Wasa Area Official Community Plan The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is moving forward with a new community planning process for the Wasa area. The existing land use bylaw was adopted in 2002 and covers the area extending from Ta Ta Creek to Sheep Creek. The community has expressed interest in updating the land use policies for the area prompted, in part, by recent development applications, community concerns about the vulnerability of the Wasa aquifer and new information about Wasa Lake. It is expected that the planning process will take about 18 months to complete and will result in a new Official Community Plan for the Wasa area and a single zoning bylaw for Electoral Area E. Residents can expect to receive additional information about the planning process in the months ahead.

New hauler for Elk Valley garbage Waste Management of Canada has been awarded a five-year contract for the hauling of the Elk Valley’s solid waste from the transfer stations in Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford to the landfill in the Crowsnest Pass.

Ministry asked to consider reduced speed zone near Fernie Transfer Station The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will be requested to reduce the speed limit to 60 km/hr along Highway 3 on each side of the Fernie Transfer Station.

Home based business regulation The board July 6 approved the framework and a consultation plan for proposed changes to the regulation of home based businesses across the RDEK. Information about proposed changes to the home based business regulations will be presented to RDEK municipalities, Chambers of Commerce and Advisory Planning Commissions, the Agricultural Land Commission, and to the public via the RDEK website. It is expected that amendments to the respective RDEK zoning bylaws will be introduced in the fall of 2012.

Seeking improved pedestrian safety in Jaffray area The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will be requested to expedite the improvements to pedestrian safety at the point of Jaffray—Baynes Lake Road where the culvert crosses at Little Sand Creek.

Exploring interest on proposed energy and emissions program Letters will be sent to all member municipalities requesting input on the proposed Community Energy & Emissions Planning (CEEP) Program in partnership with BC Hydro and asking if they would be interested in participating in the CEEP: Quick Start.

Discretionary Grants In Aid (DGIA) The City of Cranbrook will receive $1,000 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account to go towards its annual Mosquito Program. JCI Kootenay will receive $2,500 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account to help offset costs associated with hosting the JCI Canada National Convention this September in Cranbrook and Kimberley. The Wasa Lake Land Improvement District will receive $1,000 from the Electoral Area E DGIA account to go towards the Wasa Aquifer 540 Review Study. The Senior Citizens Branch 11 will receive $450 from the Electoral Area E DGIA account to offset the costs of buying and installing a vertical platform lift for the Senior’s Hall in Cranbrook. The new lift will improve access to both levels of the Hall. The Columbia Valley Rockies Booster Society will receive $500 from the Electoral Area F DGIA and $500 from the Electoral Area G DGIA accounts for the club’s annual Bullriding in the Rockies fundraiser.

Other RDEK happenings Public Hearings Tuesday, July 24 —4 p.m . at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort (Birch Room), 5225 Fairmont Resort Road. Bylaw 2376—Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992—Amendment Bylaw No. 271, 2012 (Columbia Lake/Columere Park Developments Ltd.) Tuesday, July 24 —7 p.m. at Edgewater Community Hall, 4818 Selkirk Avenue. Bylaw 2369—Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900– Amendment Bylaw No. 269, 2012 (Auxiliary Dwelling Units/RDEK).

Public Meetings LWMP Implementation Public Meetings Saturday, July 14—11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A presentation and Q&A period will start at noon, at Windermere Community Hall—4726 North Street . The initial draft of new surface water zoning regulations and a Shoreline Development Permit Area have now been completed. Come learn about the new regulations, review the draft documents and tell us where you think we got it right and where we could make changes.

Next board meetings –          Thursday August 2, Committee Meetings TBA. –          Friday August 3, RDEK Board Meeting 9 a.m.

RDEK

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