The purpose of this report was to request that Council consider additional resolutions in support of two previously submitted grant applications to the Strategic Priorities Fund in order to meet the requirements of the Canada Community Building Fund - Strategic Priorities Fund Guide. The resolutions must confirm Council’s support for the projects and its commitment to overall grant management, including covering any potential cost overruns. Council approved the additional resolutions and they will be passed on the the funder to support the City's grant applications. 

Building Code - Firestop Education Session

Manager of Planning, Troy Pollock, informed Council about the upcoming Firestop Education session being offered on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Kimberley Conference Centre. This free education session targets local building industry stakeholders (all building trades, professionals, designers and contractors) and is open to other interested community members. The firestopping presentation will be delivered by Hilti Canada's Lindsay Merritt, Fire Protection Specialist and John Valiulis, Director Codes and Standards.

Limited seats remain. If this session interests you, please contact buildingofficial@kimberley.ca to attend. 

Staff requested and received Council direction to promote awareness of accessibility in the community during Halloween. The accessible Halloween initiative aims to ensure children of all abilities can participate in trick-or-treating without barriers such as stairs, hard-to-navigate spaces and other accessibility issues. This year, the initiative asks Kimberley businesses to consider moving their treat stations to an accessible location and/or to remove other barriers that might hinder children from being able to participate in this time-honoured tradition. 

As we start to think about Halloween, here are some accessibility tricks that can help you ensure every child can enjoy this event!

Provide Barrier-free Access

• Some trick-or-treaters may have difficulties navigating inclines, stairs, curving walkways, etc.  Make sure to place your trick-or-treating station at a location that is easily accessible to all.
• Make sure the path to your trick-or-treating station is well-lit.
• Set up your trick-or-treating station closer to the sidewalk.

Create a Safe Environment

• If you are planning to decorate your trick-or-treating station or other visible areas of your businesses make sure that you are creating decorations that can be enjoyed by all.
• Refrain from the use of strobe lights and high-pitched, sudden loud noises which may be alarming for some children.
• Some pets can be intimidating so make sure that they are kept safely away from the trick-or-treating station.

Everyone is different

• Different disabilities can affect how someone interacts with others. All it takes is a little patience and understanding to ensure that trick-or-treaters feel comfortable and welcome.
• Not everyone can eat candy, so consider stocking some non-edible treats such as stickers, pencils, crayons, small toys, etc. stored in a bowl separate from your edible treats.
• You may see trick-or-treaters that appear older, but that doesn't mean that they aren't excited about your treats!
• Some trick-or-treaters may not be able to see what they are getting. Consider explaining to them the delightful treat you're providing.
• Not everyone communicates in the same way.  Just be patient and understanding. The children and their caregivers will appreciate it.

Staff also received direction to begin planning ways to support and promote accessibile Halloween activities in residential areas, in order to further improve accessibility for trick-or-treaters in future years.