Frequently Asked Questions - Recreational Asset Sale
To help residents and visitors better understand the City's proposed recreational asset sale, we’ve prepared answers to the most frequently asked questions received.
1. Why is the City considering the sale of Bootleg Gap Golf and Kimberley Riverside Campground?
This is a financial decision. The City receives money to provide services to residents from taxes, fees and grants and funds are needed to leverage grants. There are unfunded capital projects and core services that are under stress due to aging infrastructure and depleted reserves.
Currently, several infrastructure projects need City support in order to leverage grants. These projects can be viewed in the Departmental Capital Budget Request Summaries document for the 2020-2024 Capital Plan. We do not want to raise taxes or fees beyond inflation, so we require new money to achieve the goals as outlined in this plan. The plan can be found here: https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/68727.
Replenishing the Kimberley Reserve fund to tackle the core infrastructure deficit and avoid borrowing is deemed a higher priority than owning these non-core assets.
2. What will the City do with the proceeds of the recreational asset sales?
Funds received from the asset sales will be placed in the Kimberley Reserve Fund and used to leverage grants to address core infrastructure issues, used to purchase other land, and used to address other improvements to capital assets.
Reserve funds are used to provide match-funding for grant applications, which typically require a 1/3 investment from the City in order to secure each grant. Leveraging can secure as much as 3-5 times the amount in grant money.
There are several grant-dependent projects in the current 5-year financial plan including the replacement of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. In order to secure grants to help fund this $46.5 M project, the City must contribute as much as $10 M to secure the grants. Some of the other projects requiring grants include repairs to both the Civic Centre and Marysville Arena, restoration of Centre 64 roof and trusses, and addressing downtown flood control. A full list of capital projects that are grant dependent can be found at: https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/68727.
3. Both of these assets make money. Why would the City sell them?
Businesses that make money are worth more than businesses that lose money. Both of these assets are at their maximum value. The value that the City can garner by applying the sale proceeds to the City’s infrastructure far exceeds any current contributions that both of these assets contribute to City finances. The City will use resources that are tied up in these assets towards improving core assets such as water, wastewater, facilities, roads, fleet, etc.
4. What happens if a purchaser tries to convert the land use to residential or industrial use?
Potential buyers would be acquiring profitable businesses that are a going concern, and the City expects them to continue to operate these businesses as such. In the event that there are other motivations, the City controls the land use through the Official Community Plan (OCP), zoning, and various permitting processes.
Bootleg Gap Golf Course is zoned as P-3 Community Recreation Zone. This zone allows for use as a golf course, outdoor recreation, public building and public utility use. Along with this zoning, there is also a restrictive covenant registered on title that does not allow for residential development.
Kimberley Riverside Campground is zoned RC-2 Recreation Conservation Zone. This zone indicates the following uses: campground, mini golf, outdoor recreation, park and public utility use.
5. How can you ensure that the campground remains a campground and the golf course remains a golf course?
Council controls the land use through the Official Community Plan (OCP), zoning and various permitting processes. As stated above, Bootleg Gap Golf Course is zoned as P-3 Community Recreation Zone. This indicates that the land is restricted to community recreation use, golf course, outdoor recreation, public building and public utility use. Along with this zoning, there is also a restrictive covenant registered on title that does not allow for residential development.
Kimberley Riverside Campground is zoned RC-2 Recreation Conservation Zone. This zone indicates the following uses: campground, mini golf, outdoor recreation, park and public utility use.
6. Can the City put a buy-back clause into the sales contract?
Yes. The City can include a right of first refusal as part of the purchase agreement.
7. Why was there no referendum held?
Referendums are expensive and impossible to hold on every decision before Council. The City welcomes public input at Council meetings and through correspondence such as email, direct mail, etc.
With the sale of these recreational assets, the City is following the statutory requirements of the Community Charter that governs the disposition of City-owned assets. Approval of the electors is required for disposal of utilities (eg. SunMine) or designated parkland, boundary extensions, etc. but not for the disposition of recreational assets.
8. Will public access to the river remain?
Yes. The City will be protecting public access to the trail and park areas near the St. Mary River.
9. When will these assets be sold?
If council receives satisfactory proposals, these assets will be sold early in 2020.
10. Is there already a buyer?
No. Council has been approached by interested parties over the last few years but there is no buyer for either asset at this time.
11. What about seasonal campers?
It will be up to the new owners to offer seasonal camping. Seasonal camping does not maximize the number of visitors to Kimberley, and might not maximize the profits returned to the owner.
