RDEK

With an atmospheric river forecasted to. hit the Elk Valley, bringing up to 100mm of rain by Thursday, the RDEK is stting up a sandbag station in Hosmer and is urging residents across the East Kootenay to be aware and prepared.

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.

A proposal to fund an assessment of the current Hosmer Fire Hall will be considered by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors at its September board meeting next week.

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is seeking feedback from neighbouring residents and users of the Yaqakxaqⱡamki Boat Launch on the west side of Lake Koocanusa.

“The Yaqakxaqⱡamki Boat Launch is now part of our network of RDEK Regional Parks,” says Planner Krista Gilbert. “We are developing Parks Management Plans for all of our parks and trails in the region and public engagement is an important part of the planning process as we want to hear residents’ vision for the future of these community facilities.”

The Regional District of East Kootenay Board of Directors has approved funding for 132 projects around the region over the coming year. The funding comes from Columbia Basin Trust’s Resident Directed (ReDi) Grants, which are administered by the RDEK.

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is asking residents to ensure that they are disposing of yard and garden waste at the appropriate drop-off locations this spring and summer.  

A grassfire along Jaffray Baynes Lake Road prompted a full response from the South Country Fire Departments this evening.

With the warm temperatures over the past few days, the potential for thunderstorms in the long term forecast, and the anticipated start of spring freshet, the RDEK has set up a number of self-fill sandbag stations and is reminding residents about the need to be cautious around all waterways.

The RDEK is encouraging residents who live in flood-prone areas to take steps to be prepared in the event the region does experience localized flooding.

Self-fill sandbag stations have been set up at:

Saturday, May 6th is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day and residents across the East Kootenay are being asked to take action to help protect their homes and properties from the risk of wildfire.

“The probability of damaging wildfires has increased in recent years and it’s important that residents prepare themselves and their homes for the possibility that a wildfire will happen near to their community,” explains RDEK Wildfire Resilience Supervisor Terry Balan.

A public hearing has been scheduled regarding an application to permit residential development on private property known as the Galloway Lands adjacent to Fernie Alpine Resort.

“We recognize there has been a great deal of community interest in this proposal on all sides. That is one of the key reasons members of the Board supported going to public hearing. This is the formal opportunity for us to hear directly and on the record from residents and is a critical piece of the bylaw amendment process,” explains RDEK Board Chair Rob Gay.