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Firefighters Gain Upper Hand on Wildfire South of Fairmont

August 10, 2022 - 9:42am

Firefighters Gain Upper Hand on Wildfire South of Fairmont Highway 93/95 has been re-opened after being temporarily closed overnight due to a wildfire south of Fairmont. “Our team did an amazing job, and with support from the Resource Office and an initial attack crew from the BC Wildfire Service, were able to contain the fire early this morning,” explains Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Chief Drew Sinclair.   The fire is burning on Crown land on the west side of Highway 93/95 near the Columbia Lake viewpoint.  13 firefighters and five pieces of apparatus responded to the call at approximately 11:30am last night.  “Once the fire was...
Firefighters Respond to Wildfire South of Fairmont

August 10, 2022 - 1:20am

Firefighters Respond to Wildfire South of Fairmont Members of the Fairmont, Windermere and Canal Flats fire departments are currently on the scene of a wildfire south of Fairmont. “We have a total of 13 firefighters on scene along with five pieces of apparatus, and everyone is focused on getting the upper hand on the fire, which was reported at about 11:30pm this evening,” explains Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Chief Drew Sinclair.  A Response Officer and Initial Attack crew from the BC Wildfire Service are also now on scene. The fire is burning on Crown land on the west side of Highway 93/95 near the Columbia Lake viewpoint.  RCMP...
Public Information Meeting Scheduled for Cummings Creek Wildfire

August 07, 2022 - 8:48pm

A public information meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 9th regarding the Cummings Creek Wildfire near Sparwood. Representatives from the BC Wildfire Service will be in attendance to provide residents with an update on the Cummings Creek fire. The meeting will kick off at 8:00pm at the Sparwood Recreation & Leisure Centre – Community Hall.  Following the operational update, and time permitting, there will be an opportunity for questions and answers until 8:45pm. For those not able to attend the meeting in person, there will be a Zoom option available (and the recording will...
Fairmont Fire Responds to Second RV Fire in Two Days

August 03, 2022 - 7:17pm

Fairmont Fire Responds to Second RV Fire in Two Days Members of Fairmont Fire responded to another structure fire involving a travel trailer this afternoon. “Not even 24 hours after a similar call-out yesterday, we arrived on scene today to find a single travel trailer fully engulfed,” says Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Jon Tames. “The fire did get into some of the surrounding grass; however, our team did an exceptional job of preventing it from spreading into the nearby trees.” 10 Fairmont firefighters and four apparatus from Fairmont along with two firefighters and an apparatus from Windermere responded to the call...
High-Speed Backbone Expanded in the South Country

August 03, 2022 - 10:10am

High-Speed Backbone Expanded in the South Country Shared from Columbia Basin Trust HIGH-SPEED BACKBONE EXPANDED IN THE SOUTH COUNTRY Columbia Basin Trust has successfully added 60 kilometres of high-speed fibre optic cable to its broadband network in the South Country, between Jaffray and Roosville. Internet service providers can now connect to this regional backbone, receive a higher-quality connection, and in turn improve the services they offer to customers. “Affordable, reliable and high-speed internet connectivity is no longer a luxury; it is a basic requirement to access information and services in today’s world,” said Johnny...
Structure Fire in Fairmont Confined to Single Unit

August 02, 2022 - 8:35pm

Structure Fire in Fairmont Confined to Single Unit Members of the Fairmont and Windermere Fire Departments responded to a structure fire at the Spruce Grove RV Park and Campground in Fairmont this afternoon. On arrival, crews found an RV trailer and attached addition engulfed in flames. “We’d like to thank the staff from the Campground and Resort, who immediately jumped into action while safely trying to knock back the fire until we arrived,” says Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Jon Tames. “Once on scene, our crew did an excellent job of keeping the fire contained to the one unit, particularly given the windy, hot...
Evacuation Alert Issued for 6 Properties in South of Mount Baker

