#GrantApplication

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RDKB - Regional District of Kootenay Boundary

$3M Aquatic Centre Overhaul Seeks Funding

The RDKB is applying for a major grant to transform Grand Forks Aquatic Centre with solar power, energy efficiency upgrades, and accessibility improvements. The project could be 100% grant-funded, but taxpayers would cover any cost overruns beyond the $400k contingency.

Why This Upgrade is Needed

  • 🏭 Aquatic Centre is RDKB's largest energy consumer and greenhouse gas emitter

  • ♿ Current facility has significant accessibility barriers identified in 2021 study

  • 💡 Heating and ventilation systems need modernizing and upgrading

Why This Upgrade is Needed

  • 🚧 Previous attempt in 2024 failed when no contractors bid within budget

  • 💰 Existing federal Green Buildings grant money remains available to stack with new funding

Solar-Powered Future for the Pool

  • ☀️ Solar thermal system as primary heating source with rooftop solar panels

  • 🔥 Smart heating hierarchy: solar first, then heat pumps, boilers as backup only

  • 💨 New air handling systems with renewable pre-heating throughout facility

Solar-Powered Future for the Pool

  • ⚡ On-site electricity generation to offset facility power consumption

  • 🌱 Integrated approach advances pool systems 20 years into the future

Making the Pool Accessible for Everyone

  • 🚻 Universal accessible washroom created in main lobby area

  • 🚨 Emergency systems upgraded with accessible fire pulls and visual alarms

  • 🏢 New reception desk with accessible height section and knee space

Making the Pool Accessible for Everyone

  • 🗺️ Complete wayfinding overhaul with pictograms, braille, and high-contrast design

  • ♿ Comprehensive barrier removal to serve residents of all ages and abilities

Project Costs and Funding

$3,072,020
Total project cost with $2.4M for construction, $275k engineering, $400k contingency. Would be 100% grant funded if approved, but RDKB taxpayers responsible for any overruns beyond contingency.

Should RDKB pursue this major aquatic centre upgrade?

RDKB Board Meeting: October 8, 2025 - Board will vote on supporting this grant application. Project would take 24 months to complete if funding approved. This is part of the new Canada Community Building Fund with up to $7M available for eligible projects.

#AquaticCentre#GrantApplication#InfrastructureUpgrade#EnergyEfficiency#AccessibilityImprovements
Oct 8, 2025
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RDKB - Regional District of Kootenay Boundary

$5.9M Christina Lake Fire Hall Upgrade Proposed

Christina Lake Fire Rescue is seeking a massive expansion to address overcrowding and modernize their 1997 facility. The current 156 m² space struggles to accommodate 20-25 firefighters, forcing the department to rely on a temporary trailer.

  • 🚒 Current fire hall built in 1997 - increasingly cramped for modern operations

  • 👥 20-25 paid-on-call firefighters sharing undersized administrative space

  • 🏗️ ATCO trailer added as temporary solution creates operational fragmentation

  • 📈 Growing service demands and staffing needs outpacing facility capacity

  • 🏢 2,000 sq ft administrative expansion with dedicated sleeping quarters

  • ⚡ Solar panel installation and energy efficiency upgrades

  • 💧 Rainwater collection system to reduce water consumption

  • 🔧 Building envelope and insulation modernization

  • 👨‍🚒 Expanded training areas and proper office space for firefighters

100%
Grant would cover entire $5.9M project cost which includes ~50% contingency, but cost overruns are not eligible for grant funding

Should we invest in upgraded fire safety infrastructure?

RDKB Board Meeting: October 8, 2025

Board will vote on supporting this UBCM Strategic Priorities Fund application. Grant applications were due September 12, 2025 - this vote provides required board endorsement for the submission.

#FireHallExpansion#GrantApplication#CommunitySafety#PublicInfrastructure#ChristinaLake#FinancialReport
Oct 8, 2025