Over the years the residential areas were expanding with the addition of Richie Townsite and Lois Creek and wartime housing development in various parts of the town. This in turn meant the building of new schools and a new hospital, new sports facilities, new churches and many new retail businesses. Roads were paved, sidewalks installed, a sewerage treatment plant was constructed with sanitary and storm sewers to service the entire area. Modern street lighting was installed. Kimberley had grown up - but not without serious set backs.
The Company town had faced a flood in the spring of 1916 when Mark Creek took out the Company power house and a large
section of C.P.R. track between the Mine and the town. In 1919 it had almost been wiped out by a forest fire that turned
both the Sullivan and North Star hills above the town into an inferno. Fanned by gale force winds, flying embers were
carried over the town and every available person was put to work putting out spot fires. Many families moved to nearby
settlements and that night a special train was sent from Cranbrook to evacuate the town;
however, during the night the wind changed and by morning the danger was over.
Nature renewed its harsh treatment following incorporation. On May 25th, 1948, Mark Creek again went on the rampage, washing away homes along its banks and forcing the demolition of others. It formed a second course down Ross St. and the adjacent portion of Wallinger Ave. Newly laid sewer and water lines were left hanging in the air, and businesses along Wallinger were flooded.
The homeless and others in threatened areas were housed in huge tents erected where Pioneer Lodge stands today.
The young city survived this disaster, Mayor Swan reviving Kimberley's traditional Dominion Day celebrations for one year with all proceeds going to reimburse those who had lost their homes.
The polio epidemic of 1952 was another blow the young city survived, but it left many bereaved homes in its wake.
In 1968 the neighbouring villages of Chapman Camp and Marysville voted to amalgamate with Kimberley, thus greatly increasing the City's tax base.
In the late 1960's and early 70's another threat appeared. Fast growing Cranbrook attracted many Kimberley shoppers. The number of retirees was increasing and the Company hiring failed to increase perceptively due to mechanization. In 1973 several far-sighted citizens had an idea. They thought that Kimberley with its narrow streets and ideal winter climate would lend itself to a Bavarian theme. In a short two years the main business area became a Platzel with a stream and bridges, trees and gazebos. Businessmen and the City went all out to Bavarianize their buildings and the business area changed from a shabby, drab looking place to the beautiful Bavarian City of the Rockies. The North Star Ski area was expanded and modernized to accommodate the many skiers attracted to the area each winter. The beautiful Cominco Gardens became a sure tourist attraction in summer. July and February see annual `Fests staged, with a wide variety of entertainment resulting in an influx of visitors to participate in the generated excitement.
Tourism has become Kimberley's third industry and the mining camp of eighty years ago today plays host proudly to its thousands of annual visitors.