12. Why wasn’t the intention to sell these assets shared earlier?
This decision was shared with the community as early as possible, which was before the RFP and statutory notice was issued. This decision has been an in-camera topic of discussion for a year. As the City is preparing to receive proposals, it has been released to the public. The information was made public at the earliest possible time. The City also felt it was important to allow both businesses to finish their seasons before providing notice.
13. How will the proposals received be evaluated?
Proposals will be evaluated by members of Council and staff on the following criteria:
Financial Terms: 50%
Qualifications and Experience Operating Golf Course/Campground: 25%
Innovative Approach to Operations and Expansion: 10%
Proposed Contractual Terms and Timelines: 10%
Clarity and Presentation of Proposal: 5%
All proposals will be evaluated using the above criteria and the proposals with the highest scores will be brought to Council. Council may then provide direction to negotiate the terms of a contract for the purchase and sale with a preferred proponent.
In accordance with Interior Health Authority’s Water Quality Notification Program, the City of Kimberley has rescinded the WATER QUALITY ADVISORY for the City of Kimberley effective immediately.&nb
To help reduce wildfire threats, the BC Wildfire Service will be supporting the City of Kimberley in conducting a prescribed burn in the Forest Crowne area covering up to 14-hectares.
Kimberley is facing off against Ucluelet in the Finals of CBC’s search for BC’s Best Small Town!
After much hard work and determination, two Swan Sub fathers will see a play space built for neighbourhood children and families.
The City of Kimberley is excited to launch a new online engagement platform, Engage Kimberley.
Residents may experience odours from the Pollution Control Centre as temperatures heat up.
On Monday, March 7, 2022 the boiler at the Kimberley Aquatic Centre failed. Replacement parts are on route. As soon as they arrive, a boiler fitter will be on site to repair the issue.
The Aquatic Centre is closed temporarily while staff await a part to fix a mechanical issue. We will notify the public as soon as it reopens. Thank you for your patience.
BC Winter Games Legacy Grants
The City of Kimberley is now accepting applications for the BC Winter Games Legacy Grant Program.
City crews will be hauling snow from the 200 block of Norton Ave tomorrow, January 6, beginning at 7:00 am. The road will be closed for the duration of the work, open to local traffic only.
The City of Kimberley Fire Department is very pleased to announce the annual Christmas Eve Santa Claus tour will happen this year!
Kimberley City Council recognized the outstanding volunteer efforts of Mr. Clarence Uhll at a ceremony at the Kimberley Underground Mining Railway today. Mr.
On December 14, the Kimberley Fire Department was called to a structure fire at 2015 Warren Ave, the site of the Kimberley Gymnastics Club / Gyminy Cricket Daycare.
On December 2, Kimberley fire crews were called to an apartment fire on Warren Ave (Highway 95A) at 2:30 pm. The fire was quickly extinguished and was contained to the originating apartment unit.
The City of Kimberley Fire Department (CKFD) was dispatched to a structure fire on the 400 block of Spokane Street at 7:17 pm on November 29, 2021.
Kimberley, BC - At their last regular meeting, Kimberley City Council adopted the Short-term Rental (STR) Bylaw that will ensure safety and responsibility in the tourist rental mar
In order to ensure safe drinking water and maintain the Water Distribution System, the City annually flushes water lines in the community using City hyd
City Contractors will begin dewatering biosolids this week in efforts to reduce existing stockpiles at the Wastewater Treatm
Meet our new addition...a fully electric Hyundai Ioniq! This EV will carry our very busy building inspection team and support our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Thursday, September 30, garbage collection is moved to Friday, October 1. Thank you for your cooperation.
Crews will be removing asphalt from several roadways in Kimberley through the week beginning September 21st.
In light of recent orders announced by the Provincial Health Officer, the City of Kimberley will be requiring patrons aged 22+ to show their BC Vaccine Card at some Civic Centre events and sporting
The City of Kimberley is now inviting not-for-profit community organizations and registered charities to apply to the 2022 Community Grants Program - Project/Event Grants.
As of 1:00 pm, today, August 27, 2021, recreational fire pit use is permitted in accordance with City of Kimberley Open Burning Bylaw No. 2627. Unpermitted fires remain prohibited.
Crews will be cleaning sewer mains (jet-rodding/hydro jetting) in Chapman Camp (complete July 30), Lois Creek and Townsite (August 3-20), and Morrison Sub (August 23-September 3).
The City of Kimberley gives notice that beginning on Monday, July 26th, 2021, repairs to the sidewalk on the 200-block section of Ross Street and the entrance way to the Platzl parking lot will com
The City of Kimberley is pleased to launch their redesigned website at www.kimberley.ca.