August 02, 2022 - 3:46pm

The RDEK has issued an Evacuation Alert for six properties south of Mount Baker.  “Evacuation Alerts are intended to give people time to prepare themselves so that they are ready to leave immediately if an Evacuation Order is issued,” explains East Kootenay Regional Emergency Operation Centre Information Officer, Loree Duczek. “Residents within the Alert area with livestock or large animals are encouraged to take steps now to find a place to relocate their animals.”  Other steps that those within the Alert area can take now to prepare: Make a family reunification plan Gather...
Electoral Area A Volunteer of the Year Recognized

August 02, 2022 - 9:39am

Electoral Area A Volunteer of the Year Recognized Electoral Area A Volunteer of the Year Honoured   Todd Weselake has been officially recognized as the 2022 Electoral Area A Volunteer of the Year. “The work of Angel Flight East Kootenay is invaluable to our area and Todd’s contributions of time and expertise are integral to the success of the program,” says RDEK Electoral Area A Director, Mike Sosnowski. Weselake is a co-founder and pilot at Angel Flight East Kootenay. “Having lived in the Elk Valley for the last two decades, he understands the importance of the flights he has offered to East Kootenay residents. As an avid,...
Electoral Area E Volunteer of the Year Honoured

July 15, 2022 - 9:49am

Electoral Area E Volunteer of the Year Honoured Stan Yawney has been officially recognized as the 2022 Electoral Area E Volunteer of the Year. “As the president of the St. Mary Valley Residents Association and a neighbour that is always willing to lend a hand, Stan is a wonderful example of how volunteers are the backbone of our area” says RDEK Electoral Area E Director Jane Walter. Stan is a remarkable person and always ready to help anyone who needs it. Stan has been the president of the St. Mary Valley Rural Residents Association for many years. Stan is also one of the first people to call for the Fire Suppression Committee in the...
Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Services Donate to Firefighters Without Borders

July 14, 2022 - 4:46pm

Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Services Donate to Firefighters Without Borders The Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Services recently made a significant donation of equipment to Firefighters Without Borders, a non-profit organization that provides training and equipment to communities throughout Canada and in countries all around the world. “We are pleased to be able to donate this equipment that is still in working order, but past the end of its service life by WorkSafeBC and North American standards. The equipment will help support Firefighters Without Borders initiatives in South America and Ukraine,” says Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Services Fire...
Small Grass Fire Actioned Near Windermere

July 14, 2022 - 4:34pm

Small Grass Fire Actioned Near Windermere Members of the Windermere Fire Department (WFD) responded to a small grass fire adjacent to Kootenay #3 Road just before 6:30pm on Wednesday July 13th. On arrival, a grass fire was found being actioned by neighbours who had called 911. WFD responded with 3 apparatus and 12 members and the fire was quickly extinguished. “While the recent rain and green grasses did slow the fire spread, the depth and degree of the fire to mineral soil was a reminder of the coming seasonal fire hazards” says Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Services (CVRFRS) Deputy Fire Chief Jon Tames. The cause of the...
2022 Volunteers of the Year Celebrated

July 14, 2022 - 11:20am

The RDEK is celebrating its 2022 Electoral Area Volunteer of the Year award recipients. “At a time when volunteerism is declining in many places, we are so grateful to have such strong support from our community members, year after year,” says RDEK Board Chair Rob Gay.  “This year’s award recipients have shown up time and again to show their support for their communities and those who live and work around them.”  This year’s award recipients are: •    Area A – Todd Weselake •    Area B – Heather Serafini •    Area C – Don Flowers •    Area E – Stan Yawney •    Area F – Tex Deagnon...
Regional Household Hazardous Waste Depot Reopened

July 12, 2022 - 2:31pm

The Regional Household Hazardous Waste Depot at the Cranbrook Transfer Station is once again open to the public following a closure to repair damages caused by vandalism. “We are happy to have this important facility available once again to our residents,” explains Environmental Services Manager Kevin Paterson.  “A big thank you to everyone for their patience as the repairs were completed and new doors installed.” The Regional Household Hazardous Waste Depot was opened in 2019 to provide a service that would divert hazardous materials such as cleaners, solvents, and various chemicals...
New Collective Agreement Reached

