Regional District of East Kootenay, BC

RDEK Board of Directors

The Regional District of East Kootenay Board of Directors is meeting to consider several bylaws, including water system establishment amendments and multiple zoning amendments. They will also hear a delegation from Tourism Fernie and receive correspondence about water system upgrades and a Highway 3 detour.

• Bylaw No. 3479 - East Side Lake Windermere Water System Service Establishment Amendment Bylaw - Adoption
• Bylaw No. 3359 - Columbia Valley Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Windermere North / McGregor) - Adoption
• Bylaw No. 3460 - Wasa and Area Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw (Wasa / Jensen & Karl) - Third Reading & Adoption
• Bylaw No. 3461 - Electoral Area E Zoning and Floodplain Management Amendment Bylaw (Wasa / Jensen & Karl) - Third Reading & Adoption
• Bylaw No. 3468 - Columbia Valley Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Columbia Lake West Side / Jeves & Stobbe) - Adoption

Governance and Regional Services Committee

The Governance and Regional Services Committee will hear delegations on Wasa Lake water quality and boating safety, a regional lake suitability initiative, and a funding request from Imagine Kootenay. It will also consider unfinished business on a FortisBC climate action partnership and time zone survey results, plus a special event license for the Cranbrook Pro Rodeo and the July 2026 cheque register.

• Imagine Kootenay regional partnership funding request (weighted vote of Columbia Valley directors)
• Wasa Lake Land Improvement District delegation on water and sediment quality
• Wasa Area Safety Advocates delegation on boating safety
• Wildsight delegation on regional lake suitability initiative
• Special event license for Wycliffe Exhibition Association Cranbrook Pro Rodeo

Central Services Committee

The Central Services Committee will consider reopening the Cranbrook Reuse Centre at the transfer station. The agenda includes adoption of minutes from the February 11, 2026 meeting and a report for decision on the reopening. No other substantive items are listed.

• Reopening the Cranbrook Reuse Centre (RFD attached)
• Adoption of February 11, 2026 meeting minutes

Planning and Development Services Committee

The Planning and Development Services Committee will hear delegations and decide on several short-term rental (STR) temporary use permits, including reconsiderations of two previously denied permits. The committee will also consider a bylaw amendment for Panorama, an agricultural land reserve exclusion, and routine reports.

• Bylaw No. 3476 amendment for Panorama (Owners of Strata Plan EPS8450)
• ALR exclusion application for Brisco Recreation Commission
• Reconsideration of STR TUP No. 36-26 (Dutch Creek/Marks) and No. 39-26 (Panorama/Drury & Colborne)
• Seven new STR temporary use permit applications (Nos. 45-26, 46-26, 49-26, 50-26, 52-26, 53-26, 54-26)
• ALC decision on Wycliffe Park Road/Zaugg ALR exclusion application

Electoral Area Services Committee

The Electoral Area Services Committee is meeting to review routine reports and decide on several items: discretionary grants-in-aid for four community groups, a proposed day use area on Columbia River Road near Fairmont, rehabilitation of the Wasa Lions Trail, and a funding application by the Collective for Lower Elk Aquifer Restoration (CLEAR) to a federal environmental damages fund. The agenda also includes adoption of the July 9, 2026 minutes and an engineering and utilities report.

• Discretionary Grants-in-Aid – August 2026 for Diverse Family Roots, Meant 2B Loved Pet Rescue Society, Moyie Community Association, Grasmere Community Society
• Columbia River Road Day Use Area (Fairmont Area) – report and feasibility study
• Wasa Lions Trail Rehabilitation – pavement condition assessment and survey
• CLEAR – Federal Environmental Damages Fund application
• 2025 Annual Water Systems Report

Elk Valley Services Committee

The Elk Valley Services Committee is meeting to handle routine business and one substantive item: a request for decision on asphalt rehabilitation at the Elk Valley Regional Airport, supported by letters of support and a pavement condition assessment. The agenda is otherwise procedural, covering minutes, correspondence, and reports.

• Elk Valley Regional Airport asphalt rehabilitation (RFD, letters of support, 2025 pavement condition assessment)
• Adoption of May 7, 2026 meeting minutes
• Addition of late items (requires 2/3 vote)

RDEK Board of Directors

The Board of Directors will discuss several zoning and floodplain management amendments. The meeting includes a public hearing regarding the Wasa area and a project update on Crown Mountain.

• Bylaw No. 3455: East Side Lake Windermere Water Development Cost Charge
• Bylaw No. 3458: Electoral Area C South Zoning & Floodplain Management Amendment (Moyie South / Konkle)
• Bylaw No. 3460 & 3461: Wasa and Area Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendments (Jensen & Karl)
• Bylaw No. 3468: Columbia Valley Zoning Amendment (Columbia Lake West Side / Jeves & Stobbe)
• Crown Mountain Project Update presentation by Dave Baines

The RDEK Board approved two waste management optimization plans for public comment, covering the Columbia Valley and Central subregions. The Board also granted several temporary use permits, including a short-term rental permit that was previously refused, and approved various grants, contracts, and bylaw readings.

