RDCK Newsletter - Volume 1, Issue1

N ELSON—Jim Gustafson’s first day on the job as

the RDCK’s chief adminis-trative officer was surreal: ”the phone didn’t ring and no one came into my of-fice; I thought: this is gon-na be great,” “ he laughs. “That sure didn’t last long,” he muses as he re-alizes staff were trying not to scare him away. Five years later, Gus-tafson is leaving the RDCK for retirement after a distinguished 33-year career in local govern-ment. He got his start in the field in his mid-20’s when the mayor of Court-ney, a family friend, sug-gested he consider a job in local government. “I thought, ‘what’s that?’ but that was the start of it.” Decades later, Gustafson is viewed as an expert in his field and is regularly called upon to present to his colleagues around the province on leadership

and governance issues, especially pertaining to regional districts. In 2011, Gustafson re-ceived the President’s Award from the Local

Government Manage-ment Association for “outstanding dedication and contribution to the field of local govern-ment.” Not bad for someone who had never worked for a regional district until five years ago. “I left the City of Castlegar for the RDCK after 14 years be-cause I figured I would learn a lot and it would be a challenge…boy,

was it ever.” Constant challenges have made his work inter-esting and rewarding. “One moment you’re dealing with a neighbor-hood dispute about bark-ing dogs and 20 minutes later you’re talking with a developer about a pro-posed subdivision,” says Gustafson. That variety of challenges stems from the complexi-ty of the organization. “Everyone understands how municipalities work but we’re far different,” notes Gustafson. The RDCK delivers near-ly 200 services and is led by a Board of 20 direc-tors. “It can be very diffi-cult to get 20 people thinking the same way,” offers Gustafson. “Collaboration and com-promise generally get us to where we have to be.”

Continued on page 2...

DID YOU KNOW

INSIDE THIS

ISSUE

Retiring CAO 1-2 New CAO 3-4 Round-up 4-5 Fortis Award 5 Xmas Tips 6 Bright Lights 6 Hot Spot 6 QEII Medals 7 New Website 7 Agriculture 8 EOC Update 8 Lister Water 9-10 Trash Talk 10 Charitable 10-11 Our Shelves 11-12 Bulletin Board 12 RDCK Grants 13 Directors 14 Contact 14

RDCK CAO Retires after Distinguished Career The Regional

District of Central Kootenay came into

being on November 30,

1965.

Happy 47th Birthday, RDCK!

the future of our region. “The importance of collab-oration will continue to grow because stand-alone services will be difficult to sustain“ he says, citing recreation and transit as examples where coopera-tion breeds success. Case in point is the West Kootenay Transit Commit-tee, an initiative that Gus-tafson spearheaded with CAO John Maclean. [the partnership recently won an award from UBCM for innovation and leader-ship]. Innovation will be essen-tial if local governments are to continue to shoul-der the burden of down-loading from senior levels of government. “It‘s dis-concerting that we end up having to deliver services; we fill a void often without having resources.” One of those services is wildfire management. “The greatest threat to the Kootenays is wildfire, fol-lowed by flooding,” states Gustafson, who then asks the burning question: “if local governments aren’t proactive about protecting our communities and homes, then who will be?” Gustafson sees the $5.5

million grant the RDCK re-ceived for fuel manage-ment as a step in the right direction. He is proud of other ac-complishments achieved during his tenure: the ac-quisition of new water sys-tems in response to com-munities’ needs; the con-struction of the Creston recreation centre, the in-ception of the Carbon Neutral Kootenays project, and the growth of the or-ganization’s strong finan-cial position. “We’ve managed to build reserves,” he smiles. Gustafson doesn’t reserve praise when it comes to the hard work of his em-ployees. “It’s the staff I’ll miss most,” he says. He sees a busy future for his colleagues. “The RDCK will continue to grow,” he predicts, “and the electoral areas will grow at a faster rate than the municipalities.” Gustafson’s passion for local government is evi-dent as he reflects on the organization he had led for the past five years. But he is also weary--the past 120 days have been the tough-est of Gustafson’s career.

The spring of 2012 result-ed in unprecedented flooding in the district. First, it was the failure of the HB mine dam, which Gustafson can only sum up as “scary.” Then it was the devastation and tragedy of the Johnsons Landing slide. Gustafson can only shake his head in remembrance. Gustafson brightens as he looks forward to retire-ment and offers advice to incoming CAO Brian Car-ruthers: “recognize how fast-paced the RDCK is and to be ready to accept change on a regular ba-sis.” Sound advice from a man who is looking forward to his own change of pace.

- A. Winje

Retiring...

The Communicator Volume 1 , Issu e 1

Gustafson early in his

career at the RDCK

“The RDCK will con-

tinue to grow and the

electoral areas will

grow at a faster rate

than the municipali-

ties”

- Jim Gustafson

RDCK Welcomes New CAO

B rian Carruthers’ first week on the job as the Re-

gional District of Central Kootenay’s new chief

administrative officer has been hectic; managing a

$58 million organization that employs over 350 staff

and delivers in excess of 150 services is a big job.

But Carruthers is up to the challenge.

“I came here for a change and the challenge of work-

ing for a regional district,” says Carruthers, whose

previous local government experience was all munici-

pal.

In Williams Lake, Carruthers served as CAO for three

years, general manager of community services for

six years and director of leisure services for two. Pri-

or to that, he worked for BC Parks for 20 years.

“The biggest differences between a municipality and a regional district are around leg-

islation, financing and the style of governance,” says Carruthers, referring to the

RDCK’s mix of electoral areas and member municipalities.

“But really it all comes down to management and working with people; I look forward

to exploring new ways of doing things.”

First on Carruthers’ agenda is the implementation of the recently adopted corporate

review, titled Enhancing Organizational Excellence. The RDCK Board had contracted

a consultant to assess the RDCK’s governance, leadership and strategic priorities as

well as make recommendations on how to better fulfill its mandate and mission. Now

it’s up to Carruthers to put the plan into action.

“I want to ensure the organization has the right structure and capacity; we also need

to address the issue of space,” says Carruthers, referring to the tight quarters at the

RDCK’s head office.

Even though he’s only been in the office a week, Carruthers says he’s already “impressed by the awesome staff at the RDCK and our great Board.” “I’m excited to help both parties be as productive and effective as they can be for the benefit of our taxpayers.”


Brian Carruthers, RDCK CAO


New CAO…….. Carruthers will also serve as Secretary to the West Kootenay-Boundary Regional

Hospital District—the largest hospital board in the Province with 30 directors from two

regional districts. Helping the Board plan for future capital expenditures will be a pri-

ority for the new secretary.

Also important to Carruthers is his plan to increase dialogue with residents and im-

prove the RDCK’s corporate communication strategy.

“This newsletter and the new website slated for spring 2013 are tools that will enable

us to better connect with our residents.”

It quickly becomes apparent that collaboration, communication and connection are

paramount to Carruthers, who enthusiastically talks about fostering strong relation-

ships with staff, directors, partnering agencies and the public.

“I find this invigorating,” says Carruthers as he considers his new role and communi-

ty.

Born in Kimberley, Carruthers is a Kootenay Kid who is glad to be home.

“Of all the places to live in BC, Nelson was at the top of my list. I love the area and

look forward to exploring the diversity of activities offered here. And I can’t wait to

meet new people.” - A. Winje

Regional Round-up with Chair Kettle

W elcome to the first edition of this monthly news-letter which is meant to keep you, the public, up-

to-date on the regional district’s initiatives, activities and achievements. We are always looking for better ways to engage the public in our processes. We encourage and appreciate your feedback. This past year has been a challenging one in the RDCK. Spring’s onslaught of rain led to an unprecedented num-ber of emergency activations in our region—the most ever declared by a regional district in this Province. From the dam breech at the HB mine site to the tragedy at Johnson’s Landing—we have endured much. On be-half of the Board of Directors, thank you to everyone who helped us through this time of tribulation. Once again, the people of our region have demonstrated the


incredible power of community. We have also enjoyed successes—the RDCK was the proud recipient of two Fortis PowerSense awards for ener-gy conservation (you can read more about that in this newsletter). We also won, along with the Regional District of East Kootenay and the City of Nelson, a prestigious UBCM Community Excellence Award for innovation and leadership in our regional transit initiative. The Board of Directors, along with Alex Atamanenko, MP, honoured 10 distinguished West Kootenay residents with Queen Eliza-beth II Diamond Jubilee Medals for outstanding contribu-tions to community and country.

After serving five years as the Chief Administrative Officer of the RDCK Jim Gus-

tafson has chosen to retire this December. We thank him for his exemplary service.

We have just welcomed Brian Carruthers as the new CAO for the RDCK.

Staff and your Board continue to work hard to deliver services to our residents. We are proud to serve you and our region. Yours truly, Chair John R. Kettle

RDCK a Leader in Energy Conservation

T he RDCK has won

two Fortis Power

Sense Awards for energy

conservation.

