Darren Brewer

Thanks to the communities’ continued devotion to flying local from the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC), an increase in air service is set to start January 2, 2024, thanks to Air Canada.

Because demand numbers have demonstrated the need for more air service, Air Canada has responded, adding a second daily Vancouver flight using a 76-seat Q400 aircraft doubling Air Canada’s existing YXC capacity with the first flight starting on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.  The flight will depart YVR at 8:30am, arriving to YXC at 11:50am, and departing at 12:30pm.

“This flight is timed perfectly for the best connections possible into Air Canada’s global network at YVR,” says Tristen Chernove, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Rockies International Airport. “I want to thank Air Canada for providing this additional service to our airport and believe this will be a welcome additional flight option for our residents and inbound guests.”

WestJet’s existing daily schedule of three flights to Calgary and two to Vancouver will remain unchanged through the winter months.

Meantime, YXC is also happy to announce the imminent arrival of a new restaurant to the terminal building. Delightful will be opening a satellite location at the airport, targeting a soft opening date early in the New Year.

Cranbrook, BC (September 11, 2023) – A grant application by the City of Cranbrook to the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) through the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), if successful could amount to potentially millions of dollars to help with initiatives to contribute to the development of affordable housing.

On Monday night, staff updated Council on the grant application and the impact this funding could have on helping the City meet its new housing needs targets.

The HAF is designed to provide incentive funding (contributions) to local governments to encourage local initiatives that remove barriers to housing supply, accelerate the growth of supply and support the development of complete, low-carbon and climate-resilient communities which are affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse.

“The grant opportunity is timely as the City is in the process of updating its housing needs assessment which shows that like many communities, we are significantly lacking in affordable housing options for our residents,” says Rob Veg, Manager of Planning for the City. “The updated assessments finding indicates new housing targets in the amount of approximately 1,400 units to meet the City’s housing needs in the next ten years with approximately 900 units being more affordable options based on household incomes and demographics.”

The HAF grant application for large communities requires that applicants prepare an Action Plan with a minimum of seven separate initiatives which outline supply growth targets and the proposed initiatives the municipality will undertake to grow housing supply and speed up housing approvals. Staff presented to Council an action plan for the City that would look to facilitate housing growth, promote “gentle density” and infill, further incentivize the creation and legalization of secondary suites, create opportunities for accessory dwelling units, improve infrastructure and increase the potential for speedier development approvals for affordable housing.

In all, the City has submitted an action plan with seven initiatives that would be required to be completed during the HAF program in order to receive the full funding amount if successful.

“If successful with the application, the funding received would be used to develop a target of approximately 268 dwelling units of those 106 as “affordable rental housing”, established in the City’s application,” Veg says. “While not completely solving the City’s housing needs, it would be a big step towards our new housing needs target.”

Project Background
The community has identified a desire to improve and further develop the Active Transportation (AT) network within Cranbrook. The City is undertaking an Active Transportation Plan (ATP) to guide the implementation of the AT infrastructure. The plan will identify gaps, provide a clear vision, goals, objectives, and recommendation for the AT network, infrastructure, and policies to promote active transportation. All citizens of and visitors to Cranbrook will benefit, as any work will aim to enhance the experience for current AT users and encourage more people to utilize AT. The work will aim to accommodate all ages, abilities and improve accessibility for diverse user groups including seniors, underprivileged individuals, and youth.

The Plan will identify actions for improving active transportation facilities, so it is easier and safer for people to walk, cycle, and roll.
 
The City has retained ISL Engineering to help create the Active Transportation Plan. ISL and the City will create the Plan based on public feedback, technical guidance, and City policies and standards. 

What is active transportation?
When you use your own power to get from one place to another, you are travelling by ‘active transportation’. Active transportation includes walking, cycling, and rolling (e.g., wheelchairs, skateboards, scooters, strollers, rollerblades, etc.).

What is an active transportation network?
An active transportation network includes infrastructure (e.g., physical structures and the built environment) that support walking, cycling, and rolling. Sidewalks, multi-use pathways, stairs, and in some circumstances, traffic calmed roads are examples of active transportation infrastructure. The purpose of an active transportation network is to support people moving through their community. We want to provide convenient and safe routes between neighbourhoods and community destinations. 

How can the Active Transportation Plan help our community?
We want to make it safe and convenient for people to travel actively throughout the City. Active transportation has many community benefits, such as:  

• Health: Active transportation improves physical and mental well-being of the community 
• Affordability: Active transportation offers more affordable travel options 
• Reduced emissions: Active transportation provides people with the option to use their vehicles less, reducing environmental pollution and improves air quality

How can I participate in this project?
There will be pop-up events and an online survey to gather your feedback. 

The online survey can be accessed here.

Hard copies of the survey will be delivered to the Cranbrook Food Bank, Community Connections Office and delivered to seniors housing. Additional hard copies of the survey are available from the front desks at Cranbrook City Hall, the Cranbrook Public Library, Engineering & Development Services, and the pool desk at Western Financial Place. 

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities: 

• Saturday, July 15, 2023
  Cranbrook Farmer’s Market (2-3hrs) @ Rotary Park 
  10:00am – 1:00pm
   
• Tuesday, July 18, 2023
  Downtown Cranbrook – Clocktower Square
  11:00am – 2:00pm

Questions or comments about the project can be directed to: 
Santana Patten, Community Planner or Curtis Mummery, Manager, Roads and Infrastructure @ [email protected].

