A Cranbrook community group is trying to convince people that an ambitious plan to double the size of the city in B.C.'s southeastern Interior is a bad idea.

The so-called Eastern Boundary Expansion plan would add about 3,640 hectares by incorporating some private and Crown land in hills east of town, effectively doubling the size of the city.

Cranbrook's Mayor Scott Manjak said most councillors want to see it happen soon.

"I personally think we need this to ensure the long-term growth of the land and planning of the land-base for the next generation of this community's future," Manjak told CBC News.

But some people in Cranbrook think their city is already too large and unwieldy, and that spreading out farther across the valley would push development in the wrong direction.

Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook are going door to door with a petition, hoping to get 10 per cent of voters to sign, so they can force city hall to hold a referendum.

The group's vice-president, Wayne Stetski, said the issue is too important not to allow voters to have their say.

"We really believe doubling the size of the city's boundaries is as important as a new library, the new Rec-Plex or getting a transit system, all of which went to referendum," said Stetski.

The group has until Aug. 27 to get 10 per cent of voters signed up to force a referendum on the expansion.