The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Jan. 11 Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors’ meeting.

Interoute Construction gravel pit referral not supported

The board did not support a referral from the province for a 20-year License of Occupation for an access road and gravel extraction operation on unsurveyed Crown land in the vicinity of Mayook. In its discussion, the board noted that the proposed gravel pit operation could negatively impact nearby residences, Crown land grazing tenures and highway traffic.

Funding approved for Fernie Arena refrigeration system replacement


The RDEK has approved a $100,000 Community Works Fund Grant for the City of Fernie. The funds will help offset the costs associated with the replacement of the refrigeration system at Fernie Memorial Arena.

Application to be submitted for Lower Hosmer Flood Mitigation


An application will be submitted to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Rural and Northern Communities for the Lower Hosmer Flood Mitigation Project. The proposed project would involve construction of a 1.2km dike in lower Hosmer along with channel excavation and improvements in and adjacent to Mine Creek. If the project receives capital funding, any ineligible or additional costs would be funded through the Area A Flood Control Service.

Seeking funding for river access point on Columbia River

The RDEK will submit a grant application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Community, Culture and Recreation Program for 73.33% of the cost to develop a river access/take out on the Columbia River in Fairmont Hot Springs. The proposed location is adjacent to River Drive and Downey Avenue in Fairmont. It was identified as the most heavily used river access site in a recent Access Feasibility Study and formal development of the site was recommended. In addition to securing funding, a number of approvals would be required for the project to proceed.

Application in support of Broadband for Edgewater

The RDEK will submit an application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure for 100% funding for broadband infrastructure in the community of Edgewater. The Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation (CBBC) is continuing its efforts to improve connectivity throughout the Basin and identified this community project as a candidate for the current funding intake.

In support of 2019 WildSafeBC program for Areas F & G

An application will be submitted to the 2019 WildSafeBC Program to provide a Community Coordinator in Electoral Areas F and G focused on reducing human-wildlife conflict. The RDEK will also contribute $3080 from the Electoral Area F DGIA account and $920 from the Electoral Area G DGIA account to help fund the seasonal position from May to November. Areas F and G have participated in the WildSafeBC Program since 2015.

Second BikeBC grant sought

The RDEK will partner with the Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance on a second BikeBC grant application for the Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail.

Economic Development Commission members appointed


Nine people have been appointed to the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Commission for a two- year term: Tess Beckering, Alison Bell
, Lorri Fehr
, Doug Smith, Michelle Taylor, Barb Cote
, Heather Rennebohm, Carleen Campbell
 and Rosemary Stuart.

Columbia Valley Emergency Program appointments

Sharon Pasowisty will continue on as the Emergency Social Services Director for the Columbia Valley Emergency Program and Gary Burford will continue on in his role as the Deputy Emergency Program Coordinator. Both appointments run January 1, 2019-December 31, 2020. The Columbia Valley Emergency Program is part of the East Kootenay Emergency Management Program.

New member for Radium Hot Springs Public Library Board

Sheila Leman has been appointed to the Radium Hot Springs Public Library Board for the term January 14, 2019 to December 31, 2020. She will represent Electoral Areas F and G, the District of Invermere and Village of Canal Flats.

Discretionary Grants-in-Aid (DGIA)

The following organizations will receive:

Columbia Valley Skating Club – $100 from the Electoral Area B, $250 from the Electoral Area C, $500 from the Electoral Area F and $250 from the Electoral Area G DGIA accounts for the East Kootenay Invitational Skating Competition.

The Joan Delich Kindergym Society – $500 from the Electoral Area A DGIA account to help offset operational costs.

Fernie Chamber of Commerce – $3,000 from the Electoral Area A DGIA account for the 2019 Griz Days festival.

The Grasmere Community Society – $1,500 from the Electoral Area B DGIA account for old time dance events and instruction in the South Country.

Summit Community Services – $1,300 from the Electoral Area C and $1,000 from the Electoral Area E DGIA accounts for Kimberley and Cranbrook Police Based Victim Services.

Columbia Valley Youth Soccer Association – $1,200 from the Electoral Area F and $300 from the Electoral Area G DGIA accounts for a Junior Soccer Development Program.

Upcoming Public Hearings

Wednesday, January 30 at 4 p.m. at Baynes Lake Fire Hall
- 3550 Baynes Lake Dump Road, Baynes Lake.

Bylaw No. 2893 – cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Baynes Lake Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2319, 2011 – Amendment Bylaw No. No. 9, 2018 (Baynes Lake / Bevand)”

Bylaw No. 2894 – cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – South Country Zoning Bylaw No. 2320, 2011 – Amendment Bylaw No. 16, 2018 (Baynes Lake / Bevand)”

Wednesday, January 30 at 7 p.m. at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce 651 Highway 93/95, Invermere.

Bylaw No. 2897 – cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 346, 2018 (Windermere North / Meadows)”

And

Bylaw No. 2895 – cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Lake Windermere Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2061, 2008 – Amendment Bylaw No. 25, 2018 (Windermere North / Robillard)”

Bylaw No. 2896 – cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 345, 2018 (Windermere North / Robillard)”

Public Meeting

OPEN HOUSE – Moyie and Area Planning Process

Tuesday, January 22- 7 p.m. at the Moyie Community Hall

• Staff presentation of draft Official Community Plan (OCP) & Zoning Bylaws;
• Copies of Draft OCP policies will be available for review & comment.

For more information, contact Michele Bates at the RDEK’s Cranbrook office or email [email protected]

OTHER NEWS

2019 Volunteer of the Year Nomination Deadline: Thursday, January 31

See the Volunteer Awards page on the RDEK’s website to download a hard copy of the nomination form or use the new online nomination form.

Current Job Postings / Contract Positions:

• Water / Wastewater Operator (2 or 3) – Columbia Valley; closes January 23.
• Building Inspector – Columbia Valley; closes: This posting will remain open until filled.
• Elk Valley RCMP Victim Service Program Manager. Closes January 28 – 4:30 p.m.

Learn more.

Solid Waste Management Plan Review & Initial Survey

Dealing with our garbage and recycling is one of the RDEK’s largest budget items and these services affect every resident and property owner in the East Kootenay. The RDEK is currently reviewing its Solid Waste Management Plan. Whether you live in a rural area or a municipality, this process affects you.

Please fill out our introductory survey by Feb. 25. It will give us valuable information about how you currently use the system and some of your thoughts about possible future options for our garbage & recycling services that could be investigated with regard to costs and implications.

Later this spring, watch for a follow up survey that will summarize the results of this survey, present some costs and further information for your feedback.

Follow every step of the project at: engage.rdek.bc.ca

NEXT BOARD MEETINGS

Thursday, February 7 – Committee Meetings – TBA

Friday, February 8 – RDEK Board and Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board – 9 a.m.

Lead image: Flooding in Hosmer in June 2013. e-KNOW file photo

RDEK

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