Board Meeting Highlights

Type(s)
News Releases
Board Meeting Highlights

2025 budget discussions start

The Board of Directors started the 2025 budget process by discussing and approving region-wide and sub-regional services including:

  • Administration
  • 9-1-1 Emergency Response
  • Community Services
  • Solid Waste Management

Detailed reports on all the individual region-wide and sub-regional budgets are available in the January 24 Committe of the Whole agenda

The 2025 budget process will continue at the February 19 Committee of the Whole meeting when local services are considered and the 2025 Operating Budget and 5-Year Financial Plan will be approved at a March meeting.

Scrap metal recycling services

The Board of Directors approved a competitive bid process for scrap metal recycling services. The current contract for these services expires at the end of March and there are no contract extensions remaining. 

Scrap metal and appliances are collected at designated transfer stations and landfills and under the contract they are crushed, baled and transported to end markets for recycling. Revenue from the sale of the scrap metal belongs to the Regional District and is included with the 2025 budget.

Drinking water and sewer system fees increase

The Regional District operates two drinking water systems and five sewer systems. The fees for these local area services have remained the same since the services were established, or in some cases, for over 30 years. The fees need to be increased for:

  • inflation and the increased operating and maintenance costs
  • more stringent monitoring and sampling regulations
  • refurbishing and replacing aging infrastructure

The Board of Directors approved:

  • 10% increase in each of the next five years for Azu Water System Rates and Regulations Bylaw No. 1416, 1993, Amendment Bylaw No. 3373, 2025
  • 10% increase in each of the next five years for Crooked River Specified Area Water Regulations and Rates Bylaw No. 324, 1978, Amendment Bylaw No. 3379, 2025 (Bear Lake)
  • 7% increase in each of the next five years for Adams Road Community Sewer Service Rates and Regulations Bylaw No. 2691, 2011, Amendment Bylaw No. 3377, 2025
  • 5% increase in each of the next five years for Buckhorn Community Sewer System Rates and Regulation Bylaw No. 2530, 2009, Amendment Bylaw No. 3375, 2025
  • 7% in each of the next five years for West Lake Community Sewer System Rates and Regulation Bylaw No. 2531, 2009, Amendment Bylaw No. 3376, 2025

Grants awarded

The Board approved requests for Community Grants in Aid and Recreation Grants in Aid to: 

Electoral Area A (Salmon River-Lakes)

  • Ness Lake Recreation Commission for $310 for a volunteer appreciation Christmas breakfast
  • Salmon Valley Community Association for $4,850 for operating expenses
  • Salmon Valley Gymkhana Club for $4,950 for operating expenses

Electoral Area F (Willow River-Upper Fraser Valley)

  • Willow River Volunteer Fire Department for $25,000 for operating expenses

Electoral Area H (Robson Valley-Canoe)

  • Valemount Curling Club for $7,000 for insurance
  • Valemount Learning Society for $2,000 for farmers' market operating expenses
empty meeting room with desks and windows