• Approved Columbia Valley transfer station plan for public comment (Option 2 with changes)
• Approved Central subregion transfer station plan for public comment (Option 1 with changes)
• Granted STR TUP No. 31-26 (Windermere / Melnikova) for max 6 guests, rescinding prior refusal
• Refused TUP No. 1-26 (Cranbrook North / MacKay)
• Approved $5,293,873.91 cheque register for June 2026
• Awarded engineering services for Hilltop/Baltac watermain replacement to McElhanney Ltd.
• Approved $1,000 grant to Elko Parks and Recreation and $11,000 to Key City Theatre Society
• Denied grant to Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society for donor management system

Planning and Development Services Committee

The Planning and Development Services Committee meets to decide on several land-use applications, including temporary use permits, zoning bylaw amendments, and a road closure. Public delegations are scheduled for five items, including a short-term rental permit reconsideration and a bylaw for the Columbia Lake West Side. The committee will also receive reports on Agricultural Land Commission decisions, building and planning activity, and advisory commission minutes.

• Bylaw No. 3468 (Columbia Lake West Side / Jeves & Stobbe) – public hearing and possible amendment
• STR TUP No. 31-26 (Windermere / Melnikova) – request for reconsideration of a short-term rental permit
• TUP No. 1-26 (Cranbrook North / MacKay) – temporary use permit with multiple public submissions
• Stoddart Boulevard Road Closure – staff report and Ministry response
• Strata conversion application for Radium Resort (Strata Plan N71)

The committee rescinded its May 8, 2026 refusal of Short Term Rental Temporary Use Permit No. STR 31-26 (Windermere / Melnikova) and granted the permit for a maximum occupancy of six guests. Several other applications were decided, including a refusal of Temporary Use Permit No. 1-26 for asphalt crushing at 1994 King Street, and support for two Crown land licence applications for bridges over Lizard Creek and Boardman Creek. The committee also introduced two bylaw amendments and granted or refused several development variance permits.

• Rescinded refusal of STR TUP No. 31-26 (Windermere / Melnikova) (carried)
• Granted STR TUP No. 31-26 (Windermere / Melnikova) for max 6 guests (carried)
• Refused TUP No. 1-26 (Cranbrook North / MacKay) for asphalt crushing (carried)
• Granted DVP No. 13-26 (Dry Gulch / Mountain Shadows Resort Owners' Corporation) (carried)
• Refused DVP No. 17-26 (Koocanusa Village / Wharton) (carried)
• Granted TUP No. 5-26 (Wasa / Kelly) (carried)
• Granted STR TUP No. 29-26 (Windermere / 3 Sisters Properties) (carried)
• Refused STR TUP No. 39-26 (Panorama / Drury & Colborne) (carried)

Governance and Regional Services Committee

The Governance and Regional Services Committee will discuss the Rural Transfer Station Optimization Plan for the Columbia Valley and Central subregions, including options analysis and service reviews. A delegation on the plan is scheduled. The committee will also consider a letter supporting reinstatement of the Local Government Climate Action Program, discuss rescheduling a board meeting date following a request from Cranbrook, and review environmental and protective services reports.

• Delegation by Jeff Blanchard on the Rural Transfer Station Optimization Plan
• Rural Transfer Station Optimization Plan – Columbia Valley Subregion options analysis (weighted vote by Columbia Valley Directors)
• Rural Transfer Station Optimization Plan – Central Subregion options analysis (weighted vote by Central Directors)
• Letter of support for reinstatement of the Local Government Climate Action Program
• Discussion of board meeting date reschedule in response to a letter from the City of Cranbrook

The Governance & Regional Services Committee approved two options for the Rural Transfer Station Optimization Plan, which will now proceed to public comment. The Columbia Valley option keeps the Edgewater facility open as a staffed site and Recycle BC depot, reduces Radium hours, keeps Brisco unstaffed, and increases Canal Flats hours. The Central Subregion option sets 35 weekly operating hours for both the Tie Lake and Wasa facilities. The committee also approved the June 2026 cheque register, a letter supporting reinstatement of the Local Government Climate Action Program, and a resolution endorsing Director Mike Gray for an FCM committee position.

• Approved June 2026 cheque register for $5,293,873.91 (carried)
• Approved letter to Community Energy Association supporting reinstatement of Local Government Climate Action Program (carried)
• Endorsed Director Mike Gray for FCM Non-Board Committee Member, with costs covered by the Board (carried)
• Approved Columbia Valley transfer station Option 2 for public comment, with Edgewater staffed, Radium hours reduced, Brisco unstaffed, Canal Flats hours increased (carried)
• Approved Central Subregion transfer station Option 1 for public comment, with Tie Lake and Wasa at 35 hours per week (carried)

Electoral Area Services Committee

The Electoral Area Services Committee will discuss utility billing and the introduction of Bylaw No. 3455 regarding development cost charges for the East Side Lake Windermere Water System. The body will also consider grants-in-aid and a regional parks plan amendment.

