On November 15th, eligible voters in Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Areas A, D, and E will decide whether they would like to establish a Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund. The referendum question asks whether people would be willing to pay $15 per parcel, per year, into a dedicated conservation fund that would help to conserve clean water, wildlife and open space. All parcels would be taxed equally regardless of assessed value.
Voters will be asked – Are you in favour of the Regional District of Central Kootenay adopting Bylaw No. 2420 to:
1) Establish the ‘Regional District of Central Kootenay Local Conservation Fund Service’ within Electoral Areas A, D, and E; and
2) Annually requisition up to a maximum of $106,500, or the product of $0.062 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value of land and improvements, whichever is greater to be collected by an annual parcel tax?
This fund would provide local financial support for projects (like Friends of Kootenay Lake) that protect natural areas and restore and preserve a healthy environment. A similar fund has been running in the Regional District of East Kootenay and has invested over $1,500,000 in 44 projects in the past five years.
For more information, you can click on the links below: