Kimberley candidates answer Wildsight's questions
2008 Kimberley City Council Candidate Questionnaire
5. Rezoning Applications by Developers
1. Economic Development
To be sustainable, the economy of Kimberley needs to be able to provide residents with decent jobs and incomes without placing an undue strain on the environment and ecosystems that support us. Since long before the closure of the Sullivan Mine and the loss of Cominco’s payroll, City Council has been working to attract or develop viable economic alternatives. What ideas do you have for sustainable economic development in Kimberley?
Mayor Jim Ogilvie - Sustainable development is a key element of the current economic plan that is being pursued by our community.
As explained in the Economic Development Summary which was prepared by our Economic Development Office during June of this year, the Economic Development Plan details the special projects and initiatives directly related to economic development, business retention and expansion, community marketing and economic diversification. It is our desire to expand and opportunities for groups, organizations and the general public to provide comment and ideas.
I believe that working together as a community we can produce a viabldiversify the local economy and maintain the desirable cultural, environmental, recreational and social characteristics of our community.
Currently, we have started to create a new Strategic Economic Development Plan which will see our community through the coming years 2008 to 2018.
The plan will be created over the next four months and it will be a collaborative effort which will involve our Economic Development Advisory Committee, City Coun cil, City staff, a well known Consultant and the general public. There will be an extensive consultation process which will afforde, sustainable and environmentally sound Economic Plan for Kimberley.
Tim Park- What our community needs is an economic plan that matches and is in balance with the values of the citizens of this community. We need to make a commitment that as a community we can accept all the implications that go along with the decisions made in the name of economic development. The assertion that I will make is that we can create a Kimberley that is the greenest community in North America.
We can welcome green industries with support and commitment. Industries that don’t maintain our environmental, economic, and social values will not be supported. Sustainable industries will bring employment and at the same time will strongly augment our tourist industry which is also a vital part of Kimberley’s make up. A key element of making a plan is that we have to stick to the plan and work on it as a community through to fruition.
Brent Bush -Unfortunately for the City of Kimberley, our options for sustainable economic growth on a larger scale are rapidly coming to a close. Any opportunities that Kimberley may have had to diversify and supplement our tourism based economy after the Mine closure, are now diminished due to the global economic crisis.
I believe sustainable economic growth will come from the establishment of small businesses serving local needs. One potential area for growth could be the creation of small scale companies with a focus on green technologies, like solar and wind power, that help people become less dependent on the electrical and natural gas power grid.
Another possibility for serving local needs could be the promotion of organic food farms of all varieties. Although we have a short growing season, efforts could be made to expand the production of green house and hydroponic fruits and vegetables. Not for the first time I’ve heard that the establishment of an abattoir to process meats from local farms would a great idea. Of course no one wants an abattoir in their back yard but surely a suitable location could be found.
It’s my belief that consumers are willing to pay a good price for premium, locally produced natural foods.
To promote this kind of sustainable economic growth the City could provide incentives such as tax relief to small businesses, waive development fees, and re-zone land within City boundaries so that larger scale organic vegetable farms could be established right here in Town.
Councillor Kieran Hickey - Kimberley’s biggest asset is the ability to have a great lifestyle and quality of life. This should be leveraged to attract individuals or businesses that are not dependant on city living for the survival of their business. An example who be internet or computer programming businesses that, due to technology readily available, can operate from a remote area and enjoy both a prosperous business and excellent quality of life. The benefits to the community would be more than monetary as we would be attracting people that would be moving here because they appreciate our lifestyle and community values. Another obvious area to work on will be to continue to nurture our ever evolving tourism product. We should focus on improving and tweaking existing resort developments and make the best of the many excellent facilities that we already have.
Councillor Albert Hoglund -First thing we have to do is get the existing industrial lands cleared for sale. Taht is we need a certificate of compliance from the Minister of Environment, then we can market Kimberley as the place to come and set up business. We can offer the people a good life style, many different and great recreational opportunities and a safe viable community.
Jackson Kennedy - As a community we must focus on development that is suitable to our specific needs. What may be desireable for a city may not be a good fit for Kimberley. Social and enviromental impact is key. We need to attract business that will provide permanent jobs, perferably including skilled trades, that will provide decent wages and beneifits. Family orientated development that has the ability to grow while being good corperate citizens.
Business that will attract the kind of people who wish to enjoy the Kimberley life style. At the same time we must not forget businesses presental here. All to often we see businesses struggle and fail in our uncertain economic times.
