Cranbrook and Kimberley will be co-hosting the fifth BC Mayors’ Caucus from April 23-25. The Caucus will bring mayors from all over the province to confront issues affecting B.C. communities.
The Caucus has been held twice a year since its inception in 2012, each time in a different city to showcase the unique areas of the province.
Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Stetski said the City is excited to be co-hositng the event with Kimberley
“This collaboration mirrors the Caucus’ goal of pursuing joint economic development between cities in our province, and we are proud to help further encourage that dialogue,” Stetski said.
Cranbrook is the largest city in the East Kootenay region, with a population of almost 20,000. Functioning as the area’s business hub, Cranbrook’s economy thrives on its role as the regional service centre; its contributions to the forestry, agricultural, and other resource-based sectors; and its attraction to visitors and tourists.
Kimberley is the fastest growing city in the East Kootenay region with a population increase of 8.4 per cent from 2006-2011, the result of an increasing number of lifestyle-driven mobile workers who recognize Kimberley as a good place to be.
“The Mayors’ Caucus is a very important event in the progression of our province, and Kimberley is proud to be co-hosting this fifth session,” says Ron McRae, mayor of Kimberley. “By discussing common issues facing municipalities in British Columbia, we will be able to explore possible solutions and forge action plans that will strengthen our province in its entirety.”
The BC Mayors’ Caucus is structured after successful models across North America and Europe such as the Alberta Mayors’ Caucus, the Big Cities Mayors’ Caucus (Canada), Metropolitan Mayors’ Caucus (United States) and the Summit of Mayors (EU).
BC Mayors’ Caucus Steering Committee is made up of:
Mayor Wayne Stetski of Cranbrook, Mayor Lori Ackerman of Fort St. John, Mayor Peter Milobar of Kamloops, Mayor Greg Moore of Port Coquitlam, Mayor Shari Green of Prince George, Mayor Jack Mussallem of Prince Rupert, Mayor John MacDonald of Sayward, Mayor Taylor Bachrach of Smithers, Mayor Dianne Watts of Surrey and Mayor Dean Fortin of Victoria.