RDEK adopts five-year plan; average $26 shared service increase

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has adopted its five-year (2026-2030) financial plan.

RDEK chair Rob Gay said preparing the financial plan is a lengthy process aimed at maintaining service levels and funding projects while limiting the impact on taxpayers.

The 2026 operating budget totals $48.9 million.

According to the RDEK, the plan results in a $26 increase for shared services based on an average residential assessment of $623,000 across the region.

Gay noted that the district operates more than 100 services and that the impact on tax rates will vary depending on where residents live.

The financial plan includes $11.6 million in capital spending for 2026.

Projects include fire engine replacements for the Panorama, Hosmer, Baynes Lake and Windermere fire departments, a water main replacement in Windermere and a reservoir expansion for the Eastside Lake Windermere water system.

The plan also includes several fully grant-funded capital projects, including an extension to the Elko fire hall, an Edgewater sewer lift station, Edgewater connectivity improvements, design work for the Edgewater raw water intake and the first phase of the Hosmer fire hall project.

Gay said different areas within the RDEK receive different services, and taxpayers pay for those services in the specific service areas.

For example, residents in the Kimberley are expected to see an $18 increase in their requisition for RDEK services based on an average $623,000 residential assessment, while residents in Electoral Area E would see a $38 increase.

More information can be found on the RDEK’s website.