Soliciting help though provincial and federal governments in the form of financial aid or tax breaks can mean the difference between a struggling busness and a successful one.
Councillor Bob McWhinnie - As we continue to develop a town that is an extremely nice place to live —as well as visit, — we will attract people who bring with them a variety of assets, ideas and skill sets that will diversify and develop our economy.
Woven through our official community plan are practical strategies that can help us achieve this econmic tapestry, such as;
• partnering with Teck to make lands available for innovative light industry that is in line with community quality of life issues,
• evolving and adding diversity in housing choices
• creating a compact, pedestrian orientated community with its residential, arts, cultural, education and recreational areas linked by a network of sidewalks and pathways.
• using arts and culture as a catalyst for economic development, tourism as well as the quality of life of residents.
• ensuring the development of a high quality resort by achieving the objectives of the Kimberley Alpine Resort Master Plan.
•attracting businesses that are compatible with community goals.
I see many opportunities that fit within the directions outlined in our Official Community Plan. For sustainable economic development in Kimberley that doesn’t put undue strain on the environment, vote Bob McWhinnie.
Laurel Ralston - Although tourism has been a somewhat successful economic generator, we must build a local economy that is both environmentally and economically sustainable. To be economically sustainable, we need to manage growth and diversify our economy in order to separate it from the boom-and-bust of Albertan and local natural resource economies.
Kimberley offers a very high quality of life and exceptional natural surroundings. The best things we can do for our economy are to preserve these assets and continue to improve on the qualities that make Kimberley attractive to young families looking for a place to raise their children and operate businesses—authenticity, affordable housing, good child care, educational institutions and extra-curricular activities, a wide range of available services, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Many sectors of Kimberley’s economy show promise for greater economic growth. One such potential economic generator is Kimberley’s vibrant arts community. The cultural scan published this spring identified strengths and opportunities within Kimberley’s cultural sector, including the need for more coordinated, strategic management. I suggest that the City of Kimberley create a staff position dedicated to cultural development, in order to coordinate, support, promote, and enhance cultural initiatives and make culture a strong contributor to our local economy.
Councillor Bob West-Sells - Kimberley is presently completing an Economic Development Strategy. As well, the City has been negotiating with the Province and Teck to secure land for light industrial development. However, whatever strategies are followed, the City of Kimberley needs to build on its strengths, and present itself to new business as a vibrant community. The City needs to show excellence in housing, learning, arts and culture, environment, information access, recreation, and public transportation.. Quality of life will attract quality business and economic stability.
Paddy Weston -I believe we to need continually refer to our Office Community Plan (OCP), an excellent comprehensive document created with significant community input. This plan is our roadmap to a vibrant resilient community.
Three major areas to continue pursuing are tourism, diversifying our economy and building our current assets.
Currently tourism is our #1 economic driver. We need to market creatively and aggressively, particularly to bolster our shoulder seasons; offer more recreational and cultural activities to stimulate longer stays and higher spending.
Good progress is being made on this front already by Tourism Kimberley & Kimberley Vacations. The City website requires a dramatic upgrade, providing necessary links.
Tourism is fickle, however; there are too many variables we can’t control.
Diversifying our economy is essential. We can attract ‘green’
and high tech small companies by marketing our quality of life and relatively inexpensive operating costs.
Eco-adventures are at our doorstep, plus arts and culture talent and opportunities. Both have low environmental impact and high return. How about a dance or music school? Not impossible. Lobbying for government offices here is also a possibility. Just a few ideas.
Building on our assets - natural beauty, the energy and creativity of the locals and our unique mountain culture is the most sustainable, respectful and exciting approach to pursue.
2. Climate Change
Climate change is already being felt in our region with increases in temperature, decreases in snowfall and an upsurge in pine beetle activity in local forests. The City of Kimberley has signed the B.C. Climate Action Charter, which commits us to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. We are also one of two communities in the Columbia Basin taking the lead on climate change adaptation. What are some of things that Council and the residents of Kimberley can do to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and help slow the pace of climate change?
Tim Park - Communication and education is the first and best way to encourage the reduction of green house gases. We can implement a City wide program that offers incentives for reducing our personal carbon footprint. We must get a transportation system to Cranbrook that is effective and timely. We must continue to work on the woodstove exchange program until there are no more old stoves. We can reduce the amount of energy used by the city by looking at new technology for lighting our buildings and our streets.
