The Work Book ALL ABOUT KIMBERLEY
Who we were Kimberley is a city with a storied past. The community was established in 1896, and its name is borrowed from a fabled and productive South African mine, in hopes that Kimberley, BC would yield similar success. And it did. Kimberley, BC became home to the world s largest lead-zinc mine the community s primary industry and employer until 2001. 2 Tourism and recreation have also played an important role in Kimberley s history. The community has long held affection for hockey, skiing, golf and the great outdoors. The community also developed a Bavarian theme that was adopted by residents and businesses. For a time, Kimberley enjoyed renown as the Bavarian City of the Rockies, and the theme is still evidenced in some of the community s facades and businesses. Kimberley Heritage Museum In keeping with its previous Bavarian theme and mining history, the community of Kimberley remains no stranger to the unconventional, hard work and reinvention. As Kimberley continues to experience new growth and momentum, it proudly remains a good place to be. The little things make a big difference. Discover why Kimberley, BC is just right for you. Kimberley, BC The Work Book
Who we are Kimberley is a community. It s the highest city in Canada. It s a mountain town. A destination and a home. It s a story of people, sharing their lives with one another, guests and visitors, businesses and organizations. This city is a diverse story of people with many perspectives, ideas, and imaginations, reinventing and celebrating where they live, work and play. 3 Kimberley is simultaneously a former mining town, a contemporary resort and tourism destination, and the once renowned Bavarian City of the Rockies. It s a place to grow up, and a place to retire to. It s a place to do business differently and a place to call a home base. It is many stories, all at once. And it continues to change and evolve. With so much opportunity, transition and possibility it would be unreasonable to suggest that Kimberley exists in a singular capacity. Instead, Kimberley is in a period of unprecedented change, and as it grows into its next chapter of possibility, it is intentionally and deliberately a good place to be. InvestKimberley.com
FAST FACTS The 411, right quick. Population: 7,425 Geography: Perched in the Purcell mountains, with Rocky Mountain Vistas COMPARE How does Kimberley compare to the others out there? AVERAGE JULY TEMPERATURE C: AVERAGE HOURS of SUNSHINE PER YEAR: Kimberley: 18.3 C Kimberley: 2,205 Canmore: 16.0 C Canmore: 1,970 4 Calgary: 15.9 C Rossland: 1,854 Area: 60.62 km2 Coordinates: 49 41'05"N 115 58'59"W Growth: 11.6% growth between 2011-2016 Edmonton: 14.6 C DISTANCE IN KMS to INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Kimberley: Fernie: Canmore: 21 KM 105 KM 121 KM Golden: 1,590 AVERAGE DAYS with WINDCHILL BELOW -20 C: Kimberley: Canmore: 17 DAYS 43 DAYS Weather: Rossland: 253 KM Calgary: 48 DAYS Golden: 255 KM Edmonton: 86 DAYS Kimberley, BC The Work Book
The opportunity Here s the deal. There s great people. A good little city. It s close to what s needed, and even closer to what matters. Housing is competitively affordable. The city and regional market is brimming with strong sectors and business opportunities. An international airport is only minutes from the city. There s an incredible array of recreational opportunities just out the back door. But that s not all. Super sunny? Check. Healthy and safe? Check. Clean, fresh and a quintessential Canadian mountain city? Check. Warm community, caring for its future? The nation s most independent restaurants per capita? Check. Highest city in Canada and world s largest free standing cuckoo clock? Check. A hint of eccentricity? Check. 5 All that s required here is imagination, aspiration and an eagerness to make things happen. The City of Kimberley is motivated and keen to connect with businesses and individuals looking to invest here. We think it s a good place to be: to be in business, be settled down, be seeking adventure, or be inventing and innovating differently in a top-notch community. Let s discover how Kimberley might be a great fit for your story. Contact us today, and let s connect. 250.427.9666 or email: Info@InvestKimberley.com InvestKimberley.com
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MARKET ANALYSIS Think Kimberley? Think regional. It s what s around that counts! Kimberley exists in a regional market. There s a population of 8,200 in Kimberley s immediate area, and an additional 33,000 in Cranbrook and area, just 25 minutes away. Kimberley is also situated near the centre of the Kootenay Rockies region: a region distinguished by a cluster of resort and resource communities, furnished with a wealth of natural capital and alternative culture. This Kootenay Rockies region area offers access to over 100,000 people! Alberta and the Praries contribute significantly to Kimberley s economy. The proximity to Alberta (2 hours), National Parks (2.5 hours) and one of Canada s wealthiest economies Calgary (4 hours) has contributed to Kimberley s draw as both a destination playground and a desired lifestyle community. Kimberley also competes globally. Mobile