RDEK Board Highlights

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Posted: February 28, 2025

The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the February Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors’ meeting.

Draft Financial Plan reviewed and open for comment

The board has reviewed the draft 2025-2029 Financial Plan, which is now available for public review and comment. The draft Plan includes just under $12 million in capital projects for 2025, an operating budget for shared services of $29.5 million and proposes an increase of $22 over last year on the average residential property valued at $596,000.

In the regional district model, municipalities and electoral areas are all affected differently depending which RDEK services they receive. Copies of the draft plan and comment form are available on engage.rdek.bc.ca/budget and on request through the RDEK’s Cranbrook and Columbia Valley offices. The comment period will be open until Noon on March 10. The Five-Year Financial Plan will be reviewed by the RDEK Board at the Committee Meetings on March 13 and is expected to be adopted at the March 14 board meeting.

Windermere bylaws

After consideration, the board gave third reading for two bylaws for properties in the Bench Road area of Windermere. The proposal will provide new commercial and mixed density residential development.

The bylaws will be considered for adoption following the required approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Transit. The board postponed first and second reading of two bylaws to facilitate the development of a multi-family apartment building in the Windermere South area. The board has requested additional information regarding road improvements and sewer servicing.

EOC modernization grant application

An application will be submitted to the Union of BC Municipalities’ Community Emergency Preparedness Fund to fund the East Kootenay EOC Modernization Project.

Fairmont hazard guidance project policy direction

The board has provided direction to staff and the project team that the policy framework for the Fairmont Hazard Guidance Project, which focuses on policy development, be based on two factors: hazard probability, and risk tolerance. With this direction, the project team will develop a Recommendation Report that provides guidance on how to best manage development within hazard areas from a risk management perspective. The report is expected to include draft policies and take approximately four months to complete.

RDEK to apply for energy specialist funding

The RDEK will be submitting an application to the FortisBC Climate Action Partner Program to fund a position focused on GHG emissions reduction. This goal of the program is to assist eligible participants with hiring a person to act as an expert and project manager for solutions related to sustainability and energy plans. This position can support the RDEK’s strategic priorities in relation to climate change and environmental stewardship.

Funding approved for indigenous liaison position

The local governments in the RDEK have pooled their recently announced Indigenous Engagement Requirements Funding Program funds from the province and will use the funds to establish a multi-year Regional Indigenous Liaison term position based out of the RDEK.

New fire engine for Panorama

The contract for the manufacture and delivery of a new fire engine for Panorama Fire Department has been awarded to HUB Fire Engines.

Community Works Funds approved

The RDEK Board has approved funding from the Community Works Fund for a number of projects around the region, including:

RDEK Asset Management Strategy – $60,000 (2025)
Fairmont Fire Hall Diesel Exhaust System – $13,000 (2025)
Panorama Fire Engine – 385,000 (2026)
Jaffray Fire Hall Addition – $300,000 (2027)
Jaffray Fire Hall Diesel Exhaust System – $60,000 (2025)
Baynes Lake Fire Engine – $370,500 (2026)
Hosmer Fire Engine – $395,000 (2025)
Elko Water Pumphouse Upgrade – $35,000 (2027)
City of Kimberley – Rotary Park Upgrade – $50,000 (2025)

Utility Advisory Commission (UAC) appointments

Gord Kausche has been appointed to the Rushmere Water System UAC for the term ending in December 2025. Kristian Baker has been appointed to the Edgewater Water and Sewer UAC for the term ending in February 2026.

Library Board appointment

Brenda Holden has been appointed as the Electoral Area G representative on the Radium Hot Springs Public Library Board for the term ending December 31, 2026.

Discretionary Grants-in-Aid (DGIA)

Community Connections Society of BC will receive $2,500 from the Area C DGIA account for the Cranbrook Urban Farm.

Living Lakes Canada Society will receive $2,500 from both the Area F and Area G DGIA accounts for Hydrological Modelling of Wilmer/Boulder Creek Watersheds for Sustainable Water.