News
Page 1 of 30 pages. 1 2 3 > Last ›
December 08, 2023 - 8:48am
Water levels have started to recede, and the attention is turning away from potential flooding and towards treacherous road conditions as the East Kootenay continues to be battered by an atmospheric river.
“A member of our Flood Response Unit was stationed in the Elk Valley since Monday night when the storm first hit and has been doing regular patrols throughout the week on the Hosmer to Cokato corridor,” says RDEK Protective Services Manager, Christina Carbrey. “We did see some overland pooling on a few properties in the Hosmer area, and the temporary overtopping of a small section of...
December 05, 2023 - 4:32pm
Due to an unexpected staff absence, the Columbia Valley Office will be closed to the public until 1pm on December 6, 2023. The office will reopen from 1-4:30pm Wedneday afternoon. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and patience.
Staff will still be able to be reached by phone at 250-342-0063 or 1-888-478-7335.
December 04, 2023 - 11:15am
With an atmospheric river forecasted to hit the Elk Valley bringing up to 100mm of rain by Thursday, the RDEK is setting up a sandbag station in Hosmer and urging residents across the East Kootenay to be aware and prepared.
“With the snow we’ve received over the past few days, the forecasted accumulation of rain this week and rising temperatures, there is an elevated risk of localized overland flooding,” says RDEK Protective Services Manager, Christina Carbrey. “We encourage people to stay clear of creek banks and rivers and urge anyone who lives in a flood-prone area to take steps to...
December 04, 2023 - 9:07am
Due to an unexpected absence, our Columbia Valley RDEK Office will be closed to the public today, Monday, December 4th. We anticipate it will reopen at 8:30am on Tuesday, December 5.
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and patience.
December 01, 2023 - 2:57pm
Approximately 80 people took part in a community information meeting regarding the Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation Project on Thursday in Fairmont.
“It was wonderful to see such a strong turnout to the meeting,” says RDEK Electoral Area F Director Susan Clovechok. “Staff did a great job in covering all aspects of the project from the background of its evolution to the complex and significant funding, current construction updates and upcoming project elements.”
Following presentations by various RDEK project team members, the floor was opened for questions. “The Q&A portion of...
December 01, 2023 - 11:21am
A sobering reminder about the importance of ice safety yesterday afternoon after one person fell through the ice and had to be rescued on Lake Windermere.
“In spite of online posts to the contrary, the ice on the Lake is NOT safe at this time,” stresses Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service Chief Drew Sinclair. “Much of the ice surface is only a few days old with temperatures only dropping to double digits a few times in recent weeks. The recent dusting of snow has obscured any cracks or new edges that might be visible when on the ice. Please stay off.”
10 members of the...
November 28, 2023 - 4:35pm
Construction is well underway on three organics receiving and processing facilities as part of the Regional District of East Kootenay’s (RDEK) Regional Organics Initiative.
“This project focuses solely on the construction of capital infrastructure to receive and process organics,” explains RDEK General Manager of Engineering & Environmental Services, Kevin Paterson. “In addition to residential-type organics that will be accepted through municipal organics curbside programs, these facilities will incorporate green, yard and biosolid waste generated or collected by local governments in...
November 20, 2023 - 1:34pm
Janet Bidston has been officially recognized as the 2023 Electoral Area A Volunteer of the Year.
“Janet has been a volunteer and the sole administrator for the charitable organization, Angel Flight East Kootenay, since it’s inception in 2019,” says RDEK Electoral Area A Director Thomas McDonald. “She provides the scheduling, bookkeeping, reception, and general administration support to the organization which has serviced over 750 clients since it began.”
The organization provides free flights for patients to medical appointments in Kelowna. Each Angel Flight is planned based on the...
November 20, 2023 - 10:23am
The RDEK will be hosting a community information meeting later this month to provide an update on the Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation Project in Fairmont Hot Springs.
“It has been some time since we held a meeting with the community regarding this project, and with construction now underway, we want to have the opportunity to not only share the latest project information, but to be able to answer questions as well,” says Electoral Area F Director Susan Clovechok. The meeting will begin with presentations and a project update and then will be open for questions and answers.
The...
November 20, 2023 - 7:00am
Two familiar faces will continue to be at the helm of the Regional District of East Kootenay Board of Directors for the coming year following the annual Chair and Vice Chair elections.
Electoral Area C Director Rob Gay was elected for this 13th term as Chair by acclamation. “The past year has been another dynamic one for our Board. I continue to thoroughly enjoy working with the Vice Chair, Board, managers and RDEK staff collectively serving this incredible region,” says Gay. “Our Board has developed strong, respectful working relationships and I’m looking forward to another productive...
November 13, 2023 - 5:00pm
Firefighters responded to a structure fire in a single-family home in Fairmont earlier today.
