WildSafeBC Kimberley-Cranbrook - Year End Report

WildSafeBC Kimberley-Cranbrook Community Coordinator, Danica Lisk, provided Council with a year end update on program activities as well as an update on Kimberley's Bear Working Group. The update included information on garbage and compost bin tagging, responses to the Bear Smart Survey, data from their Bear Hazard Assessment and Management Plan as well as goals for the 2025 program year. See the full presentation at the YouTube link above. 

Designation of Fire Inspectors and Fire Investigators

The government of British Columbia has implemented new legislation to enhance structural fire safety through an elevated system of inspections and effective enforcement. The legislation was created through collaborations with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), the Fire Chiefs' Association of BC (FCABC), Regional Districts, and other essential fire service partners. Among other requirements, the legislation requires the City to designate personnel to conduct fire inspections and investigations and to enable local fire services to perform tactical evacuations. Council approved the designations as a first step to compliance with the new legislation. The remaining requirements can be found in the full staff report, which is attached to the meeting agenda linked above, and will be heard by Council at future meetings.

Marsden Street Active Transportation Project and Grant Application

Staff requested and received Council approval to apply to the Province's Active Transportation Network Grant for the construction of a sidewalk along Marsden Street. This was previously a part of a larger project to construct sidewalks along Marsden Street and a portion of Rotary Drive. However, inflationary increases forced staff to separate the project and focus on the Marsden Street portion at this time. The total project budget is $362,083 and a grant will cover 70% of the required funds or $253,458. If the grant is approved, the sidewalk will be constructed in 2025. The new sidewalk will provide safer pedestrian and active transport user access to the skate and bike park and other amenities. 

St. Mary's Avenue Reconstruction Project and REDIP Grant Application

The St. Mary's Avenue reconstruction project is planned for Spring/Summer 2025. Originally budgeted at $1.6M, upon final design, the project costs escalated to just over $2M. Reconstruction includes replacing watermain, stormwater system and sanitary sewer as well as reconstructing the retaining wall and streetscape. City staff identified that the project is eligible under the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure (REDIP) Grant Program. Council approved the revised project budget and directed staff to apply to the REDIP grant. Once complete, the project will see the expansion of the 'Platzl-feel' down Spokane Street and St. Mary's Ave as outlined in the Kimberley Downtown Design Strategy. 

2024 Third Quarter Animal Control and Bylaw Enforcement Report

Bylaw Officer Sean Lever was on hand to present the Animal Control and Bylaw Enforcement Report for the third quarter of 2024. Lever reported that he had received 221 calls for service between July and September, with the majority of those calls being Streets & Traffic issues. Lever then pointed out that dog licence purchases were down from the prior year with just 789 licences purchased compared to 873 in 2023. He stressed the importance of obtaining a licence for your dog as it dramatically improves the City's ability to help lost pets. Dog licences can be purchased at City Hall and must be renewed each year. Read the full report at the link above.

Third Quarter Administration Update

City CAO Jim Hendricks presented the Third Quarter Administration Update to Council. The purpose of this report is to present Council with an update on City operations, projects and initiatives which may not otherwise make their way onto a Council meeting agenda. 

The City has made significant progress on several capital projects in 2024. Notably, the sanitary sewer lining projects were substantially completed within the project schedule and budget. Other projects include the Knighton Road realignment and Swan Avenue retaining wall repairs, both of which are complete. Renovations at Cominco Gardens have begun and will continue into Spring/Summer 2025. Various infrastructure designs and assessments are also underway for future projects, including watermain replacements and the wastewater treatment plant project.

In other City operations, staff are preparing for winter road maintenance and addressing utility permit conditions related to drinking water, including a filtration exemption application. The Parks and Facilities department is working on a long-term ice facility strategy and continues to recruit lifeguards for the Aquatic Centre, while also upgrading its HVAC system. Community engagement initiatives, like the (Re)Discover Kimberley event and new online directories, aim to strengthen local support systems. The Fire Department reported a busy quarter with various emergency calls, including structure fires where significant property was saved, and has recently conducted a successful prescribed burn for wildfire risk reduction. Efforts are underway to improve occupational health and safety within City operations, targeting reduced insurance premiums through enhanced employee support and safety initiatives. See the full report in the agenda package at the link above.