The following is a synopsis of what occurred, in part, during the Jan. 9 Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors’ meeting.

Climate Action Plan adopted

The board adopted the 2025-2030 Climate Action Plan. The plan includes objectives and actions in six climate action areas: Green and Resilient Buildings and Property, Green Transportation, Green Economy and Resilient Livelihoods, Resilient Water Supply, Zero Waste, Healthy and Resilient Communities, and Cultivating Resilient Ecosystems. It includes 21 objectives and 61 actions that provide clarity to paths forward. View the plan.

Fernie Alpine Resort Bylaw proceeds to public hearing

The board authorized a public hearing for two bylaws to accommodate limited subdivision in the Timber Landing area at Fernie Alpine Resort. Following discussion, the reduction to proposed Phase 3A only was supported by the board to allow for advancing the provision of an alternate emergency egress prior to further development occurring. A development agreement with the applicant will be agreed to prior to adoption of the bylaws if they proceed after the public hearing. The public hearing will be held on Monday January 26 via Zoom and requires pre-registration for all attendees.

Wood grinding contract awarded

The contract for wood grinding at the Columbia Valley Landfill in 2026 has been awarded to Bio Central Green Depot Ltd. The grinding of clean wood waste at the landfill is part of the regular operations on site.

Elko Fire Hall expansion progresses

The Elko Fire Hall expansion construction contract has been awarded to Blue Vista Contracting. The project will add approximately 1,300 square-feet to the existing hall to expand bay space and add running water and washrooms for firefighters. Canfor has donated the dimensional lumber for the project and construction is slated to begin this spring.

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

Special budget meeting – February 11: The RDEK Board will review the DRAFT 2026-2030 Five-Year Financial Plan on Wednesday, February 11. Details will be published on the regular Meetings & Agendas page on www.rdek.bc.ca. The meetings are open to the public and will be live streamed.

2026 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

If you know an amazing volunteer who lives in an RDEK Electoral Area, nominate them for Electoral Area Volunteer of the Year by Noon, Feb. 2/26 here: engage.rdek.bc.ca/volunteer

2026-2027 REDI GRANTS

The deadline to submit proposals for the 2026 intake is 4 p.m. on February 9. Learn more here: https://engage.rdek.bc.ca/redi

CURRENTLY OPEN SURVEYS (click title to access survey):

• Rural Transfer Station Optimization Project – Deadline: Feb 9
• Area C Recreation & Culture Contribution – Deadline: Feb 9

STR temporary use permit applications

Short Term Rental Temporary Use Permit Applications under staff delegated and RDEK Board consideration are posted on the Meetings & Notices page of the RDEK website.

Bylaw amendments

Bylaw Amendments requiring public hearing and those not requiring a public hearing are posted on the Meetings & Notices page of the RDEK website.

Upcoming Board Meetings

February 11 – TBA – Special Budget Meeting – Five Year Financial Plan

February 12 – RDEK Committee Meetings TBA

February 13 – RDEK Board Meeting 9 a.m.

To view all the upcoming meetings and notices, visit the Meetings & Notices page on www.rdek.bc.ca

e-KNOW file photos

RDEK

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