BC Wildfire Service has now listed the Bootleg fire as under control. Thanks to crews for their swift efforts to contain this fire.
City Hall will be closed on Canada Day, Thursday, July 1st, 2021 for the statutory holiday. Please remember that property taxes are due on Friday, July 2nd.
The City of Kimberley will be opening the Civic Centre as a cooling space for those needing refuge from the extreme heat.
As of 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday June 30, 2021 the City of Kimberley has banned any open burning within City limits due to extreme heat and dry conditions.
For Immediate Release - Jun. 23, 2021
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development and BC Wildfire Service
Staff at the Kimberley Aquatic Centre are preparing to re-open following a long shut-down due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
In accordance with Interior Health Authority’s Water Quality Notification Program, the City of Kimberley has rescinded the WATER QUALITY ADVISORY for the City of Kimberley effective immediately.&nb
In accordance with Interior Health’s Water Quality Notification Program the City of Kimberley has issued a WATER QUALITY ADVISORY for ALL USERS.
Curbside recycling collection trucks will roll through neighbourhoods later this summer with the launch of Kimberley’s Curbside Recycling Program.
We appreciate all of the comments concerning the odours at the Kimberley Wastewater Treatment Plant.
In accordance with Interior Health’s Water Quality Notification Program the City of Kimberley has issued a WATER QUALITY ADVISORY for ALL USERS.
Kimberley, B.C. - The City of Kimberley is launching a new survey to collect data on the short term rental situation in the City.
Spring clean-up is on now. See below for pick-up schedule and what you can and cannot leave out for pick-up.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 22, 2021
Chris Mummery, Senior Manager of Operations
Phone: 250-427-9674
You Are Invited!
Join us in cleaning up the City during Pitch-In Week - April 19-25, 2021!
Update (April 15, 2021) - Due to the increased potential for strong winds in the area, the prescribed burn in the Forest Crowne region has been cancelled for today.
The City of Kimberley has received a grant from Columbia Basin Trust to support community space improvements in the Marysville Downtown District.
The City of Kimberley and the United Steelworkers Local 1-405 have officially reached a 4-year collective agreement after a year of negotiations.
On Monday, March 29th, the Province announced that it was helping Kimberley “Electrify the Mountains”.
The City of Kimberley, the Province and Canfor spent the winter focusing on wildfire risk reduction by treating hazardous fuel in lower Matthew Creek.
Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI)
For
Development of 505 - 4th Avenue (“Townsite Garage”)
The City of Kimberley is excited to introduce VolunteerConnector – an online volunteer recruitment site that will help local organizations find volunteers to support their programs, projects
Would you or your group like to use a City playfield for practice, events, games, etc. in 2021? Here are the details on booking City spaces.
A COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be opening on March 15th at Centennial Hall in Kimberley.
The City of Kimberley is conducting a Housing Needs Assessment this Spring to help the city understand the kinds of housing that are most needed in the community.
Check out the tips below for frozen water and sewer line prevention:
In the fall of 2020, the City of Kimberley launched a request for public feedback into what would become the City’s Active Transportation Network Plan (ATNP).
At the January 25th Regular Meeting of Council, City councillors unanimously passed a motion to not support recreational trail development in elk calving grounds within Kimberley City limits.
The City of Kimberley is now accepting applications for the BC Winter Games Legacy Grant Program. Applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on February 8th, 2021.
The City of Kimberley Fire Department is very pleased to announce the annual Christmas Eve Santa Claus tour will continue again this year.
The City of Kimberley has finalized an agreement for the sale of Bootleg Gap Golf Course to Simkins Golf Management Inc. for $3,000,000.
The City of Kimberley will be following all Province-wide restrictions put in place by the Provincial Health Officer.
The City of Kimberley would like to remind residents that due to Covid-19 safety measures, there is no public Remembrance Day service this year.
Kimberley City Council will recognize the outstanding volunteer efforts of Jack Ratcliffe at tonight’s Council Meeting. Mr.
The City of Kimberley has RESCINDED the WATER QUALITY ADVISORY for Marysville, Kimberley Golf Course, Kimberley Riverside Campground and the River Ridge Development (adjacent to the Kimberley River
In accordance with Interior Health’s Water Quality Notification Program the City of Kimberley has issued a WATER QUALITY ADVISORY for Marysville, Kimberley Golf Course, Kimberley Riverside Ca
To the Community of Kimberley,
Fortis crews are on-site in the Townsite neighbourhood of Kimberley today, October 16th, attending to a natural gas leak.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Serve up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!™”.
