New Business
Ice Facilities Strategy Presented for Adoption
Following the presentation of the Ice Facilities Strategy, Council received a report from staff and provided direction on next steps. Staff will now move forward in 2026 with several short‑term actions focused on improving how existing ice facilities are managed and used. These include updating recreation rental rates, ensuring leases are in place with facility partners, improving communication around closures and repairs, enhancing transparency and efficiency in ice scheduling, expanding online booking options, monitoring ice use trends, and maintaining current facilities with a focus on safety and long‑term viability. Council also directed staff to develop an implementation plan for the remaining recommendations in the strategy for consideration as part of the City’s 2027–2031 Five Year Financial Plan.
KImberley Wastewater Treatment Plant - Project Update
Nik Morissette, Senior Manager of Operations, presented Council with an update on progress of Kimberley's Wastewater Treatment Plant Project. Early onsite works approved by Council in December 2025 were completed as scheduled, helping prepare the site for an efficient construction start in spring 2026. The project is now in the pre‑construction phase, with detailed design nearing completion and a planned mobilization to site in mid‑March, followed by a formal groundbreaking on April 8, 2026. Major construction activities, including excavation and concrete work, are expected to ramp up through the spring, with increased construction traffic anticipated in the area. The City and project team will provide ongoing public updates as the project moves forward.
Kimberley Wastewater Treatment Plant - Borrowing and Parcel Tax Implementation Timing
Following confirmation that construction on the new Wastewater Treatment Plant will mobilize in March 2026, Council received an updated cash flow and borrowing analysis to ensure project financing remains well managed. The total project budget of $90.6 million remains unchanged, with the majority funded through federal and provincial grants and the remainder through planned borrowing and reserves. The updated analysis confirms that borrowing and repayment timing remain consistent with previous projections, with temporary borrowing expected to begin in 2026, long‑term borrowing anticipated in fall 2027, and interest repayment and the related parcel tax levy planned to begin in 2028. This phased approach allows the City to minimize interest costs and align borrowing with construction progress while continuing to monitor economic conditions throughout the project.
Long-Term Grant Recipients - 2025 Annual Summary Report
As part of the City’s Long‑Term Grants program, Council received a consolidated summary of the 2025 Annual Reports from the six organizations receiving long‑term grant funding. The report highlights each organization’s key accomplishments, challenges, and planned activities for 2026, and reflects the wide range of cultural, environmental, and social services supported through municipal investment. Together, these organizations play an important role in supporting community well‑being, strengthening local services, and contributing to Kimberley’s long‑term resilience. The public is invited to review the reports at the agenda link above.
Kimberley Heritage Panel Project - Locations and Installation Request
Council approved the installation of up to seven new Interpretive Heritage Panels at key locations throughout Kimberley as part of the Kimberley and District Heritage Society’s Interpretive Heritage Panel Project. The panels will highlight important sites and stories, including locations in the Platzl, the Cuckoo Clock area, McGinty Trail, Cominco Gardens, the Old Marysville School, and Veterans Memorial Park. Council also approved City crews installing the three panels located in the Platzl, coordinated with the spring and summer planting program. The project, led by the Kimberley and District Heritage Society with strong volunteer support, is expected to be ready for installation in late spring 2026 and will help connect residents and visitors with Kimberley’s rich history.