households and businesses can choose to locate anywhere, and they re choosing Kimberley. Kimberley s welcoming culture and natural attributes have contributed to a population growth of 11.6% Kimberley s primary competitive advantages are uncommon made more so because of their unique interconnectedness. It s not just a single driver or difference, it s an assembly of unconventional features that so distinctively sets Kimberley apart. The collection of natural attributes, combined with recreation opportunities and sound infrastructure in such close proximity enhance the opportunity to enjoy a high quality of life. In 2016 there were nearly 400 resident licensed businesses, an increase of 45 or 13% over 2015. The adoption of an Intercommunity Mobile Business License with Cranbrook in 2016 makes Kimberley an even better place to be doing business from. The fastest growing business categories are: Business services (i.e. serving other businesses) Professional services (including those regulated by professional associations) Wholesalers (those selling consumer goods to retail businesses) Retail stores Arts, artisans, and musicians (as well as entertainment in general) Retailers and other consumer-oriented businesses in Kimberley are focused on delivering unique, niche products and high-quality customer service. With the regional service hub located in nearby Cranbrook, successful Kimberley retail businesses cater to the preferences of locals (Kimberley and Cranbrook) as well as the visitor population. Whatever the business, it is likely aligned with the values that the community holds and aspires to, including outdoor pursuits, natural materials, and an authentic experience not commonly found in box stores. 7 InvestKimberley.com
Sector opportunities While Kimberley offers many different types of business, there are three primary sectors that provide significant opportunity for growth and benefit: value added, knowledge work, and export. 8 Value Added What type of business is often clever, nimble and versatile enough to be anywhere? Value added. Value added businesses take raw and wholesale materials and invest labour and knowledge to create a consumer product of greater value. From manufacturing to food production to consumer goods and services, Kimberley is a great place to situate value added businesses. Its location, access to shipping and transportation and welcome of diversity. The valueadded sector is supported by the City s progressive, forward-thinking and helpful planning and building department. Give them a shout to discuss your value-added ideas in Kimberley. Kimberley, BC The Work Book
Knowledge Based Smart businesses dig Kimberley. As a mountain resort community with great connectivity, KImberley sees an increasing number of knowledge workers using Kimberley as their base. Online marketing, cloud solutions, software design, communications, graphic design, architecture, as well as videographers and photographers are just some of the many businesses serving the world while based in Kimberley. Knowledge-based businesses can also include accountants, lawyers and health professionals. Kimberley s perfectly poised for knowledge based individuals and firms looking for the best of living in a mountain location. In addition, the nearby international airport provides daily flights to Vancouver and connectivity to Calgary, Canada and the rest of the world! 9 Export Happily, one of Kimberley s greatest exports is its community experience. Tourism and the visitor economy fall into the export category of businesses. While Kimberley tourism products are consumed locally, purchasing decisions to visit a destination are made in locations and markets outside our region. Kimberley is proud to be one of BC s 14 designated resort municipalities, and the tourism export sector does well here. Other Kimberley businesses and individuals export goods and services to targeted regions, both local and international. Many of these businesses overlap with the knowledge-based and value added sector. InvestKimberley.com
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EDUCATION A good place to be learning. Higher Education Kimberley is a community that welcomes innovation. At this elevation, things may look differently, but we re also inclined to see things differently too. Our community s extraordinary past has taught us the importance of learning new things, the value of new perception and growing better together. And, as they say playing is the first form of learning which means we re surrounded by education opportunities. Here s some of the place to learn in Kimberley Schools Kimberley s school system consists of three primary schools, one middle school, one secondary school and an independent school. 11 Education Facilities Kimberley is home to a College of the Rockies (COTR) regional campus. The college provides facilities for specialized training, including video conferencing, computer-and satellite based courses, and centre with a computer lab and projection screen. The campus is also home to a distinct set of courses that deal with sustainable and alternative building. The main COTR campus is located in Cranbrook and offers programs in Trades, Recreation, Tourism, Business, Computer Science, Health, Child Youth and University Studies. Education opportunities in Kimberley also include instruction for a range of activities and pursuits, including skiing, rock climbing, swimming, water sports, music, arts and dance and more. InvestKimberley.com
