The City of Kimberley has renamed the back road between Kimberley and Marysville. It will now be known as Jim Ogilvie Way in honour of the former Mayor, who served the City as Alderman, beginning in 1965, then Mayor beginning in 1972. He served 36 years as Mayor, with one break of three years from 2005 to 2008.
Mayor Ron McRae said Council made the decision quite some time ago.
“Council decided to quietly rename Fertilizer Road Jim Ogilvie Way,” McRae said. “It’s a small thing the community can do to recognize his service.”
McRae says that the road essentially connects Kimberley and Marysville and served many Cominco operations as well.
“We thought it was appropriate.”
Jim Ogilvie was awarded the Order of BC in 2012 for his long service as Mayor, and on that occasion his career was summed up as follows:
“During this period, Kimberley grew and changed, becoming a tourism and lifestyle centre. In 1986, the City took responsibility for Kimberley Ski Resort and later developed the outstanding Trickle Creek Golf Resort. The City later sold the resorts and other development properties, which led to abundant new development in the city.
“Kimberley flourished under Mr. Ogilvie’s guidance, with innovative municipal developments such as Bootleg Gap Golf Course, the Rails to Trails project and Kimberley Conference and Athlete Training Centre. He has made contributions at the regional and provincial level, serving in leadership positions on the Regional District Board, the executive of the Union of B.C. Municipalities and numerous task forces, commissions, boards and committees.
“Mr. Ogilvie has been instrumental in guiding Kimberley toward economic independence and continued prosperity, with a sought-after lifestyle, rich with recreational opportunities, beautiful scenery and a healthy, safe environment. Mr. Ogilvie has influenced the lives – in a positive way – of everyone lucky enough to call Kimberley home.”