Letters will be sent to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Mainroad Contracting with copies sent to MLA Bill Bennett and MLA Norm Macdonald expressing concern with the lack of proper winter maintenance of highways in the East Kootenay, with emphasis on the Elk Valley. Both the Ministry and Mainroad will also be invited to the January 2014 board meeting to discuss the board's concerns.
Area A home based business regulations do not proceed
After several months of consulting with the Elk Valley municipalities and rural residents, the board decided not to proceed with any changes to the regulation of home based businesses in Electoral Area A. In the unincorporated areas of the Elk Valley, home based businesses are presently permitted in all residential and rural residential zones as an accessory use to a single family dwelling, and the existing regulations will remain unchanged.
RCMP requested to increase police presence
The RCMP will be requested to increase the police presence on highways in the East Kootenay to help encourage appropriate winter driving habits.
Overview level hazard assessments received
Following the flooding this summer, the RDEK received funding from Emergency Management BC for an aerial assessment of both Cold Spring Creek and Fairmont Creek. The Overview Level Hazard Assessments have been received. A detailed assessment on Cold Spring Creek will be considered if future funding opportunities become available. The Fairmont Creek assessment was included as supporting documentation in the RDEK's application for Phase 2 flood mitigation work through the Building Canada Flood Protection Program.
Jimsmith Lake development approved
The board of directors has given final approval to an 11-lot subdivision at Jimsmith Lake. The Daprocida development will create two hectare (five acre) parcels at the southern end of the lake. The controversial development was revised to include larger parcels after opposition from the Jimsmith community. The adoption of the bylaw amendment that will allow the development was opposed by Cranbrook directors Wayne Stetski and Bob Whetham.