February 12, 2024 - Council Highlights

From the meeting held on February 12, 2024

Deputy Mayor’s Update

On January 23, 2024 Deputy Mayor Post attended the Community Futures North Fraser (CFNF) meeting. CFNF is a local, nonprofit organization funded through the Federal Government Pacific Economic Development Canada. Their mandate is to help local businesses get started, expand and be successful. Businesses in the area should check out their website for more information: northfraser.org

Deputy Mayor Post expressed condolences to the families of longtime residents Marilyn Struys, Lorraine Dinn and Ted Westlin. Mr. Westlin served on Council for the District of Kent from 1988 to 2008 and made countless contributions during his time on Council. His commitment didn’t stop there as he also made a difference as a teacher at Agassiz Elementary Secondary School and was actively involved in the District’s Drainage Committee until 2022. Mr. Westlin’s service will be on April 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. held at the Legion.

Tourism Harrison River Valley

Councillor Spaeti reported the following updates from the Tourism Harrison River Valley Board meeting on January 31, 2024: support for the CPKC Holiday Train beginning December, 2024 and a projected move-in date of late February for the new Sasquatch Museum.

Upcoming Events

The Follow Your Heart Concert and Silent Auction benefiting Variety Childrens Charity is happening on Saturday, February 19, 2024. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased on their website: tourismharrison.com/events/follow-your-heart-benefit-concert/

Cheam Vista Classical Concerts held their first concert of the year on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. The next concert is on Tuesday, March 5 with the Salish Sea Players. For more information, please visit:  cheamvistaclassicalconcerts.com/

UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund – Emergency Support Services Grant

Staff’s application to the 2024 Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) Emergency Support Service grant for up to $30,000 was unanimously approved by Council. The grant, if successful, will go towards the purchase of a new tandem axle trailer for storage and transport of emergency response items and more personal protective equipment including half mask respirators, replacement cartridges and winter gear. A portion of the grant will also help cover expenses for recognition awards and gifts for volunteers.

Award of ITT #2024-01 Chaplin Road Culvert Replacement

Chaplin Road will see a new culvert installed and funded entirely through the Union of British Columbia Municipality’s (UBCM) Community Emergency Preparedness Fund. The project, totaling $1,006,530.00, was awarded to Jake’s Construction Ltd. The culvert flows from the Maria Slough into the Fraser River underneath Chaplin Road and was identified as failing following a post-flooding impact report commissioned by Seabird Island Band. Project completion will depend on water levels, but the goal is to begin the work in late August, 2024.