Kimberley’s biggest fan

Early in the new year we asked Kimberley’s mayor, Ron McRae, about his history and his vision for Kimberley.

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Kimberley.

Where did you go for post-secondary education?

The University of Victoria, where I studied mainly history and sociology and some political science.

What was your first job and how old were you when you started working?

My first paid job was railway maintenance between Fort Steele and Skookumchuck, when I was 19. Back in those days we were called “gandy dancers.”

What kind of workplace challenge brings out the best in you?

Elected officials have to remember that their actions and decisions need to be taken in the best interests of their community. I like to be faced with activities, initiatives or projects that are meaningful for my community.

If your city were a person, what would you say is its dominant characteristic?

Resiliency. Kimberley continues to flourish in spite of the loss of a major employer, the Sullivan mine, after 100 years of generating an income stream into the city. Many other communities don’t survive that kind of event, but we are doing well.

Where might we find you on a Saturday night?

You would probably find me at home with my family. There’s also a good chance that we might be at a city function or just a private social function. I’m a little more socially involved now than I was before I became mayor, because I’m invited to attend lots of events.

As mayor, what would you like your legacy to be in your city?

I’d like Kimberley to truly be a good place to be. I think our renewed brand makes a true statement about how Kimberley has a unique breadth and depth to it that makes it different from many other communities.

Can you tell me how you’ve begun to achieve this?

We’re increasing engagement of the total demographic, in terms of valuing what Kimberley has to offer as a place to visit and to live. Rather than building Kimberley’s story around a single theme, we’re presenting Kimberley in a multi-dimensional way that reflects the diversity that exists here and the commitment of our community to Kimberley as a good place to be.