Council Highlights - April 27th, 2026

Council Meeting Highlights - Regular Council Meeting, Monday, April 27th, 2026

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Please follow the links below to review the meeting agenda and watch the YouTube stream of the April 27th meeting. Meeting minutes will be available at an upcoming Council meeting.

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Delegations and Presentations

Kimberley Arts Council / Centre 64

Ed Alm, President of the Kimberley Arts Council Board of Directors, presented an update on the society's 2025 operations, noting that the organization faced challenges last year, including a $37,000 loss and the absence of a manager. With grant funding becoming more competitive, Centre 64 is focusing on building non‑grant revenue through classes, workshops, and new public-use spaces made possible by recent renovations. Alm highlighted the role of volunteers, local artists, and community events such as Theatre at C64, Flix at C64 and Live at Studio 64, and shared upcoming plans including the Centre 64 stage opening on June 5. Details on the public event will be available soon! Alm concluded by inviting Council to consider its long-term vision and relationship with Centre 64.

Tourism Kimberley

Tourism Kimberley Interim Executive Director, Danny Page, spoke to Council about Tourism Kimberley’s proposed five‑year strategy and the upcoming renewal of the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT). MRDT is currently a 2% tax placed on overnight stays in hotels and other types of short-term rental units. It is collected by the owner and sent to the Ministry of Finance who then returns it to the community for uses such as marketing, enhanced visitor experiences and others.

The current MRDT agreement ends March 31, 2027, and Tourism Kimberley requested renewal of the tax, an increase from 2% to 3%, and a change in the Designated Recipient from the City of Kimberley to Tourism Kimberley. The application is due in June 2026. The funding would be used to support Tourism Kimberley's five-year strategic plan which outlines six priority areas including increasing year‑round visitation, promoting longer stays, enhancing visitor experiences, collaboration, and the development of signature experiences. Community outreach is currently underway to gather feedback. Council addressed the requests later in the meeting.

New Business

Municipal and Regional District Tax Overview and Renewal

Following the delegation from Tourism Kimberley, Council provided direction to staff to move forward with renewing the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT). Council authorized staff to prepare a new MRDT bylaw for a renewed five‑year term beginning April 1, 2027, including an increase in the tax rate from 2% to 3%, subject to Provincial approval.

Council further directed that the City of Kimberley remain the Designated Recipient of MRDT funds, while continuing to delegate program administration to Tourism Kimberley, consistent with current practice. Staff were also directed to request formal support from the Regional District of East Kootenay, as required to complete the MRDT renewal application. The bylaw will be brought back for first three readings at a Regular Council meeting in May.

Bylaws, Permits and Policies

Bylaws for First, Second and Third Readings

Development Application Procedures Bylaw Update for First Reading

Council received a report outlining a proposed new Development Application Procedures and Fees Bylaw for first reading. The new bylaw would replace the current Development Approvals Procedures Bylaw No. 1849, originally adopted in 1994 and last consolidated in 2006.

The proposed bylaw is intended to modernize language and processes, improve application review timelines, and clarify requirements for both applicants and staff. It would also distinguish between minor and major applications, delegate certain decision‑making authority to staff, clarify security requirements, and update development application fees.

As this is a new bylaw, staff are recommending that Council consider first reading before moving forward. A public and stakeholder engagement process will be available soon, and feedback gathered will help refine the proposed bylaw prior to further readings, based on Council’s direction. Council approved first reading. The bylaw will come back to a future meeting upon completion on the engagement period.

Bylaws for Adoption

2026-2030 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2802, 2026 for Consideration of Adoption

Chief Financial Officer Krista Waite requested and received Council adoption of the 2026–2030 Five‑Year Financial Plan. Waite presented key highlights from the plan, which has been before Council through several public Regular and Special Council meetings beginning in November 2025.

Most notably, the 2026 budget requires a property tax increase of 3.23%, which equates to an increase of approximately $177 for the average single‑family home assessed at $598,426. This increase will fund net operating expenditures, debt repayment, and reserve contributions including a dedicated 1.5% contribution to the General Operating Reserve to support future capital projects. Property tax notices will be mailed soon with a due date of July 2nd, 2026.

City of Kimberley 2026 Tax Rates Bylaw No. 2803, 2026 for Consideration of Adoption

Council also adopted the 2026 Tax Rates Bylaw No. 2803, 2026. The bylaw sets tax rates for municipal, hospital, and Regional District purposes for the 2026 taxation year and establishes a payment due date of July 2nd, 2026. A 10% penalty will be applied to any unpaid 2026 property taxes after that date.

Bylaw No. 2804, City of Kimberley Parcel Tax Imposition Bylaw No. 2279, 2006 Amendment No. 14, 2026 for Consideration of Adoption

Council adopted the 2026 Aquatic Centre Parcel Tax Levy bylaw, setting the levy at $208.42 per parcel. This represents a reduction of $7.31 compared to the prior year, facilitated by the retirement of the Aquatic Centre debt in 2025.