HEALTH & SAFETY A good place to be well. Kimberley s geography and sense of place contributes to vitality and wellbeing. It has a reputation for being sought out by those seeking a community aligned with good living. There s fresh water, clean air, plenty of sunshine and an abundance of options for outdoor activities. In addition there s good access to a wide array of health and social services within the community. 12 Kimberley offers a comprehensive health centre a medical clinic integrated with eight physicians, Interior Health, X-ray and laboratory services, physiotherapy and therapeutic services, health practitioners and a pharmacy; all in one centrally located facility. Kimberley is also serviced by the East Kootenay Regional Hospital (EKRH), the region s central hospital with numerous specialists and services. The community also is home to naturopaths, massage therapists, optometrists, chiropractors, dentists, acupuncturists, mid-wives, dhoulas and more. In addition to meeting the needs health of the community, this is a profoundly safe community. Kimberley s crime rates are some of the lowest around. It s a connected place with small-town charm, reflected in the community s culture of care. Safety services in Kimberley include an RCMP detachment, a municipal fire department with two stations, an ambulance station and an exceptional search and rescue team that serves the area. Kimberley, BC The Work Book
UTILITIES A good place to be connected. Water: Pure and simple For those who do not wish to compromise the quality of their water, Kimberley offers exceptional quality. Its water source begins in the alpine area of the Mark Creek watershed. From there Kimberley s water flows into a 275 million litre reservoir on Mark Creek, just kilometres upstream from the city. Water for Marysville is drawn from a direct inlet in nearby Matthew creek. All water and sewer systems are provided the City of Kimberley. 13 Telecommunications: Connected with speed There s no need to compromise on speed. Kimberley offers high speed internet throughout the community, provided by Shaw Cable and Telus. Direct to premises fibre optic service from Telus is also available throughout Kimberley. Local telephone service is provided by Telus and long distance service is available from a variety of providers. Kimberley also boasts great cellular telephone coverage, available from Telus Mobility, Rogers or Bell. Electricity & Natural Gas: Enlighten up! Kimberley s electricity is provided by BC Hydro and natural gas is provided by FortisBC. Unlike many communities, Kimberley is fortunate to offer extensive natural gas infrastructure and home service. InvestKimberley.com
GETTING HERE A good place to be arriving. 1,2,3 easy. 14 Arriving in Kimberley is convenient and simple. The community is well served by its transportation connections, with easy air or road access to western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Air: Connected to everywhere The Canadian Rockies International Airport is just a 15-minute drive from Kimberley. It provides direct flights to Calgary, Kelowna and Vancouver and has undergone a runway extension and expansion of the terminal area to accommodate larger aircraft from more distant North American and European locations. Ground: Roll in, roll in, roll in It s just 15 minutes to one of Canada s primary arterial routes from Kimberley s city limits. Kimberley is located on Highway 95A, just slightly removed from Highway 3, one of Canada s two east-west routes, running west to Vancouver and east to Alberta and beyond. Highway 95A runs north as the combined Highway 93/95 to meet the Trans-Canada Highway at Golden. The airport is a key strategic advantage for Kimberley and enhances its viability as a location for businesses that require travel to major North American markets. In addition, there are three other sizable airports (Calgary, Spokane and Kalispell) within a few hours drive of Kimberley that provide further access to locations throughout North America and Europe. Unlike many other regional airports, the Canadian Rockies International Airport consistently enjoys favourable flying conditions and few cancellations. Other Transport Kimberley is served by Kimberley Public Transit, which provides service throughout the city as well as scheduled round trips to Cranbrook. Door-to-door service is also available for the mobility-impaired. The community also offers ready access to a full variety of transportation-related.services including courier and delivery, air freight, trucking, vehicle rentals and taxi. Kimberley, BC The Work Book
COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE A good place to be happening. There s been over a century to develop an impressive array of infrastructure and services, unique to a community of this size. Infrastructure supports and hosts a wide variety of events and activities. Indoor Infrastructure: Arenas Kimberley boasts two indoor arenas, complete with spectator seating, dressing rooms and concession facilities. Aquatic Centre The community is home to the new Kimberley Aquatic Centre - a competition size 25 metre pool, complete with diving boards, tots pool, water features and a lazy river. The centre also has a large 20-person whirlpool, a multipurpose room and a steam room. This facility is completely wheelchair accessible. Conference Centre The Kimberley Conference and Athlete Training Centre is the region s largest facility of its kind. It accommodates up to 500 person theatre style events, and offers four breakout rooms. The centre is also fully wheel chair accessible. Other community infrastructure include a Curling Centre; Library & Museum; Community Hall; and an arts centre with a 60-seat theatre, contemporary gallery and dance studio. There s the 500-seat McKim theatre, a two-court indoor tennis facility, bowling alleys, a movie theatre, fitness centres and an exceptional climbing gym. Outdoor Infrastructure: Places to golf There are three public golf courses within City limits, offering a combination of experiences in a quintessential mountain golf environment. Places to ski Kimberley is home to Kimberley Alpine Resort, located just three minutes from downtown Kimberley. The hill boasts a vertical rise of 2,475 ft., with 1800 skiable acres, over 75 runs, and is serviced by five lifts. Places to roam There s a trail and pathway network with hundreds of kilometres of trails for walking, running, biking, snowshoeing, skiing and more. The Kimberley Nature Park is one of Canada s largest parks within a municipality. Kimberley is also situated the beginning of the NorthStar Rails-to-Trails, a 25 km paved path for walking, cycling, blading and skateboarding that links Kimberley and Cranbrook. Place to camp The Kimberley Riverside Campground is an exceptional full-service campground and RV resort located beside the beautiful St. Mary River. This modern, well managed campground offers an outdoor pool, mini-golf and disc-golf course and many more amenities. Pedestrian downtown The heart of Kimberley is a beautifully landscaped pedestrian-only shopping area. Its bandshell is a popular location for community celebrations, festivals, events and performances. There s also multiple outdoor rinks, public tennis courts, lawn-bowling greens, a skateboarding park, and a mountain bike skills park. 15 InvestKimberley.com
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MAPS & DESTINATION INFORMATION A good place to be discovered. British Columbia Alberta TO & FROM DISTANCE TIME Edmonton Cranbrook International Airport 21 km 15 mins Jasper Vancouver, BC 945 km 10 hours Calgary, AB 410 km 4 hours Kamloops Golden Revelstoke Lake Louise Banff Calgary Edmonton, AB 670 km 7 hours Spokane, WA, US 330 km 4 hours 17 Vernon Invermere Kelowna Vancouver Washington Osoyoos Castlegar Cranbrook Creston Fernie Lethbridge Due to our mountainous location, boat traffic to Kimberley is currently non-existent. However, arriving in Kimberley by air or land couldn t be easier. Spokane Idaho Coeur D Alene Kalispell Montana Kimberley s conveniently located just 15 minutes from the Canadian Rockies International Airport, and just ½ an hour from one of Canada s primary travel routes, Highway # 3. Kimberley is situated near the south-east corner of British Columbia, and is a 4-hour drive from Calgary, AB and Spokane, WA. InvestKimberley.com
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No ordinary proposition If you think differently, we d like to connect. If you re considering Kimberley for your business, the City of Kimberley would appreciate the opportunity to discover how we can work with you. If you re ready to explore a connection with Kimberley, then start with these steps: Step 1: Talk to us Tell us your story. Your ideas. How you think Kimberley might be a good fit for your business. We ll listen, ask questions, and share our insight and possibilities with you. Do it now! Call us at 250.427.9666 or email us at: Info@InvestKimberley.com 19 Step 2: Come visit Kimberley s story is best experienced in person. If you re considering connecting with Kimberley, we d be happy to help arrange a Kimberley experience that works. We can create connections with people, places and experiences that may help make your possibility a reality. Step 3: Plan with us Now that we ve talked and you ve been here, let s sift through the ideas and possibilities together. If your aspirations seems like a good fit for you and the community, then we ll work together with you to create a good start. Kimberley is growing quickly, and poised at an incredible crossroads. As the community s economy continues to shift from a mining era towards a time of unprecedented opportunity and possibility, Kimberley is seeking the unconventional, the intentional, the entrepreneurial. We want business types unaccustomed to using the word can t. Sound unconventional? That s right. Doing things differently works in Kimberley. We desire the extraordinary and the different, because the unconventional are the ones who can. Let s connect! InvestKimberley.com
Info@InvestKimberley.com 250.427.9666 www.investkimberley.com