Love Local

Love Local Promotion

February: Join the Fraser River Lodge during the month of February for their Bed and Breakfast Special for $229.

March: Family fishing adventures! For the month of March, kids fish for FREE with participating adults!

FRASER RIVER LODGE

Terrill Scott | Local Writer

If you had been standing next to Anne and Frank Staiger when they decided to move the Fraser River Lodge to their current location in Agassiz, you might have heard something like “Perfect.” What was perfect was the view and availability to a river with some of the finest fishing in the world, on 18 private acres. It was a rustic paradise in fishing heaven! As I talked with Claudette Krahn, the events and fishing manager, I asked her what excited staff about working at Fraser River Lodge. “We all love seeing the reaction people have when they arrive, seeing the view, catching sight of the bison and just taking in the surroundings.”

Frank and Anne live locally and have 4 sons. As their family grew, the business grew too, becoming a destination for weddings, corporate events, international tourism, and staycations. They made these experiences memorable by offering unique adventures that ranged from fishing, of course, for salmon or the elusive sturgeon, or maybe some axe throwing or skeet shooting.

At Fraser River Lodge, they don’t take the beauty of their surroundings for granted, they showcase it. Us locals will recognize the silhouette of our cherished Mt. Cheam in their logo, and what better way to pay your respects to your town, than to hire the residents and use hometown products and services whenever possible. You will find a menu that has corn (we are the corn capital, after all!), locally grown Sweet Bell Peppers and delicious items from Farmhouse Natural Cheeses fresh from the farm just across town. While Fraser River Lodge may be international in its reputation, its roots are firmly planted in their small town. What impressed me too, was their desire to hire young people who are launching into their working lives. “It’s like a work-family,” Claudette explained.

As I listened to Claudette tell me about a strong community commitment, I couldn’t help but follow up by asking if she could name drop a little. I told her I once saw a Fraser River Lodge t-shirt on Parker Schnabel of TV’s Gold Rush fame, and asked if she might like to mention some other Hollywood types. “Val Kilmer visited … you know, Iceman from Top Gun. We’ve had people from the White House, Russian politicians, and we almost had Justin Trudeau. But that’s when travel changed, so he didn’t come. We have had lots of NHLers too, who come to participate in the Ladd Foundation Fundraiser, and they are a fun group!”

While the famous and infamous discover the Lodge, Frank and Anne want to make sure that every resident in the surrounding area knows that this is a place for them too. The staycation is becoming increasingly popular for many reasons. It might not be Mexico, but once you’ve tried the Fraser River Lodge, they hope it will warm your heart instead.

There is a pride of place that Fraser River Lodge has as an Agassiz business. In doing business, they also bring business. Claudette outlined how guests add to local revenue, describing how staff at the Lodge are expert at directing guests to local shops, events, golfing possibilities, and many other amenities nearby, such as driving down the road for fresh tulips at the Flower Stand on Tranmer Road.

The Staigers have plans for the future too. They are building 6 more luxury suites complete with hot tubs. They will continue to offer a variety of guided fishing trips and the best in service. Consider this their invitation to neighbours to come on by. After all, who doesn’t want a great fish story of their own? 

7984 McDonald Road S. 

Agassiz, BC V0M 1A2

(604) 796-1210

fraserriverlodge.com

Love Local Promotions

February & March:

During February and March, The Happy Prospector is offering 20% savings on selected store items.

THE HAPPY PROSPECTOR

Terrill Scott | Local Writer

If you have ever picked up a rock and put it in your pocket, then you will love going into the Happy Prospector. Wall to wall, and floor to ceiling, you’ll see rocks and gems of all colours, sizes and textures. I guarantee you’ll find yourself saying ‘WOW’ out loud when you walk in the door.

The Happy Prospector is a one-of-a-kind store, hugging the corner of McCallum and Hot Springs Road, and has been a landmark on the corner of Hot Springs and McCallum Road for 46 years. Of those, Jody Courtorielle has owned the shop for the last 16. It isn’t everyone who just up and decides to buy a store that has a prospector for a logo, and is full of rocks, but when Jody put the question out to the universe, the answer was “Yes”. From that point on, she worked to build the business and provide fascinating and artistic items for sale. Being the owner/operator of a store on her own keeps Jody very busy, but she is pleased to have the assistance of her 15-year-old son, who can be seen helping out with any variety of tasks.

