Nicole Hancock
Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony ...

Kristen Villebrun and Wendy Bush hoped they wouldn't have to pray for Chedoke Creek, but four years after they first raised alarm about the water's condition, they were part of an Indigenous full moon ceremony to do just that. About 50 people showed up near Princess Point on the dark and frigid Monday evening for the monthly ceremony, which was particularly special as it focused on Chedoke Creek. The body of water that runs into Cootes Paradise had about 24 billion litres of sewage and storm water runoff leak into it due to a gate being left open.

Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony to heal Chedoke Creek

Regional District of Central Kootenay

New RDCK water restrictions limit lawn watering

New RDCK water restrictions limit lawn watering

The Regional District of Central Kootenay has instituted Level 2 water restrictions because of continuing hot, dry weather. Watering of lawns (including new lawns), gardens, trees, and shrubs is now, under Level 2, only permitted between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., and between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. The previous Level 1 restrictions allowed watering overnight. Watering by can or hand held hose is still permitted at any time. The Level 2 restrictions also place time restrictions on the washing down of sidewalks and driveways, and prohibits the filling of swimming pools. The RDCK restrictions apply to rural areas. Nelson has its own water restrictions that apply within the city limits.

Back to top RDCK issues Stage 2 water conservation measures for some some systems

Back to top RDCK issues Stage 2 water conservation measures for some some systems

Effective immediately, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is implementing mandatory Stage 2 water conservation measures in the Duhamel, South Slocan, and Woodland Heights water systems as well as Erickson and the Town of Creston in the East Kootenay. These measures are necessary due to the high water demand and heat warnings being issued by Environment Canada. “The extended hot and dry weather forecasted for the region has prompted the RDCK to be proactive with these water systems that have historical supply and demand concerns,” said Jason McDiarmid, RDCK Water Utilities Manager.

Water restrictions in Duhamel, Woodland Heights and South Slocan

Water restrictions in Duhamel, Woodland Heights and South Slocan

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is implementing mandatory Stage 2 water conservation measures in the Duhamel, South Slocan, and Woodland Heights water systems. These measures are necessary due to the high water demand and heat warnings being issued by Environment Canada, according to a July 26 RDCK news release. The same restriction was placed on the Riondel water system on July 18.

Back to top Eight Kootenay Lake conservation projects receive RDCK support

Back to top Eight Kootenay Lake conservation projects receive RDCK support

Conservation efforts around the water and aquatic systems of Kootenay Lake will see some support from the regional district this year. The Regional District of Central Kootenay board of directors approved $75,000 in grant funds for the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund (KLLCF) to be spread among eight different projects. Established in consultation with residents in electoral areas A, D and E — following a referendum in 2014 — each of the eight projects will receive 80 per cent of the money up front and the remaining 20 per cent upon receipt of the final report. The Kootenay Lake and surrounding area has been impacted for its ecological and habitat values due to dam operations and development pressure, noted Sangita Sudan, general manager of the RDCK’s Development and Community Sustainability.

Access to information key for protecting RDCK water systems

Access to information key for protecting RDCK water systems

The Regional District of Central Kootenay is spearheading a drive to give more power to local water users to protect their most precious natural resource. The regional government’s Water Governance Initiative (WGI) has just completed the second phase of a project to enable more local input and decision-making power in the management of water systems.

Water restrictions in effect for RDCK rural water systems

Water restrictions in effect for RDCK rural water systems

Starting Tuesday, June 1, stage 1 water conservation measures go into effect for all Regional District of Central Kootenay rural water systems. The measures include: • Watering of lawns (including new lawns), gardens, trees, and shrubs may only be done between the hours of 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. • Watering using drip irrigation, a watering can, and or hand-held hose is permitted at any time.

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