April 28, 2025 - Council Highlights

From the meeting held on April 28, 2025

Mayor's Report

April 20 – 26, 2025 is declared Prevention of Violence Against Women Week in the Province of BC. Gender-based violence is pervasive: four in ten Canadian women have experience violence. VictimLinkBC is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service available across B.C. and the Yukon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be accessed by calling or texting 1-800-563-0808 or sending an email to 211-VictimLinkBC@uwbc.ca. It provides information and referral services to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence, including victims of human trafficking exploited for labour or sexual services.

On Sunday, April 27, Mayor Pranger attended the Residential School Memorial Gazebo Opening Ceremony at Xwchíyò:m.

“The Residential School Memorial Gazebo is truly an impressive tribute. The roof, shaped like a cedar hat, is a beautiful reflection of Indigenous culture, and the big, sturdy posts that hold it up speak to the strength and resilience of our Indigenous communities. It's a place for all of us to come together, reflect, and remember.” – Mayor Sylvia Pranger

Councillor Watchorn suggested that Council observe a solemn moment of silence to honour the victims of the tragic events that unfolded at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver. This moment was a time for reflection, offering condolences to those affected and acknowledging the deep loss those have suffered.

Special (Open) Meeting

During the Special Meeting, the audit findings report for the year ended December 31, 2024 was presented and approved by Council as prepared by KPMG LLP. Presentation material is included in the agenda which can be viewed on our website here.

Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP)

The District is advancing local climate action initiatives with funding from the Provincial Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP). This funding supports projects aligned with the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, including a Climate Action Plan, tree planting initiatives, fleet electrification, energy-efficient building upgrades, and climate-resilient infrastructure improvements. The District is also launching a Community Stewardship Fund to help residents and local groups implement nature-based projects. These efforts aim to reduce emissions, adapt to climate impacts, and support a more sustainable future.

Applications for the Community Stewardship Fund will open on May 1, 2025. Full details regarding the application process, eligibility criteria and funding opportunities will be available on our website at www.kentbc.ca. Questions regarding the Community Stewardship Fund, please contact the Senior Environmental Coordinator at 604-796-2235.

Seabird Island Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women March (MMIW)

On May 5, 2025, Seabird Island Band will host a March in Honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) along Pioneer Avenue. Participants will gather at the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre around 1:00 p.m., with the march beginning at 1:30 p.m. Temporary road closures, including a brief closure of Highway 9, will be in place for participant safety.

To support this important event, Council unanimously voted to waive all fees related to the march. For more details on this event please see: https://www.seabirdisland.ca/red-dress-gathering-update-may-5-2025/

Harrison Highlands Play Structure Ribbon Cutting

The District will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Harrison Highlands Play Structure on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. This public event celebrates the completion of the park's first phase and will feature information boards showcasing plans for future phases. Residents are invited to attend, enjoy the new space, and learn more about the park's ongoing development. For details, please visit our website.

FireSmart Pick Up Truck and FireSmart Saturday

Fire Chief Basten provided an update as to the Agassiz Fire Department’s onboarding of a FireSmart Coordinator, which is a two-year term based on a fully funded grant. Under this grant program, Council approved a two-year lease for a Ford Ranger pickup truck to support the FireSmart Coordinator position.

May 3, 2025 is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day which is a national program by FireSmart™ Canada that encourages everyone to increase resilience to wildfire for their homes, neighbourhoods, and communities. This day also marks the first FireSmart Saturday in the District of Kent. The event is taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre, 6800 Pioneer Avenue. Bring the family, and learn how to FireSmart your home and property, watch live demonstrations, see wildland firefighting equipment, and enjoy a free barbecue! More information on the event is available here.