The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the April 5 Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors’ meeting.

10-Year Service Award

The board recognized Jennifer MacDonald for her 10-years of service. MacDonald started as the Communications Secretary and spent several years as the Corporate Services Assistant before transitioning to her current role as Finance Assistant. Thank you for your dedication and commitment over the past 10 years, Jennifer and congratulations on this milestone.

New Planning Process Approved for Area G

The board approved moving ahead with a planning process to review and update the Steamboat – Jubilee Mountain Official Community Plan (OCP), which covers Wilmer, the rural areas around Radium, Edgewater and extends north to Brisco and Spillimacheen. The existing plan was adopted back in 2006 and the review process will provide an opportunity to check in with residents regarding their vision for future land use in their community. In addition, the RDEK wishes to consult with Edgewater residents about the future of the old Credit Union and Improvement District buildings. Further announcements about upcoming public meetings and engagement opportunities are expected later this spring.

New Rebate Program Approved for Owners/Builders

The board has approved an Energy Step Code Incentive Program, which will provide rebates of $500 to owners or builders who engage an energy advisor. The program is intended to inspire builders and owners to choose more energy efficient building techniques and materials to reduce the energy demand and carbon emissions associated with the heating and cooling of homes; and, to help builders prepare for the upcoming implementation of the BC Building Step Code. A maximum of $20,000 in rebates will be given out through the program in 2019.

Energy Efficient Lights Planned for Wasa Outdoor Rink

A total of $11,500 in Community Works funding through the federal Gas Tax Fund has been allocated to upgrade the lighting at the Wasa Outdoor Rink. The current lights no longer meet compliance standards and will be upgraded to an LED system.

Elk Valley Victim Assistance Program Manager Named

Eveliene Eijsermans has been named the new Elk Valley Victim Assistance Program Manager. In addition to awarding the contract to Eijsermans, the board also signed the annual funding agreement with the Province for the Elk Valley Victim Assistance Program for the term April 1 to March 31, 2020

New Parks & Trails Regulation and Fee Bylaw Adopted

The RDEK Board has adopted the Parks and Trails Regulation and Fee Bylaw. The new bylaw amalgamates several separate parks and trails related bylaws into one all-encompassing point of reference governing the management, operations and use of our facilities. Some of the fees for the use of RDEK facilities have also been updated and will be available on the RDEK’s website or through the RDEK.

Rushmere Utility Advisory Commission Re-Appointed

Arist Bruemmer, Bruce Shand, Craig Bacher, Ken MacRitchie and Stewart Zarowny have been re-appointed to the Rushmere Utility Advisory Commission for a two-year term. The Commission provides input and recommendations to the Area Director and Board on the operation and maintenance of the Rushmere Water System.

Area G APC / EAAC Appointment

Owen Mitchell has been appointed to the Electoral Area G Advisory Planning and Electoral Area Advisory Commissions.

Indoor Riding Arena Does Not Proceed

Following two feasibility studies and consultation with local user groups, the RDEK Board has made the decision not to further pursue construction of a multi-purpose indoor riding arena for Wycliffe Exhibition Grounds. One of the key factors in the decision was the financial analysis, which determined that revenue from potential user fees would not be enough to cover the cost of operating a facility.

Discretionary Grants in Aid (DGIA)

The following organizations will receive grants:

• The Kootenay Wildlife Federation Fund – $750 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account for the upcoming Big Game Management Symposium.
• British Columbia Conservation Foundation – $1,000 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account for the WildSafeBC program in Cranbrook, Kimberley and surrounding areas.
• Glacier Peaks Gymnastics Society – $500 from the Electoral Area F and $300 from the Electoral Area G DGIA accounts to help offset the costs of its year-end show.
• The Cranbrook & District 4H Council Association will receive $500 from the Electoral Area A, $1,000 from the Electoral Area B, $1,000 from the Electoral Area C, $500 from the Electoral Area E, $350 from the Electoral Area F, and $200 from the Electoral Area G DGIA accounts for its “Ag for All” Open Show.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Tuesday, April 23 at 4 p.m. in RDEK Board Room
 (19 – 24 Avenue South, Cranbrook) for –

Bylaw No. 2899 – cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Cranbrook Rural Zoning Bylaw No. 1402, 2001 – Amendment Bylaw No. 51, 2018 (Cranbrook South / Bohan).”

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives & Affected Areas programs – community meetings

• District of Sparwood – April 17 – 6 p.m. at Sparwood Council Chambers 136 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood;
• Columbia Valley – April 18 – 6 p.m.
(for District of Invermere, Village of Canal Flats, Village of Radium Hot Springs, Electoral Areas F & G) at Columbia Valley Centre 646 – 4th Street, Invermere;
• Electoral Area C – April 18 – 7 p.m. at the RDEK Board Room 
19 24th Avenue South, Cranbrook;
• Electoral Area A – April 23 – 7 p.m. at the Hosmer Community Hall 7431 6th Avenue, Hosmer;
• City of Fernie – April 24 – 7 p.m. at Fernie Council Chambers 501 3rd Avenue, Fernie.

OTHER NEWS

Current job posting

Communications Summer Student

Open to post-secondary students in Environmental Sciences or Education and returning to school in the fall. Closes: 4 p.m. on April 23, 2019.

To learn more, visit www.rdek.bc.ca/careers

Next Board Meetings

Thursday, May 2 – Committee meetings – TBA

Friday, May 3 – RDEK board meeting and Kootenay East Regional Hospital District board meeting – 9 and 11:30 a.m.

Lead image: Beating summer heat by wading in Perry Creek beside Wycliffe Regional Park. e-KNOW file photos

RDEK

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