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From the meeting of November 23, 2020
Message from the Mayor
“A reminder to all, wear masks in all public spaces indoors and continue with the other protocols.
Thank you to all the residents of the District who have stepped up to the plate to do their part to help try to bend the curve back down.
Stay safe, be kind and shop local.”
Housing Needs Assessment
In 2019, the Provincial Local Government Act was amended to require local governments to collect data, analyze trends and prepare Housing Needs Assessments (HNA) describing current and anticipated housing needs in their communities by April 2022.
HNAs are a way for local governments to better understand their current and future housing needs by helping to identify existing and projected gaps in housing supply through collecting and analyzing information regarding local demographics, economics, housing stock and other factors.
In a report by Urban Matters, some of the key findings were:
- The population in the District grew by 12% between 2006 and 2016. If the District continues growing in a similar manner as the past, the community will see an additional 508 households between 2016 and 2025.
- Compared to the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD), the District had more couples without children and on-census families in 2016. This corresponds with an older population and smaller household sizes.
- Average sales prices have nearly doubled for single-detached homes in the past 5 years, reaching $563,800 in 2019.
- As of 2020, there were 71 purpose-built rental units in the District. The number of purpose-built units has not increased over the past 10 years. The number of renter households is increasing at a faster rate compared to owner households.
- There were nine people counted in Agassiz-Harrison in the 2020 homeless count. Service providers indicated that couch surfing or living in cars is more common than visible homelessness. They indicated there are several households at risk of homelessness, who are relying on very low incomes and are precariously housed.
The full report can be found on our website: kentbc.ca/HNA/
Winter Night Lights
The 1st Annual Winter Night Lights is set to run from December 1st to 28th. Pioneer Park, Agassiz Harrison Museum and participating store fronts along Pioneer Avenue will be lit up with seasonal lights to commemorate the District’s 125th Anniversary. Residents are encouraged to visit with their immediate household only. For more information please see the events calendar on our website: kentbc.ca or call the CRCC at 604-796-8891.
Shop Local
During the Winter Night Lights, participating businesses will stay open later each Friday and Saturday evening from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, offering promotions and savings to shoppers.
The COVID-19 protocols highlighted include:
- One directional traffic through Pioneer Park;
- No group gatherings;
- 125th Anniversary masks available for purchase to wear while you shop;
- 125th Anniversary volunteers walking and enforcing safety measure along Pioneer Avenue on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Flood Risk Assessment & Mitigation Planning
Council awarded Northwest Hydraulic Consultants for engineering services for Flood Risk Assessment and Mitigation planning in the amount of $110, 292 plus GST.
Recent localized erosion concerns north of the east end of McDonald Road, had staff contacting Emergency Management BC regarding financial assistance for bank armoring. In order to be considered for funding, an engineered flood mitigation plan for structural works is required.
In September, the District was successful in their application for flood risk assessment and flood mitigation from the Community emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF). The District received grant funding for the project.
Pending the recommendations outlined in the flood mitigation plan, further research may involve:
- Additional engineering services, including more extensive structural design works or permit applications;
- Enhanced stakeholder engagement process; or
- Construction costs of structural remediations, if agreed to by CEPF.
BC Reconciliation Award
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia in partnership with the BC Achievement Foundation, has announced the launch of the British Columbia reconciliation Award, recognizing individuals, groups and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts.
The nomination process is open to any individuals and organizations of Indigenous and non-Indigenous identity who have shown exemplary dedication to asserting truth and reconciliation initiatives.
Visit the BC Achievement Foundation for information on how to nominate or apply along with important submission information and dates.
COVID-19 Updates
With the current Public Health Order on Province-wide restrictions, the Agassiz Harrison Museum has cancelled the Gourmet Breakfast event scheduled to take place from December 1st to 22nd at Tall Timbers Bed & Breakfast.
The tickets for the Holiday Raffle are now on sale and can be purchased at the Museum or from Agassiz Harrison Historical Society directors. Prizes include:
1st prize – Two draws - Side of Beef (ready in January 2021)
2nd prize – 1 night at the Sasquatch Inn for two + $50.00 gift certificate
3rd prize – “Evening for Two” Gift Basket
For more information on this event or to purchase tickets, please visit the Agassiz Harrison Museum or call: 604-796-3545 or agassizharrisonmuseum@shawbiz.ca
Councillor Spaeti’s report from the Community Leadership meeting includes a reminder from Dr. Satlter from Fraser Health and the Chilliwack Division of Family Practice. Doctors and staff continue to care for patients while staying safe. They are working hard to keep hospitals safe and the community informed with up to date with information. They are reminding everyone to help by washing their hands, wearing a mask and keeping your distance.
Fraser Health is now offering the “gargle test” to adults at all testing locations. Residents are reminded to self-isolate until your test results are received. More information on testing can be found at: fraserhealth.ca or by contacting your family physician, health care provider or the Fraser Valley Virtual Care Team at 1-800-314-0999 between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm seven days a week.
As social isolation is increasing, you are reminded to call your neighbours and the elderly. Just because we are physically maintaining our distance, it doesn’t mean we need to cut off all social interactions.
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