Public engagement process continues with climate action open houses
Dialogue circles contribute to understanding and building community resilience
Click here to view on the RDCK website
Nelson, BC: The next phase of public engagement for the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) climate action plan begins today with the first of 20 climate action open houses across the RDCK. Building on insights gained from the engagement process thus far, the open houses will provide an opportunity to share the outputs from the dialogue circles, webinars and other feedback gathered from residents during this process. The RDCK is committed to creating an inclusive environment where residents feel valued and heard.
“These Open Houses are a crucial step in the process,” said Dan Séguin, RDCK Manager of Community Sustainability. “We are eager to showcase the ideas and suggestions that emerged from the dialogue circles and look forward to continued high levels of interest and participation from residents across the RDCK.”
At the open houses, participants can view information posters, learn about the proposed actions, share thoughts and ideas, connect with RDCK staff and provide input on how we move forward. People are invited to drop in at anytime during the three hours. Find out more – https://engage.rdck.ca/rdck-climate-action
RDCK Climate Action Open Houses Schedule:
| CLIMATE ACTION OPEN HOUSES | ||
| August 24 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Slocan Park Community Hall, 3036 BC 6, Slocan Park (Area H) |
| August 28 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Hills Community Fire Hall, 4480 Highway 6, Hills (Area H) |
| August 29 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Creston Recreation Centre, 312 19th Ave N, Creston (Creston, Areas B & C) |
| August 30 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Salmo Youth & Community Centre (Gym), 206 7th St, Salmo (Area G & Salmo) |
| September 5 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Wynndel Hall (Upper Hall), 5127 Wynndel Rd, Wynndel (Area A) |
| September 6 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Bosun Hall, 710 Bellevue St, New Denver (Area H) |
| September 7 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Balfour Hall, Charles Street, Balfour (Area E) |
| September 8 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Lardeau Valley Community Club, 13429 BC-31, Meadow Creek (Area D) |
| September 11 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Crawford Bay Hall, 16230 Wadds Rd, Crawford Bay (Area A) |
| September 12 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Yahk Community Hall, 8790 Railway Ave, Yahk (Area B) |
| September 18 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Brilliant Cultural Centre, 1876 Brilliant Rd, Castlegar (Area I) |
| October 2 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Castlegar & District Recreation Centre (Selkirk Room), 2101 6th Ave, Castlegar (Castlegar & Area I) |
| October 3 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Kaslo Legion, 403 Fifth St, Kaslo (Kaslo & Area D) |
| October 10 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Nakusp & District Community Complex (Auditorium), 200 8th Ave NW, Nakusp (Nakusp & Area K) |
| October 11 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Robson Hall, 3067 Waldie Rd, Robson (Area J) |
| October 16 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson (Area E) |
| October 17 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | North Shore Hall – 675 Whitemore Rd, Nelson (Nelson and Area F) |
| October 23 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Burton Hall, 125 Burton Main Rd (Area K) |
| October 24 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Appledale Hall, Appledale Park Rd, Central Kootenay (Area H) |
| October 25 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Procter Hall, 262 2nd St, Procter (Area E) |
Over the last three months the RDCK has spent time engaging with residents on the climate action plan through six informative webinars, our public engagement platform, and the just completed series of dialogue circles. The dialogue circles centered on ensuring our communities are set up for success in a call for unity, action, and community engagement. These dialogues, which gathered participants from diverse backgrounds, revealed essential common themes that underscore the urgency and importance of collaborative community efforts.
Stuart Horn, RDCK’s Chief Administrative Officer, expressed his appreciation, stating, “The dialogue circles have been incredibly valuable, fostering constructive exchanges and a mutual respect among all participants. The willingness of our community members to engage in meaningful conversations has been inspiring, and we are grateful for everyone’s active involvement.”
Some of the themes emerging from the dialogues include:
- Interest to work together – Participants expressed concerns ranging from anxiety about climate change impacts to losing personal freedom. Yet, amid these concerns, there was a desire to actively shape positive change and contribute to a way forward.
- Shared values – Participants expressed the importance of clean water supply, local agriculture, freedom, clean air, protection from natural disasters, and enhanced public transit.
- Adapting to our changing climate – While participants acknowledged the reality of a changing climate, some expressed that the underlying reasons require further investigation and discussion. However, a shared foundation of common ground emerged around the concept of adaptation as a crucial focal point for immediate and collective action.
- Unique rural perspective – Participants emphasized the heightened sense of environmental consciousness and sustainability that comes with living rurally. The dialogues explored ways to amplify this awareness and channel it into meaningful actions.
- Clear communication for inclusive action – Participants stressed the need for simpler language, definitions, and terminology, ensuring accessibility for all.
For more information and background on climate action go to www.rdck.ca/climateaction.
Together, let’s work together to create a strong and confident future for our communities!
