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RDEK Board Highlights
The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the July 7 Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors’ meeting.
Jaffray and Elko Area Official Community Planning process update
After reviewing the results of the public feedback on the draft Official Community Plan (OCP) and zoning bylaw that was presented to the public earlier this year, the Board has decided to proceed with a revised plan area boundary that excludes the communities of Galloway and Elko. In its discussion, the Board noted that there is significant opposition to the implementation of land use regulations in the Elko and Galloway area at the present time. As a result, the Galloway and Elko area will be excluded from the planning process and will remain un-zoned areas with no community plan to guide and regulate future development.
Fairmont Hot Springs & Columbia Lake Official Community Plan
A new OCP for the Fairmont and Columbia Lake (pictured above) area will be the focus of a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25 in Fairmont. The OCP has been over a year in the making following a public consultation and community engagement process that was completed in the spring. The OCP will replace the previous plan for the area, which was adopted in 2004.
Construction contract awarded for Moyie Watermains Project
The construction contract for the Moyie Watermains Project has been awarded to BE Civil Projects Ltd. The RDEK has received a $174,221 grant from the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund for the $209,905 project.
Contract to be negotiated for Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Officer
RDEK staff will negotiate a two-year contract with Ryan Watmough, based on the proposal he submitted for the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Officer contract opportunity.
RDEK Directors identify topics to discuss at the 2017 UBCM Convention
The Board has identified 14 different topics they hope to discuss with various Ministries and other agencies on at the annual Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention. The convention will be held September 25-29 in Vancouver.
Electoral Area Directors hope to meet with RCMP at UBCM
A letter will be sent to the RCMP requesting they meet with the RDEK Electoral Area Directors during the UBCM Convention to discuss concerns around parties and raves on Crown and private lands, staffing levels, aging police vehicles, and speeding in rural communities.
Amenities to be included as part of Westside Legacy Trail
The board has supported a request from the Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance to include additional amenities as part of the Westside Legacy Trail Project. Some of the amenities will improve the trail’s barrier-free accessibility and design. The annual maintenance budget will be adjusted to account for these changes.
Discretionary Grants-in-Aid (DGIA)
The Fernie Youth Soccer Association will receive $1,000 from the Electoral Area A DGIA account for the Eirin Amundsen Memorial Pavilion.
The Caregivers Network for East Kootenay Seniors will receive $500 from the Electoral Area B DGIA account to go toward the purchase of Caregiver Resource Kits, resource library materials, a new projector and screens.
The BC Seniors Games East Kootenay Zone 7 will receive $500 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account to help offset the costs of local athletes participating in the 2017 55+ Seniors Games in Vernon in September.
The Moyie Community Association will receive $1,200 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account for library initiatives and book purchases.
The City of Cranbrook will receive $1,500 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account for its Mosquito Control Program.
The Wasa and District Lions Club will receive $1,247.68 from the Electoral Area E DGIA account for the purchase of two commercial grade coffee pots and power extension bars for use in their outdoor kitchen.
The Columbia Valley Youth Soccer Association will receive $1,250 from the Electoral Area F DGIA and $500 from the Electoral Area G DGIA for the purchase of new equipment.
Upcoming Public Hearings
Tuesday, July 25 – 7 p.m. at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort – Birch Room, 5225 Fairmont Resort Road, Fairmont Hot Springs FOR – Bylaw No. 2779 – Regional District of East Kootenay – Fairmont Hot Springs & Columbia Lake Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2779, 2017.
Thursday, July 27 – 7 p.m. at the Edgewater Community Hall, 4818 Selkirk Avenue, Edgewater FOR – Bylaw No. 2787 – Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 329, 2017 (Edgewater / Valley’s Edge Park Ltd.)
Click here to learn about current RDEK bylaws.
Upcoming Public Meetings
Wednesday, July 26 – 7 p.m. at the Wasa Community Hall
Wasa & Area Planning Projects Open House
The RDEK is proposing to amend the Wasa & Area Official Community Plan to include Environmentally Sensitive and Form and Character Development Permit Areas and to include Detached Secondary Suites as a permitted use within the Electoral Area E Zoning Bylaw. To learn more, click here.
NEXT BOARD MEETINGS
Thursday, August 3
Committee Meetings – TBA
Friday, August 4
RDEK Board Meeting – 9 a.m.
Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Meeting – 11:15 a.m. (est.)
RDEK