A child-sized thunder egg might catch your attention as you enter The Happy Prospector and you can’t help but scan the cases and the rainbow of strings of gems along every wall. The fact that Jody herself is a rock hound, adds that extra something to a visit to the shop. Her knowledge and passion make a stop at the shop, more than a shopping trip. While everything is for sale, I couldn’t help but thinking that this store, with it’s newly renovated surroundings, also felt like you are spending time in a gallery. Customers worldwide have visited here, allowing Jody to share the wares she takes such pride in, in her lovely little corner of the Fraser Valley. Jody spoke of how appreciative and proud she is of Agassiz, the community in which she lives and does business. She says she feels the support in many ways from locals who enjoy The Happy Prospector.

Part of how she gives back is staying connected by using social media to make sure local customers, old and new, can view the shop. As well as her gems and stones, over 50 local artists provide handcrafted art to be displayed and available for sale at the shop. Among this collection, you will find exquisite jewellery, carvings, wall art, and even chainsaw creations. Jody’s support of local artists is another way of giving back to the community too, as it can be challenging for our creative neighbours to sell their work. I know one of the many things I enjoy about a visit to the Happy Prospector is that there is fascination for everyone. I always loved taking my grandkids in, watching their fascination with what could be picked out of the earth.

Like all businesses, The Happy Prospector has had to adapt to the times. Jody has found an additional “storefront” with her Facebook video shopping deals. I passed some time on a gray afternoon watching one of her shopping events and looking at her pieces made me feel the same anticipation I get when I’m on the banks of the Fraser River hunting for agates! The doors of The Happy Prospector are open all year round, but these days, Jody suggests a phone call before you head over. It’s just up the road from Harrison Happy Hens Vending Machine, and hitting up these two spots is an outing I highly recommend. “Friend” The Happy Prospector on Facebook so you can stay in touch with events. I suggest a personal visit soon, though, as it’s a great place for a gift, or some retail therapy for yourself. You deserve a visit to the Happy Prospector, the gold standard in local shopping.

3005 Hot Springs Road

Agassiz, BC V0M 1A1

(604) 796-3118

happyprospector.ca

 Love Local Promotion

February & March: During the months of February and March, register for one of our Winter 2021 recreation programs and get the second program registration for 50% off!

 A two-decade relationship is pretty special and the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre (affectionately known as the CRCC) is celebrating its 20 year anniversary with Agassiz. While the classic gift for this might be china, it’s clear that the community has been served up something wonderful. Skylar Gormley, the Assistant Manager of Community Services and Projects for the District of Kent, was proud to talk about the CCRC. “I was born and raised in Agassiz and it’s a privilege to be able to work in a place that is home to me and where there is such strong community feelings.” The CRCC’s list of services includes: fitness classes, weight room, special events, and recreational programming. I’ve seen Agassiz growing steadily over the past decades and like any organization, the Rec Centre has had to keep up by offering activities that are available year to year, and that reflect the interests of residents. The catalogue of programs constantly updates to provide a place that all ages can play and learn.

As a user of the Rec Centre, I am always impressed at how much goes on here, and I make sure I have a copy of the Leisure Guide. It’s exciting to see what’s still “in”, and what newly creative programs are being offered up. Fortunately, the Guide is online at the District of Kent website too.

When I asked what makes programs at the Rec Centre designed for Agassiz, I was told that local experts facilitate them when possible. People love learning from their neighbours who have knowledge and skills to share. Who wouldn’t want to do yoga with Mike, or learn gardening from Trudy! As well, I can easily see what makes the Rec Centre a local hub, showing it’s community connections by displaying local art, organizing the annual Canada Day event and being a core participant of Storytime in the Park, to name just a few. What you might not know, is that the CRCC makes sure that if for any reason personal finances are an obstacle to participating, there is the Economic Access Program that provides help. Because this is how we do it in Agassiz! I couldn’t resist asking Skylar about any brushes with fame in our little town, and before I could take a breath, he said, “The Sedins!” As a beneficiary of funds from the Sedin Family Foundation, Agassiz locals got to spend some up-close-and-personal time, with Henrik and Daniel. The impact of that gift proved to be a motivation for Agassiz to keep moving towards a healthy and happy community that looks after itself. Going forward, there are always more wishes. An indoor pool is on the list. Recently started is the referral program, rewarding regulars who share the good times at the Rec Centre with newbies. Just like the cornfields surrounding the grounds that the Rec Centre sits on, it grows every year. Follow the District of Kent Community Recreation and Cultural Centre on Facebook to keep up, but I suggest you make a point of trying out a program in person. There really is something for everyone in our hometown.