• Introduction of Bylaw No. 3455: East Side Lake Windermere Water System Development Cost Charge
• Regional Parks Plan Amendment No. 21 regarding Jaffray Trail
• Discretionary Grants-in-Aid for Elko Parks and Recreation, Key City Theatre Society, and Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society
• 2026 General School Elections official appointments
• East Side Lake Windermere Water System Service utility billing

The Electoral Area Services Committee introduced two bylaws for the East Side Lake Windermere Water System (development cost charges and service establishment amendment), approved discretionary grants, denied one grant, and set election official remuneration for the 2026 general elections. It also approved a one-time payment to a property owner for high utility costs and authorized attendance at the UBCM convention.

• Introduced Bylaw No. 3455 (East Side Lake Windermere Water System Development Cost Charge)
• Introduced Bylaw No. 3479 (East Side Lake Windermere Water System Service Establishment Amendment)
• Approved $1,000 grant to Elko Parks and Recreation 1987 for playground initiative
• Approved $11,000 grant to Key City Theatre Society for operating assistance
• Denied grant to Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society for donor management system upgrade
• Approved $10,034 payment to owner of 1219 Hilltop Rd. for high utility costs
• Approved election official remuneration rates for 2026 general elections
• Authorized attendance at UBCM 2026 Annual Convention

Columbia Valley Services Committee

The Columbia Valley Services Committee will meet to discuss a request regarding a dressing room addition for the Columbia Valley Rockies at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

• Columbia Valley Rockies Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena dressing room addition request

The committee voted to send a letter of support in principle for a new dressing room addition at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena, subject to conditions from a June 18, 2026 staff report. Final approval is required before construction, pending design, lease, cost, bond, and technical review. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was brief and procedural.

• Adopted meeting agenda (carried)
• Adopted June 11, 2026 minutes (carried)
• Approved support-in-principle letter to Columbia Valley Rockies for arena dressing room addition, subject to conditions (carried)

RDEK Board of Directors

The RDEK Board of Directors will consider and potentially adopt several bylaws, including the Koocanusa Village official community plan amendment (Bylaw 3456) and zoning amendment (Bylaw 3457), along with other land-use changes. The board will also hear presentations from Kootenay Rockies Tourism and Foundry East Kootenay, and vote on committee recommendations for short-term rental permits, contract awards, and financial statements. Multiple public hearings and delegation items are scheduled for Wasa area and Windermere East zoning amendments.

• Adoption of Bylaw 3456 (Lake Koocanusa OCP amendment) and Bylaw 3457 (SweetWater zoning amendment) for Koocanusa Village.
• Introduction of Bylaw 3470 (Elections and Assent Voting amendment) and Bylaw 3471 (Security Issuing Bylaw) with weighted voting.
• Contract awards referred from closed committee: Fire Service Software (Columbia Valley Fire) and Baptiste Lake Water Intake Project.
• Public hearing and delegation for Bylaws 3460/3461 (Wasa area OCP and zoning amendments).
• Multiple short-term rental temporary use permit (STR TUP) renewals and new permits across the region.

The board approved appointments to the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Advisory Commission, a $19,170 funding contribution for a geophysical investigation of the Elko headpond, and contracts for fire‑service software and the Baptiste Lake water intake project. It also authorized the Chair and CAO to sign the 2026/2027 Annual Operating Agreement with BC Transit for Columbia Valley and Elk Valley transit services and approved the 2026/2027 Resident Directed Grants funding recommendations. A motion to send a letter to UBCM refusing a non‑disclosure agreement was defeated.

• Approved appointments to the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Advisory Commission (CARRIED)
• Approved up to $19,170 funding to Living Lakes Canada for Elko headpond geophysical investigation (CARRIED)
• Awarded fire service software contract to First Due for a five‑year term (CARRIED)
• Awarded engineering services contract for Baptiste Lake Water Intake Project to GreatPacific Consulting Ltd (CARRIED)
• Authorized signing of the 2026/2027 Annual Operating Agreement with BC Transit (CARRIED)
• Approved 2026/2027 Resident Directed Grants funding recommendations (CARRIED)
• Granted Short Term Rental Temporary Use Permit STR 25‑26 (Windermere South) for a maximum of eight guests (CARRIED)
• Defeated motion to send a letter to UBCM refusing to sign a non‑disclosure agreement (DEFEATED)

Electoral Area Services Committee

The Electoral Area Services Committee will hear a delegation on the Wardner Community Park septic system and consider a holding tank exemption request from the Wardner Community Association. Other business includes funding for an Elko Headpond geophysical investigation, a Lakeview Drive trail proposal, and introduction of a bylaw amending elections and assent voting procedures.

• Wardner Community Association holding tank exemption request
• Wardner Community Park septic system delegation and recommendations
• Elko Headpond geophysical investigation funding request
• Lakeview Drive trail concept map and discussion
• Introduction of Bylaw No. 3470 to amend elections and assent voting

The committee approved support for a permanent sewage and grey water holding tank at Wardner Community Park. It also authorized up to $19,170 for a geophysical investigation of the Elko headpond and expressed support for trail planning near Lakeview Drive.

