News
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June 09, 2023 - 5:36pm
Following a public consultation period earlier this spring, the RDEK Board of Directors has reviewed the Revised Draft Short Term Rental (STR) Criteria and are now seeking public comment.
“Earlier this spring, staff undertook an initial community consultation process to share the proposed criteria for the implementation of STRs via Temporary Use Permits with stakeholders, STR operators and the public,” explains RDEK Planner Justin Cook. “We received well over 300 comments and appreciate the time and thoughtful comments provided. This feedback was considered by staff and are reflected...
June 09, 2023 - 2:19pm
The RDEK Board of Directors has approved $2.5 million in additional funding for the Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation Project.
The move comes after increasing construction costs and inflationary pressures have strained the current project budget. “The construction tenders we received were all over budget and the project team has worked hard to streamline costs and look at other potential funding sources; however, that left us with insufficient funds to complete the mitigation works,” explains Electoral Area F Director Susan Clovechok. “I am deeply grateful to my fellow...
June 01, 2023 - 9:08am
FireSmart Community Debris Bin Event in Stoddart Estates
Residents of Stoddart Estates will be able to take part in a Community Debris Bin Event hosted by the East Kootenay FireSmart Program, later this month.
“The Debris Bin Event is a convenient and accessible way for residents who are trying to clear their properties of combustible materials, to dispose of that debris,” says Local FireSmart Representative Thomas Dobbin. “Yard waste that would otherwise have to be hauled to the Columbia Valley Landfill can be placed in the bin for a period of two weeks. This is an opportunity for the...
May 30, 2023 - 6:35am
Members of Windermere Fire Department responded to a structure fire last night, which left one person injured.
“We received a report of an explosion and fire at approximately 8:30pm. There was minimal fire damage; however, the home did sustain extensive structural damage,” says Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Chief Drew Sinclair.
11 firefighters and 3 apparatus responded to the call. Firefighters isolated the utilities and remained on scene to check for any hidden fires. One occupant of the home was taken to hospital by a family member with undetermined burns prior to the fire...
May 29, 2023 - 3:27pm
Windermere Beach Facilities Damaged by Vandals
The RDEK is asking residents to keep their eyes open and to contact them or the RCMP with any information following another rash of vandalism at Windermere Beach. Over the weekend, vandals spray-painted graffiti in multiple locations on the public washroom facilities.
“It is incredibly disappointing to see this type of defacement happening again,” says Environmental Services Manager Kevin Paterson. “We experienced extensive damage to these facilities last year that was not only costly but led to restricted access to the public for several...
May 18, 2023 - 9:38am
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) will be hosting an Open House at the end of the month to share information and details on the new Radium Transfer Station.
“The Open House will provide residents with an opportunity to see the proposed site layout, learn more about the expanded services that will be available at the site and ask questions of staff,” explains RDEK Environmental Services Manager, Kevin Paterson.
The Open House will be held Tuesday, May 30, 2023 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Radium Hot Springs Centre on Stanley Street in the Village of Radium Hot Springs.
Once...
May 15, 2023 - 9:49am
RDEK Agricultural Wildfire Preparedness Forum Happening at Fort Steele
The East Kootenay FireSmart Program in collaboration with the Kootenay Livestock Association will be hosting the RDEK Agricultural Wildfire Preparedness Forum at Fort Steele Heritage Town on June 3.
“This forum will focus on emergency preparedness for wildfire events as it relates to the agricultural sector. We encourage those who have farms and ranches to attend the event so that they can discuss their wildfire concerns and learn how to plan for these types of emergencies,” says RDEK Wildfire Resiliency Supervisor...
May 13, 2023 - 10:11pm
A grassfire along Jaffray Baynes Lake Road prompted a full response from the South Country Fire Departments this evening.
“The fire was on private property and started at the base of a hill near a pasture. It quickly grew to approximately 1.5 hectares with warm temperatures and low humidity contributing to its spread,” explains Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire and Rescue Chief Michael Hockley. “Fortunately, the wind was working in our favour. Our firefighters immediately worked to create a containment line and were successful in keeping the fire within the pasture and well away from...
May 11, 2023 - 8:56am
Columere Park to Hold FireSmart Community Chipping Event
The East Kootenay FireSmart Program and Columere Park FireSmart Committee are hosting a Community Chipping Event at the end of the month.
“Columere Park has worked very hard to earn and maintain their status as a FireSmart Canada Nationally Recognized Neighbourhood,” says Local FireSmart Representative Thomas Dobbin. “This annual RDEK supported event is just one of the FireSmart efforts they make to maintain that title. Staying FireSmart means keeping on top of cleaning up hazardous fuels around your home and property...
May 10, 2023 - 8:58am
FireSmart Educational Landscaping Event to be Held at Winderberry / Edible Acres
The East Kootenay FireSmart Program will be hosting a free educational presentation at Winderberry / Edibles Acres on May 28 at 12pm.
“We have invited FireSmart BC Landscaping Expert, Karla Hoffman, to come speak about practical changes and choices that residents can make when dealing with their gardens and yards this year,” explains RDEK Interface Fire Prevention Officer Thomas Dobbin. “She has designed, installed, and maintained landscapes – from small residential sites, to commercial, university, and...
