November 13 Council Highlights

From the meeting of November 13, 2019

Waste Wise Open House

Fraser Valley Regional District staff and local waste haulers will be on site at the Municipal Hall parking lot on Saturday, November 23 from 11 am to 2 pm to discuss the new regional waste sorting requirements that come into effect on April 1, 2020 as mandated by Provincial legislation.

Information will be available for residents and business owners. We invite you to see how the hauling trucks work, learn what can and cannot be composted and recycled. Come on out ready to learn and enjoy a free hot dog and drink. See www.bewastewise.com for more information about this event and to learn more about the new sorting requirements.

Dangers of Vaping

Dr. Alexandra Choi spoke before Council regarding health concerns related to vaping products and electronic cigarettes (e-cigs). When vaping devices were first introduced they were introduced as a healthier alternative to smoking, and now statistics are proving this to be a myth. The vapour clouds still contain carcinogenic irritants that have similar effects over long-term use similar to smoking traditional cigarettes, such as heart and lung disease.

Fraser Health will be hosting a community information meeting at the Agassiz High School library on Thursday, November 28 at 7:00 pm with health industry speakers and a panel presentation to discuss critical information related to vaping and e-cigarette concerns related to lung health.

CP Holiday Train Rolls In

The CP Holiday Train will be arriving in Agassiz on Monday, December 16.  The free annual event aims to raise food, money and awareness for local food banks, traveling across the country and hosting a live concert inside a boxcar. This year Terri Clark will be the musical talent as the train makes its stop across from the Agricultural Hall on Pioneer Avenue. Attendees are encouraged to bring healthy food donations or cash donations, as everything collected that evening will go directly to our local Agassiz Harrison Community Services food bank. CP Rail will match our contributions and the money stays directly in our community’s local food bank. Volunteers are always needed for this great event, contact Agassiz Harrison Community Services at 604-796-2585. Be sure to dress appropriately for this all-weather event!

Adoption Awareness Month

November was proclaimed Adoption Awareness Month in the District of Kent. The recognition supports those that have opened their homes and can encourage those that may be considering adoption now or in the future.

Many informative resources are available for current and future adoptive parents through the Adoptive Families Association of BC and the online portal Adopt BC Kids allows users to complete an adoption application 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Doors Now Open to Community Living Room

The Community Recreation & Cultural Centre (CRCC) is offering a new opportunity for residents to share and teach their skills, knowledge and abilities. The Community Living Room (the CRCC’s multi-purpose room) is provided for free to anyone looking to volunteer their talents, like teaching breadmaking or knitting, or to host informational workshops. The event must be free for others to attend (fees may be charged only for supply costs). If you are interested in hosting an event, contact the CRCC at 604-796-8891.

Magic of Christmas Returns

The Magic of Christmas is scheduled for Saturday, December 7 at Seabird Island gymnasium. This collaborative initiative is run in partnership with the District of Kent, Tourism Harrison (Village of Harrison Hot Springs), Seabird Island Band, Agassiz Library and Agassiz Harrison Community Services.

Council supported the program with a contribution of $500 to help with event costs. Attendees enjoy healthy snacks, face painting, arts and crafts, breakfast, gifts and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. Contact Agassiz Harrison Community Services at 604-796-2585 for more information.

Snow Fencing Pilot Project

Last year, Council approved a snow fencing pilot project in an effort to enhance safety from snow drifting and reduce snow plowing requirements along certain roadways. Due to the minimal amount of snow last year, the ability to test its effectiveness of the project was inconclusive.

This year, the snow fencing will be reinstalled along the routes as the original pilot project proposed.

Short Term Rental Bylaw Adopted

Council adopted the amendments to the zoning and business licencing bylaws (Bylaw No. 1622 and Bylaw No. 1485.03, respectively) in support of Short-Term Rental accommodation regulations.

The District will permit three kinds of short-term rentals for temporary lodging (28 days or less in duration) with the following definitions:

1. Short-term commercial accommodation (guest unit) use means the rental of a dwelling unit to where the dwelling unit is occupied as a principal residence, with the principal resident on site during the lodging period.
2. Short-term commercial accommodation (principal residence) use means the rental of a dwelling unit on a property occupied as a principal residence. The principal resident may or may not be on site during the lodging period.
3. Short-term commercial accommodation (non-principal residence) use means the rental of a dwelling unit on a property not occupied as a principal residence. The operator or responsible person may or may not be on site during the lodging period.

For further information on these regulations, please contact the Development Services department.