The Work Book · perspectives, ideas, and imaginations, reinventing and celebrating where they live, work and play. Kimberley is simultaneously a former mining town, a contemporary

The Work BookA l l A B o u T K i m B e r l e y

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Kimberley, BC | The Work Book

Who we wereKimberley 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.

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.

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.


Kim

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Who we areKimberley 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.

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.”

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fAsT fAcTs

Population: 6,652

Coordinates:

49°41'05"N 115°58'59"W

Area:

60.62 km2

Weather:

compAreHow does Kimberley compare to the others out there?The 411, right quick.

Canmore: 1,970

Rossland: 1,854

Golden: 1,590

AverAge hours of suNshiNe per yeAr:

Kimberley: 2,205

Kimberley: 17 DAys

Canmore: 43 DAys

Calgary: 48 DAys

Edmonton: 86 DAys

AverAge DAys with WiNDchill BeloW -20°c:

Kimberley: 18.3°c

Canmore: 16.0°c

Calgary: 15.9°c

Edmonton: 14.6°c

AverAge july TemperATure °c:

Kimberley: 21 Km

Fernie: 105 Km

Canmore: 121 Km

Rossland: 253 Km

Golden: 255 Km

DisTANce iN Kms to iNTerNATioNAl AirporT

Growth:

The east Kootenay’s fastest growing city

Geography:

perched in the purcell mountains, with rocky mountain vistas

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The opportunityHere’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.

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: [email protected]

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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 8.4% 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.

People in Kimberley make a living in a variety of ways, but an increasing

number are choosing self employment. There was 6.5% growth in the

number of business licenses from 2012 - 2013, and 76% growth from

2007-2013. 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.

mArKeT ANAlysis

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sector opportunitiesWhile 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.

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 value-

added 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.

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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!

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.

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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…

SchoolsKimberley’s school system consists of three primary schools, one middle

school, one secondary school and an independent school.

Education FacilitiesKimberley 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.

eDucATioN

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Kimberley’s geography and sense of place contributes to vitality and well-

being. 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.

Kimberley offers a comprehensive health centre — a medical clinic

integrated with six 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.

heAlTh & sAfeTy

A good place to be

well.

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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.

Telecommunications: Connected with speed

There’s no need to compromise on speed. Kimberley offers high speed

internet throughout the community, provided by Shaw Cable. DSL 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.

uTiliTies

A good place to be

connected.

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1,2,3 easy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

geTTiNg here

A good place to be

arriving.

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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:ArenasKimberley boasts two indoor arenas, complete with spectator seating, dressing rooms and concession facilities.

Aquatic CentreThe 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 CentreThe 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 golfThere are three public golf courses within City limits, offering a combination

of experiences in a quintessential mountain golf environment.

Places to skiKimberley 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 roamThere’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 campThe 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 downtownThe 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.

commuNiTy iNfrAsTrucTure

A good place to be

happening.

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Vancouver

Kelowna

Vernon

Kamloops Revel�oke

Golden

Lake Louise

Ban�Calgary

Invermere

FernieCranbrook

Spokane Coeur D’Alene

Kali�ell

Lethbridge

Edmonton

Ja�er

Cre�onOsoyoos

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MontanaIdaho

AlbertaBritish Columbia

investKimberley.ca

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.

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.

To & from DisTANce Time

Cranbrook International Airport 21 km 15 mins

Vancouver, BC 945 km 10 hours

Calgary, AB 410 km 4 hours

Edmonton, AB 670 km 7 hours

Spokane, WA, US 330 km 4 hours

mAps & DesTiNATioN iNformATioN

A good place to be

discovered.

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InvestKimberley.com

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 usTell 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:

[email protected]

step 2: Come visitKimberley’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 usNow 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!

No ordinary propositionIf you think differently, we’d like to connect.

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[email protected] | 250.427.9666

www.investKimberley.com

Documents

The Work Book · perspectives, ideas, and imaginations, reinventing and celebrating where they live, work and play. Kimberley is simultaneously a former mining town, a contemporary