Kimberley should always aspire to be a leader when it comes to green issues. Our goal could be to become one of the greenest communities in North America. We can build an economy based on that vision. Not only would that bring jobs, it will support and augment the tourist industry. I hear all the time that the values that make this community exceptional are the ones we need to enhance. We as a community simply have to choose to make all the changes that will help us realize this goal.
Mayor Jim Ogilvie -If you go to the Live Smart B.C. website, you will find a list of 52 ways the City Council and citizens at large can reduce their emissions. The website I refer to is www.livesmartbc.ca/reduce/index.html
I have selected some suggestions from the list
Insulate your hours;
Conserve heat by caulking around vents and windows and door frames;
Install weather stripping on windows, doors, and attic hatches;
Move furniture, rugs and drapes away from air grills and heating vents so that heat can circulate efficiently through the house;
Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent;
While driving, drive moderately and accelerate slowly;
Maintain proper tire inflation for your car, check your tires weekly;
Turn off your car instead of idling for periods longer than 10 seconds;
Buy products that are recyclable;
Buy products that have recyclable packaging;
Buy products that are reusable;
Plant a tree.
The list of things we can do to reduce our emissions is very extensive, but it does outline many inexpensive ways to reduce emissions and save on energy costs.
Paddy Weston - As a member of the Climate Change Adaptation Committee, I am very aware of the issue.
Action starts with increasing public awareness (which the committee is working on right now).
Avenues to reduce our ecological footprints include:
Advocate strongly for public transportation between Kimberley and Cranbrook to reduce the 6600+ trips per day.
Promote carpools more aggressively.
As the city’s vehicles wear out replace them with more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Also, following the Official Community Plan by continuing to densify residential and commercial development to avoid urban sprawl, which necessitates excessive vehicle use.
Ideally, trees that must be logged for fire safety or forest health reasons should be chipped or made available to locals for firewood rather than burned.
Efficient use of woodstoves is crucial. Kimberley is leading the Woodstove Exchange Program to reduce particulates in our air.
Encouraging the construction of ‘greener’ buildings i.e. L.E.E.D.S construction standards, solar power, straw bale, geothermal, etc in homes and commercial buildings will reduce the use of carbon fuels.
If we can manage to attract a green business such as a biomass plant, we will buy ourselves some “carbon credits” and Kimberley can lead by example!
Brent Bush - The most critical factor in helping Kimberley residents reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the pace of climate change is through public education. Many people want to do "the right thing" and often all they need is a little education to help them change their living patterns. It was not too long ago that recycling was not a widely accepted practice. Today it seems like common sense even though the Community recycling program could be greatly expanded.
The City is moving in the right direction by signing the B.C. Climate Action Charter that commits us to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and by working with the Columbia Basin Trust on long-term climate change adaptation. That too is part of the public education process.
At a practical level, the City could insist that it’s vehicle fleet not idle their engines unless absolutely necessary. Older vehicles that are being phased out should be replaced by more efficient, greener vehicles (smaller if possible). The same could be said for the school board who run a large fleet of diesel powered buses.
With our long winters it is a fact of life that people are going to use wood stoves, some of which may not be the most efficient. Council, in cooperation with local business and community residents should encourage the upgrading of older wood stoves with highly efficient, newer ones. This is already being done.
Another exciting possibility is to use solar powered LED lighting to illuminate public parks, pathways, and other public spaces. The City of Kelowna, in co-operation with Carmanah Technologies and the Federal Government has recently embarked on a pilot project that will see the installation of over 100 self-contained solar power systems to light green spaces and other public areas. The installations are easy and it will help the community reduce its’ overall electricity costs. It’s a form of environmentally friendly lighting that Kimberley should seriously consider. The Government of Canada, through the Ministry of Natural Resources contributed $500,000 towards the project.
Councillor Kieran Hickey - Continue to provide ample city staff and city resources to local/regional environmental agencies to ensure that Kimberley is active in promoting awareness of environmental issues to all local businesses and residents.
Councillor Albert Hoglund - Kimberley is presently undertaking a project on Climate Change Adaptation. When this is completed the results will be shared with the community and hopefully many good ideas will come from this project. Council has put in place a no idling policy, where city vehicles will be turned off when not in use. We have received a grant to look at installing solar panels on the Aquatic Centre. Kimberley residents could help by turning thermostats down. If your home heating system is old, install a new energy efficient one. Turn off lights when not required. Don’t idle your car. Install low flow fixtures. When appliances need replacing, buy new energy efficient ones.
