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RDEK Board Highlights
Seeking clarification on future of Agricultural Land Reserve
Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors Dec. 6 agreed to have a letter sent to the Premier, Minister of Agriculture and Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett, Minister responsible for the Core Review requesting clarification of what is being contemplated with respect to the future of the Agricultural Land Reserve and Agricultural Land Commission; an update on the status of the ALR boundary review in the East Kootenay; and that the Province consult local government on any changes contemplated to the ALR or ALC.
Area A Home Based Business regulations do not proceed
After several months of consulting with the Elk Valley municipalities and rural residents, the board decided not to proceed with any changes to the regulation of home based businesses in Electoral Area A. In the unincorporated areas of the Elk Valley, home based businesses are presently permitted in all residential and rural residential zones as an accessory use to a single family dwelling, and the existing regulations will remain unchanged.
Board meeting schedule for 2014 approved
The board approved the following board meetings schedule for 2014: January 10; February 14; March 7; April 4; May 2; June 6; July 4; August 1; September 5; October 3; November 7; and December 12.
Funding Application to be submitted for flood-related repairs near Elk Valley Regional Airport
An application will be submitted for Disaster Financial Assistance for repairs to riprap armoring the bank of the Elk River on the east side of the Elk Valley Regional Airport. The existing riprap armoring was damaged during the flooding earlier this year.
Slee Appointed as RDEK representative to Working Group
Electoral Area B Director Heath Slee has been appointed as the RDEK representative to the Strategic Planning Working Group to provide recommendations on the development of the East Kootenay—Koocanusa Fish and Wildlife Program Watershed Action Plan. Director Wayne Stetski (City of Cranbrook Mayor) has been appointed as Slee’s alternate on the Working Group.
Conservation Fund administration budget approved
The 2014 budget for administration of the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund Program in the amount of $21,250 has been approved. The fund is administered by the Kootenay Conservation Program on behalf of the RDEK.
Overview Level Hazard Assessments received
Following the flooding this summer, the RDEK received funding from Emergency Management BC for an aerial assessment of both Cold Spring Creek and Fairmont Creek. The Overview Level Hazard Assessments have been received. A detailed assessment on Cold Spring Creek will be considered if future funding opportunities become available. The Fairmont Creek assessment was included as supporting documentation in the RDEK’s application for Phase 2 flood mitigation work through the Building Canada Flood Protection Program.
Letter of support for economic development
The RDEK board will send a letter of support to the Columbia Valley and Radium Hot Springs Chambers of Commerce for economic development work in the Columbia Valley.
Requesting reinvestment of licensing fees to expand broadband services to rural Canada
Letters will be sent to the Minister of Industry and Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs with a copy to MP David Wilks requesting the Federal Government reinvest licensing fees from the sale of broadband frequencies in expanding broadband services to rural Canada.
In support of Watershed Protection Dialogues
A letter of support will be sent to the Lake Windermere Ambassadors to conduct the Columbia Headwaters Watershed Protection Dialogues project.
Area C Library Board appointments
June Vandenbergh and Fred Stevens have been appointed as the Electoral Area C representatives on the Cranbrook Public Library Board for the term January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015.
Discretionary Grant in Aid (DGIA) Funding
– Sparwood Secondary School will receive $1,000 and Fernie Secondary School will receive $2,000 each from the Electoral Area A DGIA account to help offset the costs associated with sending their senior volleyball teams to Provincials.
– The Hosmer Recreation Society will receive $500 from the Electoral Area A DGIA account for an amplifying system at the Hosmer Community Hall.
– Fernie Alpine Resort will receive $1,000 from the Electoral Area A DGIA account for its New Years Eve Fireworks.
– The Fernie Freestyle Ski Club will receive $2,000 from the Electoral Area A DGIA account to go towards the costs of purchasing an airbag training facility.
– The Fernie Chamber of Commerce will receive $3,000 from the Electoral Area A DGIA account for Fernie’s 2014 Griz Days Festival.
– The Baynes Lake Volunteer Fire Department Society will receive $300 from the Electoral Area B DGIA account for the purchase of an Automatic External Defibrillator.
Lead image: Lake Windermere Ambassadors Program Coordinator Kirsten Harma tests Lake Windermere water earlier this summer.
RDEK
