Kimberley City Council gave first and second readings to the Inter Community Business License Bylaw last week. A public hearing has been scheduled for October 24. Cranbrook Council has also begun the process of enacting the bylaw.
The bylaw is aimed at making things a little easier for businesses that operate in each of the two communities, specifically but not limited to businesses such as plumbers, electricians, cleaning services, pest control and similar businesses. An ICBL does not include businesses operating from fixed or semi fixed locations such as fruit stands or roadside vehicle vendors because there are insurance and land-use considerations that are not possible to regulate through the ICBL.
Economic Development Officer Kevin Wilson reported that Kimberley and Cranbrook have highly integrated economies. There are many businesses that are based in one community that regularly operate in the other, and must purchase a separate business license in each community.
Both Chambers of Commerce in Kimberley and Cranbrook support the bylaw. The cities would share revenue from the new licenses.
Wilson said that approximately 90 of Kimberley’s 530 licensed businesses are contractors based in Cranbrook.
“I’m looking forward to hearing feedback on this important initiative,” said Coun. Darryl Oakley. I hope it passes.”
“The numbers going both ways are pretty big,” said Don McCormick. “This will also allow us to collect data on the integration of our communities.”