An application by the IDEAL Society for an ALR Non-Farm Use in the Jaffray area was supported by the board. The society proposes to expand the residential and education components in support of the agricultural, education, arts and leisure program. The application will now proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission for consideration of approval.
Board Supports Request for Action on Aquatic Invaders
A letter will be sent to the Federal and Provincial Governments supporting the Okanagan Basin Water Board's request for action to prevent invasive zebra and quagga mussels from entering B.C.
Concern Expressed Over Proposed Subdivision
Letters will be sent to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the Provincial Approving Officer expressing concern over a proposed subdivision at Whitetail Lake by the Whitetail Lake Land Corporation. The RDEK did not approve a previously proposed development in the same area and the board is concerned that this new proposal is being put forward under the Strata Property Act and is requesting the Ministry undertake consultation with the public and First Nations prior to considering any approvals.
Transit Superstar
RDEK Community Services Manager Shannon Moskal was congratulated by the Board on being named a BC Transit Superstar. Shannon works with BC Transit, our contractors and the public using the Elk Valley, Columbia Valley and Health Connections Transit Services in the East Kootenay.
Canada Day Fireworks Planned for Fairmont
A special event licence will be issued to Fairmont Hot Springs Resort for the Canada Day Fireworks celebration to be held at the Resort on July 1.
Minister Thanked for Restructure Assistance Offer
A letter will be sent to the Honourable Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development thanking her for the offer of restructure assistance to the City of Fernie for the West Fernie restructure proposal. The Minister has offered the maximum per capita restructure assistance available. The City of Fernie is expected to review the offer at an upcoming City Council meeting and the RDEK hopes to meet with the residents of West Fernie in the first week of June to discuss the West Fernie Servicing & Restructure project.
Detailed Groundwater Analysis for Windermere
The Regional District of East Kootenay Board of Directors has approved $20,000 in Community Works funding for a detailed groundwater analysis and test well program in Windermere. The possibility of groundwater wells has been considered in the past and eliminated as an option after the consultant's high level review determined there were too many risks to finding a good groundwater source that close to the lake that wasn't under the influence of surface water. However, recently there have been two large wells drilled in Invermere and Fairmont and both of those wells have tapped into an aquifer that is not being influenced by surface water. The detailed study on the groundwater well option will provide a more definitive answer on whether this is a possibility in Windermere or not. The RDEK's consultant will begin the analysis within the next few weeks and the report on their findings is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Fairmont Flood & Landslide Service
Following community consultation earlier this spring, the RDEK has given three readings to the Fairmont Flood & Landslide Service Establishment Bylaw. The Bylaw will now be forwarded to the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development for approval prior to coming back to the Board for adoption.
Columbia Valley Recreation Funding Policy Amended
The Columbia Valley Recreation Funding Policy has been amended to include the Multi-Use Arts & Recreation Facility in Invermere. The amendment will see the RDEK contribute $125,000/year in Capital and Operating funding for a period of five years commencing in 2015. Directors Wendy Booth and Dee Conklin have also been appointed to the design committee for the new facility.
New Emergency Program Coordinator Named
Gerry Smith will take on the position of Coordinator for the Central Subregion Emergency Program for the period May 2, 2014 to December 31, 2015. Dan Flegel has signed on as the Deputy Coordinator.
Discretionary Grant in Aid (DGIA) Funding
The Fernie Transportation Committee will receive $1500 from the Electoral Area A DGIA account for the Fernie Local Winter Ski Shuttle.
The Cranbrook and District 4-H Club will receive $1,500 for its upcoming Show and Sale. The funding will be split equally between the DGIA accounts for Electoral Areas A, B and C, with each contributing $500.
TM Roberts Elementary School will receive $1,000 from the Electoral Area C DGIA account for an upcoming Rock Lake Camping trip.
The BC Seniors Games East Kootenay Zone 7 will receive $500 from the Area C DGIA account to help cover costs associated with members participating in the 2014 BC Seniors Games in Langley.
The Cranbrook Lions Club will receive $1,200 from the Area C DGIA to help cover promotion costs as the club prepares to host the 2015 District Conference.
The Mount Baker Grad Parent Prom Food Committee will receive $500 from the Area C DGIA to help cover food costs for graduation celebrations in June.
The Windermere Valley Youth Centre Society will receive $500 from the Electoral Area F DGIA account and $250 from the Electoral Area G DGIA account to help cover costs of the guest speaker at the Society's upcoming fundraiser.