By Erin Knutson

City of Fernie council recently agreed to renew a contract with the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK), allowing Fernie access to information and participant rights in planning services as part 14 of the Planning and Land Use Management of the Local Government Act (LGA).

Director of Corporate Services Jeff McConnell presented his report to the mayor and council, stating that agreeing to an annual request of $55,830 for a five-year term would ensure the city has a voice in electoral area planning services.

“It includes the right to vote and participate on committees and the right to receive meeting agendas and other background material supporting all matters including but not limited to, input on all planning functions and land-related matters at an administrative level relating to Electoral Area A and the other electoral areas in the RDEK,” he said.

After a resolution was passed in 2023 by the RDEK Board of Directors to invite Fernie to renew the agreement, the city was informed of its opportunity to continue its collaboration with the district by Board Chair Rob Gay, allowing the city to vote on all relevant planning endeavours related to Part 14 of the LGA.

“Paying the annual requisition provides the City of Fernie with a vote at the board table on land use and development decisions on its fringe,” said McConnell.

McConnell said it was an opportune time to renew and collaborate with the organization.

“It’s good timing. In respect to this, working collaboratively with their OCP as we advance updates, working together more consistently on planning services, and the assurance that we have a member on the planning services committee.”

The motion carried forward, with Councillors Tracey Audia Kelly and Harsh Ramadass voting in opposition.

Lead image: A view of Cokato, part of RDEK Electoral Area A adjacent to the City of Fernie.  e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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