News
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December 28, 2023 - 4:32am
A carbon monoxide leak has prompted the evacuation of 18 occupied condo units in a development in Fairmont Hot Springs.
The call came in at 12:25am with the fire department, RCMP and BC Ambulance responding. “The call came in as a possible carbon monoxide leak, so our firefighters donned the proper protective equipment and monitors on arrival. Upon entry into the building, carbon monoxide levels of over 200 parts per million were detected and we immediately evacuated all 18 units,” explains Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Service Chief Drew Sinclair. “One family of five has been sent...
December 22, 2023 - 2:56pm
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) and CUPE Local 2106 have ratified a new collective agreement.
“During these highly uncertain times, we have been committed to reaching an agreement that not only provides certainty in the immediate future, but for the next few years,” says RDEK Board Chair Rob Gay. “After extensive work by both parties, we have reached a five-year agreement that received strong support from both the Board and CUPE Local 2016 membership, which speaks to the strength and balance we were able to collectively achieve.”
The agreement covers the term January 1,...
December 22, 2023 - 2:44pm
The RDEK’s Columbia Valley office has reopened following a minor chemical spill in the water treatment plant earlier this morning. Following the emergency response procedures, the building was cleared and the fire department was dispatched to ensure it was safe to re-enter. Everyone was able to safely exit the building and there were no injuries.
The building has been cleared for re-entry and the office is open until 4:30pm today.
The offices were already scheduled to be closed next week, so will re-open on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 8:30am.
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December 20, 2023 - 2:21pm
It has been said that each year is like a book and as the page turns to January 1st, there are 365 blank pages to fill. When I look back on 2023, the pages of the RDEK’s story are filled with numerous stories of success, accomplishments, and growth.
While many people will remember the story of our summer being marked with wildfires, our Emergency Management Program personnel responded to numerous calls throughout the entire year. The Regional Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was activated for over 120 days in 2023, in response to flooding at Mine Creek in Hosmer, Debris Flow events in...
December 18, 2023 - 4:04pm
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) will soon be starting one of three upcoming wildfire fuel reduction projects in the region at Wycliffe Regional Park.
“We have secured a $200,000 Fuel Reduction Grant through Columbia Basin Trust for Wycliffe, Tie Lake and Wilmer parks,” says RDEK Recreation & Control Services Supervisor, Jamie Davies. “Fuel reduction has been an ongoing practice at all RDEK parks for years now, but with limited budgets. We are grateful to receive this funding as it will enable us to complete substantial fuel and fire risk reduction in these three...
December 17, 2023 - 10:28am
The Cranbrook Transfer Station has re-opened following a fire earlier this morning.
“Someone broke into the site overnight and attempted to access the building through a reinforced steel door. When they were unable to gain access, it appears they broke the window and threw some kind of flammable inside intentionally lighting the fire,” says Solid Waste Superintendent Jim Penson.
The Cranbrook RCMP and Cranbrook Emergency Fire & Emergency Services both responded and fortunately, the damage was confined to the immediate area. “We were fortunate the fire did not spread and affect the...
December 17, 2023 - 9:06am
The Cranbrook Transfer Station is closed and firefighters are responding due to a fire at the facility.
The public is asked to stay away from the site until further notice.
Additional information will be released once the scene has been secured and the fire has been fully extinguished. Until then, the site will remain temporarily closed.
December 15, 2023 - 1:18pm
A couple in Athalmer is lucky to have escaped a structure fire this morning along Athalmer Road, thanks in large part to their dogs.
“We responded to a fully involved structure fire in a recreational vehicle home just after 7am. Upon arrival, we learned the couple’s dogs woke them up alerting them to the fire and they were all able to escape safely,” says Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service Deputy Chief Jon Tames. “Sadly, their RV home is a total loss, as is an adjoining outbuilding. I want to acknowledge the excellent work of our firefighters in containing the flames to this...
December 15, 2023 - 8:39am
The Columbia Valley Office is closed to the public today. We will reopen Monday morning at 8:30am for regular hours.
The Cranbrook office remains open and will be taking all calls; however, due to call volume, callers may be asked to leave a message. We will ensure calls are returned, so if you are prompted, please leave a message with your name, phone number and nature of your inquiry.
We apologize for the inconveniece and appreciate your understanding.
December 11, 2023 - 11:10am
The Regional District of East Kootenay has just released the results of its Columbia Valley Active Transportation initial public survey.
In total, over 330 people responded to the survey sharing a range of views on current active transportation and ideas for the future. “This public survey was an important part of the planning process as residents have the most knowledge on how current routes are functioning and what areas may need improvement, so it was great to see such strong engagement,” says RDEK Planner Krista Gilbert. “The input we received will be compiled with other public...
December 11, 2023 - 11:06am
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is asking for residents to consider the environmental impacts of overconsumption as we head toward the holiday season.
“The generosity and spirit of the season can often go hand in hand with a great deal of waste,” says General Manager of Engineering & Environmental Services Kevin Paterson. “Making small changes like using reusable products for gift-giving, gifting an experience instead of a physical gift, and investing in rechargeable batteries are all examples of things that will cut down the amount of waste being produced.”
For those...
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...
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