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RDEK Board Highlights
The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the March 2 Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors’ meeting held in Cranbrook.
Five Year Financial Plan Adopted
The RDEK board adopted the 2018-2022 Financial Plan. The 2018 operating budget totals $30,543,324, which represents a seven per cent increase over last year. With many projects already funded, this results in a 1.3% increase in taxation. It is important to remember in the RDEK model, municipalities and electoral areas are all affected differently depending which RDEK services they receive. For more information on how the Financial Plan may affect you, contact the Financial Services Department.
Speculation Tax causes concern
Although the province’s recently announced Speculation Tax currently does not apply to the East Kootenay, the RDEK board believes it is already having an impact here.
The lack of consultation and impact in other areas of the province are seen to be creating a feeling of uncertainty for second homeowners in this region. As a result, the board will be sending a letter to the Premier and Minister of Finance explaining the negative impact the announcement. The letter will request local governments be consulted prior to any further changes to, or expansion of, the tax; acknowledge that our second homeowners are valued members of our communities and don’t fit the title of “speculators;” and, seek assurance that the tax will not be implemented in the East Kootenay. In addition, the board will be submitting a resolution to the Association of Kootenay and Boundary Local Governments 2018 Annual General Meeting calling on the Union of BC Municipalities to urge the province to consult with communities prior to implementing the tax, provide an opportunity for local governments to opt in or out.
Funding application for Hill Road Erosion Mitigation
An application will be submitted to the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund Structural Flood Mitigation Funding Stream for erosion mitigation works on the Elk River in the Hill Road area.
Fire Protection Service Agreement reached for Cranbrook Rural Fire Protection
The board approved a new 10-year agreement with the City of Cranbrook for the Cranbrook Rural Fire Protection Service. The agreement establishes a fixed price for the service with a stipulated increase of 3.75% year to year. The agreement, which expires December 31, 2027 will ensure the residents in the Fire Protection Area will continue to receive the excellent services they are accustomed to while supporting the city’s ongoing costs of operating a full-time staffed fire department.
Akisq’nuk First Nation Recreation Facility gets financial boost
The RDEK will contribute up to $300,000 in capital funding for the Akisq’nuk First Nation Recreation Facility. The indoor sports complex is under construction and is expected to open later this year.
Bylaw amended to extend service area boundary
The board has amended the East Side Lake Windermere Water System Service Establishment Bylaw to expand the service area boundary to include Calberly Beach and a number of other properties. The properties had recently been approved by Parr Utilities Ltd. to connect to the Parr Water System and the boundary expansion was required for the Board to provide water services to these properties after it takes over ownership of the water system on May 31.
Valley Visitor Services Grant approved
The RDEK board approved a $100,000 grant to fund the 2018 Valley Visitor Services. The funds come from the Columbia Valley Economic Development Service and a contribution agreement will be entered into with the Radium Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce
Library Board appointment
Lee-Ann Crane has been appointed to the Cranbrook Public Library Board to represent Electoral Area C as a Trustee.
Victims Services contract extended
The agreement with Jennifer Asselin for delivery of the Elk Valley Victim Assistance Program will be extended to March 31, 2019.
New ESS Director for Central Sub-region Emergency Program
Melody Munro will be taking on the role of Emergency Social Services Director for the Central Sub-region Emergency Program. Munro’s contract runs through December 31, 2019.
Discretionary Grants-in-Aid (DGIA)
Wildsight Elk Valley will receive $2,500 from the Electoral Area A DGIA account for the 2018 Fernie Fall Fair.
The BC Conservation Foundation will receive $1,000 from the Electoral Area A DGIA account and $1,000 from the Electoral Area B DGIA account for the WildSafe program in the Elk Valley and South Country.
The BC Conservation Foundation will receive $1,000 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account for the WildSafe program in the Cranbrook/Kimberley area.
The Columbia Lake Stewardship Society will receive $1,000 from the Electoral Area F DGIA account to go toward promotional materials for community events and education programs.
The Windermere Valley Child Care Society will receive $2,500 from the Electoral Area F DGIA account and $1,000 from the Electoral Area G DGIA account for the final phase of the 2018 Youth Playground Project.
The Windermere Valley Minor Hockey Association will receive $500 from the Electoral Area F DGIA account and $250 from the Electoral Area G DGIA account to help offset travel costs for attending the BC Hockey Bantam Tier 4 Provincial Championships in Kitimat.
The Columbia Valley Community Foundation will receive $2,000 from the Electoral Area F DGIA account and $500 from the Electoral Area G DGIA account for the Columbia Valley Vital Signs 2018 report.
The Columbia Valley Youth Soccer Association will receive $1,000 from the Electoral Area F DGIA account and $500 from the Electoral Area G DGIA account to support youth soccer in the Valley.
The Steamboat Mountain Music Society will receive $1,000 from the Electoral Area G DGIA account for the seventh annual Steamboat Mountain Music Festival.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Tuesday, March 6, at 7 p.m. at the Moyie Community Hall – 9322 Tavistock Street, Moyie
Bylaw No. 2816 cited as “Moyie & Area Land Use Bylaw No. 2070, 2008 – Amendment Bylaw No. 15, 2017 (Moyie / Moyie Community Association)” will amend the text of the Bylaw to permit a wireless communication facility on Lots 2, 3 & 4, Block 5, District Lot 756, Kootenay District, Plan 681.
Monday, March 26 at 7 p.m. at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce – 651 Highway 93/95, Invermere
Bylaw No. 2829 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 335, 2018 (Windermere / Holland Creek Homes Ltd.)”
Monday, March 26 at 4 p.m. at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort’s Pine Room – 5225 Fairmont Resort Road, Fairmont Hot Springs
Bylaw No. 2835 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 337, 2018 (Fairmont / Gould & Callaghan)”
Tuesday, March 27 at 7 p.m. at the
Edgewater Community Hall – 4818 Selkirk Avenue, Edgewater
Bylaw No. 2830 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Steamboat-Jubilee Mountain Official Community Plan Bylaw 1926, 2006 – Amendment Bylaw No. 12, 2018 (Edgewater / Smith)”
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Bylaw No. 2831 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 336, 2018 (Edgewater / Smith)”.
For more information on the bylaws go to: RDEK Bylaws
Next board meetings
Thursday, April 5 – Board Committee Meetings – TBA
Friday, April 6 – RDEK Board Meeting – 9 a.m.
RDEK
