RDCK investigating potential acquisition of parkland in Krestova
September 24, 2021
Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is investigating the potential acquisition of private land totalling approximately 134 acres in Krestova, Electoral Area H, as regional parkland for use by local communities for outdoor recreation and nature appreciation.
“The property in question has traditionally been used by the community for a variety of recreation activities, and I know local residents would appreciate having the lands in public care for ongoing enjoyment,” said Walter Popoff, Director of Electoral Area H. “Our community, especially young people, would benefit from a recreation site that is close by.”
When an opportunity like this is identified, staff engage in preliminary work to see if the land is worth investigating. Staff consider a number of factors, all in the context of the overarching Regional Parks Plan—the desires of the local community, the financial investment and ongoing operational needs, and other RDCK acquisition priorities.
Based on preliminary work, the Board of Directors has directed staff to investigate the opportunity further. Staff will look into environmental criteria, outdoor experiences and activities, area attributes, and management and planning criteria. Other values, such as historical and cultural attributes, are also considered. Communities often have strong emotional and personal ties to land, which are important to respect.
The RDCK acquires land based on fair market value. Financial resources are limited, since land can only be purchased with taxation revenue. Acquisitions are generally not possible without a combination of taxation, donations and grants.
Due to the nature and complexity of the purchasing process, all land acquisition meetings and negotiations are done in camera.
The RDCK welcomes input from the public in order to gauge initial levels of community interest and to support next steps. Individuals can provide input in the following ways:
- Fill out an online feedback form: www.rdck.ca/forms/feedback.aspx (select “Parks” as the topic)
- Send an email to: parks@rdck.bc.ca
- Send mail to the attention of the Parks department: Regional District of Central Kootenay, Box 590, 202 Lakeside Drive, Nelson, BC V1L 5R4
- Contact your electoral area director: www.rdck.ca/EN/main/government/board-of-directors.html
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The content on this page was last updated September 24 2021 at 7:48 AM