FAQs

How would this affect our taxes?

The current property tax rate will not be affected by the extension. Recent boundary extensions in 2001 and 2007 have not required an increase to property taxes.

How will we provide services to this huge area?

The entire extension area will not be developed overnight. Services and infrastructure will grow incrementally as portions are developed based on economic conditions.

Who will pay for them?

The entire costs for building infrastructure in the boundary extension lands will be borne by any future developers. Operating costs of municipal utility services are paid for through utility rates/taxes by new residents and businesses.

What other options for growth are there?

Cranbrook already has the highest population density in the East Kootenay Region. The boundary extension provides a variety of options for carefully managed, long-term growth that will ensure Cranbrook remains a sustainable city well into the future.

How will Cranbrook's sewer capacity meet the needs of the boundary extension?

The City of Cranbrook has currently called for professional engineering services to plan for both the upgrade and expansion of the current sewage system. New technologies also offer other options, which could include independent stand alone systems.

Will the boundary extension deplete Cranbrook's water supply?

The current water supply can sustain a population of approximately 30,000 people and as many as 55,000 if responsible water conservation practices are implemented. Reports show that additional potable water exists.

Have citizens been consulted about the extension before now?

Yes. Before the Boundary Extension Application was submitted to the City of Cranbrook in December 2007, the first Public Open House was held in September of 2007 and meetings have been conducted with government officials, business leaders, the public, the Community Forest Society, and The Nature Trust of British Columbia since that time.

In November 2008, the City of Cranbrook held a municipal election in which the extension was openly discussed and potential councilors and mayoral candidates made their positions known on the issue. The citizens of Cranbrook overwhelmingly supported the councilors in favour of the boundary extension.

What opportunities are offered through the Boundary Extension?

The chance to incorporate such a significant amount of largely undeveloped land into the municipal boundary is a very rare and unique opportunity for Cranbrook. City planners are continually faced with the challenge of meeting the future needs of the community using limited land and are generally forced to make do with what is available to them. This has resulted in scattered, piecemeal development in other communities.

With a large-scale boundary extension, Cranbrook will be able to plan ahead and future generations will be able to participate in determining the best locations for residential communities, commercial sectors, public services and clean industrial development.