Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Price says 2025 was a year of progress and planning for the city, despite ongoing challenges.
He explained that homelessness, housing, and crime remain key issues, particularly as Cranbrook serves as a regional centre with services for addiction and mental health.
“Certainly, 2025… our homeless population has increased slightly and, along with that, we have some issues with crime and housing,” Price said.
Despite these challenges, Price highlighted several accomplishments over the past year.
Council adopted a new official community plan (OCP) aimed at guiding the city’s growth and development for the next two decades.
“It’s a renewed vision guide to the city’s growth… it’ll deal with zoning and the direction of the city for the next two decades,” he said.
Price also pointed to progress on critical infrastructure projects, including approvals for the replacement of the 100-year-old Gold Creek Dam, the construction of the Phillips Reservoir UV Disinfection Facility, and the approval of the Phillips Reservoir Bypass Pipeline.
“These projects have been on the books for a number of years… taking them on now will provide an adequate water supply for years to come,” he said.
Housing and development also made significant strides.
Price noted that building permit values rose from roughly $37 million in 2024 to over $93 million in 2025, representing a 150 per cent increase over the previous record set in 2020.
“We’ve attracted a lot of development… we’re seeing the fruits of that this year and next year,” he said.
Young families are set to benefit from a new childcare centre currently in the early stages of development.
“The province awarded Cranbrook $13.5 million… it fully funds construction of the facility and creates 123 new daycare spaces,” Price said.
Other milestones included the demolition of the former Kootenay Springs building and the old Tudor House, which had long been under the city’s remediation orders.
“The Kootenay Springs site is under new ownership, and they plan to develop it after cleanup. The old Tudor House is now owned by the city, giving us flexibility for its future,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2026, Price said he is optimistic despite ongoing challenges.
“We’re a regional center… people from the region tend to migrate here. That’s going to be a problem for years to come. All we can do is manage from our side and work with senior government to minimize the impact on the public,” he said.
Price added he encourages residents to focus on the positives Cranbrook has to offer, including development, jobs, and services.
“I think Cranbrook right now is in a very positive position… look at the positivity that’s going on rather than the negative,” he said.
Mayor Wayne Price concluded by wishing residents a safe and happy holiday season.
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