Regional District of Central Kootenay Area C director Larry Binks took the reins of the local services committee on Monday, assuming the role Creston Mayor Ron Toyota has had for two years.
“In the past we have often approved resolutions that haven’t had a time frame,” he said after assuming the chair’s position. “I don’t want us doing that. When we pass a resolution it should have a time frame attached to it. When we don’t do that it puts the staff in a compromised position and I don’t think that’s fair to them.”
With that statement on the record, the second-term RDCK director proceeded with a meeting agenda that started off with a report from emergency services co-ordinator Alanna Garrett, who said that plans are underway to prepare for the annual spring freshet and flooding issues that can arise.
Garrett heard concerns from Area A director Garry Jackman about the lack of response when blocked culverts are reported along Highway 3A. Dealing those blockages can prevent bigger problems that occur with the buildup of water on the high side of the highway.
“How the Ministry of Transportation and YRB address those reports is beyond our capacity,” Garrett said.
Area B director John Kettle concurred with Jackman, observing that provincial governments historically “won’t do anything to prevent a disaster but they will pay after it happens.” He said a meeting designed to “get all the players in the same room at the same time”, including various cabinet ministers, is planned for February to talk about the issue.