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Building permit value 16% higher in 2016
Kimberley City Council Report
By Nowell Berg
On January 9, City of Kimberley council held its bi-monthly meeting.
All councilors, except Councillor Sandra Roberts, and Mayor Don McCormick were present for the meeting.
Council received a number of year-end reports from City Departments.
Building permit value 16% higher in 2016
The value of building permits closed out 2016 almost 16% higher than in 2015 ($10.9 million and $9.5 million, respectively).
Last year saw 25 new single-family homes built and renovations to 56 existing homes in the city. These two categories make up just over 41% of the 196 permits issued by the city.
In Mayor McCormick’s year-end interview, he expects the building permit and new home construction trend to continue in 2017.
In the meeting, the mayor point out, “available housing is tight which is caused by migration.” People are moving to Kimberley for any number of reasons, which spurs on new businesses and demand for housing and rental accommodation.
Solid Waste Bylaw overkill
Councilor Kent Goodwin noted that, in December, city Bylaw Enforcement issued 22 verbal warnings to residents for not having their garbage out by 7 a.m. Goodwin questioned whether it was an appropriate use of bylaw enforcement time spent making sure people’s garbage is set out at 7 a.m., as required by the city’s Solid Waste Bylaw. He even asked if the city was going to issue tickets for violators.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Scott Sommerville responded that if people missed having garbage pick-up they end up calling the operations desk and requesting the truck return for a collection. This return visit adds to the cost of garbage collection.
Councillor Albert Hoglund noted that garbage collection at his residence is so consistent “You can set your watch by it.” He admitted his garbage isn’t set out until 8:30 a.m. for the 9:20 a.m. pick-up. He then wondered if he’d be getting a warning. While understanding the intent of the bylaw, he questioned whether the city should push issuing verbal warnings or tickets for someone missing the 7 a.m. call for garbage.
Fire Department maintains high training levels
Fire Chief Al Collinson filed a report covering October to December, 2016. The report states the department “responded to 47 incidents this quarter for a total of 193 incidents for the year.”
The top two responses conducted by the Fire Department in 2016 were automatic alarms and automobile accidents (46 and 29, respectively).
Councilor Darryl Oakley commented on the report noting that two Fire Department members completed Canadian Disaster Animal Response Training. Another nine members completed Fire Service Instructor Level 1 training. Oakley praised the high level of training among Fire Department members and believes its a story city residents should know about.
Chief Collinson reported, “712.5 hours of fire fighter training were invested into our firefighters this quarter.”
Additionally, the Fire Department collected almost $82,000 in revenue by delivering fire, safety and hazard materials awareness training throughout the region in 2016. This includes 48 hours of training delivered to the Skookumchuck Pulp Mill.
Off leash dogs continue to be a problem
The December Animal Control Report received by council indicates that dogs running at large unleashed continues to be a problem in the city. Animal control reported investigating 12 running at large dog incidents during December, which resulted in verbal warnings and two $75 tickets.
The Animal Control Report states, “A dog off leash, chased elk onto Highway 95A, which resulted in a traffic accident, with damage to the driver’s vehicle, and the elk incurred a broken leg. The dog owner was fined.”
This lapse in judgment and awareness of the consequences of a “dog at large” causes chaos on city streets resulting in costs and inconvenience to third parties.
Council supports hosting 2017 BC Enduro Series event
Brett Price and Jesse Ferguson from Kimberley Trails Society (KTS) made a presentation to council requesting the city issue a letter of support for the 2017 BC Enduro Series.
Price noted the Enduro Series is an “opportunity for avid mountain bike riders and racers” to explore the great trails in and around Kimberley. Past events in 2014 and 2015 attracted 150 participants. He expects the 2017 event to bring 225 riders along with family and friends into the city for the July 23 event.
Ferguson spoke to council about “event tourism” and its positive economic impact for hosting cities. He went on to say that Kimberley’s reputation among mountain bike riders is “very strong”. However, event organizers have found it “hard to organize” in Kimberley due to numerous organizations having jurisdiction over area trails.
Ferguson urged council to work on “reducing red-tape” and the need to centralize and “streamline the approval process” for race event organizers. If these organizers find it too hard to get approvals in Kimberley, they will move events to cities that help get events done.
Price wrapped up the presentation saying a letter of support from Kimberley Council would have a significant impact on other area governments to lend their support, like the Regional District of East Kootenay. He noted that Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) and Tourism Kimberley were already on board endorsing the event.
Councilors unanimously supported the city providing a letter of support to the KTS.
Get ready mountain bike fans, riders and racers, Enduro 2017 is set to rocket and roll through area trails this summer.
Kimberley City Council meets twice monthly. All meetings start at 7 p.m. and are open to the public. Check the city’s website here for the council meeting agenda. Click on the 2017 folder and follow the link.
The next council meeting is Monday, 23 January.
It’s your city; get involved.
