Mayor's Musings for February 2026

by Steve Fairbairn, Mayor for the District of Elkford

So many things I could talk about… mostly using too many words too!
 

HEALTH CARE PROGRESS IN ELKFORD

On the topic of health care, I want to share some updates on the Urgent Primary Care Centre (UPCC), often called our clinic. I consider this a big win for Elkford.

The centre opened on May 21, 2025, and has already helped approximately 1,500 people in Elkford and surrounding areas access primary care, according to provincial information from the Ministry of Health. In announcing the centre, the province noted that access to health care in rural communities often involves long travel distances, particularly in winter, and that the Elkford UPCC is intended to provide timely urgent primary care closer to home for people who live and work in the Elk Valley.

As of December 2025, the UPCC has hired 6.6 full-time equivalent staff. Interior Health reports that when fully staffed, the clinical team is expected to total approximately 8.75 full-time equivalent health-care workers, including physicians, nurses, a nurse practitioner and allied health professionals.

The centre is open seven days a week and provides care for health concerns that should be addressed within 12 to 24 hours but do not require an emergency department (such as sprains, cuts, high fevers and minor infections). It is projected to support approximately 22,000 patient visits annually and connect about 2,600 people to a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

Total capital cost of the project is $475,000, with funding from the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District.

FORDING RIVER EXTENSION ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

On the topic of the Fording River Extension (FRX) Project, I hope residents who are interested will attend the environmental assessment open house on Feb. 5, at Teck Hall in the Community Conference Centre (750 Fording Drive). Public participation matters.

According to information published by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office (EAO), the two agencies are coordinating the environmental assessment of the FRX Project. As reported by both agencies, a joint public comment period on draft guidance documents is currently underway. These documents outline how the environmental assessment will be carried out, including scope and timelines, what information and studies are required from the project proponent, and how public and agency participation will work. Comments received will help inform the final versions of these documents.

The IAAC and EAO have also stated that the purpose of public engagement in an environmental assessment is to provide meaningful opportunities for people to learn about the process, understand the project being assessed and provide feedback on how it may affect them and their community.

Information about how to submit comments has been published through the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry and the provincial engagement portal. As reported by those agencies, the public comment period runs from mid-January to Feb. 15, 2026.

BUDGET REALITIES AND PROPERTY ASSESSMENT

As you read this, staff are deep into the annual budget-setting process. Maintaining services and infrastructure in the face of cost pressures remains challenging. Decisions often come down to what to adjust and by how much. Budget season is rarely glamorous, but it’s these areas where many of the most important decisions get made.

Everyone benefits from community amenities in Elkford, and everyone relies on essential services like safe drinking water and a sewage treatment system that operates every day. Balancing these needs remains central to budget discussions.

Some residents have noticed changes in their property assessments this year. BC Assessment, which is responsible for determining assessed property values across the province, outlines that assessments can vary based on property type, location and market conditions. If you have questions about your assessment, BC Assessment is the appropriate organization to contact.

It’s also important not to confuse changes in property assessments with changes in municipal taxes. Municipal taxes are calculated by applying a mill rate (a decimal figure) to your assessment value. Mill rates may increase or decrease each year and do not necessarily move in proportion to assessment changes. 

In addition, a portion of the taxes collected by the District flows through to other agencies, including schools, the RCMP and regional services such as solid waste through the Regional District of East Kootenay. These requisitions are set by those organizations and are outside municipal control.

Council and staff continue working to balance fiscal responsibility with the services and infrastructure our community depends on.

CELEBRATING WINTER IN ELKFORD

Thanks for taking the time to read! As we move further into 2026, I continue to appreciate the engagement, resilience and community spirit Elkford residents bring to the table. There is always work ahead, but this community has a great way of pairing the serious business of local government with making time to enjoy where we live.

That spirit is always on full display during Winter in the Wild, and I hope everyone gets out and joins in from Feb. 13 to 15! From fireworks and cardboard toboggan races to hot chocolate, snow-pitch, turkey toss, a pancake breakfast, beer gardens, scavenger hunt and the classic snow sculpture competition, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It's one of Elkford’s signature events and a great reminder that winter here is meant to be celebrated. Look for more details soon at www.elkford.ca/witw2026. 

Until next time, stay safe, stay warm and stay awesome!

Mayor Steve