SustainABLE Central Kootenay

Background

In 2009-2010, the RDCK completed an integrated sustainability planning exercise as part of its requirements under the Canada-BC-UBCM Gas Tax Agreement. The project, titled SustainABLE Central Kootenay, was completed in partnership with the Village of Nakusp, the Village of Kaslo, and the Town of Creston. Through extensive community consultation, it established a collaborative vision for the sustainable future of this region.

Deliverables

The deliverables of this SustainABLE Central Kootenay, which include jurisdiction-specific vision statements and greenhouse gas backgrounders, will promote ongoing dialogue on how the RDCK can orient its services towards the achievement of long-term regional goals. The project reported on seven themes which emerged as priorities for area residents:

1. Economic development
2. Health and social well-being
3. Energy and climate change
4. Water use
5. Transportation
6. Natural areas
7. Food and agricultural land

See the attachment below for the RDCK’s vision statement and a summary of community input.

Actions

Along with the completion of the SustainABLE Central Kootenay project, the RDCK has undertaken several initiatives consistent with the regional priorities listed above. These initiatives are summarized below.

Acquisition of Small Water Systems

The RDCK has introduced a water system acquisition process. Through this process, water users in the RDCK’s rural areas have the opportunity to transfer ownership and operation of their system to the regional district. Learn more about water system acquisition here.

Transportation Plan

BC Transit is currently involved in a regional planning process which will set the course for alternative transportation in the Kootenays over the next 20 years. In 2010, BC Transit hosted consultation sessions in many Kootenay communities to gather public comments on potential plan directions.

Resource Recovery Plan

In 2009 and 2010, the RDCK completed a revision of its solid waste management plan. To reflect the fact that this plan is focused on waste reduction, the RDCK refers to this document as the Resource Recovery Plan. The plan sets the course for a more efficient waste management system which reduces the overall impact of waste collection, processing, and landfilling on the environment. Learn more about the Resource Recovery Plan here.

Agricultural Area Plan

An agricultural plan was seen by the RDCK as a first step to improving the quantity and quality of agricultural production in the Region. Consequently, in June 2010, the RDCK launched a one-year project to develop such a plan. Unlike most agricultural plans, which are sub-regional area plans where there is a concentration of agricultural production, this plan incorporates the entire region. Read more about the Agricultural Area Plan here.

Water Conservation Initiatives

The RDCK signed the Water Smart Charter and is participating in the Water Smart Initiative, a program coordinated by Columbia Basin Trust. Through this program, the RDCK has committed to reducing water use on the Erickson water system by 20% by 2015. The RDCK has also supported water conservation by offering subsidized water barrels for sale, and by supporting related public education initiatives. Learn more about water conservation in the RDCK here.

Kootenay Lake Partnership

The Kootenay Lake Partnership is a multi-stakeholder initiative which has been developed to support a productive and healthy Kootenay Lake ecosystem into the future. The project envisions balanced land and water uses that sustain environmental, community, recreational, aboriginal, cultural, traditional, and aesthetic values. The mission of the Partnership is to share information and optimize available resources, in order to develop integrated, collaborative approaches to lake management.

SustainAble Central Kootenay

RDCK Vision Document (1,018.2 kB)