Affordable housing within the existing city boundary and increased alternative transport connectivity within neighborhoods

The recent housing crunch has made it clear that increased housing is required. The charm of Kimberley is its compact neighbourhoods that are within reasonable distances that active transportation options are possible (particularly with the increased popularity of e-bikes). So to maintain these strengths, it will be important for Kimberley to add housing within the existing city boundaries (i.e. density) while providing more opportunities for people to enjoy mobility without increasing the number of cars and the associate land dedicated for car storage and transport. This means more density particularly in proximity to downtown and increased provision of safe and welcoming transportation corridors for walking and cycling including linkages with Forest Crowne (which is poorly connected, except by car) and Marysville (which is well provided for with the Northstar RT and Mark Creek trail).

Care should be taken to have mixed land-uses scattered throughout the community to provide a range of housing, commercial and recreational activities within a 10 min walking distance of every resident, rather than single land-uses over large areas. This will provide less car dependence and more community connections, potential for residence to age within their neighbourhood and healthier lifestyles that Kimberley is known for. Increased secure bicycle storage facilities within higher density residential should be required to reduce parking minimums and the larger footprints typically required for parking.

Limits on boundary expansion should be strongly considered to reduce sprawl and car dependency and also the massive infrastructure to build and maintain, and water consumption(which is a constrained resource in Kimberley).