News
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September 20, 2023 - 9:13am
A firefighter recruitment drive is underway for the Columbia Valley and Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire and Rescue Services and the RDEK is appealing to residents to consider stepping forward to become part of the team.
“Now is the time to step up and join our team. We provide the training, and we support new recruits through the learning process. The only requirement is an interest in helping your community and a commitment to training,” says Columbia Valley Rural Fire Rescue Service Deputy Chief Jon Tames. “We see regular evidence of the critical role our fire departments play in...
September 19, 2023 - 12:17pm
More people living in the East Kootenay region will have access to high-quality long-term care as Interior Health prepares to build a new care community with 148 beds to replace the aging F.W. Green Memorial Home. The $156.5 million project is being funded 40% by the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District. To learn more, visit the KERHD website: www.kerhd.ca
The announcement was made Monday, September 18, 2023 by Health Minister Adrian Dix.
September 12, 2023 - 5:01pm
Construction is expected to get underway this week on the Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation Project in Fairmont.
“There has been extensive work by staff, with support from our Board, during unprecedented construction cost fluctuations to secure funding and refine the design and project scope to allow the project to move forward. I am excited to be at the point where construction is officially getting underway,” says RDEK Electoral Area F Director Susan Clovechok. “The project site is located on property owned by the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and the RDEK is grateful for their...
September 12, 2023 - 9:41am
The RDEK Board of Directors has supported a motion by Area A Director Thomas McDonald to approve funding for an assessment of the current Hosmer Fire Hall.
“It is really important to me, and I know to a number of residents in Hosmer, to have this assessment completed so that we fully understand the current condition and deficiencies with the existing Hosmer Fire Hall before proceeding further with plans for a new fire hall,” says Electoral Area A Director Thomas McDonald. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure we are providing the best service for the Hosmer Fire Protection Service Area and...
September 08, 2023 - 6:30pm
A small section of the Markin MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail has been cordoned off after some erosion was noted along the bank of the trail.
“The Trail remains fully open, there is just one small section that has experienced some erosion on the down hill side of the embankment and we are asking trail users to detour around that area until we have been able to fully assess it,” explains General Manager of Engineering and Environmental Services, Kevin Paterson. “We have marked this section with flagging tape, signage and barriers. While there is plenty of space to go around the affected...
September 01, 2023 - 8:07pm
A proposal to fund an assessment of the current Hosmer Fire Hall will be considered by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors at its September board meeting next week.
“I’ve heard from members of the community with concerns about the proposal to relocate the firehall, and have asked for an assessment of the existing hall to be prepared,” says Electoral Area A Director Thomas McDonald. “This assessment will assist the Board in affirming or amending the decision on how best to continue serving the service area.” If funding is approved by the Board, a building...
September 01, 2023 - 10:19am
A Range of RDEK Transfer Stations Now Accepting Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) will now accept smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at many of their Transfer Stations.
“We are constantly looking for ways to expand the variety of items that our residents are able to recycle, and our partnership with Product Care to offer this new option is one that we believe will be of great benefit to those in our region,” says RDEK General Manager of Engineering and Environmental Services Kevin Paterson.
The drop-off locations include the Invermere,...
August 24, 2023 - 1:10pm
Applications are now being taken for the newly-established East Kootenay Accessibility Advisory Committee.
“As part of the new Accessible British Columbia Act local governments are required to establish an accessibility committee, develop an accessibility plan, and create an ongoing way for the public to provide feedback regarding accessibility,” explains RDEK Community Services Coordinator Sandra Haley, who is leading the project on behalf of the participating local governments. In addition to the RDEK, the participating municipalities include the City of Cranbrook, the Village of Canal...
August 22, 2023 - 3:01pm
The District of Sparwood and Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) have issued a joint Rescind of the Evacuation Alerts in the vicinity of the Lladnar Creek fire west of Sparwood. There are no longer any Evacuation Alerts in place for this fire.
“With the hard work from BC Wildfire crews and recent precipitation we are thankful to be able to rescind the Evacuation Alert for all properties impacted by the Lladnar Creek wildfire. The fire which began on July 21, has impacted our community for over a month and resulted in a significant number of properties within Sparwood and the RDEK...
August 21, 2023 - 5:25pm
As the last active Evacuation Alert in the Columbia Valley was lifted earlier today, the Electoral Area Director for Area F is praising the wildfire response and urging the public to continue to be aware of ongoing Area Restrictions around the Valley and beyond.
“I am profoundly grateful to everyone who has been actively engaged in responding to the wildfires in our region. To all the BCWS personnel, frontline firefighters, the support crews and countless others who have worked day and night to protect homes, businesses and keep our communities safe, thank you,” says RDEK Electoral Area...
August 21, 2023 - 3:50pm
The Evacuation Alert in the vicinity of the Yearling Creek wildfire has been RESCINDED as BC Wildfire crews continue to make progress.
The Alerts covered 6 private dwellings, Nipika Mountain Resort, the Cross River Education and Retreat Centre, and Horseshoe Rapids Recreation site. “As this is an immensely popular area for recreation, we want to remind the public that although the Evacuation Alert has been rescinded, there are still active fires within the vicinity and crews continue to work on the Yearling Creek fire specifically,” explains Information Officer Loree...