 Love Local Promotion

February & March: During the month of February and March, Harrison Lavender is offering a free bottle of lavender hydrosol ($6 value) to everyone who spends $25 or more in their farm store.

There are a couple of ways to get to Harrison Lavender, however, when you find yourself driving up to a grove of bushy little domes, you know you have arrived.

After a feeling of amazement and a closer look, in reality, what I saw was a field of well-pruned lavender bushes.

Owner/farmer Pavel Palovic welcomed me into the shop, and the aroma immediately relaxed my weather-tense muscles. The shelves carried lovely rows of salves, oils, potpourri, salts and candles. As a lavender-believer, I felt the effects of the winter wind melt away as I looked around.

Pavel and his wife Zuzana were busy business people in Vancouver, and when they decided it was time to downsize, they spent time and miles looking around BC for the right place to resettle. When they took a drive to Agassiz, Pavel explained, “I was trading the air conditioning and sky lines of buildings in the city for fresh air and mountains.” Becoming owners of a home in the country, they realized that they were not ready for complete retirement. After some research, it was decided a lavender farm would be perfect. When I asked Pavel what made them decide to become growers of purple, flowering plants, he told me, “The world has become a very high tech environment and people want a break from that. Lavender is a calming plant and visiting the farm where it grows, offers a completely different experience. People want to be out in nature.” As for Pavel, there is nothing more enjoyable to him than being outside, getting his hands dirty amongst the lavender. He walked me through the shop, too, with its intricate distillation equipment and the beautiful bottles of lavender concoctions. I could see right away that it was truly a field to shelf business. The Palovic’s are enjoying becoming part of the local community with Spring and Summer bringing more opportunities for locals to get to know them as they are just a hop down the road from the Fresh Flower Stand on Golf Rd. and up the road from the EarthWise Veggie Stand. Harrison Lavender is a member of the Harrison-Agassiz Chamber of Commerce, proud to use local businesses whenever possible. As part of the Agassiz/Harrison Mills Self-Guided Circle Farm Tour, they are committed to the beauty and neighbourliness that come naturally to Agassiz and Harrison residents.

As Harrison Lavender grows, Pavel hopes to bring beekeeping to the farm and increase the products he currently offers, such as infused honey and apple cider vinegar. Most of all, he wants residents to see what nature provides, and experience the process of making their nontoxic products. Being new to the business community, it has not yet had any viral moments. What I believe, though, is this is the kind of place you’ll want to go to avoid the viral moments we are all confronted with. Follow them on Facebook @harrisonlavender, Instagram @harrison.lavender and visit their website to stay informed. They are open for business on weekends, so be calm, visit Harrison Lavender. 

3777 Wildwood Drive

Agassiz, BC V0M 1A3

(778) 985-1039

harrisonlavender.com

 Love Local Promotion

February: During the month of February, The Farm House Natural Cheeses is offering cow's milk heart-shaped brie for $6, or goat's milk heart-shaped brie for $7. Limit one per customer.

There is nothing like driving down a country road, and seeing a grassy, green field with a little herd of cows and goats. It’s even better when you can pull into their driveway, and buy food made from the milk of those happy animals. That is the scenario at Farm House Natural Cheeses, a hard left just before Striker’s Corner onto McCallum Rd. You’ll pass the roadside Egg Shed and before long, you’ll come to the Farm House’s store.

Happy animals and homemade cheese has always been the way since founder Deb Amrein-Boyes first started Farm House Natural Cheeses. Deb was a Swiss trained cheese maker who ultimately produced award-winning products. When she decided to move on, she passed the torch to new owner, Ryan Bilkes. From a cheese maker to a cheese lover! Ryan has kept the staff, core values and standards at the same exceptional level as the previous owners. Office manager Dana Dinn stated, “It’s like a family here. Everyone is passionate about what they do.”

Farm House Natural Cheeses is a farm to table business. There is a delightful shop that sells dairy products, crafted on the farm from the milk of animals that feed on the grass surrounding the house and shop. You’ll enter the comfortably cool store and see cases of hard, soft and artisan cheeses. The shop also has yogurt, butter and milk and a mini gift emporium. If you want to impress the kids, or the seniors, or anyone actually, treat them to a refreshing gelato and take them out to the field to meet the goats.

I asked Dana, what makes Farm House products special. “The cheese is handmade and as for our milk, the cream rises to the top,” she told me a little philosophically. Smiling, she continued, “You have to shake the milk. It’s pasteurized, but not homogenized, so you have to mix the creaminess in yourself. As well, we don’t use any additives. It’s just milk.”

