August 17 2026 - Council Highlights

From the meeting held on August 17, 2026

Mayor’s Report

August 7 Mayor Pranger and Councillors Spaeti, Schwichtenberg, and Watchorn attended the Ultimate Pool Party and Barn Dance, a fundraiser for the Lets’emot Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre. Mayor Pranger noted the event was full of good food and good people, she also expressed her thanks to the event organizers (Councillor Spaeti, Councillor Schwichtenberg, Becci Corder, and Suzi Inkman).

Mayor Pranger highlighted the fundraising efforts of the Chilliwack Hospital Foundation in supporting capital projects that Fraser Health is unable to provide. The next fundraising event is the Granting Wishes Gala on September 26. To learn more about this event, and how each ticket will help fund essential medical equipment that directly supports patients, families, and care teams in the Chilliwack community, be sure to visit: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/2026-granting-wishes-gala

Council’s Report

Councillor Post reflected on his recent visit to the Ferny Coombe Pool and noted that the facility has served the community well for over 48 years but is now showing its age. He encouraged residents to visit the facility before the end of August as this is its final season.

Councillor Schwichtenberg highlighted the extraordinary work of the volunteers at the Agassiz Harrison Museum, which has kept the Museum running for forty years. On August 15 the museum celebrated its 40th birthday, showing the testament to what just a handful of people can accomplish in our community. To see more Museum events visit: https://www.agassizharrisonmuseum.org/community-events

World Suicide Prevention Day – Proclamation

Mayor and Council have officially declared September 10, 2026 as World Suicide Prevention Day in the District of Kent. Take time on this day to help reduce stigma around suicide and encourage open conversations. Changing the narrative on suicide is

about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support. Every chat, no matter how small, builds a more supportive and understanding society. Together, we can make a difference and prioritize suicide prevention, ensuring everyone gets the help they need.

If you would like to learn more about the resources available to help prevent suicide, please visit the link here: https://suicideprevention.ca/events/world-suicide-prevention-day/

Literacy is Life - Proclamation

September has been proclaimed as Literacy Month by Mayor and Council in the District of Kent. Agassiz-Harrison Community Services with the support of the Agassiz Branch of the Fraser Valley Regional Library, are campaigning to raise awareness of the importance of literacy for all British Columbians. This province-wide campaign, held each September, has three goals: to raise awareness of the importance of literacy for all British Columbians, to raise awareness about community-based resources, and to raise funds to support community-based literacy programs, initiatives, and organizations.

For more information about youth and adult literacy programs, contact Agassiz-Harrison Community Services at literacy@agassizcs.ca.

Proposed Non-Farm Use – 1540 Lougheed Highway

After careful consideration, Council unanimously approved forwarding the proposed non-farm use application for 1540 Lougheed Highway to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) for consideration. The proposal is to permit a farm and logging operation. The construction of a shop building on approximately 0.35 ha portion of the property will service farm and logging equipment for the property owner. It was noted by Council that the proposed location would not impact the current hay production, the applicant’s commitment to undertake agricultural land offsets either on the property or on adjacent properties. There is a sense of urgency to find a solution for the applicant who are currently operating under a temporary use permit at another location. If the application is approved by the ALC, parameters to the non-farm use may be set by the ALC or by Council through the rezoning or development permit processes.

Response to the Village of Harrison Hot Springs

Council unanimously approved Mayor Pranger’s response to the letter dated July 24, 2026 from Mayor Talen of the Village of Harrison Hot Springs.

“Dear Mayor Talen: 

Re: Lets'emot Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre Regional Partnership

Thank you for your letter dated July 24, 2026 regarding the Lets'emot Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre.

As you know, we have been working with your Council for more than 6 years on this proposed arrangement to partner on the new aquatic centre. Our meetings show that we have involved Village of Harrison Hot Springs Council from the start with the pool and encouraged Harrison Hot Springs to engage the public to approve a financial model through a public Referendum or Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to seek a public resolution of approval for the project.

On July 6, 2026, Council directed our CAO and staff to release all In-Camera meeting conversations with the Village of Harrison Hot Springs with respect to the Lets'emot Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre. The minutes of those meetings reflect the collaboration efforts of the District of Kent attempting to work out the capital contribution and operational costs of the pool with the Village of Harrison Hot Springs throughout the years to form a partnership. For $1.85 million your community would have total access to a brand new $26 million facility, just minutes away. I would say this is a pretty good windfall for your community.

Your letter dated June 10, 2026, sums up your Council's funding priority on our aquatic centre, and once again, no public engagement process until after the election. We, as District Council have no choice but to proceed with increasing non-resident user fees to cover-off and offset our taxpayers subsidizing public recreation facilities for your municipality. 

We will be happy to adjust or rescind our non-resident fees when the Village of Harrison Hot Springs comes up with an equitable financial plan to share capital contributions and operating funds for the new Lets'emot Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre.

We would be pleased to provide your Council with a private tour of our new facility to see what you are contributing towards.

Regards,

Sylvia Pranger

Mayor”

Upcoming Events:

1)    The Last Swim - A Formal Sendoff – Sunday August 30, starting at 7:00 pm (6820 Pioneer Ave)

For 48 years, Ferny Coombe Pool has been a place for summer days, swimming lessons, competitions, friendships, family memories and countless cannonballs.

Join us for The Last Swim, a special evening celebrating the history of Ferny Coombe Pool and the generations of people who have made it part of our community. Every ticket purchased will be entered into a draw to be the last ever swimmer in the Ferny Coombe Pool!

Tickets are $25 per person ($80 for a family of four) and can be purchased from the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre (6660 Pioneer Ave), snacks and beverages are included with your ticket.

2)    End of Ferny Splash – Friday August 28, 1:00 – 4:00 pm (6820 Pioneer Ave)

Join us for End of Ferny Splash, a farewell celebration for the Ferny Coombe Pool. This special event also supports fundraising efforts for the new Lets'emot Regional Recreation Aquatic Centre. Come together to celebrate the memories, reconnect with friends and neighbours, and help make one more splash before the next chapter begins. 

3)    Lets’emot Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre Grand Opening! September 25, 2026

Save the date! The grand opening for the new aquatic centre is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to celebrate this accomplishment with you! More details will be released soon, stay informed by following us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DOKAgassiz