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Cominco Gardens rejuvenation nearly complete
Kimberley City Council Report
By Nowell Berg
On November 10, City of Kimberley council held its regular bi-monthly meeting.
Councilors Sue Cairns, Kevin Dunnebacke, Diana Fox, Woody Maguire, Jason McBain were present along with Mayor Don McCormick. Coun. Sandra Roberts attended by video link.
An archive of the meeting can be viewed on the City of Kimberley YouTube channel. Watch it here.
Quarterly Administration Report
Chief administrative officer Jim Hendricks presented council with an extensive report to the end of September outlining the status of all projects being undertaken by the city.
Hendricks said, “There is a ton of information in this report.” He thanked city staff for their work on preparing the document that provides detailed information to council and residents on city operations, projects and initiatives.
Hendricks took time to point out a few items. Notably, Cominco Gardens rejuvenation is mostly done and should open to the public before winter. “It’s looking great. The accessibility improvements up there are fantastic.” Site furnishing and signage will be completed in spring 2026.
After some initial delays, the Centre 64 bandshell and landscaping are mostly complete. “There’s some work left to do on this project as well that’s going to carry on into the spring.”
Hendricks noted that the St. Mary’s Avenue reconstruction project was completed ahead of schedule. It includes a new sidewalk, retaining wall, expanded parking and underground infrastructure.
Speaking about the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Hendricks said, “In October there was some earthworks complete there.” He noted that construction will begin in “spring of 2026,” adding that it will be “a couple of years before that project is done.”
Hendricks also pointed out the new city website is up and running. “There’s been a bunch of work done. Have a look at the new look and feel.” According to the city, the website has 24,000 active users.
Going back to early 2024, all of these administration reports are available to the public here.
Building Permit Activity
The Q3 (July to September) building permits show that 11 new dwelling units were approved. This is the same as last year, but down substantially from 2023 when 62 permits were issued.
Of the 11 permits, five were for single-unit dwellings, four for secondary suites and two permits for duplex construction.
Year-to-date, there have been 74 new dwelling units “approved.” In 2024, only 63 dwelling had been approved by the end of September.
Total construction values to the end of Q3 were $35.8 million.
Fire Department Report
During Q3, the Kimberley Fire Department “responded to 59 incidents” which is up from Q1 and Q2.
The most frequent response was for “automatic alarms” (19). The fire department also responded to 10 motor vehicle accidents.
Year-to-date, the department has responded to 136 incidents.
The department also continues to work with BC Wildfire Service on wildfire risk reduction. A 12 hectare “prescribed burn” was completed on the “western flank” of the city “just below Forest Crowne.”
Department personnel continue “public education and engagement.” They completed “22 inspections” during Q3, which brings the year-to-date total to 65.
Fire inspections have expanded to include eight Fire Smart assessments, 28 construction fire safety plans and eight building fire safety plans.
Kimberley City Council assembles twice monthly starting at 7 p.m.
The next regular council meeting: November 24.
e-KNOW file photos