With such a fine reputation in the cheese-making world I suggested that there must be some viral moments she could pass along. As a long-time employee of Farm House Natural Cheeses, it was pretty easy for her to pull a couple ideas out of her memory. “We sent some of our cheese to Kelowna during the Commonwealth Tour of Prince William and Kate. They enjoyed it at the Mission Hill Winery, I heard.” She told us about their really big moment however, in 2014 when their cloth-wrapped cheddar was named Best Cheese in BC and Best Cheddar in Canada at the Canadian Cheese Awards.

When I asked what the future holds for Farm House Natural Cheeses, Dana told us that the tradition of handmade products will continue, adding some items to their offerings. Maybe ice cream? As well, Dana sees them increasing collaborations with local business and promoting the learning opportunities for all who want to know more about real food. Follow them on Facebook @farmhousenaturalcheses and Instagram #farmhousenaturalcheeses for information on their activities and for cute goat pictures!

5634 McCallum Road

Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0

(604) 796-8741

farmhousecheeses.com

Love Local Promotion

February & March: This spring enjoy a 2 for 1 admission during the months of April, May and June 2021. Limit one 2 for 1 admission per household. Present this promotion at admissions.

It’s not long, but it is a winding road up and over Mount Woodside to get to the Kilby Historic Site in Harrison Mills. I’ve always enjoyed visiting Kilby because it is like walking back in time. This is what Program Director Chris Linton likes too. One of the first things she told me was how special it was for 90% of the collection to be authentic, saying, “Kilby is living history and I want to make sure that the programs we do are accurate and historically informed.” Those programs attract people of all ages like seniors enjoying memories, families who want to experience “the olden days”, history buffs and students.

In addition to a walk through time, visitors can enjoy the delightful Café, and the Gift Shop that has a fascinating selection of items, both local and eclectic. As well as being able to wander the barns, and talking to a farm hand, visitors can go into the General Store, and chat with the clerk, or have a look into the Post Office to see the gadgets which are a far cry from email! As well, you might become part of a wedding re-enactment, cheer the competitors at a black powder shoot, attend an ice cream social, or experience Halloween and Christmas celebrations as they once were.

Whenever I walk the grounds at Kilby, it is easy to look around and imagine the past with the General Store on stilts, from a time when the river flooded regularly, where First Nations people fished nearby, and gold miners, fur traders and loggers were a common sight in Harrison Mills. Schools access local history, and it is natural that local students find a summer job there. As well, the farm animals board out over the winter months at local farms. In the past, visitors might have stayed at the Manchester Hotel that shares the building with the General Store, but now people can rough it in their own way at the Kilby Park campsite.

Chris is excited to keep the bygone days alive, especially in this history-crazy town. With a smile in her voice she told me, “We have programs that change all the time and I think people might find that a visit here is like being in a reality TV show.” And Kilby has had its brush with fame. If you were to watch the Prime TV show, “The Man in the High Castle”, you would notice that in Episode 1 of

Season 2 of you’d catch yourself suddenly sitting bolt upright and saying, “Hey, that’s Kilby!” Yes, we are Hollywood North.

Check out Kilby Historic Site online at kilby.ca or follow it on Instagram @Kilbyhistoricsite. You don’t want to miss a thing.

215 kilby Road

Harrison Mills, BC V0M 1L0

(604) 796-9576

Kilby.ca

Love Local Promotion

February 10 - February 20:

Museum Exhibit - Celebrate the Year of the Ox! Learn the significance of the Chinese / Lunar New Year, what the Year of the Ox will hold for us, the secret behind firecrackers, why the dragon dances and more.

Museum Exhibit - Experience Heritage Week. Explore the divers cultural heritage of the Agassiz area by viewing the new museum exhibits.

February 10 - February 26: Art Installation - Join us for "Small Works 2020". A group exhibition of works in a variety of media all in a 10" x 10" format. Courtesy of the Kent Harrison Arts Council.

Local-Motive Museum Gift Shop is open featuring local arts and crafts, handmade items including Country Fresh Jam and indigenous artists and merchandise.

You might have heard this line out of the mouths of children: “Tell me about when you were little.” Adults too, are fascinated by what-used-to-be and we have the Agassiz-Harrison Museum to show us.

