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From the meeting held on September 11, 2023
Mayor’s Update
Mayor Pranger confirmed that Municipal Affairs Minister Anne Kang and Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Bowinn Ma continue to provide weekly updates to Mayors throughout the Province on the ongoing wildfire situation and drought. Mayor Pranger noted that it is helpful that everyone hears the same information from the Province at the same and that each region is getting the information they need and their questions answered in a timely manner.
On Saturday, August 26th, Mayor Pranger attended the Agassiz-Harrison Rod & Gun Club Youth Day. She underscored that safety is always the first priority of the club and that the event was very well run. The Mayor was also pleased to report that the club presented her with a cheque for $2,000, that will go towards the construction of the Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre. Thank you to the Agassiz-Harrison Rod & Gun Club for continuing to be a great community partner to the District!
Visit https://kentrange.ca/ for more information on the club or to see upcoming events.
Later that day, Mayor Pranger attended the Shrine of the Santo Niño de Cebu mass at St. Anthony’s Church, with over 2000 people in attendance. If you are curious about the shrine and its history, you can check out St. Anthony’s webpage: https://stanthonyagassiz.ca/the-shrine-of-the-santo-nino-de-cebu/ .
Climate Action Plan Delegation
Local resident, Ms. Diane Exley, requested that Council develop a climate action plan for the District. Ms. Exley outlined examples of climate objectives that other municipalities have adopted, including the reduction of greenhouse gasses, environmental mitigation, and the protection and enhancement of local ecosystems. She also cited Provincial and Federal programs that may be able to assist the District with the drafting of a climate action plan.
Mayor and Council thanked Ms. Exley for her presentation and agreed that there is still more work to be done. It was acknowledged that the District has undertaken several projects including solar panels on the Aberdeen building, a pilot program utilizing countertop food composting units, and ensuring that new residential construction has the capability of having electric vehicle charging station; however, these initiatives are not centralized or easily accessed by the public.
During New Business, Council discussed the topic further and resolved to task District staff with planning out the next steps to get a climate action plan underway and reporting back to Council.
Fir Road Remediation and Traffic Control
Councillor Post brought forward a recommendation from the Kent Agricultural Committee, requesting that Council look into improvements for Fir Road. The current condition of the road is described as “poor” and there are concerns that if the road is repaired, it would lead to other traffic issues such as speeding or impeding agricultural equipment working in the area.
Council agreed that it is a complex issue and approved the recommendation to have staff examine traffic control techniques for Fir Road, if and when the remediation occurs.
Agassiz-Harrison Museum and Visitor Centre Rail Caboose Update
Councillor Schwichtenberg provided an update on the restoration of the caboose at the Agassiz-Harrison Museum and Visitor Centre. The caboose has now been repainted and adorned with the official logo and colours. The project was entirely funded with the money raised from the Museum Fundraising Committee and the next phase is to upgrade/restore the interior of the caboose. Councillor Schwichtenberg specifically thanked TYCROP Manufacturing Ltd. for donating the paint and their head painter, Mr. Jason O’Brien, for providing the labour and expertise.
She also encouraged residents to continue to buy meat raffle tickets and support other fundraising events, as there are more projects on the horizon that require funding. You can view past and future fundraisers on the Agassiz-Harrison Museum and Visitor Centre website: https://agassizharrisonmuseum.org/events/
Kilby Heritage Site Improvements
Councillor Watchorn noted in his report that the Kilby Historical Society has made significant improvements to their site. He mentioned the new post and beam picnic structure, a gravel pathway from the campground to the picnic area, and signage that increases awareness of the wildlife and natural features of the area. Councillor Watchorn said that during his visit on September 3rd, Kilby was the busiest he’s ever seen and congratulates them on their efforts to increase the number of visitors and improve the experience for everyone.
For more information on the Kilby Historical Site or to plan your next visit, check out their website at: https://kilby.ca/.
Kilby signage, September 3, 2023. Photo courtesy of Stan Watchorn.
Schep Park Playground Resurfacing Update
Mayor Pranger provided an update on the resurfacing project for the Schep Park playground. She noted that the surface has been levelled and packed, with the Canadian Tire Stewardship mats ready to be placed. These rubberized mats will make the playground safer and more accessible for all children. Mayor Pranger also wanted to clarify that while the playground is still scheduled to be closed until October, the park itself is still open and that kids are still welcome to play in the greenspace and the sports court.
Kent-Harrison Senior Social Centre Society Grant Application
In an email sent to Council on September 5, 2023, the Kent-Harrison Senior Social Centre Society requested District support for their application to the New Horizons for Seniors Program grant. “The community-based stream of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grant that supports community-based projects that are designed by seniors for seniors. This program funds projects that empower seniors in their communities and contribute to improving their health and well-being.” – www.canada.ca
Council agreed to support the society’s application and noted that Friendship House, one of their main programs, is an integral part of the community. Mayor Pranger also cited that the cooling centre that Friendship House has hosted during recent heatwaves is an example of their partnership with the District.
You can visit the Friendship House Facebook page for more information on the programs they offer: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083134610175
Fraser Valley Conservancy Upcoming Events
Councillor Schwichtenberg brought attention to the next phase of the planting project between the District and the Fraser Valley Conservancy:
Haig Highway Work Party
Saturday, October 28th, 2023
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (or until they are finished)
Meeting near the intersection of Morrow Road and Haig Highway
https://fraservalleyconservancy.ca/event/haig-highway-fall-work-party/
Haig Highway Planting
Saturday, November 4th, 2023
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (or until they are finished)
Meeting near the intersection of Morrow Road and Haig Highway
https://fraservalleyconservancy.ca/event/haig-highway-planting/
2023 Fall Fair Reminder
The District also reminds residents that the 119th Fall Fair on 75th Corn Festival will be taking place a week later than usual, on September 22nd & 23rd. This year’s theme is “Olden Day to Modern Ways” and features a colouring contest, bale decorating contest, a parade that Saturday, and the Farmers’ Olympics! West Coast Amusements will be on site again this year to host the midway.
Check out the Agassiz Fall Fair and Corn Festival Facebook page for the latest information: https://www.facebook.com/AgassizFair
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