Home »
Let’s help Kimberley be the Best Small Town in B.C.
The City of Kimberley has advanced to the Interior finals of CBC’s Best Small Town in B.C. contest.
Kimberley advances to a vote-off against Osoyoos today (April 14) after narrowly defeating Nelson in the Interior Semifinals with 50.88% of votes to Nelson’s 49.12%.
The other communities making it to the final eight include Hornby Island, Salt Spring Island, Ucluelet, Bella Coola, Lillooet and Smithers.
City of Kimberley Mayor Don McCormick penned a reminder for folks as to why Kimberley is the Best Small Town in B.C.
“Kimberley usually operates under the radar, so the ‘Best Small Town in BC’ contest has us more in the spotlight than we are used to,” He began.
“Kimberley (and the rest of the East Kootenay) is better known in Alberta than central and coastal B.C., although COVID has definitely increased B.C. visits. It is true that most people in western B.C. are unaware that we are on Mountain time! Because we are not on a major highway, people do not stumble on us accidentally. Visitors who come here do so with a purpose.
“So, if someone is curious about what makes Kimberley tick thanks to this contest, what is it about the community they should know? Better yet, why should they vote for Kimberley? This could fill a book, but I will start with a few reasons…please feel free to add your views!
“Kimberley’s community character is shaped by our mining and Bavarian heritage. Ninety-three years of mining still lives through the Kimberley Underground Mining Railway, an interpretive experience that draws more than 10,000 visitors during the summer months. For 30+ years we were known as the Bavarian City of the Rockies, and we are still that in the memories of a few million people across the globe.
“Our geography is surprisingly unique for a former mining town – 51% or 30 square kilometres is greenspace that includes: three championship golf courses; The Kimberley Nature Park at twice the size of Stanley Park is one of Canada’s largest urban parks; it is filled with walking, hiking and biking trails; a wide variety of flora and fauna; and a favourite of bird watchers; The Kimberley Alpine Resort boasts an 80+ run alpine ski experience that is but a 15 minute walk to the downtown area,” Mayor McCormick pointed out.
“The Kimberley downtown commercial area is called the Platzl – an outdoor pedestrian mall filled with gathering spaces and outdoor patios, boutique shops and restaurants. First developed in the ‘70s, the Plazl is still a unique experience today.
“Kimberley is an incredibly healthy community – embracing an outdoor recreation lifestyle. Visitors are attracted by the same outdoor recreation amenities, which created a pivot to tourism when the mine closed in 2001. We are one of 14 resort municipalities in B.C. whose economies rely primarily on tourism. Our visitors are very loyal, and respectful of community.
Kimberley’s population is consistently growing at about 10% per census period. We have a balanced demographic of young families (our four schools are full), third and fourth generation retired mining families and lifestyle retirees. We have a strong sense of community, and are proud of our vibe.
“To our residents, Kimberley IS the Best Small Town in B.C.!”
The winning town will be announced on-air on your local CBC Radio One morning show on Friday, April 29. In addition to earning bragging rights, the winning small town will receive special prizes!
e-KNOW file photos
e-KNOW
