In front of a group of silent protesters from the BC Deer Protection Society, Kimberley City Council approved three recommendations from the city's Urban Deer Committee on Monday evening.
The first recommendation was that Kimberley undertake a limited cull of up to 15 deer in Marysville and up to 15 in the Blarchmont, Chapman Camp area. Council voted unanimously to go ahead with the cull with Councillors Albert Hoglund and Don McCormick absent.
Committee Chair Gary Glinz said that the committee arrived at the recommendation after this year's population counts were conducted a few weeks ago. He said when they looked at counts and complaints in the Blarchmont, Chapman Camp area, they grouped together, whereas in Marysville there weren't as many complaints but more deer were counted.
Secondly, Council voted to provide $2,000 to start up an education program in local schools.
Glinz said that the need for this arose because of some children being afraid of deer after close encounters.
"It indicates a missing piece," Glinz said. "To do it right we need someone who knows what they are doing. We want kids not afraid, but aware."
Glinz said a professional would be needed to deliver the program because the school board is careful about who they allow to speak to students.