June 24 Council Highlights

From the meetings of June 24, 2019

Recognition for Emergency Support Services Team

Mayor Pranger presented a plaque from Emergency Management BC recognizing the support efforts of the Kent Harrison Emergency Support Services (ESS) team for their ongoing efforts during 2017.

2017 was an unprecedented wildfire season. It was so intense the Province was in a State of Emergency for 71 days from July 7 to September 15. This resulted in record levels of evacuations across BC, and a regional Reception Centre was opened in Chilliwack where the Kent Harrison ESS Team helped coordinate assistance with lodging, family reunification, emotional support, first aid and supporting emergency responders.

ESS Coordinator Pierre Groenenboom accepted the award on behalf of the team and shared that the group is always looking for more volunteers. Information about Emergency Support Services can be found at www.ess.bc.ca and applications for the Kent Harrison team are available at https://www.kentbc.ca/en/living-here/emergency-preparedness.aspx

2018 Annual Report

Council received the presentation of the 2018 Annual Report and approved the report.

The Annual Report contains reports from the District’s independent auditors and showcases projects by department that were completed in the year, along with goals and objectives for 2019 and 2020.

Mayor Pranger advised that the report is “not just financials, there are so many other materials that people would like to look at” and encouraged community members to read the 2018 Annual Report. Hard copies will be available at the reception desk at Municipal Hall, and at the Agassiz Library.

Trial for Childminding Services Coming to CRCC

The Community Recreation and Cultural Centre (CRCC) will be providing child minding services on a trial basis for three months beginning September 2019

Services will be provided between the hours of 8:15 am and 11:15 am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Parents will have an opportunity to work out at the facility for up to an hour and a half while a staff member supervises their little ones. This program is for children 0 to 5 years old and will be offered through December 2019, after which it will be evaluated for interest, attendance and participation.

For more information, contact Jennifer Thornton, Director of Community Services and Projects at 604-796-2235.

Local Doctor Still Accepting Patients

Doctor Nikki Cohen, a family doctor at the Agassiz Community Health Centre, is still accepting local patients into her practice. If you are in need of a general practitioner, or would like to have a doctor closer to home, register with the Patient Attachment Mechanism (PAM) or call 604-795-0034 to arrange a meet and greet.

The Walk-In Clinic hosted at the Agassiz Health Unit has extended its walk-in hours. Patients can now use the walk-in service on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

Phase 2 of Centennial Park Outdoor Fitness Circuit Approved

The outdoor fitness circuit in Centennial Park will be expanded as part of Phase 2 improvements to the outdoor space. Currently a 70 m trail of crushed gravel and three outdoor fitness equipment pieces have been installed near the horse ring and dog park. The expansion will include developing a 1.6 km crushed gravel trail around the park and seven more outdoor fitness equipment pieces. Waste receptacles, benches and trail signage will also be installed. 

Council previously approved $150,000 in the 2019 Capital Budget for the park upgrades, however a $20,000 grant received from the New Horizons funding stream has helped offset costs.

Stone of Remembrance Dedication Ceremony for Inspector Montague Fraser-White

A dedication ceremony of a Stone of Remembrance will be held at the Kent Municipal Cemetery for Inspector Montague Henry White-Fraser on Saturday, July 13 at 11:00 a.m.

It had been 90 years before Inspector White-Fraser was discovered buried next to his wife in the local cemetery with no grave marker. Community members worked together with the RCMP Veteran’s Association to properly recognize Mr. White-Fraser, and a headstone was received by the District in May earlier this year.

The ceremony will include presentations by Mr. Ric Hall of the Vancouver Division of the RCMP Veteran’s Associations, remarks from Mayor Pranger, Piper Sergeant Bruce Coulter will play “Lochober’s Lament” and the dedication will be conducted by RCMP Chaplain Jim Turner. Local members and veterans of the RCMP will also be in attendance and a light lunch will be served at the All-Saints Anglican Church.

Council agreed to support the event with funding to help offset the cost of food and beverages for the luncheon.

Two Hour Parking Limit Set in Public Parking Lot

To help patrons keep easy access to stores and businesses in the downtown, Council has set a two-hour parking limit in its public parking lot next to the Blue Dandelion/Cabin Fever Bakery and Kent Outdoors.

2019 Ride to Conquer Cancer Rolls through Agassiz

Participants in the 2019 Ride to Conquer Cancer will be cycling a 200 km journey from Cloverdale to Hope. On Sunday, August 25, a portion of that route will travel through Agassiz from approximately 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The route map will be identified with directional markers, and cyclists have been asked to travel single file and to obey the rules of the road. Motors are asked to be mindful of the cycling group and to share the road as required. More information is available at www.ride.conquercancer.ca