• Supported construction of a permanent sewage and grey water holding tank at Wardner Community Park
• Approved funding of up to $19,170 from Electoral Area B Economic Development to Living Lakes Canada for Elko headpond investigation
• Sent letter of support in principle for Lakeview Drive trail feasibility and alignment planning
• Introduced Bylaw No. 3470 (Elections and Assent Voting)

Planning and Development Services Committee

The Planning and Development Services Committee will hear delegations on a request to reconsider a short-term rental temporary use permit (STR TUP No. 25-26) and on several new STR TUP applications. The committee also will consider bylaw amendments, including Bylaw No. 3466 to delegate short-term rental TUP renewals, along with an agricultural land reserve soil removal application and a development variance permit.

• Reconsideration of STR TUP No. 25-26 (Windermere South / Friedenberg MDC Ltd & YR Creek Ventures)
• Bylaw No. 3466 – Delegation Amendment Bylaw for short-term rental TUP renewals
• Bylaw No. 3467 (Windermere East / Riches)
• ALR Removal of Soil (Windermere East / Elkhorn Ranch Ltd./Terus Construction)
• Multiple short-term rental TUP applications (e.g., STR TUP No. 20-26, 35-26, 37-26, 38-26)

The committee approved multiple short-term rental temporary use permits and a development variance permit. Several other rental applications were refused, and one bylaw amendment was postponed for further consultation.

• Rescinded refusal of STR TUP No. 25-26 (Windermere South / Friedenberg) (4-4)
• Granted STR TUP No. 25-26 for maximum occupancy of eight guests (4-4)
• Postponed Bylaw No. 3460 & 3461 to July 2026 meeting
• Introduced Bylaw No. 3466 regarding short-term rental renewals
• Decided Bylaw No. 3467 will not proceed (2-2)
• Supported Elkhorn Ranch Ltd. ALR Removal of Soil application
• Granted DVP No. 14-26 (Mission-Ft. Steele Rd / Pighin & Pighin)
• Granted TUP No. 3-26 (Windermere South / Loria) for 24 months

Columbia Valley Services Committee

The Columbia Valley Services Committee will hold a regular meeting on June 11, 2026, at the Regional District Office in Cranbrook. The agenda includes standard procedural items such as adopting the agenda and minutes from the May 7, 2026 meeting.

• Adoption of the agenda
• Adoption of May 7, 2026 meeting minutes
• Reports from Directors
• Correspondence
• Unfinished Business

The Columbia Valley Services Committee adopted its meeting agenda and approved the minutes from the May 7, 2026 meeting. The committee then adjourned to a closed session to consider appointments to the Community Economic Development Advisory Commission. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Adopted agenda (carried)
• Adopted May 7, 2026 minutes (carried)
• Adjourned to closed session to consider advisory commission appointments (carried)

Governance and Regional Services Committee

The Governance and Regional Services Committee will review 2025 audited financial statements, approve the May 7, 2026 meeting minutes, and discuss a proposed security issuing bylaw. The meeting will also include presentations from the Ktunaxa Nation Council and updates on school elections and regional operating agreements.

• Review of 2025 RDEK audited financial statements
• Introduction of Bylaw No. 3471 – Security Issuing Bylaw
• 2026/2027 Resident Directed Grants funding recommendations
• 2026 General School Elections – School Districts No. 5 & 6
• 2026/2027 Columbia Valley & Elk Valley Annual Operating Agreement

The committee approved the 2025 audited financial statements, the 2026/2027 Resident Directed Grants, and agreements to administer school elections for School Districts No. 5 and 6. A motion to reschedule the November 2026 Board meeting was defeated.

• Approved 2025 RDEK Audited Financial Statements
• Approved 2026/2027 Resident Directed Grants funding recommendations
• Authorized Chair and CAO to sign 2026/2027 Annual Operating Agreement with BC Transit
• Defeated motion to reschedule November 2026 Board meeting to November 20
• Approved postponement of consideration for rescheduling the November 2026 Board meeting
• Approved agreement with School District No. 5 to administer 2026 General School Election
• Approved agreement with School District No. 6 to administer 2026 General School Election
• Introduced Bylaw No. 3471 (Security Issuing)

RDEK Board of Directors

The Regional District of East Kootenay Board will adopt bylaws for waste management in the Columbia Valley and Elk Valley, and amend fees for the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. The meeting also includes public hearings on zoning changes for Meadowbrook and Koocanusa Village.

• Bylaw No. 3463 - Columbia Valley waste management regulatory amendment
• Bylaw No. 3464 - Elk Valley waste management regulatory amendment
• Bylaw No. 3465 - Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena regulation and fee amendment
• Bylaw No. 3446 - Meadowbrook Official Community Plan amendment
• Bylaw No. 3447 - Meadowbrook zoning and floodplain management amendment

The RDEK Board approved a $103,144 budget reallocation for the 940 Reservoir Expansion construction contract and introduced several waste management bylaws. The Board also authorized the signing of cemetery and fire protection service agreements and approved a five-year contract for regional fire dispatch services.

