It has been said that each year in review is like a book and as the page turns to January 1st, there are 365 blank pages to fill in. When I look back on 2023, the pages of the RDEK’s story are filled with numerous stories of success, accomplishments, and growth.

While many people will remember the story of our summer being marked with wildfires, our Emergency Management Program personnel responded to numerous calls throughout the entire year. The Regional Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was activated for over 120 days in 2023, in response to flooding at Mine Creek in Hosmer, Debris Flow events in the Fairmont area, a fuel spill in Jaffray, a grass fire in the South Country, over 65 days with regional wildfire response and, most recently, the atmospheric river that hit the region just a few weeks ago. In total, over 3,200 hours were spend on supporting emergencies around the region. I would like to acknowledge every person who spent time in the Regional EOC this year. We had representation from the RDEK, member municipalities, and local First Nations all working collectively and collaboratively in support of the residents of our region. Our Program’s regional approach sets an example across the Province of the old adage that we are stronger when we
work together. Never has that been more prevalent than this summer and we are incredibly proud of all those who stepped up to help in whatever way they could.

Our RDEK Fire Services not only responded to hundreds of emergency calls at home, we also had several teams deploy to local wildfires and even other areas of the Province in support of communities in need during wildfire season. It is hard to find the words to adequately convey our deep gratitude to all those who serve on our rural fire departments. They spend hundreds of hours training and are ready to answer the call – no matter what time of day or night, or whether it falls on the back end of a long work day – to help support their friends, neighbours and community. To all the members of our Columbia Valley Rural and Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire and Rescue Services, thank you for your dedication, courage, and commitment. Your time and service are deeply valued.

Our Regional Emergency Notification System saw tremendous uptake this year, with registrations doubling from 11,000 to nearly 20,000. This is an incredibly important tool for notifying residents in the event of an evacuation alert or order and is available to all residents of the East Kootenay including rural properties, municipalities and First Nations. If you have not yet registered, you are encouraged to do so and can get more information on www.rdek.bc.ca.

2023 presented the opportunity to write some new and exciting chapters in our book. We introduced a new Short-Term Rental Policy, Building Regulation Bylaw and had several new neighbourhoods get involved with the East Kootenay FireSmart Program.
We started construction on the multi-million dollar Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation Project, new Radium Transfer Station, and three subregional organics receiving and processing facilities that will be complete and operational early in 2024.

The Timber Ridge Watermain replacement project was completed and staff continue to work on several other infrastructure upgrades and projects across our water systems. Our Planning team also started work on a Climate Action Plan, Columbia Valley Active Transportation Network and updates to our Rockyview OCP. On the recreation side, it has been wonderful to see so many people taking in our incredible parks and trails. This winter, the Eddie Mountain Arena has again been a beehive of activity and our staff do an excellent job of maintaining this important community asset. We are just beginning the first of three wildfire fuel mitigation projects at Wycliffe Park, with work at Tie Lake and Wilmer parks slated to begin in 2024, which will make these parks more resilient to wildfire in the future.

Our Building and Development Services teams have been incredibly busy fielding thousands of calls and inquiries. In our Electoral Areas alone, we have issued over 455 building permits with a construction value of over $126 million up to December 1st. On the compliance side, we hired an additional Compliance Officer in 2023 who is based out of the Columbia Valley.

This spring, our RDEK Board held its first Strategic Priorities Planning Session following the October 2022 election. We have five key focus areas within our Strategic Plan: Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship, Sustainable Land Use Planning, Indigenous Relations, Asset and Infrastructure Management and Advocacy. The plan provides direction and focus for our Board and the organization, and is a lens through which we make decisions, allocate funds and drive outcomes. A copy can be found on the RDEK’s website.

Looking ahead to 2024, there will be a number of priorities. We will continue to work on the bigger, capital construction projects, focus on asset management, and seek opportunities to enhance outdoor recreation and active transportation. We will also be navigating the many changes and impacts of new provincial legislation with regard to housing, short-term rental regulations, the Emergency and Disaster Management Act, and more.

And so, as the final chapter closes on 2023, it has been another dynamic and successful year. None of this would be possible without the ongoing dedication and professionalism of our RDEK staff, who day in and day out, work to provide the best possible service to the residents of our region. From ensuring we have safe drinking water and smooth running utilities, to doing an incredible job managing transfer station sites, keeping our recreational facilities in top shape, responding to emergencies, and helping move large construction projects ahead, we are profoundly grateful for their efforts and the positive impact their work has on our region.

As we get ready to start a new chapter in 2024, I encourage everyone to consider adding three things to your list in January:
1. Purchase your home owners insurance during the winter months. In many case insurance (both home and auto) is not available during times of extreme wildfire hazard.
2. Reduce the amount of material you send to the landfill. They are a wide array of recycling opportunities that you can take advantage of.
3. And for those living in rural area be sure to register your domestic water well.

These are small actions that can help prevent frustration, make a positive impact on the environment and provide a means for us to better understand one of our most precious resources: water.

On behalf of the Board and staff, we wish the very best to you and yours and all the best for the year ahead.

RDEK Board Chair, Rob Gay