Jackson Kennedy - This is a big problem affecting everyone not only for us but the generations to follow, but there are a lot of solutions to combat this problem. We all need to educate ourselfs, each one of us can make a signifcant impact, fluorescent light bulbs, walking, biking, car pooling (espially with gas prices the way they are) new woodburning fire places, pelletstoves, and inserts for your old stove, recycling, draft proofing, low-flow showerheads, composting and energy-efficient appliances are just some ways we as individuals can make a difference. Our city could make a difference with using motion sensor lights for outdoors, having a good look at old textnowlogy and implementing infrastructure upgrades program, looking at the cost/saving of fuel efficient vehicals, hybrids, alturnative fuel or flex fuels for government vehicals.
As our community grows we must also look at introducing improved public transportation to lessen the need for personal transport.
Councillor Bob McWhinnie - Many Kimberley homeowners have found they can reduce heating and electricity costs by upgrading windows, adding insulation and replacing outdated appliances with Energy Star approved equipment. The same opportunities exist at City-owned facilities.
Some facts about power costs in 2007; Marysville Arena - natural gas $6,327.39, power - $12,813,93. Civic Centre - natural gas - $27,548.22, power - $29,211.65.
I’ve heard the condenser at the Marysville Arena described as a ‘water hog’ and the chiller at the curling rink is over 30 years old and past its lifespan according to inspectors.. When the cinder block walls came down during renovations this spring it was discovered that there was no insulation in them at all with a continuous, daylight-showing gap along the top edge. The curling club can expect savings this year with their new R-20 walls.
Hopefully, being a Proto-Type climate change Community will qualify us for all kinds of grants to change out some of our old stuff. It’s already starting to happen with us receiving the planning and design grant to add solar heating hot water panels on the roof of the Aquatic Centre, the upstands for which were included in the original build. This is proven technology with quick pay back. McWhinnie!
Laurel Ralston - Climate change is an issue that needs to be addressed by all levels of government. There are numerous opportunities for the City of Kimberley to lead by example and ease our community into a low-carbon (lifestyle).
Our biggest opportunity for change lies in providing efficient, user-friendly public transportation by:
Working to establish daily, scheduled commuter service to and from Cranbrook for the numerous Kimberley residents who work out of town each day.
Expanding the existing transit program to include scheduled service within Kimberley.
Supporting community-driven initiatives like car-sharing by providing central, ploughed parking spaces.
Promote higher-density residential and commercial growth to make a walkable, bikeable city.
We can also reduce our greenhouse emissions through improvements to housing in Kimberley, such as:
Including energy-efficient, affordable multi-family homes in future development planning
Encouraging energy-efficient building practices
The City of Kimberley’s commitment to the BC Climate Action Charter requires that it significantly reduce its own greenhouse emissions, beginning by assessing its use of vehicles and buildings and finding efficient ways of meeting its operational needs.
Councillor Bob West-Sells - The City is addressing Climate change through its membership in the BC Climate Action Charter and the CBT Climate Change Adaptation Project. City staff are including energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction as part of any project or purchasing decision.
Both the City and the Kimberley residents can benefit from participating in the many good suggestions available through the Power Smart Program as well as local initiatives such as the anti idling program, the wood stove exchange program, and the car share program.
3. Boundary Expansion
The Kimberley Official Community Plan currently designates enough land for residential development within our municipal boundaries to build about 3000 dwellings, doubling the current number. On November 15th, Kimberley residents will be asked to vote in a referendum on two boundary expansions that would allow the development of up to 700 more residential units. Where are your thoughts regarding these boundary expansions?
Mayor Jim Ogilvie -Kimberley needs to expand in order to be sustainable.
When we compare our community to others, transition and expansion in Kimberley are not out of control. In fact, both are being managed quite well.
We have an opportunity to add two new residential subdivisions to Kimberley at no cost to the existing tax payers. The developers have agreed to pay for the full cost of off-site and on-site servicing.
This means that all water lines, sewer lines and roads will be constructed to City specifications and the developer will pay for them.
That is the way that new developers are brought to other communities. Finally, after all these years, we have some developers who are not demanding concessions from the City.
The City will not have to expand our water or sewer infrastructure if the two latest projects are allowed to proceed.
These two new developments will provide a choice of locations for people wishing to build in Kimberley. I believe that more people would locate here if we are able to provide more options for them.
