Keith Page

Tag: Kootenays

  • March 4th, 2025 — Regular Council

    The plain-language recap of what came up at Regular Council and the Regional District this week.

    Childcare and community engagement

    We’re working on bringing a comprehensive update for the Regional District, focusing on supporting families and early educators in the sector.

    RDCK budget public meeting for Nelson, E and F

    Looking at a 9.4% property tax increase for Nelson. Within that, a 12% increase in recreation, which returns those services to 2014 funding levels, with a focus on the upcoming ice plant renewal at the NDCC.

    Long-term campus review

    Progress is ongoing with initial outcomes reviewed and next steps planned, expecting to bring the results to the public by the end of March.

    RDCK joint resource recovery

    We’re seeing rate pressure relief from the service efficiency study, but those will need 2025 and 2026 to unfold. This year we have a resulting 10% budget increase with expected drops in 2027 once capital projects in organics are paid off. The industrial and commercial green-bin organics pilot launches.

    Community safety and housing

    Attended the Nelson Neighbour Network meeting. The Police Chief provided an update on the work they are doing, re-enforced the importance of housing, and communicated the difficulties across the country.

    Questions about any of this? Get in touch — I answer.

  • Rural Phone and Internet

    Access to reliable, affordable telecommunications isn’t just a modern convenience — it’s essential for everyone. Unfortunately, in rural and remote communities, including those in the RDCK, many people still struggle with inadequate broadband and unreliable phone service. During emergencies, these gaps can have dire consequences. In everyday life, they hinder students’ learning, parents’ ability to work remotely, businesses’ competitiveness, and the safety of our residents.

    As your representative, I’ve seen firsthand how dropped calls, slow speeds, and excessive bills hold our community back. That’s why I’m proud to support our plan to designate high-speed internet as an essential service, cap prices to prevent unfair charges, and invest in expanding coverage — especially in rural and remote areas. Every family, student, and local business deserves reliable, affordable connectivity, and I’m committed to making that a reality for all of us.

    Source

    RDCK requests federal government address poor rural telecommunications — Nelson Star, November 12, 2024.