Bylaw No. 2805, City of Kimberley Flat Tax Bylaw No. 1778, 1992, Amendment No. 30, 2026 for Consideration of Adoption

Finally, CFO Waite requested and received Council adoption of this bylaw that will adjust flat tax levies for 2026. The bylaw reduces the flat tax on improved residential properties by $80, from $306 to $226, while increasing the flat tax on vacant residential properties by $114, from $386 to $500.

Visit the link below to learn about the financial planning process for 2026 and stay tuned for public engagement regarding Budget 2027 and the 2027-2031 Five-Year Financial Plan.

Engage Kimberley

New Business

2025 Columbia Basin Wildfire Resiliency Initative Grant

Council approved a request from Fire Chief Will Booth to prepare an amendment to Year One of the 2026–2030 Five‑Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2802 for consideration at a future meeting. The proposed amendment would add an operating expenditure of $112,000, fully funded through a grant approved by the Columbia Basin Trust, to undertake a fuel reduction project.

The project supports wildfire risk reduction efforts along Highway 95A between Marysville and Kimberley, a key evacuation route for the community.

BC Winter Games Legacy Grant Allocation

Council approved the 2026 BC Winter Games Legacy Grant Allocations as presented. Funding is made available through interest earned on legacy funds received from the 1980 and 2008 BC Winter Games, as well as the 2018 BC 55+ Winter Games, which are held by the Kimberley and District Community Foundation. The fund will distribute $8,200 to the following organizations:

Kimberley Seahorse Swim Club, 2026 KSSC Swim Meet - $2,500
Skimo Canada, Northstar Skimo Race - $500
Kimberley Minor Baseball, Buying New Equipment - $900
Kimberley Nordic Club, Dryland Training Support - $2,000
Kimberley Alpine Team, Trampoline Camp - $1,500
Freewheelers Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches, Coaching Course - $800

Resident Directed Grant Program - 2026/2027 Grant Allocations

Council considered a report on the Resident Directed (ReDi) Grant Program, which is funded by the Columbia Basin Trust and delivered through the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK). The City of Kimberley is required to develop a process to allocate the available funding including hosting a community meeting to hear from applicants. On April 20, 2026, the City hosted that community meeting where ReDi Grant applicants presented their projects. Kimberley was allocated $100,887.47 to distribute among 66 applicants, who collectively requested $317,221.08.

Following the presentations, the Local Selection Committee met to review applications and recommended funding allocations. At the Council meeting, the Manager of Community Development and Communications requested and received approval of the recommended allocations and received direction to submit them to the RDEK Board for final approval and distribution of funds. City-approved allocations can be reviewed at the agenda link above.

2026-2027 Transit Annual Operating Agreement and Transit Expansion Update

Council received a transit update and approved the 2026–27 Annual Operating Agreement with BC Transit for the Kimberley Transit System. The agreement confirms service levels, costs, and revenue projections for the upcoming year and aligns with the City’s approved Five‑Year Financial Plan.

Council was also advised that the previously approved Route 22 KC Commuter service expansion, anticipated to begin in 2027, was not approved for provincial funding and will not proceed at this time.

Procurement Report - January 1 - March 31, 2026

Council received the Procurement Report for January 1 to March 31, 2026, as presented by the Chief Financial Officer. The report provides Council with an overview of procurement activity during the first quarter of the year, including construction, goods, and services awarded through formal solicitation processes. Details can be found at the links above.

Financial Update Report - January 1 - March 31, 2026

Council received a Financial Update Report providing an overview of the City’s revenues and expenditures compared to the approved budget, along with progress on capital and non‑capital projects. The report helps Council monitor financial performance throughout the year until audited financial statements are presented.

Quarterly Administration Update - January 1 - March 31, 2026

Council received the Quarterly Administration Update for January 1 to March 31, 2026, providing a snapshot of key City operations, projects, and initiatives underway across departments.

The update included information on the following:

Major capital projects are advancing, including the Centre 64 Stage and Landscaping (on track for June completion), the Civic Centre & Curling Rink Chiller Replacement (targeted for the 2026–27 season), and the start of construction on the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Other significant infrastructure work is underway or planned, including road rehabilitation, bridge rehabilitation, storm, sewer and watermain upgrades, and Townsite Rink resurfacing.
Transit improvements continue, with Council approving phased fare updates starting July 2026, including the introduction of a monthly pass, while maintaining programs such as free youth fares and the Winter Shuttle.
Preparations for the 2026 General Local Election are underway, with key dates set and information available at kimberley.ca/Election2026.

Follow the link below to see this and all other administration updates!

Quarterly Administration Updates

The meeting concluded at 9:21 p.m. at which point an in-camera meeting was held. The next Regular Meeting of Council is scheduled for Monday, May 11th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Local elections shape Kimberley’s future — and you could help lead the way.

Learn what it takes to run for Mayor, Councillor, or School Trustee. Head to the link below to find information and key dates ahead of the October 17, 2026, election.

Election 2026