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RDEK Board Highlights
West Fernie Dike Project moves forward
The West Fernie Dike Phase 2 Construction Contract was awarded to Fiorentino Brothers Contracting Sept. 7 by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors for a total price of $340,977, excluding HST. Phase 2 construction is expected to begin this month, with completion of the entire project (phases two to five) anticipated in early 2014. The RDEK received $1,500,000 from the Building Canada Fund, Communities Component Flood Protection Program for the West Fernie Dike Upgrade.
New radios on the way for RDEK fire departments
The chair and chief administrative officer (CAO) have been authorized to sign a service contract with Kootenay Communications for the purchase and installation of a Digital Radio Communication System for all RDEK fire departments. The new system will standardize equipment and communications systems across all RDEK departments.
Waste disposal in Koocanusa area to be discussed
A meeting will be scheduled with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations to discuss the issue of solid waste disposal in the Koocanusa area.
In Support of the BC Lake Stewardship Society
A letter will be sent to the Minister of Environment expressing support for the work of the BC Lake Stewardship Society and requesting reinstatement of their core funding. Recently, the Ministry discontinued $75,000 in core funding for the society.
Letter of Thanks
A letter of thanks will be sent to Lindsay Johnston of Fundamental Event Marketing Inc. and Julie St. Amand for their generous contribution to the Crossroads Ballpark. A total of $1,800 was raised at the 2012 Ballfest Tournament, which was organized by Johnston. Included in that total was a donation by St. Amand, who contributed 10% of her Tupperware sales to the fundraising effort.
Minister congratulated
A letter will be sent to Minister Bill Bennett congratulating him on his appointment as Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.
Ministry approves Restructure Planning Grant for West Fernie
The RDEK has received a $20,000 Restructure Planning Grant to study the impact of West Fernie 
joining the City of Fernie. The grant will be used to conduct a detailed cost benefit analysis. A letter of appreciation will be sent to the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.
Fairmont Hot Springs RV Park Development
The board gave first and second reading to Bylaws No. 2382 and 2383 to amend the Fairmont Hot Springs Area OCP and the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw to permit the expansion of the Spruce Grove RV Park. The lands were previously zoned for a RV park but were rezoned to commercial in 2008 to facilitate a hotel development that did not proceed. The public hearing will be held at the Windermere Community Hall on Monday, October 1 at 7 p.m.
BC Transit Memorandums of Understanding Approved
The Board has approved Memorandums of Understanding with BC Transit to investigate the following changes to the Columbia Valley and Elk Valley transit systems. In the Columbia Valley, BC Transit will look at providing additional service between Edgewater and Canal Flats and routing the bus along Columbia Lake Road instead of Highway 93/95. In addition, contingent on consultation with Akisqnuk First Nation, transit service will be removed from Kootenay No. 3 Road (pictured at top) due to lack of ridership.
In the Elk Valley, transit service to the South Country will be discontinued due to low ridership.
Discretionary Grants In Aid (DGIA)
– The Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network will receive $1,000 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account and $600 from the Electoral Area E DGIA account for its upcoming Voices for Sustainability Symposium.
– The Moyie Community Association will receive $564.37 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account to help offset printing costs for the Moyie Walking Tour Map and Guide.
Other RDEK happenings
Public hearings
– Thursday, September 20—4 p.m at Baynes Lake Community Hall—486 Jaffray-Baynes Lake Road -Bylaw 2392—SweetWater Zoning and Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 2127, 2009—Amendment Bylaw No. 2, 2012 (Misc. Amendments/RDEK)
– Monday, October 1—7 p.m. at Windermere Community Hall—4726 North Street – Bylaw 2387—Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992—Amendment Bylaw No. 273, 2012 (Rushmere/Rohrick)
Monday, October 1 —7 pm at Fernie Family Centre—521 – 4th Avenue- Bylaw 2386—Elk Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 829, 1990—Amendment Bylaw No. 61, 2012 (Cokato Road/Krog)
Monday, October 1 —7 p.m. at Windermere Community Hall—4726 North Street- Bylaw 2382—Fairmont Hot Springs Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1734, 2004—Amendment Bylaw No. 21, 2012 (Fairmont Hot Springs/Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ltd.)
– and – Bylaw 2383—Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992—Amendment Bylaw No. 272, 2012 (Fairmont Hot Springs/Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ltd.)
Public meetings
You are invited to attend an introductory public information meeting on the Wilmer and Dry Gulch planning process. Wednesday, September 19 and Thursday, September 20, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Radium Resort – Palliser Room and Wilmer Community Hall. The same information will be presented at both meetings so participants only need to attend one of the two meetings.
Next board meetings
– Thursday October 4, Committee Meetings TBA
– Friday October 5, RDEK Board Meeting 9 a.m.
For more information on RDEK Meetings, programs and services, please visit our website: www.rdek.bc.ca
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