In an effort to prioritize public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, City Council has made the difficult decision to maintain the closure of the Aquatic Centre.
The City apologizes for technical difficulties experienced at last night’s Council meeting. Here is a brief outline of the meeting outcomes:
The City of Kimberley is inviting residents and visitors to have their say on active transportation in our community.
City Council has approved the ‘COVID-19 Safe Operations Plan’ for re-opening the Kimberley Civic Centre. The Centre will open its doors on September 18th for ice time.
City Crews will be conducting upgrades to the outdoor rink in Townsite (Lois Creek Rink) beginning this week.
WildSafeBC community coordinator Danica Roussy asks the residents of Cranbrook and Kimberley to take a proactive approach in deterring bears this season.
The City of Kimberley is launching a new online portal to help residents and visitors easily report issues and concerns happening in and around the City.
The Kimberley Aquatic Centre will remain closed for the foreseeable future - or at least until the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) and provincial sporting agencies change the many guidelines and li
Thank you to the BC Wildfire Service for their hard work gaining control of the 2.9-hectare fire at Stirton Road.
The short answer…to keep you safe!
BC Wildfire Service firefighters have extinguished a small fire in the Mark Creek area. The lightning-caused fire began on August 2nd and did not grow larger than 0.5-hectares.
Provincial Fire Fighters are working to extinguish a small 0.5-hectare fire west of the City of Kimberley. The fire, which began on Sunday, August 2, is believed to have been caused by lightning.
City Crews will be turning on the taps at the Rotary Splash Park on Friday, July 17th after the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to remain closed this season.
The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) has awarded the Healthy Kimberley Food Recovery Depot, in conjunction with the City of Kimberley, funds to implement the Soups, Seniors, Share Pr
The Kimberley Riverside Campground has officially changed hands after completion of the sale on Friday, June 12th.
In accordance with Interior Health Authority’s Water Quality Notification Program, the City of Kimberley has rescinded the WATER QUALITY ADVISORY for the City of Kimberley effective immediate
All City of Kimberley playgrounds are set to re-open on Friday, June 5th, 2020 with enhanced health and safety measures in place.
Water Turbidity in the Mark Creek system has improved over the past 24 hour period. The water is now rated as FAIR (between 1 NTU and 5 NTU). Therefore, the BOIL WATER NOTICE issued on
Recent rainfall has prompted warnings for people to take extra care when around creeks and streams throughout Kimberley or to avoid them altogether.
In accordance with Interior Health's Water Quality Notification Program, the City of Kimberley has issued a BOIL WATER NOTICE for ALL USERS. Recent testing shows that current water quality
As the province begins a phased re-opening of facilities closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the City of Kimberley is carefully considering the re-opening of its public facilities.
The City of Kimberley is launching our own YouTube channel. We will now live broadcast Council meetings and they will be available to view at any time.
In accordance with Interior Health's Water Quality Notification Program, the City of Kimberley has issued a WATER QUALITY ADVISORY for ALL USERS. Recent testing shows that current water qu
The City of Kimberley is proud of the efforts of our community to help flatten the curve in British Columbia.
City Hall will not be collecting patio rental fees from cafés and restaurants in 2020. Application fees, licence renewal fees, and rental fees for any café or restau
City Staff are encouraging residents to consider using their time at home to plan ahead for potential wildfire and flooding challenges.
The City of Kimberley’s contractor has begun work on the Fourth Avenue Rehabilitation – Phase II Project, from Trail Street to Cranbrook Street. Construction will continue into th
City staff is pleading with the community to practice physical distancing when using pathways and trails in Kimberley.
The 2020 Spring Yard Clean Up will begin on Monday May 4th through to Thursday May 14th.
The City of Kimberley continues to seek ways to support residents during the COVID-19 crisis.
The City of Kimberley is pleased to support the Summit Community Services - Seniors Helping Seniors Program as they temporarily expand their services to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
On behalf of the staff of the City of Kimberley, I would like to thank our residents for following Dr.
The City of Kimberley Emergency Operations Centre would like to commend the community for respecting the measures enacted to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 threat. The City’s Bylaw E
The City of Kimberley is suspending all backyard fire permits until further notice. This will help ensure that local air quality remains as high as possible for those with respiratory concern
Well, another week passes and it feels like we are pretty much where we were last week. However, this is not the case. Much is happening in the background and this update touches on sev
On March 26, 2020, Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officers received orders from the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General to provide assistance “as may be required for the purposes of
Viruses don’t travel, people do.