• Awarded 940 Reservoir Expansion contract to Rocky Mountain Earthworks Corp
• Reallocated $103,144 to 940 Reservoir Expansion from Wood Lane Watermain Replacement
• Introduced Bylaw No. 3463 for Columbia Valley waste management
• Introduced Bylaw No. 3465 for Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena fees
• Introduced Bylaw No. 3464 for Elk Valley waste management
• Authorized signing of Mount View and Windermere cemeteries agreement
• Authorized signing of Upper Elk Valley fire protection services agreement
• Awarded 5-year fire dispatch contract to Kelowna Fire Dispatch

Planning and Development Services Committee

The Regional District of East Kootenay Planning and Development Services Committee will meet to review proposed bylaw amendments, Agricultural Land Reserve applications, and development variance permits. The agenda also includes presentations on short-term rental density and correspondence regarding land commission decisions.

• Bylaw amendments for Koocanusa Village and Moyie South
• Agricultural Land Reserve applications for exclusion and subdivision
• Development Variance Permit applications for Panorama, Columere, and Corbin Road
• Short-term rental Temporary Use Permit applications
• Presentation on managing STR density in Electoral Area F

The Planning and Development Services Committee introduced three bylaw amendments and granted several development variance and temporary use permits. The committee also supported multiple Agricultural Land Reserve applications and scheduled a meeting to discuss short-term rental density in Electoral Area F.

• Introduced Bylaw No. 3456 and No. 3457 for Koocanusa Village (CARRIED)
• Introduced Bylaw No. 3458 for Moyie South (CARRIED)
• Supported ALR subdivision for Nature Conservancy of Canada in Elkford (CARRIED)
• Supported ALR soil removal for 7951 Red Rock Road (CARRIED)
• Granted DVP No. 8-26 for 2167 Trappers Way with deck covenant (CARRIED)
• Granted STR TUP No. 26-26 and No. 30-26 in Panorama with parking limits (CARRIED)
• Refused STR TUP No. 31-26 for 4721 Wilmai Road in Windermere (CARRIED)
• Approved meeting to discuss STR density in Electoral Area F (CARRIED)

Columbia Valley Services Committee

The Columbia Valley Services Committee is meeting to discuss the introduction of two new bylaws. These items concern waste management regulations and fee updates for the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

• Introduction of Bylaw No. 3463: Columbia Valley Subregion Waste Management Regulatory Amendment Bylaw
• Introduction of Bylaw No. 3465: Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena Regulation and Fee Amendment Bylaw

The Columbia Valley Services Committee introduced two bylaws — a waste management regulatory amendment (Bylaw 3463) and an arena regulation and fee amendment (Bylaw 3465) — but took no final adoption votes. The committee also directed staff to prepare a report on options for evening service on the Columbia Valley Transit system. The meeting lasted 13 minutes.

• Introduced Bylaw 3463 (Columbia Valley Subregion Waste Management Regulatory amendment)
• Introduced Bylaw 3465 (Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena Regulation and Fee amendment)
• Directed staff to prepare a report on evening transit service options

Elk Valley Services Committee

The Elk Valley Services Committee will meet to discuss regional business and review a specific regulatory amendment. The primary item for decision is a proposed change to waste management bylaws.

• Bylaw No. 3464 - Elk Valley Subregion Waste Management Regulatory Amendment Bylaw

The Elk Valley Services Committee met, adjourned to a closed session to discuss the Elkford Transfer Station operations contract, then reconvened. The committee adopted the agenda and previous minutes, and introduced Bylaw No. 3464, an amendment to the Elk Valley Subregion Waste Management Regulatory Bylaw. No vote tallies were recorded; all motions carried.

• Adjourned to closed session to discuss Elkford Transfer Station operations contract (carried)
• Adopted the agenda as circulated (carried)
• Adopted the March 12, 2026 minutes as circulated (carried)
• Introduced Bylaw No. 3464 (Elk Valley Subregion Waste Management Regulatory amendment) (carried)

Governance and Regional Services Committee

The Governance and Regional Services Committee will hear delegations on a climate risk website and appliance removal at the Cranbrook Transfer Station. The committee will also consider a policy on scavenging at solid waste facilities, a letter of support for Kimberley's MRDT, and financial reports including the 2025 Statement of Financial Information.

• Delegation from Selkirk College on Columbia Basin Climate Source website and risk analysis calculator
• Delegation from 1st Street Appliance regarding appliance removal at Cranbrook Transfer Station
• 2025 RDEK Statement of Financial Information (annual report)
• Scavenging at RDEK Solid Waste Facilities - proposed policy
• EMCR Financial Assistance Standards for emergency response and short-term recovery

The Governance & Regional Services Committee approved the 2025 Statement of Financial Information and a cheque register totaling $5,756,845.13. It supported a 3% Municipal Regional District Tax for the City of Kimberley for a renewed 5-year term and approved $5,000 sponsorship for the Ktunaxa Nation Council Charity Golf Tournament. The committee also directed staff to prepare options for reopening the Reuse Shed at the Cranbrook Transfer Station and to work on policy for salvaging at solid waste facilities. Nine meeting requests for the UBCM Convention were approved, later amended by the Board.

