A new planning process that will help guide future development in Fairmont Hot Springs is getting underway and residents are being invited to an upcoming community meeting to learn more and share their input.

“What makes this project somewhat unique from other long-term planning projects is that it is looking at future development within the context of natural hazards in the community,” explained Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Planner Justin Cook.

“A big part of this early stage of the community engagement is to provide an overview of the project itself, review some of the history, identified hazards and risks, and then look at how future policy can be informed by those factors.”

The project team is being led by BGC Engineering and Pinna Sustainability, with support from the RDEK, and together they are hosting a community meeting October 30 from 2 to 4 p.m.  The meeting will be held via Zoom and the meeting link along with project information can be found on the project page.

The Fairmont Hazard Guidance Project builds on work to date on the debris flow and debris flood hazards on Fairmont Creek and Cold Spring Creek. It is intended to develop and consider policies that can further guide development and land use within hazard areas; and, increase community awareness and understanding about the hazards and risks associated with these two steep creeks.

“The meeting will be a great opportunity for residents to learn more about this project and contribute their ideas and thoughts on a series of questions the project team will be posing. It is important to note that while this is one way people can get engaged with this project, it is not the only way they can provide feedback,” added Cook.

The Zoom session will be recorded and posted on the project page along with a comment form so that everyone will have ample opportunity to contribute even if they are not able to attend this introductory session. Hard copies of the form can also be sent to anyone without access to a computer.

The Fairmont Hazard Guidance Project is expected to run through the end of 2024 with a final report and policy recommendations to follow in early 2025.

e-KNOW file photo

RDEK

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