February 24, 2025 - Council Highlights

From the meeting held on February 24, 2025

Mayor's Report

On the morning of February 24, 2025, Mayor Pranger welcomed three new Constables to the community. She appreciated the opportunity to meet Cst. Brooke Gilmore, Cst. Manvir Jandu, and Cst. Jonathan Plett.

Council Report

On February 19, 2025, Councillor Schwichtenberg attended Fraser Valley Regional Library retreat. She highlighted that from January to October 2024 there were 2.2 million digital copies of materials signed out of the Library.

Inaugural Freedom of the District of Kent Award

Mayor Pranger announced the recently approved Freedom of the District of Kent Award. This is the highest award that the District can bestow upon an individual or organization to recognize their achievements and contributions to the District. The Freedom of the District of Kent recognizes individuals and groups of exceedingly high merit who have made outstanding long-term contributions to the District of Kent. Recipients of this honour must:

1. Have made outstanding long-term contributions to the District.
2. Have made a significant improvement in District life and culture.
3. Be recognized by their peers and outside of the District.

With these three criteria in mind the inaugural award was rightfully bestowed upon Neil Brewer a dedicated resident of the District of Kent, who has gone above and beyond the call of duty during his 35 years as a manager with Kent-Harrison Search and Rescue Team.

(From left to right: Councillor Post, Mayor Pranger, Councillor Schwichtenberg,

Neil Brewer, Councillor Watchorn, missing: Councillor Spaeti)

To learn more about Neil Brewer and the Freedom of the District of Kent view our recent Press Release at: Freedom of the District of Kent - Press Release

The Agassiz-Harrison Museum and Visitor Centre - Delegation

Maria Martins the Manager of the Agassiz-Harrison Museum and Visitor Centre presented the Historical Society's goals for the year, long-term aspirations, and community partnerships. She highlighted the over 30,000 artefacts the Museum houses, the 7,800 visits made to the museum in 2024 (an increase of 30% from 2023), as well as the 4,700 hours of volunteer time the museum received in 2024. The majority of their volunteer hours are dedicated to visitor services, fundraising, and preservation.

Maria discussed the main goals of the Historical Society including:

• Increasing capacity in their organization with secure operational funding from a variety of sources.
• Focusing on making opportunities accessible for all.
• Continuing to build a sense of place and identity for our region.
• Representing local businesses and organizations and highlighting their support of the museums work with a newly appointed donor recognition program.

The museum has partnered with community organizations, such as the Fraser Valley Regional Library and the Earthwise Society to present community story times. To learn more about what the Agassiz Harrison Museum offers please visit: https://www.agassizharrisonmuseum.org/

Maria concluded her presentation by thanking the District of Kent on behalf of the Agassiz Harrison Visitor Centre for the ongoing support and continuing partnership. Mayor Pranger extended her appreciation to Maria, the Board members who attended the presentation, the volunteers whose love of the museum is clear in their work and advocacy, and Councillor Schwichtenberg who is continuously advocating on their behalf.

The Active Transportation Fund Application

Mayor and Council unanimously supported the application for the Active Transportation Fund, a federal grant program, requesting $125,000. As outlined in the 2023 Active Transportation Plan, a key priority for Council and the community is the addition of a trail from Tranmer Road along McDonald Road South. If approved the funding would be used to build the trail and install benches, garbage receptacles, and signage.

Tuyttens Road Culvert

Mayor Pranger discussed the culvert failure along Tuyttens Road where repairs are being made to ensure that it will be passable by large vehicles. The temporary repairs will ensure the culvert is passable with two lanes until the culvert is scheduled to be replaced in 2026.