I have often stated that Kimberley needs to grow in order to become sustainable. Simply put, we need more people.
a) To create strong viable community organizations. At present all of our local community organizations are in trouble because of dwindling numbers of volunteers Without strong community organizations ie, sports societies, service clubs, cultural and social clubs, you do not have a strong community. Many of our local organizations are struggling to hang on. We need more people living in and contributing to our community.
b) To create a stronger and more viable business community. We need more customers to the point whereby we have sufficient population to provide enough customers that local business will be able to expand and broaden the service they provide.
c) We also need more young people so we can re-open some classrooms instead of closing them.
d) With a larger population we will also be able to maintain and even expand medical and social services within our community.
e) With a larger population we may be able to provide an affordable transit system.
2,000 of the 3,000 lots you are referring to and located within Forest Crowne. It has taken Forest Crowne 12 years to develop 200 lots. At the current rate of development it will take 120 years to complete the development of Forest Crowne.
Finally, I am not in favour of unlimited growth. But I do believe that in order to be sustainable our population needs to increase.
Tim Park - When we look at the OCP and then base the economic stability of Kimberley on tax projections that may someday occur if all the properties within a developers’ property sells, then what we end up with is an economy that digs itself into more debt.
Look at Forest Crowne as an example of a promised tax base. The properties are not selling and the developers are feeling the crunch of the global economy. Several developments are on the edge of bankruptcy due to the current economic crisis. I don’t believe that Kimberley taxpayers want to pay the up front costs of further developments, and the ongoing costs of maintaining half built neighborhoods, when we may never see the projected tax revenues.
When developments come forward that are consistent with the communities vision, then we should work to support them. Kimberley community planning should not be reduced to a cash cow for potential taxation, or developer profits.
Councillor Bob West-Sells - Kimberley may appear to have enough building lots to satisfy requirements into the future, and therefore a boundary expansion is unnecessary. However, the two developments encompassed by the proposed expansion offer additional building lot choices for new residents as well as locals looking for a change of lifestyle. By bring the developments within the city, the city will be able to control and regulate the projects. Having a variety of properties available within the community is part of being a vibrant community.
Paddy Weston -There are significant pro and cons to these developments.
Pros: increasing the tax base with no development costs to the city, creating construction jobs, drawing new people to town, adding attractive, modern ‘greener’ homes our real estate inventory with. The Taylor Mills proposal includes amenities that locals could enjoy.
Cons: The Concentrator Mill proposal is car dependent. In both developments most houses would be bought as second homes, leaving houses vacant much of the time, known as the ‘dark window’ syndrome. Kimberley is nearly the maximum healthy percentage of non-resident homeowners.
While people who live elsewhere don’t get much for their Kimberley taxes, they also don’t create jobs, put their children in school, support local businesses or get involved in the community.
Also, both the developments are low density and a poor land use choice. Recent studies indicate the water supply may be insufficient.
I believe there is plenty of land within the current city boundaries that should be filled in first. We need to strengthen the downtown core and keep Kimberley as ‘walkable’ as possible.
Finally, anytime we expand city boundaries we expand our responsibilities and expenses.
All that said, the 5000 voters of Kimberley will decide on this issue, not Council.
Brent Bush - One of the consequences I anticipate as a result of the coming global economic recession is a drastic curtailment in residential construction. Although the Kimberley Official Community Plan designates enough land to build almost twice as many dwellings as we have now, the question that should concern us is the anticipated rate of growth for the foreseeable future.
Since the closure of the mine, the City has pursued an economic development strategy based on tourism. A critical component of that strategy has been residential construction, in part designed to satisfy the growing demand for vacation/secondary homes and equally important, to expand Kimberley’s tax base. For the last 3 or 4 years that strategy has worked very well and has provided a huge amount of economic activity for the Community. Unfortunately, due to factors beyond our control, both the tourism industry and the building boom are going to slow significantly. (If you watch the nightly news or follow the financial markets in any depth, you really don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see what’s coming.)
I am in favour of Boundary expansion and the Taylor’s Mill project in particular, because it will generate economic activity and help expand the Community tax base at no cost to the City. From what I have been able to learn, the project has been planned in a very intelligent way and the proponents have the best intentions of being good Community partners. It remains to be seen if the project is able to develop at the pace that was anticipated even 6 months ago.
What I am not in favour of is the kind of development that sees huge portions of nearby forests clearcut first and then residential construction phased in over a period of 2 decades (if at all). That’s not smart growth or intelligent community planning.
