RDKB updates rural housing plans as region faces need for 6,300 homes

GRAND FORKS — The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary is updating housing policies in its rural community plans as it prepares for an estimated 6,300 additional homes needed across its electoral areas over the next 20 years.

The targeted amendments will affect six Official Community Plans and one Rural Land Use Bylaw covering Electoral Area B, including the Lower Columbia and Old Glory areas; Electoral Area C at Christina Lake; Electoral Area D surrounding Grand Forks; and Electoral Area E in the West Boundary.

Electoral Area A and Big White are undergoing separate Official Community Plan review processes.

Official Community Plans, commonly known as OCPs, guide long-term decisions about land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure and community growth. The RDKB said the amendments are intended to bring existing plans into line with provincial housing requirements, zoning changes adopted in 2024 and housing needs anticipated over the next five and 20 years.

“The RDKB’s Interim Housing Needs Report outlines approximately 6,300 units that will need to be built across the five electoral areas over the next 20 years to meet housing need,” senior planner Elizabeth Moore said.

“How, where and what types of housing we plan and develop are important to provide diverse and affordable housing options and prepare our communities for future housing options.”

The regional district said the policy review will consider a broader range of housing options based on the needs and circumstances of individual communities. The amendments will establish planning policies rather than approve specific housing developments.

Draft amendments will be presented during public information sessions in August and September. Residents will be able to learn how the changes could affect their communities, ask questions and submit comments before the plans are finalized.

The Electoral Area D session will be held Monday, Aug. 10, at the Grand Forks Curling Rink.

Sessions will follow Tuesday, Aug. 11, for Electoral Area B at the RDKB boardroom and Wednesday, Aug. 12, for Electoral Area C at the Christina Lake Community Hall.

A virtual session covering Electoral Area E and the other electoral areas is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to preregister and subscribe to project updates through the Electoral Area OCP Housing Updates page on the RDKB’s Join the Conversation website.

Final amendments and public hearings are expected between September and November.