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RDEK Board Highlights for December
The following is a synopsis of some items covered during the December Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors’ meeting.
Public hearings pending
The Board gave initial readings to two bylaws in the JimSmith and Fernie Alpine Resort areas. Public hearings were authorized for both bylaws and will be held in the new year once public notice can be mailed to residents and property owners around the parcels subject to the bylaw amendments. Once the dates are set, the notices will also be available on the website and published in a local newspaper in advance of the hearing. Those interested in submitting comments on either bylaw are requested to wait until notice is published.
Contract awarded for Columbia Valley landfill project
The RDEK will soon begin a new project at the Columbia Valley Landfill.
The project will take a portion of the landfill that has been closed for some time, reshape it, and add a clay cap and topsoil so that it is permanently closed. This is part of a progressive closure plan for portions of the landfill that have reached capacity and will no longer be accessed. Progressive closure is a landfill practice that the RDEK regularly uses at its Central Subregion Landfill and will ensure proper contouring at the Columbia Valley site so that future sections identified for progressive closure can be seamlessly tied into this Phase 1 project.
Mackay Contracting Ltd. has been awarded the contract for this phase of the project and is expected to begin work early in the New Year.
Yellow Bin Program phase-out timeline adjusted
With a modernization plan for RDEK Rural Transfer Stations to be proposed in 2025 and impending changes to provincial stewardship programs expected from the provincial government in 2026, the RDEK Board has amended a prior decision and has directed staff to phase out the program in three years rather than in 2025.
The program provides yellow recycling bins to businesses, institutions and rural transfer stations. This three-year amended timeline will allow time to begin implementing the transfer station modernization and explore other potential options for businesses and residential customers who currently rely on the Yellow Bin Program, without gaps in service. A three-year contract extension for the Yellow Bin Program has been awarded to GFL Environmental Inc.
Letter of support
A letter of support will be provided to Kootenay Employment Services for its application to the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program for their Regional Childcare Project.
Exhaust extraction system contract awarded
The contract for the purchase and installation of diesel exhaust extraction systems for the Fairmont Hot Springs and Jaffray Fire Departments has been awarded to Nederman.
Funding request denied
A request from the East Kootenay Division of Family Practice for a $45,000 grant to support physician recruitment was denied in an 11-four vote by the board after much debate. Reasons cited for the denial included the current economic climate, tight regional budgets, and the fact that physician recruitment falls under the Ministry of Health, which is a provincial responsibility.
Library Board appointments
Alyssa Panning has been re-appointed to the Cranbrook Public Library Board while Jennifer Tagg has been re-appointed to the Radium Hot Springs Library Board for the term January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026.
Discretionary Grants-in-Aid
The Moyie Volunteer Fire Department Society will receive $6,000 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account to assist with operating costs.
OTHER NEWS & EVENTS
Canada Post strike impacts
The Canada Post strike impacted RDEK operations in a number of ways. Although mail service has resumed, it will take time for several of our processes to return to normal. Learn more about the impacts.
Elk Valley OCP Advisory Group application forms available
The RDEK is now taking applications for the volunteer positions on the Elk Valley OCP Advisory Group. The application deadline is January 11. Learn more here.
Short Term Rental new fees
Effective January 1, the application fees for Short Term Rental Temporary Use Permits will increase. To learn more about the new fees, fill out an application form or access the hotline for concerns or complaints.
New menu system for RDEK website
The RDEK is in the process of overhauling its website and users will notice a new look and feel when visiting www.rdek.bc.ca. The biggest change will be a more comprehensive menu system which is aimed at improving the site’s navigation. The changes to the site will be ongoing for several weeks.
Interactive workshop planned for late January as part of Elk Valley Official Community Plan process
As part of the Elk Valley OCP process, the RDEK will host an interactive workshop January 31, on Short-Term Rental (STR) location and occupancy at Fernie Alpine Resort. The workshop will be targeted to residents, STR operators, and ski hill representatives. The application deadline to be part of the workshop is 4 p.m. on January 16. To learn more or apply or contact the RDEK.
2025 Volunteer of the Year nominations open
Nominations will be accepted starting January 2 for the 2025 Electoral Area Volunteer of the Year Awards. If you know an amazing volunteer who lives in an RDEK Electoral Area and makes a difference through their kindness and volunteerism, we encourage you to nominate them. Details are posted on engage.rdek.bc.ca/volunteer
STR temporary use permit applications
Short Term Rental Temporary Use Permit Applications under staff delegated and RDEK Board consideration are posted on the Meetings & Notices page of the RDEK website.
Bylaw Amendments
NEXT BOARD MEETINGS
January 9, 2025 – RDEK Committee Meetings TBA
January 10 – RDEK Board Meeting 9 a.m.
Lead image: One of the subdivision roads at Fernie Alpine Resort. e-KNOW file photos
RDEK