Councillor Kieran Hickey - Residents of Kimberley need to understand that approval of boundary expansion does not equate to 300 houses being built on Concentrator Hill. Approval of boundary expansion would put the City in a position to work towards development in the expanded areas as market conditions permit. This could be 10 years, or 50 years, or never. In the meantime, the City would gain control of zoning over the affected areas and change the zone from what is now heavy commercial/industrial (which could allow for the development of say, a slaughterhouse or pig farm) to something that is more in line with City interests (e.g. multi family dwellings, etc.).
Also, even if the boundary expansion is approved, there is a very lengthy, detailed Development Permit process that developers need to go through to have what they are proposing approved. It is through this process that the City can control what kind of development happens where.
Councillor Albert Hoglund - I support boundary expansion if there are no costs to the City taxpayers and it is done to City standards. Both parcels of land that want to come into the City have some land already in City boundaries and I feel the City should have say on how the total development happens, not a piece of it.
Jackson Kennedy -While most new housing aimed at the high end market we must assure that there is a balance with susfficient affordable accommadation for those permament residence who work in the tourest industry.
If we intend to maintain sufficent levels of employees in the industry and attract the future workers to our community we must assure that Kimberley is known to address the housing issue not only for the well to do but also for those in the middle and lower income brackets.
Councillor Bob McWhinnie - When I moved here in 1990 with my “Substitute Teacher” credentials, the population was beginning to dip from its 7,641 status, but morning phone calls still came from Marysville, Chapman Camp, Blarchmont, Lindsay Park, Meadowbrook and Wasa Elementary Schools. Middle School kids had the opportunity to rotate through specialist resource teachers in woodshops and art, working on projects totally integrated with the curriculum of the other classroom teachers. There was full opportunity for academic rigor at the senior levels as well as bands, choirs, festivals and plenty of skiing and outdoor opportunities for all students. There were librarians! It was a Golden Age for education in Kimberley.
Today the population stands at 6,139 and despite the best efforts of the few who remain, school programming seems relatively Spartan. All but two of the elementary schools mentioned have since been shut down.
I dream of another 700 residential units of the type proposed in these developments, and the return to a community vibrancy this could bring. I have nightmares of growing old and lonely in a mostly boarded up town with silent, weed-choked playgrounds. Vote Yes for boundary expansion!
Laurel Ralston - I am not in favour of this boundary expansion for several reasons. First, as Wildsight has noted, there is already a great deal of land within city limits, including downtown sites, zoned for residential development—the Watkins School site, Lois Creek and Forest Crowne to name a few—that so far has been left largely undeveloped. Second, demand for houses has decreased significantly in Kimberley in recent months. The proposed developments are designed to attract yet more non-resident homeowners, and so will not enrich our community with new members. Furthermore, the City must ensure that future developments do not overburden our water system.
However, should the referendum show that the community as a whole is in favour of this expansion, I will work to ensure that the developments proceed in such a way that is good for the city—that it includes multi-family and affordable housing units, sufficient green space, walking and cycling access to downtown Kimberley and environmentally-friendly building practices—and that developers are held to their commitments in these areas. I will also work to ensure that, for future OCP amendments and issues around which public consultation is appropriate, the City provides accurate, accessible information and feedback opportunities.
4. Water use and conservation
Kimberley’s per capita consumption of water is twice the provincial average. The City has instituted voluntary watering restrictions in the summer, to try to ensure there is enough water for all users. As Kimberley continues to grow, increasing demands will be placed on our water resources and infrastructure. What ideas do you have to ensure that water isn’t wasted and that there is an adequate supply for the future?
Mayor Jim Ogilvie - Years ago our community did not have access to a lot of water for domestic use. Each year, prior to 1983 the Marysville area was placed on water restrictions as soon as the snow melted.
In 1983 the city examined all options available to solve the water problem. As a result, the source of water for Marysville was moved from Lock Spring to Matthew Creek. Ever since 1983, the Marysville area has had access to more water than is needed to meet the domestic requirements.
Until 1996, the city of Kimberley obtained water form Cominco who owned and operated an old dam on Mark Creek. Cominco owned the dam and the supply line which went from the dam to the mine yard and through town to the Concentrator. The City owned only the distribution grids. The grids were fed by the supply line at various locations along the way to the concentrator. Because of the limited amount of storage behind the Cominco dam the City was always placed on strict water restrictions during July and August and sometimes earlier.