The Creston and District Community Complex was recognized with a “Conservation Excellence” award for upgrades that have resulted in annual savings of $30,000 in electricity costs. “The upgrades and addi-

tions to our facility [have]

resulted in a 21st-century

complex that the entire

community and Regional

District are proud of,” says

Neil Ostafichuk, Recrea-

tion Supervisor at the site.

A leadership award was

also given to the entire

Regional District for its en-

ergy upgrades at all three

of its recreation facilities.

“The RDCK continues to

demonstrate its commit-

ment to energy conserva-

tion,” says Chair John Ket-

tle. “We are proud of our

accomplishments and are

continually striving to be

even more efficient as an

organization and as indi-

viduals.”

The Hot Spot

Everyone at the RDCK wishes you & your loved ones a safe, happy & healthy

holiday season!

B e smart this season—fire smart:

Keep real Christmas trees watered

Do not overload sockets

Be very careful with real candles

Use LED candles

Holiday Fire Smart Tips from Chief Terry Swan


Bright Lights

Have a very “green” holiday and a

“bright” New Year.

L ooking for a way to save money this

Christmas? Consider switching to LED light strands (light-emitting diodes). They use up to 90% less ener-gy than traditional incan-

descent lights, last up to 100,000 hours or 11 years, are 100% recycla-ble, do not cause heat build-up, contain no mer-cury, have no filaments or glass to burn out/replace and they come in lots of colours and styles.

C ongratulations to Beasley Volun-teer Fire Department member

Monica Spencer on her 10-year Ser-vice Award! Thank you, Monica, for serving your community and neigh-bours. Lance Delport has been appointed as

Fire Chief of the Riondel Volunteer

Fire Department. Thanks to Lance for

assuming this role and thank you to

all our volunteers for serving our com-

munities so well.

RDCK Celebrates Queen’s Medal Winners

A lex Atamanenko, MP, and the Board of the Regional District of Central Kootenay

honoured 10 West Kootenay citizens with Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubliee

Medals in a ceremony on November 16th.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this historic event celebrating these 10 outstanding in-dividuals who have given so much to their communities and fellow citizens,” said RDCK Chair John Kettle. The medal recipients were:

· Hans Cunningham · Corky Evans · Josh Smienk · Aya Higashi · Donna Macdonald · Rebecca McDonnell · Beverley Maloff · Gary Wright · Geoff Yule · John Voykin Mr. Atamanenko said that the recipients are “the movers and shakers in their commu-nities—the ones who make things happen.” The medal, which was created to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s

accession to the throne, honours “significant contributions and achievements by Ca-

nadians.”

The RDCK congratulates the award recipients and thanks all of the volunteers in our region who contribute so much to our communities. We truly appreciate and value your service.

Back: Corky Evans, Alex Atamanenko, Hans Cunningham, Josh

Smienk

Front: Donna Macdonald, Rebecca McDonnell, Aya Higashi, Geoff

Yule, Beverley Maloff, John Voykin, Gary Wright, John Kettle

RDCK to Launch New Website

The RDCK is excited to announce it will launch a

new and improved web-site in the spring of 2013. “The new website will be easier to navigate, client-focused and visually at-tractive,“ says Dawn At-torp, General Manager of Corporate Administration. “The website will be an

integral component of the RDCK’s efforts to en-hance our communica-tions with the public.” Stay tuned to The Com-municator for updates on the project.


Agriculture Plan Adopted

A t its November meeting, the RDCK Board adopted its Agriculture Plan in princi-

ple. The plan was developed to “improve the quantity and quality of agricultural

production in the region.”

Specifically, the plan recom-

mends strategies and ac-

tions for supporting and en-

hancing the viability of farm-

ing in the regional district.

The RDCK Board intends for

the plan to be used as a

guiding document that may

be used by community

groups and organizations,

as well as electoral areas

and member municipalities.

To view the plan, please visit: http://www.rdck.bc.ca/development/planning/projects/agriculture_area_plan.html


Emergency Services Update from N. Clayton

This has been a busy year for Emergency Services at the RDCK. The spring fresh-et and heavy rains resulted in emergency operation activations beginning in April in Area A and continuing with the issuance of a number of state of local emergency declarations, including the HB Mine dam and the Johnsons Landing landslide.

