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RDEK Board Highlights
The following is a summary of some of the items covered during the April 9 Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors’ meeting.
Steamboat Jubilee Mountain Official Community Plan Adopted
The Board adopted Bylaw No. 3022, a new Official Community Plan (OCP) for the unincorporated communities in Electoral Area G. The new plan builds upon the first OCP for Area G that was adopted in 2006 and includes a number of updated land use polices, including new development permit requirements to mitigate the impacts of development on environmentally sensitive areas, and to help protect new construction from wildfire. Landowners proposing to undertake new construction or other land altering activities should consult the OCP and with RDEK staff to determine if their project is impacted by the new development permit requirements.
New Service Proposed for Wasa Community Hall Funding
The RDEK will be preparing a timeline to undertake an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for a new service to fund the Wasa Community Hall. The AAP will be held in the fall of 2021 and residents within the proposed service area will receive detailed information once the timeline, costs and service details have been determined.
Community Works Funds Approved for Recreation Strategy
Community Works Funds in the amount of $50,000 have been approved to go towards the Columbia Valley Recreation Planning Initiative to develop a Recreation Strategy. The strategy is aimed at protecting values and reducing adverse recreation impacts on public land. The funds will go toward hiring a consultant to undertake the strategy work plan.
RDEK to Provide Inspections for Invermere, Fernie
The RDEK has signed agreements with the District of Invermere and City of Fernie to provide building and plumbing inspection services on an as-needed basis. Providing these services supports the residents of these communities by allowing for inspection services if their municipal inspectors are unavailable, or where additional building official qualifications are required.
Seeking The Trust’s Participation on Clean Energy Transition Project
The RDEK will be sending a letter to Columbia Basin Trust requesting its participation in the Kootenay Clean Energy Transition Project. The project focuses on reducing emissions the built environment and transportation and is being run in partnership by the Regional Districts of East Kootenay, Kootenay Boundary, and Central Kootenay. The Trust is being asked to contribute $500,000, which will be used to support trades, industries and communities across the Basin.
Regional Fire Dispatch Agreement Renewed
The Chair and CAO have signed the renewal agreement with the Kelowna Fire Department for regional fire dispatch service for the term May 30, 2021 to May 29, 2026. Kelowna Fire Dispatch has been providing the fire dispatch for the RDEK and its member municipalities since 2016.
Planning Process for Short Term Rental Accommodations
The Board has approved a new planning process as part of the 2021 work plan to determine management options for short term rental accommodations. The goal of this planning process will be to determine opportunities for addressing short term rentals and will involve extensive community, operator, business and stakeholder engagement. It is expected to take about one year to complete.
Discretionary Grants in Aid (DGIA)
The following organizations will receive grants:
• Aldridge Community Association will receive $900 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account for a community bulletin board.
• The BC Conservation Foundation will receive $1,000 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account for its WildSafeBC Kimberley Cranbrook program.
• The Kimberley Nordic Club will receive $3,000 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account for the purchase of biathlon equipment.
- Kimberley Gymnastics Society will receive $2,000 from the Electoral Area E DGIA account for its radon mitigation program.
- Columbia House Enhancement Society will receive $3,000 from the Electoral Area F DGIA and $2,000 from the Electoral Area G DGIA accounts to go towards the purchase of accessibility railings at its Community Healing Garden.
NEXT BOARD MEETINGS
May 6 – RDEK Committee Meetings – TBA
May 7 – RDEK Board Meeting 9 .a.m. followed by Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Meeting.
Due to the ongoing public health recommendations, the RDEK’s Cranbrook and Columbia Valley offices remain closed to the public; however, we are still working and able to serve you.
We are available by phone or email, can take payments over the phone and all our services, including inspections, are running.
Our office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Note: the Columbia Valley office is closed 12 – 1 p.m.).
Lead image: Columbia River Wetlands near Brisco, in Electoral Area G. e-KNOW file photos
RDEK
