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RDEK Board Highlights
Board priorities
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors Jan. 10 set its 2014 priorities. Among the projects on the Strategic Priorities Chart are Windermere Water Consultation/community assent, the Agricultural Area Plan, Flood Control works, three Official Community Plans, a review of the Solid Waste Management Plan, creation of an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan, Columbia Valley Recreation agreements and planning work.
Application for CBT Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Funding now available
The board approved the administration fee for the 2014/2015 Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs and applications are now being accepted. The RDEK administers the programs on behalf of CBT. Application forms and proposal guidelines are available at the RDEK’s Cranbrook and Columbia Valley offices and on its website at www.rdek.bc.ca. Applications may be submitted by registered non-profit organizations, or individuals and groups that are sponsored by a qualified organization.
Deadline for proposals is 4:30 p.m. Monday, February 17. Late applications are not eligible for consideration.
Windermere Water Report received
The RDEK Board of Directors has accepted the Kerr Wood Leidal Windermere Water System Improvement Options Report. The report includes possible options for bringing potable water to Windermere that were identified by the community, including four that were short listed for more detailed consideration. The RDEK is seeking the community’s input on its preferred options by February 12.
Wasa and Area Official Community Plan
The board gave first and second reading to the Wasa and Area Official Community Plan and Area E Zoning Bylaw.
A public hearing will be held in late February in Wasa. The date and time for the public hearing are expected to be confirmed in early February.
Community Works Funds approved for Fairmont Creek Flood Control
Community Works Funds in the amount of $77,888 will be allocated to the Fairmont Creek Flood Control Phase 2 Upgrades and a letter will be sent to Emergency Management BC confirming the Fairmont Creek Flood and Debris Torrent Control Service Area can be expanded and the entire 1/3 community portion of the project ($155,777) will be funded. There is currently a funding application for Fairmont Creek upgrades in to the Building Canada Fund, which has a 1/3 provincial, 1/3 federal contribution structure. EMBC indicated the RDEK’s application has a strong likelihood of success if the community 1/3 is secured.
Support for Homeless Shelter reiterated
A letter will be sent to the Minister Responsible for Housing reiterating the RDEK Board’s support for the proposed East Kootenay homeless shelter. The letter will be copied to Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett, Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald and BC Housing.
Moyie Utility Advisory Commission members reappointed
Brian Conrad, Gary Banks, Steve Brunell and Garry Spence have been reappointed to the Moyie Utility Advisory Commission for a two-year term.
Amendments to Zoning Regulations to be prepared
The board authorized staff to proceed with amendments to zoning regulations to recognize the new Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulation enacted by the Federal Government. Amendments are anticipated to identify appropriate zoning regulations for the agricultural commodity. The initial bylaw amendment will be prepared in consultation with the ALC and Ministry of Agriculture for the Electoral Area E area.
Discretionary Grant-in-Aid (DGIA) funding
– The Elk Valley WildSafeBC Program will receive $1,000 from the Electoral Area A DGIA account for ongoing financial support of the program.
– The Elko Parks and Recreation Association will receive $1,500 from the Electoral Area B DGIA account for the acquisition of community land that the Elko Community Hall sits on.
– The Rotary Club of Invermere will receive $5,665 from the Electoral Area F DGIA account and $4,875 from the Electoral Area G DGIA account to go towards the Invermere Rotary Spray Park project.
RDEK public meetings
Elk Valley Community Directed Funds Committee – January 24 —1 p.m. at Fernie City Hall.
Columbia Valley Community Directed Funds Committee – February 24 —10:30 a.m. at Windermere Fire Hall.
Elk Valley Official Community Plan Visioning Workshop. Participants at this workshop will help identify a vision for future development in the Elk Valley. Tuesday, January 21 – 7 to 9 p.m. at Fernie Family Centre, 521 – 4th Avenue and Wednesday, January 22 —7 to 9 p.m. at Sparwood Senior’s Drop In Centre, 101 – 4th Avenue.
For further information, please contact Matt Gunn, Planner, at 250-489-6903 or toll free at 1-888-478-7335 or [email protected].
Wardner, Mayook and Area Planning Process introductory meeting
The public information meeting will initiate the Wardner, Mayook and Area planning process. Tuesday, January 28 – 7 to 9 p.m. at Steeplesview Recreation Centre, 6211 Cartwright Street, Wardner. For further information, please contact Michele Bates, Planner, at 250-489-2791 or toll free at 1-888-478-7335 or [email protected]
Next board meetings
Thursday February 13 – Committee Meetings TBA.
Friday February 14 – RDEK Board Meeting – 9 a.m.
Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Meeting – 11 a.m.
For more information on RDEK Meetings, programs and services, please visit our website: www.rdek.bc.ca. You can also follow us on Facebook. Just “like” our page and let the news come to you! Search for Regional District of East Kootenay and look for our logo.
HIGHLIGHTS is a monthly publication of the Regional District of East Kootenay. The Regional Board meets on the first Friday of each month (subject to periodic change) at the RDEK office in Cranbrook. Board meetings are open to the public. For more information on this publication, contact Loree Duczek at [email protected] or visit www.rdek.bc.ca
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