A local state of emergency and an evacuation or-der continue to be renewed for Johnsons Landing on a weekly basis. A multi-agency recovery team comprised of BC Hydro, Telus, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations, Interior Health, the Red Cross, Emergency Management BC, SNT En-gineering, BC Assessment and the RDCK contin-ues to meet regarding roads, power, water, and geotechnical matters. Impacted Johnsons Landing residents continue to receive assistance from Emergency Management BC, the Red Cross, and individual donations.

The RDCK expresses sincere thanks to all those individuals, organizations and agencies who have assisted us during these emergency activations.

http://www.rdck.bc.ca/development/planning/projects/agriculture_area_plan.html


Lister Water System Improvement Project by T. Zumpano

T he long standing permanent Boil Water

Notice is expected to be soon lifted for

the Lister Water System.

The rural community of Lister is located within

RDCK Electoral Area B, approximately 15

minutes from Creston. The water system cur-

rently services the equivalent of 188 single-

family-dwelling connections. At present, the

system derives source water from Lister Creek

(also known as Floyd Creek). Water quality

testing at times indicates the presence of low

level Coliform and E.coli bacteria and a perma-

nent Boil Water Notice was put on the system

in July, 2003.

A total of $200,000 from the Community

Works Fund (Gas Tax Fund) was allocated to

support this project in addition to approximately $500,000 from water system re-

serves. The recently completed project includes the following components: con-

struction of a power line to the intake site, drilling of a production and monitoring

well, fencing of the intake site, construction of a bolted steel reservoir tank, and

the addition of a control pump house.

The bolted steel reservoir tank is 10 meters in diameter and 12 meters in height

and is capable of storing 900,000 liters (233,000 us gals) of water. At 27 meters

deep with a 10 hp pump, the production well is capable of pumping over 50 liters

of water per second. The new well pump has adequate capacity and the reser-

voir has been sized to accommodate current and future water consumption de-

mands and fire flows, and once the system is commissioned, users on the Lister

water system will enjoy approximately 20 psi (140 kPa) of additional line pres-

sure. By now drawing source water from a well, the danger of contamination from

wildlife and environmental influences has been significantly reduced. Pending

completion of the commissioning process

(December 4, 2012) and after water quality

test results taken to date and in the ensu-

ing months continue to indicate the water

quality to be good and within the Federal

Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water

Quality, it is anticipated that Interior Health

will soon remove the long standing Boil

Water Notice on the Lister Water System.

233,000 us gal Reservoir

N ELSON—Staff at the RDCK’s head office have once again shown their chari-

table side by donating money to residents in need—human and otherwise.

RDCK a Charitable Organization


Lister……. If deemed necessary in the future, water

treatment or residual disinfection can be

added.

The RDCK would like to thank the Board of

Directors, John Kettle, Chair and Electoral

Area Director B, and the Lister Water Com-

mission for supporting the project which pro-

vided work for a number of local contractors.

Design and construction services were pro-

vided by WSA Engineering Ltd. and Lanco

Environmental was commissioned to assist

the RDCK with onsite construction coordina-

tion. Successful completion of this project was made possible through the excep-

tional project management provided Robin Douville, RDCK Works Superintendent.

T. Zumpano

Lister—Pump House

Trash Talk Household Hazardous Waste Round-ups a Huge Success!

C ongratulations to RDCK staff for or-

ganizing and implement-ing the first ever House-hold Hazardous Waste Round-up events. The initiative was a huge success: resident safely disposed of approximate-ly 21,660 liters of hazard-ous liquids. Another 9,480 liters of paints was also dropped off. Thank you to everyone who participated!

RDCK Environmental Coordinators Nicole Ward (left) and Lauren

Rethoret at a Household Hazardous Waste Round-up Event.


“This year we donated $500 to the SPCA

after it experienced a theft, and we just

gave $1800 to Nelson Community Ser-

vices to aid regional families in need” said

Tom Dool, president of the RDCK staff as-

sociation.

“We hold fundraising activities such as

barbeques and raffles throughout the year;

they boost morale and allow us to give

back to our neigbours and communities.”

Rob Andrew, Manager of the Nelson SPCA (left) receives a cheque for $500 from Janet Matheson of the RDCK. The two pawsitively precious pups have since been adopted by loving families.

From Our Shelves to Theirs RDCK Staff helps Salvation Army Food Bank

RDCK head office staff

rallied to help the Sal-

vation Army’s Nelson

food bank after learn-

ing it was forced to

close its doors.

“We raised $610 in

cash and approximate-

ly $100 in foodstuff in

three days,” says Meeri

Durand, senior planner

at the RDCK, who

spearheaded the drive.