May 09, 2023 - 9:13am
FireSmart Community Debris Bin Event to be Held in Edgewater
Residents in Edgewater will be receiving some support from the East Kootenay FireSmart Program in the form of a community debris bin later this month.
“The goal of the FireSmart Program is to help residents who are trying to clear their properties of combustible materials,” says Local FireSmart Representative Thomas Dobbin. “This centrally located bin will give residents a chance to dispose of that yard waste that they would otherwise have to haul to the Columbia Valley Landfill. This is an opportunity for the community to come...
May 01, 2023 - 3:20pm
The RDEK will be testing its Regional Evacuation Notification system (ENS) this Friday and is encouraging residents who have not already done so to sign up.
“The notification system is only used for evacuation alerts or orders and has been implemented as an additional tool to help us get the word out as quickly as possible to affected areas when time is of the essence,” explains RDEK Communications Manager Loree Duczek. The RDEK is urging residents to register this week as they are planning a region-wide test of the system this Friday, May 5 at 11:00am. It is free to register and is...
April 26, 2023 - 11:12am
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day – May 6
Saturday, May 6th is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day and residents across the East Kootenay are being asked to take action to help protect their homes and properties from the risk of wildfire.
“The probability of damaging wildfires has increased in recent years and it’s important that residents prepare themselves and their homes for the possibility that a wildfire will happen near to their community,” explains RDEK Wildfire Resilience Supervisor Terry Balan.
“Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is a great way to make an intentional...
April 24, 2023 - 9:26pm
The Regional District of East Kootenay offices will be closed Tuesday April 25 for our Annual Staff Day.
We will resume regular hours on Wednesday April 26th from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
To report a water or sewer emergency, an overflowing bin or bin fire please call in the Cranbrook area 250-420-1700, in the Columbia Valley area 250-342-5712. These are emergency lines only.
April 20, 2023 - 2:24pm
Changes to BC Building Code Coming in May
Changes to the BC Building Code coming into effect May 1, 2023 will apply to all new homes built in the RDEK’s six Electoral Areas.
“New homes built in BC, including all of our Electoral Areas in the RDEK, will now be required to meet Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code,” explains RDEK Building Supervisor Kenley Barros. “This means that most new construction in BC must be 20% more energy efficient than base 2018 BC Building Code.”
To comply with the BC Energy Step Code, builders must do an energy model at the design phase and conduct on-site...
April 15, 2023 - 6:52am
A public hearing has been scheduled regarding an application to permit residential development on private property known as the Galloway Lands adjacent to Fernie Alpine Resort.
“We recognize there has been a great deal of community interest in this proposal on all sides. That is one of the key reasons members of the Board supported going to public hearing. This is the formal opportunity for us to hear directly and on the record from residents and is a critical piece of the bylaw amendment process,” explains RDEK Board Chair Rob Gay.
The public hearing will be held over the course of two...
April 14, 2023 - 8:45am
FireSmart Community Debris Bin Event to be Held in Wilmer
Residents in Wilmer will be working to maintain their FireSmart Neighbourhood National Recognition status at the end of this month with support from the East Kootenay FireSmart Program.
“The community will be participating in the Debris Bin Program, which allows for residents to drop off yard waste at centrally located bins for a period of two weeks,” says Local FireSmart Representative Thomas Dobbin. “This bin gives residents a chance to dispose of yard waste without having to transport it out of the community. This is an...
April 12, 2023 - 5:57pm
A sharp rise in Hosmer Creek on the heels of 24 hours of steady rainfall prompted the RDEK to take action last night to remove some debris at the confluence of two creeks in Hosmer in an effort to restore water flow and prevent significant flooding.
“Our Flood Response Unit had been on site monitoring conditions after residents reported a sharp rise in water levels. There is an area that is prone to debris build up where Mine Creek and Hosmer Creek meet and the decision was made to seek approval from the Province for in-water works to remove the debris and restore water flow,” says RDEK...
April 11, 2023 - 3:06pm
On the heels of steady rain and rising freezing levels, the RDEK is urging residents to be cautious around local waterways, particularly creeks and tributaries.
A High Streamflow Advisory remains in effect across the East Kootenay and the smaller waterways are likely going to feel the impacts of this weather system for at least a few days. “We encourage people to stay clear of creek banks and rivers this week as rapid, unpredictable changes in waterways are possible,” says Communications Manager Loree Duczek.
The RDEK’s Flood Response Unit is monitoring local conditions including Mine...
April 08, 2023 - 9:39am
A grassfire along Jaffray Baynes Lake Road was contained and extinguished late last night near Baynes Lake.
“The suspected cause of the fire is believed to be from a large appliance which had possibly been filled with some type of combustible material before being detonated, starting numerous large spot fires and quickly spreading,” explains Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire and Rescue Chief Michael Hockley. “It was reckless behaviour and not only showed blatant disregard for the environment but could also have jeopardized people’s safety, including the responding firefighters.”
In...
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