The newly elected RDEK Board of Directors was officially sworn in on December 11 at the RDEK Board Room in Cranbrook.
Stan Doehle, who had served as the alternate director for Area B for six years, was pleased to be officially sworn in as the new director following long-time director Heath Slee’s stepping down from the position.
“It’s something we’ve been working towards for quite awhile,” said Doehle. “I’ve sat on the area planning commission for ten years so this is one more step down the road to working with the community and making it a better place for everybody.”
Doehle said that he continues to stand by his platform which generated some controversy at the Jaffray Forum last month in regards to zoning and the OCP, specifically looking at subdivided properties for RV park owners.
“I intend to work with those people to make for a better place to live down here,” commented Doehle.
Doehle described establishing the Elko fire protection services as “a process we’re moving forward with now,” following the approval of 60 per cent of voters in last month’s referendum.
Votes cast to support the fire protection services approved of borrowing up to $710,000 to build a fire hall and purchase a new fire truck.
Doehle also mentioned the provincial government will be creating a plan to address issues with Lake Koocanusa.
“[It’s a] plan [that] addresses all the issues on the provincial side of Koocanusa,” said Doehle. “The usage, the camping out in the bush, the boats and all the problems on Koocanusa. They’re looking at it and it will be very interesting to see what the results of that plan will be.”
Doehle added that, “Moving forward, we’re [The Board of Directors] just trying to get our feet on the ground and get going but I think we have a great group elected.”