August 21, 2023 - 10:53am
The Evacuation Alert for the Lake Enid, Bear Mountain and Horsethief Creek Areas in the vicinity of the Horsethief Creek Wildfire has been rescinded.
“In spite of challenging weather and fire conditions last week, the BC Wildfire Service has continued to make progress and have the fire in a place where they felt comfortable recommending the Alert be lifted.” says Regional Emergency Operations Centre Information Officer Loree Duczek. “This is a good day. It is not easy being on Alert, particularly when the fire behaviour is elevated and visible as it has been on this fire, and I want to...
August 19, 2023 - 3:17pm
Horsethief Creek Wildfire Evacuation Alert RESCINDED for Panorama Area
As BC Wildfire Service crews continue to make progress on the Horsethief Creek Wildfire, the Evacuation Alert issued for the Panorama and Toby Creek Road southwest of Lillian Lake areas has been rescinded. As of 3:00 pm August 19, those 926 dwellings will no longer be under an Evacuation Alert.
“With the hard work of the BC Wildfire crews and the passage of the challenging cold front, the BC Wildfire Service have determined it is safe to lift the Alert for these 926 dwellings” says Regional Emergency Operations...
August 17, 2023 - 7:59am
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK), has issued an EVACUATION ALERT for 926 dwellings in the Panorama area due to increased fire behaviour on the Horsethief Creek wildfire overnight.
The Evacuation Alert encompasses Panorama and Toby Creek Road southwest of Lillian Lake, including the following areas:
• All properties in Panorama Mountain Village
• All properties along Toby Creek Road southwest of Lillian Lake, including Lanac Road, Neave Road, and Hydro Substation Rd
“Given the current fire behaviour and the forecasted weather conditions, the BC Wildfire Service has...
August 16, 2023 - 10:09pm
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) will be receiving $45,000 in funding to help with local preparedness prior to the implementation of the Next Generation 911 (NG911) system in BC.
“We are grateful to the Ministry of Citizen’s Services for these funds and look forward to working with our 911 delivery partners at E-Comm and Kelowna Fire Dispatch to determine how to best prioritize its use,” explains RDEK Board Chair, Rob Gay.
The 2023 Next Generation Funding has been provided to all local governments and modern Treaty First Nations to support local preparedness for the...
August 11, 2023 - 1:10pm
As crews continue to make progress on the Horsethief Wildfire, the Evacuation ORDER that was enacted on July 24th, 2023, has been downgraded to an Evacuation ALERT.
“With the recent downturn in weather and all the great work that the BC Wildfire Crews have been putting in the Order that was still in place has been able to be downgraded to an Alert. Residents that are in the Alert area should stay prepared and be ready to leave on a moment’s notice should conditions change and an order needs to be re-issued,” says Regional Emergency Operations Centre Director, Christina Carbrey.
The...
August 11, 2023 - 11:09am
It’s been nearly one month since the St. Mary’s River fire ignited, prompting a multi-agency response and an unofficial start to an active July fire season in the East Kootenay.
“As a region, we are profoundly grateful for the tireless efforts of the BC Wildfire Service, from their front line personnel to the contractors, pilots, heavy equipment operators and support staff,” says RDEK Board Chair, Rob Gay. “We also want to acknowledge the incredible efforts and support of the structure protection personnel who have arrived in this region from across BC to help protect homes and...
August 06, 2023 - 12:56pm
As crews continue to make progress on the Yearling Creek Wildfire, the Evacuation Order for 3 properties in the Nipika Mountain Resort Area has been downgraded to an Evacuation ALERT.
“We want to acknowledge the tremendous work of the BC Wildfire Service to put us in a position where we can lift the Order,”says Information Officer Loree Duczek. “It is important for residents, visitors and recreationalists in the affected area to continue to be aware that there is an active wildfire in the vicinity and ensure they are staying aware and are prepared to leave on a moment’s notice should...
August 04, 2023 - 3:35pm
With over 350 wildfires burning across BC, including a number of Fires of Note in the East Kootenay, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is urging residents and travellers to stay aware, be prepared and plan ahead this long weekend.
“The old adage of “Know Before You Go” is so true. Whether it is heading out on a vacation, to a second home or into the woods camping, it is critical for people to do their research about wildfires, Crown Land Area Restrictions and Evacuation Alerts or Orders that may be in effect around their destination,” says Information Officer, Loree...
August 03, 2023 - 10:32pm
The District of Sparwood and Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) have issued a joint Evacuation Alert this evening as another day of above-average temperatures, low humidity and wind fueled growth on the Lladnar Creek fire west of Sparwood.
The expanded Evacuation Alert area covers properties north of Sparwood Heights Drive, including:
Whiskey Jack Subdivision
Elk Valley Trailer Park
Upper and Lower Lodgepole Trailer Park
Savarie Road and Savarie Frontage Road
All properties WEST of Highway 43 up to 6161 Upper Elk Valley Road
This is in addition to the existing Evacuation...
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