Kimberley will be hosting some high profile events in the next few years.
In addition to the 2018 BC 55 Plus Games, which will be hosted jointly by Kimberley/Cranbrook, Kimberley has just been officially informed that they have been chosen to host the Provincial Mine Rescue competitions in 2016 and 2017. The 2016 competition date has been set for June 4.
Coun. Albert Hoglund says it should be a good event and he is pleased to see Kimberley’s mining history acknowledged despite the fact that the Sullivan Mine has not operated since 2001.
Mayor Don McCormick says that Fernie recently held a similar event, which was a success.
However, Kimberley will need to be diligent about finances for the event, he said.
British Columbia’s mining laws require that trained mine rescue personnel and mine rescue equipment be maintained at all mines. Basic mine rescue training courses are conducted at mining properties across the province so that miners have an opportunity to learn the skills mine rescue teams require. Once the basic skills are learned, many hours of training and practice are needed to develop a competent mine rescue team that can work together and with other teams to accomplish rescue objectives in the event of a mine disaster.
It has been suggested that the old Watkins School site would be a good location for the competition as it would be highly visible and accessible for Kimberley residents who wish to watch the competition.