardner, etc.).
April 16 7 p.m. Kimberley – Council Chambers – 340 Spokane Street. Proposals affecting: City of Kimberley.
April 16 7 p.m. Area A – Hosmer Community Hall – Front Street & 6th Avenue. Proposals affecting: Electoral Area A (rural Elk Valley).
April 17 7 p.m. Area B – Jaffray Community Hall – 7375 Jaffray Village Loop Road. Proposals affecting: Electoral Area B (South Country).
April 23 7 p.m. Sparwood – Council Chambers – 136 Spruce Avenue. Proposals affecting: District of Sparwood.
April 24 6 p.m. Elkford – Council Chambers – 816 Michel Road.
Next board meetings
Thursday May 3, Committee Meetings TBA
Friday May 4, RDEK Board Meeting 9 a.m.
Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board Meeting 11 a.m.
Public Hearings
Monday, April 23 —7 p.m. Kimberley Centennial Hall Bylaw 2364—Kimberley Rural Zoning & Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 1925, 2006—Amendment Bylaw No. 12, 2012 (St. Mary Valley West / A & I Comfort Housing Ltd.)
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