The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Nov. 6 Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors’ meeting.

Chair and Vice Chair Elected

Rob Gay has officially become the longest serving Chair in the RDEK’s history. The Electoral Area C Director has served on the board since 2005. Former Kimberley Mayor Jim Ogilvie was previously the longest serving Chair having served nine years in the role. Electoral Area F Director Susan Clovechok was elected for her first term as Vice Chair.

RDEK Contributes to Jim Smith Railway Crossing Costs

The board approved a Community Works Fund grant of up to $100,723 for the City of Cranbrook for 50% of the costs of upgrades to the Jim Smith Lake Access CPR railway crossing.

2021 Strategic Plan Update Adopted

The 2021 Strategic Plan Update has been adopted by the board. The plan includes an updated project list in four key areas: governance excellence, safety and preparedness, economic health and management excellence. The list of updated projects is available on the RDEK’s website on the Strategic Priorities page under “About Us.”

RDEK Prepares for 2021/2022 CBT CI/AAP Program Intake

The board approved the administration fee for the 2021/2022 Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs. The RDEK administers the programs on behalf of Columbia Basin Trust. The Trust’s online application intake and advertising for the call for proposals will begin in December, with the deadline for submission for 2021/2022 proposals set for Monday, January 18, 2021.

City of Cranbrook Boundary Expansion

The board considered and supported a proposal by the City of Cranbrook to expand the municipal boundary in the vicinity of 17th Street South to include three properties within the city. The three property owners included in the proposal are in support of the expansion.

Discretionary Grants in Aid (DGIA)

The following organizations will receive grants:

• The Canadian Mental Health Association for the Kootenays will receive $3,750 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account for its Kootenays Essential Items Box Project.
• The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce will receive $3,375 from the Electoral Area F and $1,125 from the Electoral Area G DGIA accounts to help cover some fixed costs as they were unable to run their major fundraisers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Cranbrook Community Forest Society will receive $5,000 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account for its Eager Hills Area Trail Network Expansion.
• The Elko Parks & Recreation Association will receive $2,500 from the Electoral Area B DGIA account for maintenance and utilities costs at the hall due to the financial impacts of the pandemic.
• The Moyie Community Association will receive $3,000 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account for the removal of dangerous trees from the cemetery.
• The Wasa Recreation Society will receive $2,500 from the Electoral Area E DGIA account to contribute to the costs of installing of solar panels at the Community Hall.

Lead image: The JimSmith Railway Crossing in Cranbrook. e-KNOW file photos

RDEK

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