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From the meeting of September 8, 2021
Mayor’s Update
Mayor Pranger attended the unveiling of the plaque at the Ranger Station Art Gallery to commemorate the significant artistic contributions Phyllis Stenson made to Harrison and Agassiz and well beyond. It was fitting to celebrate her life and her impact on our lives.
Thank you to all of the summer students who worked in the different departments at the District. I hope you also gained through this experience.
Best wishes to all the students in our District, I hope it’s a happy, healthy school year.
Along with other members of Council, Mayor Pranger celebrated the 125 Anniversary of the Anglican All Saints Church. It was a great service and a great time of fellowship over lunch.
Congratulations to the many residents of Agassiz who have done so many home renovations and yard improvements - including new trees. I am so impressed by the amount of work people have done. Thank you.
Support for “Fish Farms Out of Coastal Waters” Campaign
Council passed a motion to write a letter of support to remove open-net fish farms in coastal waters from migratory salmon routes.
The District received a request from the Council of Canadians advocating for “moving all open-net fish farms in coastal waters to closed-containment on land”, as well as “immediate financial support for all impacted net-pen workers and workers in dependent and related businesses to retrain and transition to sustainable jobs”.
As a result of this request, staff was directed to provide additional information on the issue. The staff report indicated that open-net fish farms have long been a source of controversy along the Pacific Coast, because of their well-documented impacts on wild salmon stocks. The Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River (2012) identified links between disease and parasitism outbreaks in commercial fish farms and similar outbreaks in nearby wild salmon stocks. Crowded pens of Atlantic salmon raised under these conditions can provide ideal breeding grounds for sea lice (amongst other parasites and viruses), which have often escaped to nearby wild salmon stocks.
Councillor Post pointed out the higher energy costs to run a closed containment land-based fish system as well as the discharge of fish wastewater can also be concerning.
To learn more about the Council of Canadians, visit their website at https://canadians.org/.
Mitigate Climate Change
Delegate Ms. Pauline Carey of Agassiz addressed Mayor and Council on the impact of mental health due to climate change.
As a clinical counsellor, Ms. Carey has seen an increase in mental health issues and added her support to the previous request to establish a Climate Action Advisory Committee.
Ms. Carey pointed out that improving what we already have by planting more trees, increasing nature trails, and providing opportunities for youth to get involved in community gardens can indirectly enhance the mental health of all residents.
Mayor Pranger thanked Ms. Carey for her presentation and highlighting the relationship between mental health and our environment.
Agricultural Plastics Recycling
Councillor Post noted that in partnering with CleanFarms (cleanfarms.ca), they were able to do an agricultural plastics pickup that was hauled to Edmonton where it will be recycled.
While not an ideal solution, this partnership offers the best solution for the present time and work on finding a long-term solution will continue.
Mayor Pranger applauded the work of the Agricultural Advisory Committee for their efforts in providing an environmentally sound solution to help ease the burden of additional waste to our landfills.
Agassiz-Harrison Museum Fundraiser
Councillor Schwichtenberg announced that tickets are now available for the Agassiz Harrison Historical Society “2021 All Beef Christmas Raffle” fundraiser.
Draw: Saturday, December 18th at 2:00 pm. Ticket: 5 for $20.00
1st Prize - Side of Beef ($1,800 value)
2nd Prize - Quarter of Beef ($900 value)
3rd Prize - Quarter of Beef ($900 value)
For tickets, contact the Agassiz-Harrison Museum at 604-796-3545.
Updates from Fraser Health
Councillor Spaeti reported that in the virtual Fraser Health CEO Update to Stakeholders meeting, a brief overview of Car 67 was given.
Car 67 is a mobile crisis response unit which responds to individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. It is a partnership between the Surrey RCMP and the Fraser Health Authority (Mental Health and Addiction Services). A uniform RCMP member and a clinical nurse specializing in mental health work together and respond to calls received involving emotional, mental health issues and situations involving domestic violence.
The Car 67 Program would benefit all communities as calls for mental health and substance abuse are rising in all municipalities. Currently it is serving the residents of Surrey, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen and First Nations.
Senior Housing Needs
Mayor Pranger, along with Councillor Spaeti met with representatives from the Agassiz-Harrison Senior Citizens Housing Society and Agassiz-Harrison Community Services. The District’s Housing Needs Assessment, current services that are offered regarding seniors and housing, and what needs to be improved on for our residents were the topics of discussion.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Mask Order
Council approved waiving the twenty percent administrative surcharge for recreation program and membership withdrawals so long as there are public access restrictions to our recreation facilities and services due to COVID-19.
Effective September 15, 2021, proof of one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination will be required for patrons 12 years and older to access the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre for some programs and activities.
Effective October 24, proof of 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccination will be required.
For more information, please contact the Community Recreation & Cultural Centre at 604-796-8891.
Ferny Coombe Pool Closed for the Season
The Ferny Coombe Pool has officially closed for the season.
Highlights of the summer include:
- 581 people participated in swimming lessons
- Increase in private and semi-private lessons
- Public swims remained popular and saw 671 participants.
- Pool parties also continued to be popular.
September officially brings the start of the Fall 2021 Leisure Guide. Operational hours for the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre will return to pre-COVID operations.
Monday to Friday: 6:15 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Statutory Holidays: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Agassiz Fall Fair
Councillor Post, along with Victoria Brookes will officially open the 117th Annual Agassiz Fall Fair at 11:00 am on the stage, Saturday, September 18th at the Agassiz Fairgrounds.
The Fair will be held on September 17th and 18th. For a list of events, visit the Agassiz Fall Fair and Corn Festival website at agassizfallfair.com.
Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge
In a response to the District’s letter regarding the Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge upgrades, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure noted the $90 million to construct sidewalks, install barriers and reinforce the bridge to support the added weight would require more analysis and extensive consultation with First Nations.
While the response was disappointing, Mayor and Council will continue to advocate for a safer bridge that enhances active transportation such as walking and cycling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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