November 25 Council Highlights

From the meeting of November 25, 2019

Contract Awarded for New Public Works Storage Building

Council awarded the construction of a new Public Works storage building to Bervin Construction Limited, in the amount of $274,000, scheduled to begin in December 2019.

The proposed building was designed in-house by District staff and is a 60’x100’ wood framed building including four large overhead doors, with potential to add onto the facility in the future.

The District has been planning for the construction of the new storage building at the District gravel pit to replace a damaged coverall building that was destroyed by high winds in 2018. The wooden structure will provide a permanent shelter for District equipment and supplies and is part of a phased approach to moving Public Works operations to the gravel pit property full time.

Scenic 7 Partnership Continues

Council approved the District’s ongoing participation in the Scenic 7 Marketing Partnership for 2020-2021 in the amount of $3,000.

The Scenic 7 website showcases unique opportunities and events along Highway 7, travelling through the six municipalities of Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Mission, Agassiz-Kent, Harrison Hot Springs and Hope. The partnership includes marketing initiatives including community-specific attractions, activities and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Participation in the second phase of the marketing partnership includes:

1. Updating the website;
2. Developing new video content;
3. Enhanced social media promotion; and
4. Printed itinerary sheets for Visitor Centre.

Pioneer Avenue Tree Maintenance

The large beech tree outside of Lordco Auto Parts on Pioneer Avenue received Council’s approval to be removed from its concrete planter.

It was identified by a certified arborist that the tree has outgrown its current container and soon its roots will begin to damage the planter box and potentially the surrounding paved area. In addition, the size of the beech tree is encroaching on the Lordco building and limiting visibility to the public parking lot between Lordco and Shoppers Drug Mart.

This tree removal will be similar to the beech tree removals that occurred at the planter boxes at the public parking lot next to Blue Dandelion, where staff beautified the boxes post tree removal by planting spring bulbs and summer annuals. Similar beautification will be applied at this location.

Other approved tree maintenance will include pruning and shaping trees in and along Centennial Park, Vimy Road, and the Aberdeen/McCaffrey boulevards.

Grant Application for Housing Needs Assessment

Council directed staff to apply to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) for a grant to complete the District of Kent 2020 Housing Needs Assessment (HAS).

In April 2019, the Local Government Act was amended to require local governments to collect data, analyze trends and prepare HSAs describing current and anticipated housing needs in their community by April 2022. These assessments help local governments identify existing and projected gaps in housing supply and help paint the picture of strategic land use planning within the community.

The District is eligible for the UBCM grant of up to $20,000, which would cover the base costs of the workplan submitted by Urban Matters. The subsidiary of Urban Systems was approved by Council as the consultant to undertake the Housing Needs Assessment within the District.

Council also supported an optional item offered by the consultant, Face to Face Interviews and/or Focus Groups in the amount of $6,500, to provide an opportunity for Urban Manners to conduct public engagement sessions with key interest groups such as First Nations, Community Services and the School Board. The Face to Face Interview option was supported as an opportunity to encourage greater transparent dialogue with community members and partners detailing their personal experiences related to housing needs, as surveys conducted by cold calling are unlikely to provide valuable feedback.

Kent 125 Celebration Corporate Logo Approved for Use

As the District prepares to celebrate its 125^th anniversary, a new corporate logo has been approved by Council for use on District related materials and property. Such uses would include letterhead, website and related web pages, Leisure Guide and the Back Page.

Council also gave permission for the Kent 125 Sub-Committee (an ad-hoc group reporting to the Parks, Recreation and Trails Committee) assisting with planning events and activities to celebrate the grand anniversary, to use this corporate logo on smaller promotional items as their logo is very large and loses its imagery when shrunk down.

Look for both logos throughout 2020 in recognition of the District’s 125^th anniversary!

Fundraising for Seabird Island Christmas Hampers

Seabird Island is accepting donations for their Christmas Hamper program. The community’s goal is to raise $30,000 to help provide food for meals and a small gift for each child for over 230 households.

Donations can be made anytime between now and December 19, 2019 and are eligible for charitable receipts. Sponsorship levels are also available, please contact Charlene Point for more information at 604-796-6813 or email charlenep@seabirdisland.ca.