In 1995/96 the City spent $8 million to build a new dam and supply line. $2 million for the dam and reservoir and $6 million on an we supply line — prior to building the new dam when flow in the creek was low — Cominco pumped water from St. Marys into the lower end of the town. The mine, townsite, Lois Creek and the upper areas of town were supplied by Mark Creek.
Our new reservoir was built to hold 60 million gallons of water which we can use to supplement the creek flows during time of low flow in the creek.
From 1996 on the City became the supplier and Cominco bought water form the City. Since then, the City has obtained Cominco’s supply line. I am told that once the mine closed, the water began to flow over the top of the dam on a continuous basis. As a result of good planning, our water shortages were eliminated on both Matthew and Mark Creeks.
A lot of our excess water use is a result of lawn watering which isn’t all bad because of the porous nature of our soils we are in fact recharging the water table, which in turn will add the water back into Mark Creek or the St. Mary River which is where the water was going before we diverted it through our City system.
In recent years our City personnel have become very good at leak detection and repair. Although we know that we don not have large numbers of leaks however we will continue to locate and repair leaks to ensure that we are able to enjoy an adequate supply of water.
At this time, we have instituted voluntary restrictions which have reduced water usage by 15 per cent in Marysville.
As we get more users we will have to develop a demand management approach to conservation.
I am not an advocate of strict water restrictions at this time when we have plenty of water. I do however, support a more vigorous education program which supports the wise use of water.
Tim Park - I believe that the citizens of Kimberley are beginning to realize that all the resources that surround us, our water, our air and our forests are all at risk as a result of growth and economic demands. Using good communication we can educate all the residents of the importance of sustaining these resources. As for water, we can implement a water barrel program to collect rain for gardens in the spring. Water wasting habits such as hosing off the driveway or sidewalk need to be ended.
City Hall must lead by example. We can educate our staff, at work or at home, how to conserve water and other resources. If we continue to find ourselves heading towards a water deficit, we will be forced to institute water restrictions. I am also aware of homes in the city that have to leave water running in the winter 24/7 in order to prevent freezing. These lines need to be fixed and with city help we can take care of this issue. There are many people in the community that have given this issue a great deal of thought, so all we really need to do is to listen to them. I for one do not have all the answers however together as a community we can solve any problem.
Jackson Kennedy -While we must continue to invest in infrustructure to meet the needs of a growing community. In addition it is neccessary to educate the public for the need to use our water resorces in a responsable manner so they may prevent the need to institute water restrictions and tax increases which come with wasteful practices. As we know some communites have been forced to insitute tough measures such as pay as you go metered water. Public awareness and diligence in conservation is neccessary to maintain our present system.
Laurel Ralston- We are fortunate in Kimberley to have an abundance of water, but to ensure that we continue to have enough, we must use it responsibly. The first step is determine why our per capita water consumption is so high. Wildsight’s water study, presented to council on October 14, identified snowmaking at the Kimberley Alpine Resort as an area of concern, due to decreased availability of water over the winter. The City should implement Wildsight’s recommendation of working with KAR to find alternative sources of water.
In the short term, we must ensure that we have enough water to meet current demand and zoned developments within city limits before we commit to proposed new developments. Further investigation is needed to determine other possible causes of our exceptionally high water use, such as residential watering in the summer. Subsequently, the City should implement targeted conservation measures, like more vigourous watering restrictions, to address those causes and reduce overall consumption. The City should lead by example, making sure its watering practices comply with voluntary restrictions imposed on residents. In the long term, as Wildsight recommends, we must develop a plan for water supply in Kimberley that will help direct decision-making regarding future expansion.
Councillor Bob West-Sells - The City is completing a water study on its source supplies and water demands. The City will use the report information to plan and develop the water system for the future.
Since the Kimberley summer per capita water consumption is high compared to the provincial average, water use reduction should be possible through comprehensive public information campaigns including:
• Student education
• Landscape options
• Low flow fixture requirements
• Social pressure
• Off line source (e.g. wells) investigation for large users such as the ski hill and the golf courses
• Meters (only after the above programs have been maximized.)
Paddy Weston - It is staggering to think we consume that much water! Frankly, I find it hard to believe. Indeed, part of the issue may be that our instrument readings are not accurate.
In any case, being prudent about our water usage is what scientists call a ‘no regrets’ policy.
We need to fix faulty pipes. While expensive, this is a high priority.
