Kimberley

The council discussed and passed resolutions regarding the issuance of notices for proposed zoning amendments and road closures at various properties, including 10 Jim Oggovie Way, 933 Dogwood Drive, 660 Nighton Avenue, and 505 4th Avenue. These actions facilitate road dedication removals, property consolidations, and rezoning to align with specific zoning standards. The discussion also addressed a zoning non-compliance issue for a property sale and considered the development of a hybrid multiple-unit mixed-use residential zone for a vacant garage site, incorporating provisions for affordable housing and building height bonuses.

The meeting featured a presentation by the Kimberley Dynamiters hockey team coach celebrating their championship win, followed by a long-service recognition award for a municipal employee. The council received an annual audit report from BDO for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, which resulted in a clean audit opinion. Discussions included an analysis of the city's financial position, capital projects, investment income, and the status of reserve funds, including the repayment of the Sunmine loan.

The council received a financial report from Centre 64, focusing on the center's efforts to generate non-grant dependent revenue through workshops and events despite a challenging funding landscape. The discussion highlighted the center's role as a community gathering space and the anticipated opening of a new stage. Additionally, the council heard an introduction from the new interim executive director of Tourism Kimberley regarding the upcoming renewal process and strategic planning.

The council meeting included a presentation for the Jack Ratcliff Commitment to Community Award. Development permits were reviewed, including approval for additional tent sites at the Riverside Campground and a notice of intent to vary setbacks for a single-unit dwelling construction on Auto Street and for a shed at Stemwinder Drive. Additionally, the council reviewed the fourth-quarter bylaw enforcement report, which highlighted concerns regarding streets and traffic bylaws, animal control, and off-leash dog issues in local parks.

The Council meeting involved a quarterly update from the RCMP covering crime statistics, including property crime increases such as shoplifting and auto theft, as well as drug seizures and community initiatives. Discussions also centered on the approval of the 2026-2030 five-year financial plan, focusing on property tax collection, infrastructure deficit management, and wastewater treatment plant construction. Furthermore, the Council addressed the 2026 tax rates bylaw, detailing the distribution of tax revenue across municipal, provincial, and regional services, and considered a parcel tax imposition bylaw to fund the operating deficit of the aquatic center.