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RDEK board highlights
Agricultural Plan terms of reference adopted
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors March 2 approved a terms of reference for the preparation of an Agricultural Plan for the RDEK. A request for proposals for a planning and agricultural consultant to lead the preparation of the plan will be issued in the coming days. The RDEK will receive up to $25,000 from the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C. to complete the project as part of a cost sharing agreement. The planning process will include opportunities for consultation and engagement with both agricultural operators and the general public.
Windermere Water consultation
It’s a fresh start for the Windermere Water System Upgrade Project. Jamie Chicanot will be engaged as a facilitator to work with the community to design a consultation process and then move that process forward.
Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena Upgrades
A total of $200,000 has been added to the 2012 budget for safety upgrades at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. The mechanical room will be upgraded to a one-hour fire rating and a separate second story emergency exit will be constructed.
Ministry asked to participate in discussions to improve Baynes Lake Farmers Market parking
A letter will be sent to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure requesting that they work with the Baynes Lake Fire Chief and organizer of the Baynes Lake Farmers Market to resolve the issue of parking for the Farmers Market. The market, which runs on Saturdays throughout the summer, attracts thousands of visitors and parking along the roads has created congestion and parking along the roads has created congestion and safety concerns. (Pictured above)
Hydro requested to share draft of Compensation Program model
A letter will be sent to BC Hydro requesting that local government be given the opportunity to review a draft of the model being proposed for the Columbia Basin Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program prior to its implementation. In addition, the letter will emphasize the importance of the Program funding remaining in the Columbia Basin.
Columbia Valley Transit Advisory Commission appointments
Anita Leskie, Walter Woodske, Cielle Cowles, Bernie Macala, and Ken Wilder have been re-appointed to the Columbia Valley Transit Committee for a two-year term.
Meadowbrook development proposal goes to public hearing
A proposal to amend the Kimberley Rural Official Community Plan and the Kimberley Rural Zoning Bylaw to permit a residential subdivision and light industrial mini storage facility on Meadowbrook Settlement Road was advanced by the Board. Bylaws No. 2358 and 2359 were given first and second reading and a public hearing authorized. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 20 at 7 p.m. at the Centennial Hall in Kimberley.
Columbia Lake subdivision rezoning
Bylaw No. 2360 to amend the zoning for land on Columbia Lake Road to facilitate a residential subdivision was given first and second reading by the board. A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 21 at 7 p.m. at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.
Province asked to continue with Hotel Room Tax
The Province of B.C. will be requested to continue to levy a two per cent tax under the Hotel Room Tax Act on accommodation within the Village of Radium and a portion of Electoral Area G for another five-year term commencing August 1. In addition, the province will be advised that the RDEK supports the implementation of the business plan prepared by Tourism Radium Hot Springs.
The RDEK board also supports the renewal and continuation of the additional 2% hotel tax imposed within Kimberley City limits for tourism, marketing and promotion purposes.
Board of Variance appointment
Richard Haworth has been appointed to the Board of Variance as a representative for the Columbia Valley Sub-region for a three-year term.
Special event licence granted
The RDEK board has granted a Special Event Licence to the Steamboat Mountain Music Society for the Steamboat Mountain Music Festival on July 7, 2012. The Festival will be held in conjunction with Edgewater’s 100th anniversary celebration.
Discretionary Grants-In-Aid
The Baynes Lake Fire Department Society will receive $1,786.40 from the Electoral Area B DGIA account for the purchase of a positive pressure ventilation fan.
The South Country Housing Project Society will receive $1,800 from the Electoral Area B DGIA account for the purchase of a computer and snow blower for the facility.
The Kootenay Children’s Festival will receive $1,000 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account to help offset expenses for the Festival, which attracts thousands of children each year.
The Windermere Valley Minor Hockey Association will receive $1,600 from the Electoral Area F DGIA account to help offset the cost of the team participating in the 2012 BC Tier 4 Bantam Championships in Vanderhoof.
The Steamboat Mountain Music Festival will receive $1,000 from the Electoral Area F DGIA account and $1,000 from the Electoral Area G DGIA account. The family event will be held in Edgewater in early July.
NEXT BOARD MEETINGS
Thursday March 29 – Committee Meetings TBA
Friday March 30 – RDEK Board Meeting 9:00am
Public Hearings
–         Tuesday, March 20 —7 p.m. at the Kimberley Centennial Hall – Bylaw 2358—Kimberley Rural Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1924, 2006—Amendment Bylaw No. 7, 2012 (Meadowbrook/Shostak) and Bylaw 2359—Kimberley Rural Zoning and Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 1925, 2006— Amendment Bylaw No. 11, 2012 (Meadowbrook/Shostak)
–         Wednesday, March 21 —7 p.m. at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort—Birch Room – Bylaw 2360—Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992—Amendment Bylaw No. 267, 2012 (Columbia Lake / Hudson)
Open Houses
You are invited to attend an Open House to review a draft of the Lake Koocanusa Official Community Plan and revised South Country Zoning & Floodplain Management Bylaw. The open houses will be held at: Jaffray Community Hall, 7375 Jaffray Village Loop Road, Jaffray Monday, March 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. and at the Grasmere Pioneer Hall (Old Grasmere School Road, Grasmere)on Thursday, March 22, from 7 pm to 9 p.m. Both Open Houses will present the same information and follow the same format. Participants need only attend one.
Other
Electoral Area Volunteer of the Year Nomination Forms are now available. Do you know an outstanding volunteer in your Electoral Area? If so, consider nominating them for the 2012 RDEK Volunteer of the Year Awards. Nomination forms are easy to fill out and will be accepted at the RDEK office in Cranbrook until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 16. Nomination forms are available at www.rdek.bc.ca or by contacting the RDEK at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335.