• Approved 2025 Statement of Financial Information (carried)
• Approved April 2026 cheque register of $5,756,845.13 (carried)
• Supported City of Kimberley MRDT at 3% for 5-year renewal (carried)
• Approved $5,000 sponsorship for Ktunaxa Nation Council golf tournament (opposed: McDonald)
• Approved nine meeting requests for 2026 UBCM Convention (carried)
• Directed staff to work on policy for salvaging at solid waste facilities (carried)
• Directed staff to prepare report on reopening Reuse Shed at Cranbrook Transfer Station (carried)

Electoral Area Services Committee

The Electoral Area Services Committee will meet to adopt minutes, review engineering reports, and consider agreements for fire protection, cemeteries, and park tenures.

• Adoption of April 9, 2026 meeting minutes
• District of Sparwood fire protection agreement renewal
• District of Invermere cemeteries agreement
• Licence of Occupation Tenure for Waldo Cove Regional Park
• Licence of Occupation Tenure for Moyie Lake Public Access Dock

The committee approved discretionary grants for agricultural groups, designated Kootenay Ale Fest as a Municipally Significant Event, and authorized agreements for cemetery maintenance and fire protection services. It also approved applications for park infrastructure and defeated a proposal to re-tender the Baynes Lake Dry Hydrant project.

• Approved $2,350 in grants for agricultural youth programs
• Designated Kootenay Ale Fest as a Municipally Significant Event
• Authorized signing agreement for Mount View and Windermere cemeteries
• Authorized signing agreement for Upper Elk Valley fire protection services
• Approved submitting applications for log boom at Waldo Cove Regional Park
• Approved submitting application for dock at Moyie Lake Public Access
• Defeated proposal to re-tender Baynes Lake Dry Hydrant project
• Approved further exploration of alternative options for Baynes Lake repairs

RDEK Board of Directors

The RDEK Board will consider a range of items including a reconsideration of time zone observance in the East Kootenay, adoption of several official community plan and zoning amendment bylaws, and discretionary grants-in-aid. The board will also hear updates from Columbia Basin Trust and review a request for an extension on the Edgewater Post Office decommission.

• Reconsideration of time zone observance in East Kootenay, with letters of support and opposition
• Adoption of Bylaw 3425/3426 – Elk Valley OCP and zoning amendment (West Fernie / 1291446 BC Ltd)
• Adoption of Bylaw 3430/3431 – Fernie Alpine Resort OCP and zoning amendment (RCR Timber Landing)
• Discretionary Grants-in-Aid for April 2026, with 11 applicant organizations
• Columbia Valley and Elk Valley waste management tipping fee amendments

The RDEK Board approved amendments to waste management bylaws imposing a $100/tonne fee for solid waste from municipal and RDEK lands in the Columbia Valley and Elk Valley subregions. The Board also awarded several contracts, including a five-year park operation contract and a three-year trail maintenance contract, and approved multiple grants including $200,000 for a ski club training project. A previous resolution on time zone observance was rescinded, and a regional survey on time zone preference was authorized. The Board granted four short-term rental permits and refused one, adopted two OCP and zoning bylaw amendments, and filed three notices on title for bylaw contraventions.

• Approved $100/tonne waste tipping fee for Columbia Valley and Elk Valley subregions (Bylaw 1278 & 1573 amendments carried)
• Awarded Yaqakxaqⱡ amki Regional Park operation contract to Brendan Kerr for 5 years (carried)
• Awarded Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail maintenance contract to Brigade Solutions Ltd for 3 years (carried)
• Approved $200,000 grant to Fernie Freestyle Ski Club for training infrastructure (carried)
• Approved $50,000 grant to Fernie Trails Alliance for trail maintenance (carried)
• Rescinded previous time zone resolution (2 opposed) and authorized regional time zone survey (carried)
• Granted four short-term rental temporary use permits in Windermere, refused one (carried)
• Adopted OCP and zoning bylaw amendments for West Fernie and Fernie Alpine Resort (both carried)

Electoral Area Services Committee

The committee will hear a delegation from the Fernie Trails Alliance and consider a grant request for trail maintenance funding under Area A economic development. Members will also vote on discretionary grants-in-aid to 11 community organizations, adopt park management plans for Edgewater School Path and Wilmer Community Park in Electoral Area G, and discuss an extension request for decommissioning the Edgewater Post Office. An Engineering Services report and adoption of prior minutes round out the agenda.