The RDCK holds a food drive each year around Christmas for various food banks

but started early in response to the Salvation Army’s need.

The RDCK is just one of many entities that contributed to the re-opening of the

food bank.

“We’ve had an incredible response; I can’t believe the generosity of this communi-

ty—last Tuesday our shelves were bare and less than a week later they’re full”

says Major Yvonne Borrows, Family & Community Services Officer, who with her

husband, Robin, operates the Salvation Army’s Nelson branch.

Meeri Durand of the RDCK (centre) with Dave Sprague and Maj.

Yvonne Borrows of the Salvation Army

Bulletin Board

Have you ever wondered what happens at a Board meeting? Do you want to see your area director at work?

Do you have a question you want to ask of your regional government?

Then please attend an open Board meeting!


BOARD MEETING

December 13, 2012 9:00 a.m 202 Lakeside Drive Nelson, BC

HOLIDAY CLOSURES

The RDCK office will be closed on the following dates: December 24, 2012 December 25, 2012 December 26, 2012 January 1, 2013

COMMITTEE MEETING

East Resource Recovery Committee December 13, 2012 2:00am 202 Lakeside Drive Nelson, BC Rural Affairs Committee’s next meet-ing will be held on January 16, 2013.

Our Shelves…. But Dave Sprague, the food bank’s coordinator, is quick to point out that the

shelves won’t stay full for long if donations cease. Cold weather and visits from

new clients have put increasing demands on the facility.

“It doesn’t take long for supplies to disappear,” says Borrows.

Borrows hopes the public remembers that the Nelson Salvation Army “isn’t just a

thrift store” but actually delivers several services including a breakfast program,

laundry and shower facilities, coffee and social space, cooking classes, support

groups, counseling, advocacy, referrals and supplies for school lunches.


RDCK Grants DISCRETIONARY

Area A

Community Pride Committee $350

Creston Ministerial Association $500

Boswell Memorial Hall $150

Area B

Santa Claus Parade—Town of $250

Creston

Creston Valley Agriculture $500

Society

Yahk-Kingsgate Recreation $500

Society

Valentine Bonspiel $500

Creston Ministerial Association $500

Area C

Creston Valley Agriculture $500

Society

Area E

Community First Health Co-op $500

Area F

Nelson Figure Skating Club $500

Kootenay Christian Fellowship $500

Area H

Nelson Youth Soccer Association $1,060

Area E

Balfour Refuse Tipping Fees $190

SEED Project $500

Area F

Nelson Youth Soccer $4,220

Nelson & District Seniors $1,000

Coordinating Society

Kootenay Lake Hospital $10,000

Foundation

Area H

Ministry of Forests, Lands & $1,000

Natural Resource Operations

Area I

Brilliant Cultural Centre $3,000

Area J

Apex Geoscience Consultants $670

Selkirk College $1,000

Area K

Fauquier Fire Department $2,000

Arrow Slocan Lakes Community $1,500

Services

RDCK—West Waste $300

Burton Fire Department $2,000

Village of Nakusp

Village of Nakusp $27,181 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Area D

Ainsworth Fire Prevention $1,000

Society

Regional District of Central Kootenay

Box 590, 202 Lakeside Drive

Nelson, BC V1L 7B8

Phone: (250) 352-6665

Toll Free: 1-800-268-7325

We’re on the web at www.rdck.bc.ca FRIEND us on

HOW DO YOU SEE THE KOOTENAYS?

If you have taken a photograph that rep-

resents life in the Kootenays and

would like to share it with the RDCK in

this newsletter, please submit your pic

to [email protected] It might appear in

our new feature “The View from Here.”

Board of Directors Garry Jackman Area A

John Kettle, Area B (Chair)

Larry Binks Area C

Andy Shadrack Area D

Ramona Faust Area E

Ron Mickel Area F

Hans Cunningham Area G

Walter Popoff Area H

Andy Davidoff Area I

Gordon Zaitsoff Area J

Paul Peterson Area K

Lawrence Chernoff Castlegar

Ron Toyota Creston

Greg Lay Kaslo

Karen Hamling Nakusp

John Dooley Nelson

Ann Bunka New Denver

Ann Henderson Salmo

Leah Main Silverton

Hillary Elliott Slocan (Vice Chair)

The Communicator is a monthly publication of the RDCK.

Comments? Questions? Suggestions: Contact the editor at (250) 352-8166 or [email protected]

Editor/Writer: Anitra Winje Designer: Angela Lund

mailto:[email protected]

RDCK Newsletter - Volume 1, Issue1

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