RDKB closes facilities in Trail, Grand Forks, and Beaver Valley
By RDKB
Today the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary announced that the Grand Forks and District Aquatic Centre and Arena, the Beaver Valley Arena and the Greater Trail Community Centre in Trail that also houses Selkirk College, Charles Bailey Theatre, the Trail Gymnastics Club and VISAC Gallery are closed to the public until further notice.
“We have closed these facilities and our front-counter service in direct response to the latest information from our lead agencies in this pandemic – the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and Interior Health Authority,” said Mark Andison, Chief Administrative Officer. “We know this will impact residents who rely on our recreation facilities for exercise and social interaction which are all part of staying healthy. We have closed these facilities to address the ongoing risks of close social contact that can lead to residents contracting this virus and spreading it to others. We do also want to reassure everyone that all RDKB staff are continuing to provide the services we usually provide, just in a slightly different way.”
The RDKB will suspend face-to-face counter services at offices in Trail and Grand Forks as well as public access to RDKB fire stations. Our fire services need to ensure they maintain the capacity to deliver fire rescue service throughout this pandemic. We will continue to provide all essential services including water and sewer treatment, fire rescue and emergency response.
Staff will continue to work both remotely and in their offices during regular business hours to provide all services such as building and plumbing inspection, land use planning and other services and will respond to public inquiries and requests by phone and email. Residents can call the RDKB in advance to drop off building plans or other items or ask any questions at 1-800-355-7352 or email administration@rdkb.com or contact us at rdkb.com.
Landfills in the region are still open, although hours of operation in Grand Forks, Christina Lake, Beaverdell and Rock Creek facilities have changed due to staff shortages. The RDKB also reminds residents that they must not throw wet wipes or other synthetic cleaning cloths used for disinfection into compost buckets or flush wipes down the toilet – these products must go into garbage destined for the landfill. Residents can visit rdkb.com for more information about hours of operation and other Environmental Services topics.
“As a regional government we need to balance both our level of risk and a critical need to do everything we can to prevent further transmission of this virus to allow our healthcare system to meet the needs of anyone who is unwell or injured,” said Diane Langman, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Like all levels of government, our advanced emergency planning is designed to allow us to continue our daily business and serve the region. The well being of all our staff, directors and residents is paramount.”
Despite facility closures, the RDKB encourages residents to take advantage of the good weather to pursue other forms of outdoor recreation, exercise and social interaction that allow each of us to maintain a healthy social distance of one metre or more to meet the guidelines of the BCCDC and Interior Health. RDKB assets include a large network of trails and several parks, all of which will remain open to public use.
The RDKB has now activated its Emergency Operations Centre to Level 2, with multiple staff dedicated to responding to COVID-19 events, and will reassess all closures and responses to the COVID-19 situation daily.
The RDKB will continue to provide regular public updates in the media, on social media and on our emergency website at emergency.rdkb.com.
Important links and information:
· BC Centre for Disease Control: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19
· BC Ministry of Health: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/coronavirus-disease-covid-19
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