The City of Kimberley has begun to use new communication tools and processes as part of actions to implement Strategic Priorities to enhance communications and strengthen Kimberley’s brand.

“As we continue to improve our city communications, we’re now thrilled to be using tools and processes that enable us to be more consistent,” said Kimberley Mayor Ron McRae. “Kimberley is a good place to be, and we’re excited to be able to better share who we are, what we do, what we’ve done and the many stories that comprise our community, with each other, and the rest of the world.”

The city has been strengthening its communications for a number of reasons. “There’s truth that perception is reality. How we and others perceive our community today shapes who we are, and where we will be in the future. Kimberley needs to be intentional about our story and how we communicate it because we’re intentional about our future,” said Kevin Wilson, Kimberley’s Economic Development Officer.

“We want to do a better job of communicating intentionally, and there’s a few reasons why. First of all, we want to retain the assets we have in the community. The people and businesses that are here in Kimberley need to know that our community is confident about our future and how we are perceived. Then, we wish to attract new residents, businesses, visitors and guests who desire to share Kimberley’s values and culture. A well-told story provides distinction and recognition. We know Kimberley’s a good place to be, and we want to give others the opportunity to share and contribute to our story,” said Wilson.

Some of the tools developed to help Kimberley share its story include a city website, posters, print pieces, business cards, letterheads, ad templates and process guidelines for using the new colours, logo, positioning lines, typography and other elements.

“Part of this process has been to strengthen our story, as well as the way we communicate it to our own residents, for business attraction, to guests and visitors and the rest of the world. We’ve been challenged in the past, trying to be just a mining town, or the Bavarian City of the Rockies, or an alpine resort municipality, or a place to visit, or a place to retire, or a place to raise a family. In fact, those are all part of Kimberley’s story. Of course it’s impossible to communicate Kimberley’s story all in one go. And that’s great, because it means we have an innovative and diverse story,” said Mayor McRae. “But that means we need to be intentional and proactive about how we communicate and are perceived. That’s what this process has been about.”

The city’s communication tools are also being adopted and implemented by Tourism Kimberley and the Chamber of Commerce, in order to ensure there is continuity across facets of the community’s communication. It is anticipated it will take some time for all materials to be updated in accordance with the new communication guidelines, with items being updated and replaced as need be.

“This process and update doesn’t mark the end of a story, or the beginning of another,” said Mayor McRae. “Our story is always changing and evolving over time. This process indicates that Kimberley is not a community that’s sitting still, just awaiting its future. Instead, we’re busy creating our future. That’s exciting,” he said.

Kimberley has seen numerous changes take place in the community since the closure of the Sullivan Mine in 2001, and the community will inevitably continue to change.

“Kimberley is the fastest growing community in the East Kootenay, and people are moving and living here because it’s a good place to be. They’re not here simply because of the recreation, scenery, business, safety or lifestyle opportunities. They’ve decided to be here because of the sum of these factors and how the community relates to each other. As our community continues to evolve and change, Kimberley has indicated it wishes to retain the good values and culture of the community, while simultaneously capitalizing on our strengths and opportunities,” said Wilson. “That’s a big part of what we’re communicating.”

Though new tools have been developed and processes put in place, the city is not intent on fanfare and celebration.

“We’ve worked hard to develop these tools, but our new immediate focus is to get busy working with them,” said McRae. “Kimberley’s a hard working community, and knows how to step up and get things done. We’ve got an exceptional story to tell. Now we need to get busy telling it.”

City of Kimberley

Article Share