“The fire originated in the basement of the home and our firefighters conducted a direct interior attack,” explains Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Service Assistant Chief Joss Advocaat. “Our firefighters did an excellent job quickly extinguishing the flames and limiting damage to the home.”
In total, seven firefighters from Fairmont and two from the Windermere Fire Department responded to the call, which came in at 12:43pm this afternoon.
There were no injuries, and the cause of the fire...
November 10, 2023 - 10:39am
The RDEK Board of Directors has adopted a bylaw that will see changes to the inspection and fee structure for building permits starting in April of 2024.
“The Building Bylaw is being updated to align with the standard template set by the Municipal Insurance Association of BC Building Bylaw,” says RDEK Building Supervisor Kenley Barros. “This template has been thoroughly reviewed by the MIABC team and will ensure better consistency with more widely accepted and current terminology.
Two of the updates include an additional stage of inspection and amended fee structure. Starting April 1,...
November 06, 2023 - 2:28pm
The Columbia Valley RDEK Office will be closed November 7 and 8.
We will re-open to the public at 8:30am on Thursday, November 9.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
November 06, 2023 - 9:11am
RDEK Seeking Public Input in Development of Climate Action Plan
The RDEK is developing a Climate Action Plan for its six electoral areas to increase climate resilience and reduce emissions contributing to climate change. As part of this process the RDEK seeking public input via online survey.
“If you live in, own property, or have a business in an RDEK electoral area, your feedback is a critical component in developing the Climate Action Plan,” says RDEK Planner Krista Gilbert.
To help gather public feedback, the RDEK has established a survey that will remain open until November 30....
November 06, 2023 - 8:47am
Used Oil Depot Now Open at Fernie Transfer Station
Fernie area residents now have an option to safely dispose of used motor oils and antifreeze, with the addition of a new used oil depot at the Fernie Transfer Station.
Products accepted at the new used oil depot include used lubricating oil, oil filters, oil containers, antifreeze, and antifreeze containers. “Residents will find that this new option at the transfer station will make for a simple and convenient way to dispose of these materials,” says General Manager of Engineering & Environmental Services, Kevin Paterson. “Used motor...
November 03, 2023 - 1:10pm
Norm Julien has been officially recognized as the 2023 Electoral Area G Volunteer of the Year.
“Norm has long been a patient and hardworking volunteer who quietly steps in to fill a gap wherever needed. He has played a role in building, maintaining, or supporting so many of the recreational amenities that Edgewater enjoys and has had a profound impact on his community,” says RDEK Electoral Area G Director Roberta Schnider.
After retiring from the Rocky Mountain School District as a supervisory employee responsible for maintenance of buildings and grounds, Norm volunteered weekly for many...
October 24, 2023 - 1:22pm
Bruce Hamstead has been officially recognized as the 2023 Electoral Area F Volunteer of the Year.
Hamstead began volunteering at Panorama when he put his children into the youth ski racing program many years ago. He natural leadership skills, hard work, and determination saw him obtain both national and international levels of certification in ski racing and he has often been invited to participate as a delegate for any Canadian group participating in global alpine ski conferences. His international accomplishments have helped ensure the growth and sustainability of Panorama’s ski racing...
October 20, 2023 - 3:31pm
The application intake for Short-Term Rental Temporary Use Permits in the RDEK is open and is not currently affected by new proposed regulations announced by the Province.
The RDEK’s new permitting process was introduced earlier this year and RDEK staff have been working to establish the procedures and implement the application process, which opened October 1st. “We know there are many questions about the new permit requirement and the specifics of how to apply, and with the announcement by the Province on new Short Term Rental legislation, many people may be wondering if this will affect...
October 11, 2023 - 9:29am
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) continues to investigate solutions to address ongoing break-ins and vandalism at its Cranbrook Transfer Station.
“We are experiencing a continued rise in vandals cutting through our fences, breaking into the buildings and damaging property,” says General Manager of Engineering & Environmental Services Kevin Paterson. “Staff are currently repairing fences a minimum of three to five times per week and people are illegally accessing our site nightly. Several of our buildings on site have been damaged or had doors broken and frequently items and...
October 05, 2023 - 10:00am
Melissa Fahselt has been officially recognized as the 2023 Electoral Area B Volunteer of the Year.
“Melissa’s voluntary efforts have touched every corner of her community” says Area B Director, Stan Doehle. “Her significant contributions toward initiatives involving young people are particularly notable, and there are few who have not benefited from her contributions in Jaffray.”
A long-standing member of the Sand Creek Recreation Commission, Melissa held the position of vice-president for over a decade and is now going into her fifth season as president. A strong supporter of youth...
Page 1 of 30 pages. 1 2 3 > Last ›
