Regional District of East Kootenay

This regional district in southeastern British Columbia spans mountains, valleys, lakes, and forests across its southeastern expanse. Cranbrook serves as the administrative hub managing services throughout the area.

The regional district system arose in the late 1960s as a way to bring municipalities and rural areas together for managing public services. This structure emerged from the need to coordinate administrative responsibilities across different communities.

The eight communities scattered throughout the district, from Cranbrook to Kimberley and Fernie, each bring their own local traditions and way of life to the region. These towns shape how people here connect with one another and celebrate their shared surroundings.

The administrative offices in Cranbrook handle essential services like water management and fire protection for residents across the region. Visitors or residents seeking information about local matters can visit these offices directly.

The district uses a distinctive voting system that applies weighted votes for financial decisions but regular votes for day-to-day management matters. This dual approach helps balance fiscal accountability with efficient decision-making on routine issues.