And work towards using filtered gray water for snowmaking and to irrigate the golf courses. According to a recent study, this would reduce water consumption approximately 17%.
I haven’t lived anywhere for decades that hasn’t had water restrictions.
Public education is essential; all of us can do our part.
We can:
- Install low water usage devices,
- Ensure our taps and toilets are not leaking
- Stop running water unnecessarily,
- Stop sprinkling the sidewalks, stop mid-day watering of gardens
- Use efficient watering devices
- Encourage citizens to xerioscape yards, mulch or let nature be.
-The city needs to move towards more natural landscaping in parks
We can voluntarily be proactive or water meters and very expensive upgrades to our system may be necessary in the future.
Brent Bush - The citizens of Kimberley are increasingly aware of the importance of water to the long term viability of our Community. Many of us are now careful to control the amount of water we use on a daily basis and through public education and long term community planning, our efforts at water conservation will improve over time.
Kimberley’s per capita water consumption is said to be twice the Provincial average. But does that statistic truly reflect our water consumption as individuals or is it more directly related to the watering needs of 3 18 hole golf courses within City Boundaries as well as a ski hill that uses enormous amounts of water to make artificial snow? If we exclude the water used to sustain these tourism based "industries", I would argue that per capita water consumption would probably be much closer to the Provincial average.
In the short term, I would suggest that all efforts be made to reduce the amount of water that is being consumed by these industries. I’m no groundskeeper but perhaps the golf courses could be watered a little less yet still appear as lush and green as always. I know that 2 of them are adjacent to the St. Mary’s River. Why not draw water directly from the river instead of taking it from our watershed? As far as the ski hill is concerned, perhaps those runs that receive artificial snow should be groomed to a much higher degree so that the amount of snow needed would be much less. Whatever happened to the flock of "grooming goats"?
The recent Kimberley Water Study, done by Wildsight, recognizes that snow making by Kimberley Alpine Resort during extreme low flow periods is of particular concern.
If it becomes necessary to cover the entire ski hill with artificial snow each year, perhaps KAR should be required to draw water from the St. Mary’s River as well.
My last observation relates to the anticipated rate of population growth and the impact that growth will have on future changes in water supply availability. It is my belief that Kimberley, like many other tourism based communities, is about to experience a protracted period of slower economic growth. As a result, the projected rates of future water consumption for the next 2-4 years may not accurately reflect actual demand.
Kimberley must also plan for the medium and long term, but I’m sure that with continued public education, careful planning, and a cooperative relationship with the large industrial users of water, Kimberley will continue to be a water sustainable community.
(Please note: this answer to Wildsight’s question regarding water conservation was submitted on October 20th, 2 days before Wildsight’s public presentation at the COR Kimberley Campus, on October 22nd)
Councillor Kieran Hickey - Lawn watering restrictions should be in place and enforced. Further housing/condominium development should proceed as market demand dictates, as to not have more empty houses and condo units using water they don’t need.
Councillor Albert Hoglund - At this time I feel that education on water usage and conservation is the way to go. The City requires new development to have low flow appliances installed. We also have had a summer employee hired on to help educate the people on water usage and water conservation. The City also installed a new condenser at the Kimberley Civic Centre which saves a lot of water. Also if in the future a more restrictive bylaw is required for water conservation I would have no problem supporting it.
5. Rezoning applications by developers
Council’s ability to shape development through land use zoning is key to ensuring that community and environmental values are protected. Within the last year considerable public concern was expressed about a number of rezoning applications which were subsequently approved by City Council. It was not clear at the time what criteria Council members were using to judge the suitability of the applications.
What do you believe are the criteria that the City Council should consider when deciding whether to accept or reject a rezoning application by a developer? How much weight should public input be given when making this decision? How will you ensure that you are truly representing the community when asked to vote on rezoning applications?
6. Cosmetic use of pesticides
Across Canada, over 140 municipalities and two provinces have enacted legislation to reduce the cosmetic or non-essential use of pesticides. Locally, the Pesticide Free Kimberley Coalition has been raising awareness about the potential hazards of exposure to pesticides and the use of safer alternatives. The Coalition, which includes numerous local businesses, 3 Parent Advisory Councils, sport coaches, gardeners, family physicians and health professionals, Wildsight and the Canadian Cancer Society, is asking the City of Kimberley to adopt a strong municipal pesticide-reduction bylaw.
If elected, what will you do to protect Kimberley citizens and our environment from unnecessary exposure to pesticides?
