RDCK Newsletter

December 2025 | Vol 1 No 3

Happy Holidays from the RDCK

Welcome to the December edition of the RDCK Newsletter. As we approach the holiday season, the RDCK would like to extend its sincere thanks to our extended community and invested partners for your continued collaboration and engagement throughout the year. Your input and involvement help shape a stronger community for all. We wish you a safe and restful holiday season and look forward to continued engagement and collaboration in 2026. Click the holiday hours photo below for a bigger version.

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Reports & Highlights

Quarterly Reports

The RDCK produces quarterly reports four times a year to provide a condensed summary of active projects and initiatives within the RDCK. These reports provide elected officials, staff, and the public with updates on the progress, challenges, and priorities of these projects.

View the quarterly reports >

Board Highlights

The monthly highlights are a general overview of discussion items and major decisions from the RDCK Board Meeting. Click here for agendas and minutes from the monthly meetings.

Board Highlights - December 2025

Part 1

Part 2

Board Highlights - November 2025

Board Highlights - October 2025

Watch RDCK Board meetings on our YouTube channel >

Latest News

RDCK purchases land to create future community regional park in the Creston Valley

The RDCK is excited to share it has purchased 3823 Goat Canyon Road in Electoral Area B for $899,000. The 4.4-acre property will become a future regional park and re-open long-term public access to the Goat River, supporting the RDCK, Town of Creston and Electoral Areas A, B & C Parks and Recreation Master Plan’s goal of adding parkland for the community. Securing this land marks an important step in re-establishing a community gathering place cherished by generations.

The land acquisition was made possible through contributions from Columbia Basin Trust ($540,000), BC Parks Foundation ($200,000), and the RDCK ($159,000).

Read the complete story >

RDCK announces transition of Nakusp Waste Facility

The RDCK is pleased to announce successful completion of major upgrades to the Nakusp Waste Facility, marking a significant step in its transition from an active landfill to a modern transfer station.

Over the past two years the Nakusp site underwent substantial improvements, including the installation of a new tipping area and compacting bins. These upgrades were part of a long-term strategy to enhance waste management services, control costs, and improve environmental performance while preparing for the eventual closure of the landfill.

Read the complete story >

Castlegar & District Community Complex dry arena floor and pool to close for improvements in summer of 2026

The RDCK will be completing important maintenance projects at the Castlegar & District Community Complex in 2026. To complete the work needed, the dry arena floor and pool will each have extended scheduled closures.

Grant application process for Columbia Basin Trust ReDi Grants opens January 2, 2026

Effective January 2, 2026, the RDCK will accept grant applications for the Columbia Basin Trust (the Trust) Resident Directed Grants (ReDi).

The program supports local projects that provide additional value to Basin communities. ReDi Grants are intended to be flexible and incorporate community-based funding decisions. The program is funded by the Trust and delivered in partnership with local governments and First Nations in the Basin, including the RDCK.

Balfour Water System Project

The Upper Balfour Road water main replacement project to remove 280mm of old 2" iron pipe and replace it with industry standard 6" PVC has been completed (see photos below). As part of this project, six service lines and curb stops were replaced and one new service was installed. This section of water main had a history of leakage and water pressure issues, and the project will benefit both overall water system leakage and customer service.

Learn More about RDCK Water Services

Public Announcements

Winter Break Recreation

Planning your holiday activities? Our Winter Break Schedules include pool and arena schedules, special events, and hours of operation from December 22 to January 4 at recreation facilities in Nelson, Creston, and Castlegar. Each community’s schedule is available on its local facilities page.

Visit rdck.ca/recreation to find all the details >

Emergency Support Services Volunteers are Making a Difference - You Can Too!

Last month, Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers from across the RDCK gathered for a full day of training and connection. The room was filled with stories, learning, problem solving, and a shared commitment to helping their communities.

ESS volunteers make a real difference. When someone must evacuate, ESS is there with information on how evacuees can access basic needs like accommodation, food, clothing, and other temporary supports. If you are interested in joining the ESS team, now is a great time to sign up. No experience is required, and training is provided.

Learn more and sign up to volunteer >

3D Watershed Model Unveiling

All are invited to join the RDCK at the Creston Valley Visitor Centre for the unveiling of the 3D model of the Goat River watershed. Explore the landscape through this 3D model and see place names in both Ktunaxa and English. Drop in, take a closer look, and chat about the land and water that connect the community.

Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026

Time: 5:00–6:30 pm

Location: Creston Valley Visitor Centre

Share this event with your community >

Learn & Lunch: Agriculture & Water Discussion

The RDCK and the Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors are hosting an Agriculture and Water Lunch and Learn on January 8 at Jimmy’s Pub. Producers are invited to join the conversation on water, agriculture, and long-term water sustainability in the Goat River Watershed. Lunch is included.

Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026

Time: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm

Location: Creston Hotel (Jimmy's Pub)

Volunteer as a Firefighter

RDCK Fire Service is excited to launch its Firefighter Recruit Academy for a third year!

Apply now if you’re interested in learning exciting skills and serving your community alongside over 300 dedicated volunteers across the RDCK. Intake is on right now, and will continue until December 31, 2025. The Academy will formally begin February 25, 2026.

A new fitness test is in place for this recruitment drive. This fitness test is a requirement for all candidates beyond the interview stage. You can find more details and apply on our website:

Upcoming Events

Jan

Goat River Watershed 3D Model Unveiling

The RDCK is unveiling the 3D model of the Goat River watershed. All invited to the Creston Valley Visitor Centre between 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm.

Jan

Lunch & Learn: Agriculture & Water Discussion

The RDCK and the Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors are hosting an Agriculture and Water Lunch and Learn at Jimmy's Pub in the Creston Hotel. Join the conversation on water, agriculture, and long term water sustainability in the Goat River Watershed.

More Information

Holiday Closures

December - See holiday ad above

January 1 - New Year's Day

February 16 - Family Day*

* Holiday Closures include all RDCK offices, landfills, transfer stations, and gated recycling depots. Check all recreation complex leisure guides for holiday hours and closures.

﻿RDCK Newsletter