Cranbrook, BC (May 16, 2023) — The City of Cranbrook is thrilled to announce that it has partnered with BC Hydro to attract energy-intensive, industrial customers to the province. By working with BC Hydro, available industrial and aerospace properties will be promoted to businesses looking to establish sustainable operations in British Columbia.

“The City of Cranbrook is proud to work alongside BC Hydro to match new businesses to an aerospace or industrial site,” said Darren Brewer, Economic Development Officer at the City of Cranbrook. “We are providing exceptional investment opportunities and are dedicated to supporting emerging and government-supported industries including those in the aerospace, hydrogen and low carbon fuel production, clean technology, energy storage, advanced battery technology, and information and communications technology sectors.”

The B.C. government is committed to fostering innovation in the region. Close collaboration between the government and municipalities along with leading climate policies, critical infrastructure, and top talent all help companies to get established and grow. In addition, streamlined regulations make it easier to register a business and apply for permits and licenses.

“Cranbrook is an excellent location for companies looking to establish clean and sustainable operations in B.C.,” said Mike Matejka, Director and Engineering and Development Services at the City of Cranbrook. “We invite businesses to take advantage of this opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint and operational costs while building a low carbon business.”

With its focus on growing technology and innovation within the region, Cranbrook is the hub of the Kootenays and offers countless opportunities to invest in or expand operations within emerging and government-supported industries. By investing in B.C., companies can connect to a resilient and integrated grid, which helps to minimize operational downtime while powering with renewable energy.

BC Hydro is an integrated electric utility that offers favourable and competitive industrial rates. Together with specialized funding and incentives, B.C. is among the lowest cost jurisdictions in North America. With over 98% of the power generated from clean and renewable hydroelectricity, companies that invest in B.C. can achieve their ESG targets while enjoying the benefits of a stable economy and a welcoming government.

For more information on investment opportunities in Cranbrook, visit the City of Cranbrook website or contact the Economic Development office. www.choosecranbrook.ca

To learn more about BC Hydro’s discounted industrial rates, funding available to help your business electrify, or to search for available industrial sites, visit choose.bchydro.com

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For more information, please contact:

Darren Brewer, Economic Development Officer                
City of Cranbrook                                                                         
Phone: 250-919-9792                                                                    

[email protected]                                                   

Cranbrook, BC (April 25, 2023) – Two key projects in the City’s 2023 capital works program – 4th Street North Phase 2 reconstruction and Shadow Mountain Sanitary Sewer Servicing get underway over the next couple of weeks.

The 4th Street North Phase 2 reconstruction continues the work started on 4th Street North in 2022 and will focus from 17th Avenue North to Kootenay Street. This construction phase will replace all the aging infrastructure like water mains and services, sanitary sewer mains and services, and new storm sewer infrastructure. New curb, gutter, sidewalk, streetlights, and pavement will also be installed. Mackay Contracting will be completing this project and will be mobilizing its equipment this week. We expect this project to wrap up around the end of August 2023.

The Shadow Mountain Sanitary Servicing project is the other significant project in 2023. Copan Civil LP has been awarded the contract and intends to mobilize on May 1, 2023. This major infrastructure project will connect the Shadow Mountain community to the City’s wastewater collection system, with nearly 3 km of sanitary sewer main and three sewage lift stations and control structures. This project is expected to be completed in late October or early November 2023.

The City of Cranbrook gratefully acknowledges the financial contributions of the Canada Community Building Fund (former Gas Tax Fund) toward these important infrastructure projects.

As construction begins on these two significant projects, those travelling near or around these construction sites must follow all signage and any direction provided by contract staff and traffic control personnel. Residents who live in and around these sites, where construction will impact access to your property, our contractors will reach out to you directly to notify you in advance of any disruptions and how long these disruptions may last. Garbage and recycling pick-up will remain on its regular schedule in these areas.

We will provide regular updates on these projects and others as they come online over the summer months.

Cranbrook, BC (April 4th , 2023) – With spring in the air, many of us are ready to leave the last of winter behind us and savour the sunshine, while sipping on cool drinks and dining on delicious fare with friends on outdoor patios.

The City has released a brand-new Patio Guide, a how-to manual for business owners who want to bring their restaurant or café outdoors. From finding the necessary permits to designing that perfect patio space, the guide has all the information you need to create an inviting, outdoor oasis that your customers will love.

By helping businesses create outdoor dining spaces, we’re also contributing to the revitalization of our downtown and attracting more visitors. With so many great patios to choose from, locals and tourists alike will have no shortage of options for enjoying the warm weather.

“Summer is a time to relax and enjoy the great outdoors, and we’re thrilled to be able to help businesses create amazing patio spaces that will enhance our city’s vibe,” says Darren Brewer, Economic Development Officer for the City of Cranbrook. “We hope that our Patio Guide will inspire more businesses to take advantage of our beautiful weather and create unique and inviting outdoor dining experiences.”

“We’re excited to see how our city will be transformed by the addition of new outdoor dining spaces,” says Mike Matejka, Director of Engineering and Development Services. “And we can’t wait to see the amazing patios that our local businesses will create with the help of our guide.”

Download the guide https://data.choosecranbrook.ca/resources