• Fernie Trails Alliance delegation and grant request for trail maintenance funding
• Discretionary Grants-in-Aid for April 2026 to 11 organizations (Columbia Valley Pride Society, Cranbrook Community Forest Society, etc.)
• Adoption of Electoral Area G Park Management Plans (Edgewater School Path and Wilmer Community Park)
• Extension request for Edgewater Post Office decommission
• Engineering Services Report to Board

The Electoral Area Services Committee approved a $50,000 grant to the Fernie Trails Alliance for one‑year trail maintenance. It also approved a series of discretionary grants‑in‑aid to community societies and denied two other discretionary grant requests. The committee adopted two Electoral Area G park management plans and extended the decommissioning deadline for the Edgewater Post Office to August 31, 2026.

• Approved $50,000 grant to Fernie Trails Alliance for trail maintenance (carried)
• Approved multiple discretionary grants‑in‑aid to community societies (carried)
• Denied discretionary grants to Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley and Military Ames Society (carried)
• Adopted Wilmer Community Park and Edgewater School Path management plans (carried)
• Extended Edgewater Post Office closure to August 31, 2026 with inspection conditions (carried)

Governance and Regional Services Committee

The Governance and Regional Services Committee will review environmental and protective services reports. Directors will discuss funding for a freestyle ski club training project, amendments to waste management tipping fees for the Columbia and Elk Valley subregions, and a reconsideration of time zone observance in the East Kootenay. These items will affect local service costs, regional infrastructure funding, and time zone regulations for residents.

• Fernie Freestyle Ski Club infrastructure project funded through property tax sharing agreement
• Amendments to waste management tipping fees for Columbia Valley and Elk Valley subregions
• Reconsideration of time zone observance in the East Kootenay
• Electric vehicle replacement proposal
• Environmental and protective services reports for April 2026

The Governance & Regional Services Committee rescinded its previous Resolution No. 52882 to observe permanent mountain standard time, with four directors opposed. The committee voted to coordinate a regional survey seeking public input on time-zone observance to inform future local government decisions. Other actions included approving a $200,000 grant to the Fernie Freestyle Ski Club for training infrastructure, adopting a $1.86 million cheque register, directing a report on video-recording open meetings, amending waste-management bylaws to charge $100/tonne for controlled waste from municipal and RDEK land, and purchasing an electric vehicle using insurance and climate-action funds.

• Rescinded Resolution No. 52882 (permanent MST) (opposed: Blissett, McCormick, Walter, Wilks)
• Authorized RDEK to coordinate a regional time-zone survey
• Approved $200,000 grant to Fernie Freestyle Ski Club from Elk Valley Property Tax Sharing Agreement Funds
• Approved cheque register for March 2026: $1,861,099.11
• Directed staff to prepare report on video recording of open meetings (legal, privacy, cost, etc.)
• Amended Bylaw No. 1278 (Columbia Valley) to add $100/tonne controlled waste fee for municipal/RDEK land
• Amended Bylaw No. 1573 (Elk Valley) to add $100/tonne controlled waste fee for municipal/RDEK land
• Approved purchase of an electric vehicle in 2026 funded by insurance and LG Climate Action Program

Planning and Development Services Committee

The Planning and Development Services Committee will meet to review and discuss various development applications, including Temporary Use Permits for Windermere and an Official Community Plan process for Perry Creek.

• STR TUP No. 22-26 (Windermere East)
• STR TUP No. 23-26 (Windermere East)
• STR TUP No. 24-26 (Windermere North)
• STR TUP No. 25-26 (Windermere South)
• DVP No. 7-26 (Resort Drive / Currie Creek Developments)

The committee adopted the agenda and minutes, heard presentations on short-term rentals and the Rockyview Official Community Plan, and made several development decisions. It granted multiple Short Term Rental Temporary Use Permits in Windermere, refused one permit, and voted to include the Perry Creek area in the draft Official Community Plan.

• Adopted agenda and March 12, 2026 minutes
• Advised Agricultural Land Commission to support non-farm use at 2969 Wycliffe Store Road
• Granted Development Variance Permit No. 7-26 for Resort Drive / Currie Creek
• Granted STR TUP No. 22-26 (Windermere East) with fire safety plan condition
• Granted STR TUP No. 23-26 (Windermere East) for max 6 guests
• Granted STR TUP No. 24-26 (Windermere North)
• Refused STR TUP No. 25-26 (Windermere South) (Opposed: Doherty, Price)
• Included Perry Creek area in draft Rockyview Official Community Plan (Opposed: Clovechok, Doherty, McCormick, McDonald, Wilks, Shudra)

Columbia Valley Services Committee

The committee will hear a delegation and consider the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena – Columbia Valley Rockies Dressing Room Expansion (items 5.1, 8.1). They will also adopt minutes from prior meetings. No other substantive new business is listed.

• Delegation from Columbia Valley Rockies regarding dressing room expansion at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena
• Discussion of dressing room expansion plans with attached site survey and construction plans
• Adoption of minutes from February 11, 2026 Budget Meeting
• Adoption of minutes from February 12, 2026 Meeting
• Reports from Directors (generic item)

The committee adopted the agenda and previous meeting minutes. It directed staff to prepare a report on a proposed new dressing room for the Columbia Valley Rockies at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. No funding was approved.

