At the presentation regarding the Parks and Facilities Master Plan to Kimberley Council last week, an executive summary of key findings was presented.
The following are some of the main points to consider.
Kimberley is growing. It grew by nine per cent for 2016 to 2021, higher than the provincial average. It is projected Kimberley will reach a population of 10,000 by 2034. A balanced array of recreation amenities will have to be provided to appeal to a wide variation in ages.
The fact that Kimberley is a tourism destination must be considered in developing and sustaining facilities. For example, a high proportion of visitors utilize Kimberley’s trails.
While Kimberley has an extensive amount of valuable recreation, parks and cultural infrastructure, the replacement value of these assets is in the hundred of millions of dollars. For example, an assessment completed in 2022 says the Kimberley Civic Centre will need an investment of $4.1 million to sustain it over the next 20 years, with $3.4 million of that in the next five years. There is money in the as yet-uncompleted five-year financial plan for some of those repairs.
The Marysville Arena will require $2.7 million over 20 years, with $2.3 million coming in the next five.
The executive summary notes that most recreation facilities in Kimberley are well used.
Analysis of arena, aquatics, sports fields, and diamonds indicates that these spaces are benefiting the community through high levels of use during their primary seasons. A number of these facilities also serve a broader catchment area beyond City boundaries, the report says.
Escalating costs are impacting recreation facilities. They are costing more to operate. Revenues come from user fees, the only way to improve that would be to increase rental, membership and program fees.
Three-quarters of survey respondents indicated they are satisfied with the overall availability of parks and recreation opportunities.
Representatives from organizations in Kimberley are passionate about a number of different parks and recreation amenities and would like to better understand the future plan for indoor ice facilities, Cominco Gardens, and other infrastructure that requires capital planning and investment, the report notes.