At a Special Meeting of Council held Monday, March 30, 2020, Kimberley City Council adopted the Utility Rates Penalty Deferral Bylaw that will see the penalty date for 2nd quarter utility payments
Remember to take care of yourself and each other during this time - be a good neighbour, practise good hygiene and social distancing, and support those most vulnerable including our seniors.
We are making a difference!!
The City of Kimberley is exploring ways to provide financial support for residents and businesses during the COVID – 19 pandemic.
The Operations Department continues to serve our community. See below for department updates and information.
March 23, 2020
COVID – 19 Update:
There is no way to have a short opinion post today!
Uncertain times call for calm and reason. As uncomfortable as that feels.
If you are having trouble viewing the information below, please click HERE for a PDF version of the document.
In the interest of protecting City employees, City Hall is closed to public.
The developing situation with COVD-19 continues to build a sense of unease.
City Staff have made the decision to close the Kimberley Aquatic Centre at this time. Effective at 8:00 p.m. today, March 16th, the Aquatic Centre will suspend all operations.
As you are all aware, the situation across Canada regarding COVID – 19 is changing very rapidly. The City of Kimberley is working hard to ensure the safety of its employees and residents.
City staff have made the decision to suspend all operations at the Civic Centre and Marysville Arena until further notice.
The City of Kimberley has once again been honoured with receipt of The Canadian Award for Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA).
The Kimberley Youth Action Network (KYAN) Environmental Action Team, in conjunction with the City of Kimberley and the Citizens Climate Lobby – East Kootenay Chapter, will host a discussion o
The City of Kimberley invites applications from community members interested in becoming a member of the Board of Variance. One three-year term position is available.
With temperatures dropping, the potential for frozen water lines increases.
The Holiday Skating Schedules are now available for skating at both Marysville Arena and the Civic Centre. Keep these schedules handy. It's going to be a lot of fun!
The City of Kimberley is inviting the public and media to attend a Wildfire Management Open House on Tuesday, November 26th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at Centennial Hall.
Kimberley, BC - The City of Kimberley has retained the services of FBM Architecture and MDB Insight to conduct a Non-Residential Gap Analysis for the community to assess, identify and define
To help residents and visitors better understand the City's proposed recreational asset sale, we’ve prepared answers to the most frequently asked questions received.
After much consideration, Council has made the decision to sell some of its non-core assets. With a focus on the renewal of core infrastructure, the City of Kimberley will be looking to sell
The City of Kimberley and consultants Be the Change Group Inc. are inviting the public to an open house.
The Kimberley Fire Department is conducting a fuels management program within the Nature Park boundaries this week.
Hockey fans were disappointed Saturday night with the sudden closure of the Civic Centre after an unexpected issue with the refrigeration system.
Hockey fans were disappointed Saturday night with the sudden closure of the Civic Centre after an unexpected issue with the refrigeration system.
Beginning today, residents are invited to have their voice heard with regards to childcare needs within the City of Kimberley. In partnership with Vancouver-based population and public health
Residents should be on the lookout for some positive changes coming to the Platzl during the next year.
KIMBERLEY, BC – The City of Kimberley has been recognized by the Provincial Green Communities Committee (GCC) formed by the Province of British Columbia and the Union of British Columbia Muni
KIMBERLEY, BC – At 8:06 a.m. this morning, the Kimberley Fire Department responded to a call from Selkirk Secondary School at 405 Halpin Street for a structural fire.
KIMBERLEY, BC – The next phase of construction at the 4th Avenue Rehabilitation site will see a temporary road closure and detour beginning tomorrow August 27th, 2019.
KIMBERLEY, BC - The City of Kimberley has just completed work on new accessible doors at the Civic Centre.
BA Blacktop, contracted paver for the 4th Avenue project, has scheduled removal of the remaining pavement at the 4th Avenue Rehabilitation Project site.
Effective at 1:00 p.m.
KIMBERLEY, BC – Firefighters have extinguished a small ground fire at the Taylors Mill Landing site east of the City core.
KIMBERLEY, BC – The City of Kimberley has awarded BA Blacktop (Cranbrook) with the contract to complete all road reconstruction and paving work for the remainder of the 4th Avenue Rehabilitat
KIMBERLEY, BC – Firefighters and heavy equipment are onsite again this morning at a ground fire at Taylors Mill Landing.
KIMBERLEY, BC – Firefighters have contained 50% of the 0.15-hectare ground fire in the Taylors Mill Landing area east of the city core.