Developing a community directed plan to allocate $600,000 from Columbia Basin Trust to create social and economic benefits for the Elk Valley means listening closely to the ideas and priorities of residents, business and community leaders.

Six community open houses are scheduled for Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford between October 21 and 24 to gather community input to inform the Regional District of East Kootenay’s (RDEK) Elk Valley Community Directed Funds Committee and its Community Priorities Plan.

Open house participants will be invited to ‘Think Elk Valley’ and help identify projects and initiatives that will improve quality of life and wellbeing for the region as a whole.

A major goal of the open houses is to bring together a broad cross-section of Elk Valley residents and stakeholders representing business, community and public services, education, health, arts and culture, heritage, sports, recreation, environment, seniors and youth.

Fernie’s open houses are happening on October 21 and 22, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Seniors Centre, 562 3rd Ave.

Sparwood’s open houses take place on October 23 from 7-8:30 p.m. and on October 24 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the District of Sparwood’s Council Chambers, 136 Spruce St.

Elkford’s open houses are on October 23 from 4-5:30 p.m. and on October 24 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Elkford Community Conference Centre (pictured).

Elk Valley residents are invited to visit www.thinkelkvalley.com to learn more about the community directed funds and other options for providing input, including online and in writing.

RDEK

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