July 12, 2022 - 1:48pm

The Regional District of East Kootenay and CUPE Local 2106 have ratified a one-year collective agreement. “I am pleased that we have reached an agreement that meets the needs of both parties and provides support to our employees, while at the same time creating certainty in light of current inflation,” says RDEK Board Chair Rob Gay.  The agreement covers the 12-month term January 1 to December 31, 2022. It includes a 3% wage increase retroactive to January, and a further 1% increase effective July 1.  “I’d like to acknowledge the excellent work by both parties throughout the bargaining...
South Country Firefighters Respond to Vehicle Fire

July 12, 2022 - 1:20pm

South Country Firefighters Respond to Vehicle Fire Highway 3/93 west of Jaffray was closed briefly late yesterday afternoon due to a vehicle fire. “When we arrived on scene, we found a tow truck fully engulfed in flames,” says Elk Valley and South Country Rural Fire & Rescue Chief Michael Hockley.  “Our team did a good job of keeping the fire from spreading to the long grasses in the ditch and knocking down the fire as quickly and safely as possible.” Six firefighters and four pieces of apparatus responded to the fire and there were no injuries. The highway was closed for approximately 40 minutes for safety reasons and to allow crews...
Windermere Beach Facilities Damaged by Vandals

July 11, 2022 - 10:11am

Windermere Beach Facilities Damaged by Vandals The RDEK has temporarily reduced the opening hours of the public washroom facilities at Windermere Beach following a string of vandalism over the past week. “Vandals not only broke a sink and toilet and left graffiti all over the facility, they broke the Automatic Defibrilator (AED) case. There is no excuse for this behaviour and it’s beyond frustrating to see such flagrant disrespect at our Park,” says Environmental Services Manager Kevin Paterson. The RDEK has reported the damage to the RCMP and will be temporarily closing the facilities at 7:00pm nightly in the hopes that no further...
FireSmart Information Session Planned for Hosmer

July 04, 2022 - 11:34am

An introductory information session will be held in Hosmer in early July and the East Kootenay FireSmart Program is hoping for a strong turnout. “Given the back-to-back fire seasons we’ve seen in the last couple of years, it’s important for residents to look for ways to make their homes and properties more fire resilient. FireSmart can help come communities come together and work toward that goal” says RDEK Interface Fire Prevention Officer Thomas Dobbin. “This session is open to everyone, and we encourage you to come and learn more about how we can support you in your efforts to be...
RDEK Fax Machine Line Outage

July 03, 2022 - 12:48pm

The RDEK's fax line is experiencing issues and technicians are working to get it restored.  Incoming faxes are NOT being received and it appears it has been several days since the outage occurred.  If you have documents you need to send to the RDEK, you can scan and send them via email to [email protected] or contact our office directly to make other arrangements.
2022/2023 Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs Funding Approved

June 28, 2022 - 1:25pm

The Regional District of East Kootenay Board of Directors has approved funding for 100 projects around the region over the coming year. The funding comes from Columbia Basin Trust’s Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs, which are administered by the RDEK.   “The approved 2022/2023 projects represent $1,235,802.53 in funding for everything from awareness, outreach and support initiatives to recreation programs, history projects, stewardship programs and facility upgrades,” says RDEK Board Chair Rob Gay. “The Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs make an incredible...
Property Tax Notices Arriving in Mailboxes

June 27, 2022 - 1:38pm

As the deadline to pay property tax notices approaches, the Regional District of East Kootenay is sharing information with residents on how to interpret their notice and where to pay. “The RDEK is not a taxing authority, so for all rural properties in the East Kootenay, your tax notices are sent from the Surveyor of Taxes in Victoria,” explains RDEK Chief Financial Officer Holly Ronnquist.  “The Province collects the provincial-rural, police, school and regional district taxes and then sends the regional district its portion on behalf of the rural residents.” The RDEK’s portion of the...

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