The RDEK Rural Transfer Station Optimization Project survey summary has been released, providing insight into how residents across the region — including Fernie and Electoral Areas — use rural transfer stations and which services matter most to them.
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) shared results from its recent public survey, which gathered feedback from 1,509 respondents. Of those, 70.9% identified as rural residents, while 29.1% live within municipalities in the RDEK.
“We are grateful that so many residents took the time to provide feedback through the survey. This information helps us understand what services are important to residents, and how they use the current system,” said RDEK General Manager of Operations Jamie Davies.
The survey focused on how residents use the current rural transfer station system and what services they consider priorities moving forward. According to the RDEK, the rural transfer station network has not undergone significant changes since the sites first opened.
“The RDEK’s rural transfer station system has not undergone significant changes since the sites first opened. This project is an opportunity to take a comprehensive look at how residents are using the rural transfer stations today and to better understand which services matter most to them,” Davies added. “As this is a new project and no decisions have been made, the strong response to the survey has provided valuable insight and will help guide the next steps in the process.”
RDEK staff will present the survey findings to the Board of Directors at its March meeting and seek direction on next steps. Following the Board’s review, additional opportunities for public input will be offered to ensure residents can continue sharing their perspectives.
Residents can review the full survey summary at engage.rdek.bc.ca/RuralTransferStations or contact the RDEK at 1-888-478-7335. Questions can also be directed to Jamie Davies, General Manager of Operations, or Matt Sopkow, Project Specialist, at the RDEK.
As discussions move forward, the RDEK Rural Transfer Station Optimization Project remains in its early stages, with no final decisions made.
