Risk Tolerance Policy
Overview
What are we doing?
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is developing a new Risk Tolerance Policy to strengthen risk-informed land use planning decisions and enhance community resilience to natural hazards. Similar policies are increasingly common within municipalities and jurisdictions across British Columbia. The project is expected to be complete by June 2026.
What is the purpose?
Currently, land use planning and permitting in the RDCK require a geotechnical engineering report prepared by a Qualified Professional (QP) to certify that the land is “safe for the use intended,” in accordance with Section 56 of the Community Charter. The project will establish clear risk tolerance criteria and policy to support a consistent, risk-informed approach to evaluating development applications in areas prone to hazards such as floods, landslides, and steep creek hazards (debris flows and debris floods).
Why is this important?
The policy will apply to all electoral areas, providing a consistent basis for evaluating development applications and determining whether proposed developments – including land use, buildings, infrastructure, and service provision – meet safety expectations. Policies addressing flood, erosion and steep creek hazards are essential tools for improving disaster resilience through informed development decisions.
How do I stay informed?
Visit this page regularly for updates, and feel free to contact us directly with any questions
What are we doing?
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is developing a new Risk Tolerance Policy to strengthen risk-informed land use planning decisions and enhance community resilience to natural hazards. Similar policies are increasingly common within municipalities and jurisdictions across British Columbia. The project is expected to be complete by June 2026.
What is the purpose?
Currently, land use planning and permitting in the RDCK require a geotechnical engineering report prepared by a Qualified Professional (QP) to certify that the land is “safe for the use intended,” in accordance with Section 56 of the Community Charter. The project will establish clear risk tolerance criteria and policy to support a consistent, risk-informed approach to evaluating development applications in areas prone to hazards such as floods, landslides, and steep creek hazards (debris flows and debris floods).
Why is this important?
The policy will apply to all electoral areas, providing a consistent basis for evaluating development applications and determining whether proposed developments – including land use, buildings, infrastructure, and service provision – meet safety expectations. Policies addressing flood, erosion and steep creek hazards are essential tools for improving disaster resilience through informed development decisions.
How do I stay informed?
Visit this page regularly for updates, and feel free to contact us directly with any questions
Who's listening
Key Dates
Check back here for webinar dates and links