February 10, 2025 - Council Highlights

From the meeting held on February 10, 2025

Mayor's Update

Mayor Pranger thanked Agassiz RCMP Constable William Levesques for his outstanding efforts in traffic law enforcement. In 2023 Constable Levesques issued 373 violation tickets, served 47 Notice and Orders for vehicle non-compliance, removed 52 impaired drivers from the road, and charged 18 prohibited drivers, ensuring their vehicles were impounded. For his significant impact on road safety in Agassiz and the surrounding areas Cst. Levesques received the "Outstanding Efforts in Traffic Law Enforcement" Award from the BC Association of Chiefs of Police. Mayor Pranger also reminded residents to be safe, be kind, and shop local.

Councillor Spaeti and Mayor Pranger expressed their gratitude to the pickleball players and fundraising efforts from the January 25 Pickleball Tournament. Every dollar helps fill the pool and this was over 2,000 dollars. Thank you to Suzi Inkman, her volunteers, and the support from the Lets'emot Regional Aquatic Centre Fundraising Committee for making the Pickleball Tournament a huge success!

On February 3, Mayor and Council attended the Village of Harrison Hot Springs Council Meeting where District staff presented information regarding the Lets'emot Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre. This included Regional resident user statistics, benefits the new Aquatic Centre will bring to regional partners, and a facility overview. The presentation can be viewed on the Village of Harrison Hot Springs Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFpAb8I87gU

Family Fun Day at the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre

February 15, 2025 the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre (6660 Pioneer Ave) will be holding a Family Fun Day event from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. The free event will be an afternoon filled with activities including inflatables, healthy snacks, community booths, and crafts.

Learn more by visiting the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DOKCRCC

The Old Cemetery Preservation Society - Delegation

Stephanie Key introduced herself and Bev Kennedy, as Co-Chairs of the pending Old Cemetery Preservation Society. The purpose of forming a society is threefold:

• Maintain the historic Municipal Cemetery (5859 Limbert Road)
• Seek funding to aid in the preservation of the Old Cemetery
• Build public interest in the Old Cemetery

The delegation noted that their next steps include growing their membership, completing a workplan for 2025 and seeking options for funding. The Society is looking for Council's support in four areas:

1. Management agreement for the Old Cemetery;
2. Seed funding of $1,500;
3. Free use of meeting space; and
4. Annual allocation of $10,000 for maintenance and improvements.

Council expressed their appreciation for the members coming together in working towards the future of maintaining the Old Cemetery. Mayor Pranger concluded by confirming that Council will consider the Old Cemetery Preservation Society's request and will provide a response as soon as possible.

To learn more about the Old Cemetery Preservation Society please reach out to Bev Kennedy at 604-796-2459.

International Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness

Mayor and Council unanimously voted in favour of illuminating Municipal Hall purple on March 26, 2025 to help raise awareness for Epilepsy. International Purple Day is an annual event for Epilepsy Awareness, people around the world wear purple and take part in events and activities to raise awareness of epilepsy. To learn more about the BC Epilepsy Society and Purple Day, visit www.bcepilepsy.com/.

Light Up for World Down Syndrome Day

March 21, 2025 Municipal Hall will be illuminated in blue and yellow for World Down Syndrome Day. This day raises awareness and promotes acceptance and understanding for individuals with Down Syndrome. March 21, which is the 21^st day of the 3^rd month represents the triplication of the 21^st chromosome which causes Down Syndrome.

Learn more about the Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society and Light Up for World Down Syndrome Day at: www.lmdss.com