Fernie resident Johnny Shaw has been officially recognized as the 2017 Electoral Area A Volunteer of the Year.
Johnny Shaw and Mike Sosnowski
“Johnny is well known for his work on local trails, where he has devoted years to improving access for children and families as well as experienced bikers, hikers and skiers,” says RDEK Electoral Area A Director Mike Sosnowski. “He has contributed countless hours as a Board Member of both the Fernie Trails Alliance and Fernie Nordic Society and is a member of the Fernie Mountain Bike Club.”
In addition, Shaw was the liaison with community groups, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Province that lead to the completion of the covered bridge over Fairy Creek and the connecting trail from Brickers Road behind the Information Centre, which provides a safe route for pedestrians.
“Over the past two years, he has run a program at Isabella Dicken Elementary every Monday through the winter which gives over 80 kids a chance to strap on the skis and play in the snow,” adds Sosnowski. Throughout the week, Shaw supports a team of racers, volunteering time as a coach and supporter.
As a father of two children at Isabella Dicken Elementary School, he can often be found volunteering. From basketball and volleyball coach, to cross country skiing and mountain bike club organizer, Shaw is inspiring our youth through his passion and dedicated service.
He was formally recognized and presented with a gift of appreciation at the recent Area A Town Hall Meeting.
The nominations for the 2018 RDEK Electoral Area Volunteers of the Year begin in January. Nomination forms will be available here and through its Cranbrook and Columbia Valley offices. The nomination deadline is January 31st, 2018.
About the RDEK
Established in the mid-1960’s, regional districts were created to meet service needs for the rural areas and to partner with municipalities within their boundaries on the provision of services that are more regional in nature.
Simply put, they are a partnership of municipalities and electoral areas who work together through the RDEK to provide and coordinate services.
They have three general areas of responsibility:
– Provision of services
– Protection of health and safety of citizens
– Protection of the environment
The RDEK offers over 100 services, ranging from very small service areas (in a rural community, for example) to services for the entire region. Some of the services they provide include: land use planning, water supply, sewage disposal, fire protection, recreation, mosquito control, street lighting, community parks, emergency management programs, solid waste and recycling, transit, 9-1-1, library grants, regional parks, and invasive plant control.
The total population is 60,439 – and the breakdown, based on 2016 census, is as follows:
Rural Areas – 15,896
Municipalities – 43,839
First Nations – 704
Area A covers the rural area of the Elk Valley, from Elkford to Morrissey and everything in between.
