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Council defers Tamarack Valley development permit
Kimberley City Council Report
By Nowell Berg
On June 8, City of Kimberley council held its regular bi-monthly meeting.
Councillors Sue Cairns, Kevin Dunnebacke, Diana Fox, Woody Maguire, Jason McBain and Sandra Roberts were present along with Mayor Don McCormick.
An archive of the meeting can be viewed on the City of Kimberley YouTube channel. Watch it here.
Tamarack Valley residential development
The city has received a development permit for a new residential neighbourhood called Tamarack Valley. This land (20.6 hectares – 51 acres) is located north of Waldie Road between Townsite and Morrison Subdivision (City of Kimberley map above). The property is also known as the Legion Track.
The proponent is seeking approval to move ahead with the first stage of development that includes construction of a gravel access road, construction of private sanitary sewer, water and drainage infrastructure, and construction of an “atypical single-unit dwelling” and accessory dwelling unit. These dwellings would be turned into a community centre at some point in the future.
According to Troy Pollock, Manager of Planning and Sustainability, staff are recommending the decision be “deferred” until staff have had a chance to “negotiate cost sharing” with the proponent for infrastructure upgrades.
The proponent plans on a second stage that would include a community with “70 to 90 small lots for “micro-homes.”
Pollock pointed out to council that “portions” of the subject land are “not currently designated for residential development in the Official Community Plan (OCP).” Changes to the OCP would be require for future development to proceed.
In terms of the access road, Pollock noted that alternative routes were considered, but were not feasible due to “slope constraints and proximity to Lois Creek.”
Portions of the subject land have public trails traversing the private property. Pollock noted that the proponent will “allow continued public access through the private development lands to the Lois Creek trail network.”
He added, “We don’t anticipate any major impact to those trails” during the first stage of the project.
Trials that will be affected include: Florence’s Gully, Daisy Trail, Krista’s Hill, Wax Tester, Trail Street Connector, Legion Ridge, and Legion Ridge Connector.
Project applicant Greg Scott said, “We want to keep all the trails. It’s really important to us.” Scott spoke about the trail “legacy” and all the work that has gone into building and maintaining them. “We embrace that wholeheartedly.”
Scott mentioned the “micro-homes with a smaller footprint of living” approach that is much different from traditional residential development. Instead of “clear-cutting and scrapping the ground”, he plans to build in the environment “keeping a lot of the trees and the trails.”
Mayor McCormick indicated the “micro-home” plan fits into discussions around housing that is “condensed and a much smaller footprint, and much more affordable.” He indicated Scott’s plan for the development would address the need within Kimberley for “affordable” housing.
Council deferred approving the development permit until staff have finalized cost sharing arrangements with the proponent. They could re-visit this issue at the next meeting.
City replaces rainbow crosswalk with flag
Pam Walsh, Manager of Community Development and Communications, presented to council a request to approve the placement of a rainbow flags attached to a lamp posts “adjacent” to the existing crosswalks.
The process of determining a new symbol “recognizing and supporting the LGBTQ2S+ community” included consultations with Kimberley Pride Society.
Walsh mentioned that moving to a flag took into account “visibility, durability, and long-term maintenance considerations.”
Council approved the placement of flags at the current two crosswalk locations. The cost will be approximately $550.
Timing of the flag placement will be affected due to fire damage to the city’s “boom lift.” The city is looking for alternative installation options.
Two representatives from Kimberley Pride Society were present, Jen McConnachie and Khadija Flynn. Addressing council, Flynn said, the flags are a symbol. “These kinds of gestures help reinforce that inclusion is not just something the city states, but actively represents.”
RCMP Contract
Council approved a staff request for a letter that outlines the expected RCMP staff strength for the 2027/2028 fiscal year. The letter asks for “eight full-time equivalent (FTE) RCMP members” be present at the Kimberley RCMP Detachment.
The City of Kimberley is required to pay 70% of the cost of the RCMP detachment. The remaining 30% is covered by the federal government.
Krista Waite, Chief Financial Officer, told council the estimated police budget is “$1,394,298.” The city budgets for seven FTEs and will work with the Detachment Commander to maintain adequate staffing levels.
Kimberly council assembles twice monthly starting at 7 p.m.
The next regular council meeting: June 22.
e-KNOW file photos
e-KNOW