I met with Manager/Curator Charlotte Murray and one of the Directors of the Agassiz- Harrison Historical Society, Bev Kennedy, to get some history on our history. The legacy of the Museum building lives in the recent memory of our townsfolk. It started as an idea of the Harrison Lake Historical Society, had its first display in a basement room at the District of Kent Municipal Hall, and eventually found permanency in the heritage CPR station. It had an eventful journey, quite literally, as it was moved across the train tracks to the Research Station, back again, finding it’s forever home at the west end of the uptown treasure that is Pioneer Park. The Agassiz-Harrison Historical Society owns the Museum, it sits on land owned by the District of Kent and is operated by staff and local volunteers who are members of the Historical Society. Charlotte expressed her admiration saying, “The dedication of the Directors of the Society and the commitment of the volunteers is second to none.” As well, the Museum has relied on the community, using local businesses over the years for its upkeep and expansion. In turn, it provides an excellent place to explore our past.

The displays in the Museum are fascinating, but it also houses archives of photos, documents and newspapers they keep available to the public. In addition, there are programs and partnerships with other community organizations. Sharing space inside with the Agassiz Tourist Information Centre, is the Local-Motion Gift Shop, which is proud to carry handcrafted creations by local artisans.

Director Bev Kennedy, who is a self confessed museum groupie, has long been involved in the preservation of local history and told me, “The museum is known as a community landmark.” Personally, I have seen how active the Museum is offering speakers series, book launches, hosting space for the Farmers Market and providing workshop space. I have been to many museums in BC and I truly believe, objective opinion here, that ours is one of the best.

When I asked Charlotte what she wants locals to know about the Museum, she emphatically told me, “If you have been to the museum once, don’t think that’s it. There is change happening all the time to enhance the stories of our past.”

As for a plan, Charlotte wants to continue collecting for the future and added that they are expanding programming to connect local history with school curriculums. As for Bev she has dreams of digitizing all the documents, photos and newspapers, preserving the past for future generations.

Follow the museum on Facebook @Agassiz-Harrison-Museum, or visit their website for full information. While it may not be a walk on the wild side, take a stroll through the past at the Agassiz-Harrison Museum. It’s pretty groovy.

7011 Pioneer Avenue

Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0

(604) 796-3545

agassizharrisonmuseum.org

 Love Local Promotion

February & March: In celebration of the Love Local campaign, visit the store to enter their draw for a $150.00 Back Porch Gift Basket!

Picture sitting on a back porch, sipping a cup of coffee and gazing at the peace and beauty around you. That is very close to reality at The Back Porch Coffee. This was, and still is, Dan Laurenson and Lynda Scobie’s life.

Linda has been a well-known potter and basket weaver in the area for many years. Dan worked as a faller in the forest industry. The day came when Dan wanted to change his career path and since he loved a really good cuppa, becoming a coffee roaster seemed a natural leap for him! It was a perfect pairing – baskets and coffee – and 20 years later, they are still going strong.

Since making their passion of pottery and drinking delicious coffee is their livelihood, Dan and Lynda have welcomed locals and tourists onto their property and into their life. “We see lots of regulars,” Lynda told me. “People tell me they make dropping by to pick up their coffee part of their shopping trip.” Walking around the property is a treat, and you can’t help but feel your blood pressure come down. There are all kinds of Canadiana collectibles and antiques to be found. Lynda’s pottery shed has an ever-changing selection of pieces. Even the chickens are mellow. The pottery shed is attached to the roastery, and it is the epicentre of laid back. Leaning on the wooden wall, Dan remarked “People feel comfortable talking about anything here. I feel a bit like a bartender!”

Chatting with them, I can see that they live and work with a very personal connection to their surroundings and the people that come their way. Dan and Lynda have always hired local, and are pleased to still have their daughter Jasmine as part of the team. They’ve always used in-town services, an easy choice, as they have felt so supported by their community and local government. The Back Porch never forgets its locals and offers a rewards card for repeat customers.

I was keen to hear if pottery and coffee attracted any brushes with fame and they looked at each other and conferred about “that lady”. Together, they described the day that three shiny, black limousines pulled onto their property. An entourage of sharp-dressed men got out, surrounding a woman. All of them walking towards the pottery/roastery building. Dan and Lynda described the lady as very well put together and quite beautiful. I nearly cut them off, asking, who was it? It seems the Minister of Tourism of Thailand made a point of visiting The Back Porch to see how business is done in a small, rural town. And yes, she bought coffee.

As for plans for the future, in their typical laid-back style, Dan and Lynda will go with the flow and see what their future brings to their life and the business.

Keep up with them on Facebook, @back-porch-coffee as they are now open for business. Stop by soon, and relax, be like Dan and Lynda.

6116 Golf Road

Agassiz, BC V0M 1A3

(604) 796-9871