The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Jan. 8 Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors’ meeting.

Funding application to be submitted for Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation Project
An application for $10 million will be submitted to the Adaptation, Resilience and Disaster Mitigation Program for the Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation Phase 2 Project. Construction on Phase 1 of the project is slated to begin this year.

Pedley Heights Crown land application referral receives support

The board supported a Crown land referral for a 60-berth moorage facility on Lake Windermere. The Crown land tenure application by the Pedley Heights Community Association is a reapplication for a proposal that was previously disallowed by the province. In 2018, the RDEK rezoned the surface of Lake Windermere to permit the proposed moorage facility.

Seeking funding to address South Country water crisis

The RDEK will be submitting an application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure – British Columbia – COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream to help offset costs of engineering, environmental and construction work near the sinkhole upstream of the Elko Dam, which is running dry and affecting water supply to the downstream aquifer.

Continued funding for Community Energy Manager

The RDEK will continue to participate in the Community Energy Manager program and will provide up to $20,000 for year eight of the program. In addition, $30,000 has been allocated from the Climate Action Reserve Fund for the implementation of the Kootenay Clean Energy Transition Workplan.

Education campaign planned on Recycle BC Program

With challenges in the recycling markets and increased costs for the yellow bin collection system, there will be additional public education encouraging residents to use the Recycle BC system. In addition, there will be some changes to community depots in the Elk Valley later this year. There will be an education and information campaign prior to any changes.

Concerns over Ambulance Service Review, impacts on rural areas

A letter will be sent to the Parliamentary Secretary of Rural Development, Minister of Health, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and local MLAs requesting an update on the review of the BC Ambulance Service, specifically towards managing the Ambulance service more effectively for rural areas and expressing concern that changes and improvements have not been implemented.

New representative for Radium Public Library Board

Anne Jardine has been appointed as the Electoral Area G representative on the Radium Public Library Board through December 31, 2022.

Letter of support for Caribou Conservation Breeding Foundation

A letter of support will be provided to the Caribou Conservation Breeding Foundation for its BC Caribou Conservation Breeding Program and development of a permanent conservation centre within the Columbia Valley.

Discretionary Grants in Aid (DGIA)

The following organizations will receive grants:

• Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society will receive $750 from the Electoral Area B, $2,500 from the Electoral Area C, and $1,000 from the Electoral Area E DGIA accounts for a Rainbows Canada program for children in our area who’ve experienced loss or grief.

• The Sand Creek Lions Club will receive $2,000 from the Electoral Area B DGIA account to offset COVID related costs.

• Reel Canadian Film Society will receive $1,000 from the Electoral Area A DGIA for its upcoming Film Festival.

• Summit Community Services Society will receive $1,300 from the Electoral Area C and $1,000 from the Electoral Area E DGIA accounts for its Police Based Victims Services.

NEXT BOARD MEETINGS

Thursday, February 4 – Committee Meetings – TBA

Friday, February 5 – RDEK Board Meeting and Kootenay East Regional Hospital District – 9 – 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, February 11 – RDEK Budget Meetings – TBA

Lead image: The location of the proposed moorage at Pedley Heights. RDEK agenda package images

RDEK

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