Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

The following are Regional District of East Kootenay board highlights for February.

• The board postponed first and second reading of two bylaws to facilitate the development of a multi-family apartment building in the Windermere south area.

The board has requested additional information regarding road improvements and sewer servicing.

• The RDEK has approved funding from the Community Works Fund for a number of projects including $13,000 for the Fairmont Fire Hall diesel exhaust system, and $385,000 for a Panorama fire engine, a contract which has been awarded to HUB Fire Engines.

• Discretionary grants-in-aid have been given to the following: Living Lakes Canada Society ($2,500 from Area F and G for hydrological modelling of Wilmer/Boulder Creek watersheds), and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 199 – Edgewater ($1,500 from Area G for the annual Easter egg hunt).

• The RDEK will submit an application to the FortisBC Climate Action Partner Program to fund a position focused on greenhouse gas emission reduction. The goal is to assist eligible participants with hiring a person to act as a project manager for solutions related to sustainability and energy plans. This supports the RDEK’s strategic priorities related to climate change and environmental stewardship.

• Recently announced funding will be used to establish a regional Indigenous liaison position based out of the RDEK.

The Indigenous Engagement Requirements Funding Program provides money to assist First Nations and local authorities to undertake engagement activities. The primary objectives are to strengthen relationships, foster collaboration, support reconciliation and ensure Indigenous cultural safety is embedded in emergency management practices.

 • The RDEK’s draft 2025-2029 financial plan includes just under $12 million in capital projects for 2025, an operating budget for shared services of $29.5 million, and proposes an increase of $22 on the average residential property valued at $596,000.

Copies of the draft plan and comment form are available at engage.rdek.bc.ca/budget or at the RDEK office. The comment period ends at noon on March 10. The plan is expected to be adopted on March 14.