Last week, Kimberley and Cranbrook City Councils held a joint session to discuss areas of mutual interest.
Kimberley Mayor Ron McRae reports a good session with a lot of information shared.
First under discussion was the Rails to Trails and how both councils could assist the Society in its work as steward of the trails. There was also discussion on dealing with the continuing issue of invasive weeds along the trail.
Both councils have received updates on issues around nurse practitioner and doctor recruiting.
“We wanted to be sure that both councils are informed on the role of nurse practitioners, and the need for more walk-in clinics for those not formally attached to a doctors. This could be a way to reduce pressure on the emergency room,” McRae said.
One issue both Kimberley and Cranbrook continue to deal with is urban deer and there was considerable discussion around it.
There was general discussion around what both communities are doing going forward.
“Both deer committees will be continuing their work,” McRae said. “ Cranbrook is looking at another count to inform their future direction. We talked again about who is responsible for the deer, There is an interest on the part of the province to engage communities on a more coordinated approach. We’ve had conversations with the Minister of Lands, Forests and Natural Resources around a task force.
Also on the agenda was possible opportunities for the two cities to share certain equipment such as paving equipment, how things are going at the airport and the upcoming BC Mayors Caucus, which will be hosted by Kimberley and Cranbrook next spring.