Spring is definitely in the air, with calves scampering in the fields, buttercups poking out of the ground, and many of us navigating muddy roads as they thaw during the day – still freezing at night.
This spring the RDKB is welcoming a new Chief Administrative Officer, James Chandler, as Mark Andison, the former CAO retires after many years of dedicated service. James Chandler, the former Operations Manager and Deputy CAO has transitioned into the role seamlessly, and the RDKB board and staff alike are pleased with the decision to promote James into this role.
Spring also brings a new budget for 2026, and the RDKB has held five townhalls to present the budget to the public as legislated. In Area E, West Boundary, I tried a different format called World Café, which was a bit different from our previous town halls. In the past we have asked everyone to hold their questions until the end of the slide presentations to make sure everyone gets a chance to ask questions. Even doing it that way, often we spend most of the time on a specific service and not all voices are heard. With the World Café format, the CFO presented slides on the budget, and then everyone was able to ask specific questions regarding specific services from the managers at side tables with various information and handouts. Next year, I’m considering allowing questions addressing the whole room which should create a feeling of being heard and possibly spark some ideas and questions from others. With a combination of both styes, I’m hoping residents will feel heard without having to focus on one service or specific questions consuming all the time of the public meeting.
The past few years of my term as Regional Director, I was able to accomplish some infrastructure upgrades, such as;
- New grandstands at the Rock Creek & Boundary Fall Fairgrounds
- An accessibility ramp at the Bridesville Community Hall
- New windows (the old ones were nailed shut) at the Big White Ski Patrol Building
- Heater in the Midway Curling club
- Bathroom upgrades and a communication board for the Westbridge Hall
As well as help societies with insurance and events, youth & seniors, as well as supporting health initiatives;
- Road Rescue Vehicle Extrication Tool – Midway Fire & Rescue
- AED equipment for public spaces
- Youth daycare, education, sports programs
- Parkview manor printer and transportation
- Holiday celebrations for community events
Also, it was a great pleasure to be able to supply a new first responder vehicle to the Beaverdell Fire Department (due to a change in the criteria for the Canada Community Building Works fund) and a plan to extend an existing space to house this vehicle. Beaverdell also benefits from a new tender vehicle for the department and additional training.
I continue to fund food security through the various Food Shares and Community Dinners throughout the West Boundary.
I’d like to share some of the committee work I’ve been doing for the Regional District and will touch on that in my next submission. Many thanks to the Echo for organizing a specific area in this paper designated for RDKB updates and the Director’s Corner to share our work and matters concerning West Boundary residents.
As we continue spring clean-up while the snow recedes, and now as many celebrate fasts & feasts this time of year, let’s remember to be grateful for the basics many of us take for granted; food, water, shelter, transportation, and family love & support. And personally, I’m especially thankful for a community willing to step up and help a neighbour or acquaintance, many times without asking. All of us in the Boundary are fortunate indeed!
Sharen Gibbs
Director, RDKB/E
West Boundary
C: 250.689.0177