Council Meeting Highlights

Regular Meeting of Council - November 12th, 2024

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Kimberley Curling Club Delegation

Kimberley Curling Club Manager Blair Jarvis provided Council with an update on programming and operations at the club. Here's a synopsis of that converstation. For the full presentation, watch the playback on YouTube!

The curling club has seen significant growth, especially in its Junior Program, which has doubled since 2021. In 2023-24, over 500 kids tried curling, and the club hosts regional events like the Rotary Junior Bonspiel. Membership has grown from 214 in 2019 to 250 in 2023, with 60 new curlers already signed up for 2024-25. The club is also seeing a 20% increase in members under 60 and has expanded its “Instructional League” to nearly 40 participants.

The club has become more visible through local events, social media, and hosting various community activities beyond curling, such as dart leagues and private events. Facility upgrades, like new flooring and improved ice, have enhanced the experience, and the club now offers 7 adult and 2 junior leagues across 6 days.

With a focus on development, the club offers programs for all ages, including higher-level clinics, and is a member of Curling Canada's "Associate Curling Professional" program. The club also attracts regional and out-of-province participants for its events, with plans to host at least one provincial event annually.

 

Fire Services Bylaw Amendment No. 2772, 2024

City Council approved first three reading of the Fire Services Bylaw Manadment No. 2772, 2024 as presented by Fire Chief Will Booth. The amendments will comply with the province's new laws that improve fire safety by introducing a stronger system of fire inspections and enforcement. These changes were made with input from various fire service groups, including the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) and the Fire Chiefs' Association of BC (FCABC).

The new fire safety rules that will affect the City of Kimberley include:

  1. Fire Inspections and Evacuations: Local authorities must appoint people to carry out fire inspections and investigations. Fire services will also be able to manage evacuations during fires.
  2. Penalties for Non-Compliance: If someone doesn’t follow fire safety rules, there will be a quicker and more effective way to issue penalties.
  3. Risk-Based Monitoring: Fire safety will be monitored based on the level of risk, so higher-risk areas will be checked more often.
  4. Self-Assessment Program: Property owners will help monitor their own fire safety through a self-assessment program.

To start, staff recommend changing the Fire Service Bylaw No. 2595, 2017 to reflect these new requirements, especially the appointment of inspectors and investigators. Over the next year, the bylaw will be updated further to address penalties, risk-based monitoring, and the self-assessment program. Stay tuned for more information at an upcoming meeting of Council.

 

Council Correspondence - Adoption and Permanency Awareness Month

Correspondence to Council included a request from Cory Heavener, Provincial Director of Child Welfare, and Renaa Bacy, Provincial Director of Adoption requesting that Council share information regarding the Adoption and Permanency Awareness Month. 

This is an opportunity to celebrate the many families in the province who have opened their hearts and homes to welcome children and youth as permanent members of their family. November is also about recognizing that there are children and youth who need a permanent home to call their own with caring adults who will nurture and support them and champion their successes. They aim to see a province where children and youth can grow up in a loving home that encourages them to thrive. The following resources and support services provide more information on this important topic:

  • Adopt BC Kids - an online portal that provides British Columbians wishing to adopt children and youth from foster care with information and guidance through their adoption application.
  • The Ways to adopt in British Columbia Website provides information on adoption in British Columbia, such as infant adoption, relative and step-parent adoption, and adopting a child or youth from another country.
  • Belonging Network (formerly Adoptive Families Association of BC) - provides information and support services for families who wish to adopt now or in the future.
  • Adoption BC - a detailed and comprehensive guide to additional adoption resources. Thank you for your continued leadership and support in helping us raise awareness about adoption, celebrate

The Regular meeting concluded at 7:27 pm at which point Council conducted an In-camera meeting.