• Adopted agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted February 11, 2026 Budget meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted February 12, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Directed staff to prepare report on new arena dressing room (unanimous)

RDEK Board of Directors

The Regional District of East Kootenay Board will adopt a five-year financial plan and consider multiple Official Community Plan and zoning amendments for areas including Columbia Lake, Fernie Alpine Resort, and Meadowbrook/Redding.

• Adoption of Bylaw No. 3454 - 2026-2030 Five-Year Financial Plan
• Bylaw No. 3439 & 3440: Columbia Lake West Side Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment
• Bylaw No. 3446 & 3447: Meadowbrook/Redding Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment
• Bylaw No. 3430 & 3431: Fernie Alpine Resort Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment
• Bylaw No. 3411: Baynes Lake Official Community Plan Amendment

The board approved a series of financial and operational items, including the adoption of the 2026‑2030 Five‑Year Financial Plan, a $484,436 groundwater monitoring contract, and the appointment of a deputy chief financial officer. It also changed the district’s time‑zone observance to Mountain Standard Time year‑round effective November 1 2026. Additional actions included discretionary grant approvals, notices on title for several properties, and the granting of development variance permits and ALR decisions.

• Adopted Five‑Year Financial Plan (Bylaw 3454) – carried
• Approved $484,436 groundwater monitoring contract with Sperling Hansen Associates – carried
• Changed district to observe Mountain Standard Time year‑round effective Nov 1 2026 – carried (opposed by 7 directors)
• Approved $26,892 discretionary grants‑in‑aid to community groups – carried
• Directed filing of Notice on Title for 5001 Booth Creek Road (Wycliffe area) – carried
• Awarded Elk Valley Victim Assistance Program contract to Kodawari Enterprises – carried
• Authorized IT services agreement with District of Invermere (Apr 1 2026 – Mar 31 2029) – carried
• Approved Development Variance Permit No. 1‑26 (Windermere East) – carried

Governance and Regional Services Committee

The Governance and Regional Services Committee will review the draft 2026‑2030 Five‑Year Financial Plan and the accompanying Bylaw No. 3454 that would adopt it. The meeting also includes a presentation on the Kootenay Connect Columbia Lake Ecological Corridor proposal, an IT services agreement with the District of Invermere, and a discussion of time‑zone observance for East Kootenay. Additional items are the February 2026 cheque register, the 2025 audit planning report, and the Rural Transfer Station Optimization progress report.

• Draft 2026‑2030 Five‑Year Financial Plan (Item 8.7)
• Bylaw No. 3454 – Five‑Year Financial Plan introduction (Item 9.1)
• Kootenay Connect – Columbia Lake Ecological Corridor proposal (Items 5.1, 8.1)
• Provision of IT Services to District of Invermere (Item 8.4)
• Time Zone Observance in the East Kootenay (Item 8.5)

The committee approved a change to observe Mountain Standard Time year‑round across the district effective November 1 2026. It also authorized the Chair and CAO to sign an IT services agreement with the District of Invermere for April 1 2026 – March 31 2029, approved the February 2026 cheque register of $2,131,641.17 as paid, and invited Kootenay Connect and the Kootenay Connectivity Working Group to participate in and review the Official Community Plan for the Columbia Lake Ecological Corridor. Bylaw No. 3454 establishing the 2026‑2030 Five‑Year Financial Plan was introduced and BDO Canada LLP was advised that the Board Chair is the audit contact.

• Invite Kootenay Connect and the Kootenay Connectivity Working Group to participate in the next major review of the Official Community Plan in the Columbia Lake area (carried)
• Invite Kootenay Connect and the Working Group to review the Official Community Plan and recommend updates for the Columbia Lake Ecological Corridor (carried)
• Approve the cheque register for the RDEK General Account for February 2026 in the amount of $2,131,641.17 as paid (carried)
• Advise BDO Canada LLP that the Board Chair is the appropriate audit contact (carried)
• Authorize the Chair and CAO to sign the IT services agreement with the District of Invermere for April 1 2026 – March 31 2029 (carried)
• Change time‑zone observance: effective November 1 2026, all affected areas within RDEK will observe Mountain Standard Time year‑round (carried despite opposition)
• Introduce Bylaw No. 3454 (2026‑2030 Five‑Year Financial Plan) (carried)

Elk Valley Services Committee

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate. The committee is scheduled to adopt minutes from February 11 and February 12, 2026.

• Adoption of February 11, 2026 Budget Meeting minutes
• Adoption of February 12, 2026 Meeting minutes

The Elk Valley Services Committee adopted the meeting agenda. It approved the minutes from the February 11 and February 12, 2026 budget meetings. The committee then adjourned to a closed session to consider a victim assistance program contract matter.

• Adopt agenda (carried)
• Adopt February 11, 2026 minutes (carried)
• Adopt February 12, 2026 minutes (carried)
• Adjourn to closed session to consider victim assistance program contract (carried)