February 8 - Council Highlights

From the meeting of February 8, 2021

Message from the Mayor

“Be safe, be kind and shop local!”

Council Adopts Zoning & Community Plan Amendments

A Public Hearing was held for amendments to the Official Community Plan to designate three properties on Lougheed Highway from Residential-Rural to Commercial-Highway and to rezone these properties from Rural Residential 2 to Service Station Commercial and include within the Development Permit Area 4 – Downtown Revitalization.

Other text amendments include the addition of “Fueling Station Use” to the zoning bylaw with conditions of use to be limited to retail sales, convenience store use, grocery and liquor sales and ATM machines.

Residents had the opportunity to provide written comments in advance as well as during the meeting via Microsoft Teams.

Representatives from OTG Developments were available to respond to comments from the Public and answer questions from Council regarding the proposal.

During the Regular meeting which followed the Public Hearing, prior to the issuance of the Development Permit, the developer must meet requirements of the District as well as the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to ensure concerns of drainage, setbacks and traffic movement will be addressed before final approval.

Agricultural Plastics Update

Councillor Post reported that there was another agricultural plastics pick-up that unfortunately went to landfill.

On a positive note, CleanFarms, which is a non-profit environmental stewardship organization, works collaboratively with its members, partner agencies, and the government to ensure that Canadian farmers can actively contribute to a healthy environment and sustainable future. Their programs create change and offer ways to address agricultural waste management and resources in communities.

CleanFarms will be hosting a workshop on agricultural plastic recycling with the goal of bringing a zero-waste ag plastic strategy to BC.

The Agricultural Plastics Committee will be participating virtually and looking forward to positive outcomes from the workshop.

If you would like to learn more about CleanFarms, please visit their website: cleanfarms.ca.

Council further emphasized its commitment to the creation of a provincial Agricultural Plastics Recycling Program by approving that the following resolution by forwarded to the Lower Mainland Local Government Association for consideration at its 2021 virtual convention:

WHEREAS agriculture uses plastics to aid in crop production, protection, improve food quality and minimize water usage;

AND WHEREAS thousands of tonnes of agricultural plastics are dumped at the landfill by farmers after use;

THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Lower Mainland Local Government Association and Union of British Columbia Municipalities call on the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Environment and Climate change to set priority in resolving this problem by establishing a Plastics Recycling Program.

Municipal Hall Generator

Council approved the future purchase and installation of a 100kW Diesel generator at Municipal Hall. This project was identified as a priority as the Municipal Hall is used often as the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for the District.

The EOC has been activated eight times in the past four years, including four times in 2020 alone. When the EOC is in use, staff predominately use equipment and resources in Municipal Hall to perform essential functions such as mapping, communications and to meet with government agencies. Adding a generator to Municipal Hall will enhance the capacity of the District to respond to large scale emergency events that involve multiple agencies where there are power outages.

Platinum Electric has provided an estimate of $40,000 for the supply of a 100kW generator, with an additional $5,000 for on-site services. Platinum Electric will be installing the wiring and electrical appliances, which is funded by a $25,000 grant.

Council directed staff to the apply to the Union of BC Municipalities, through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) – Emergency Operations Centres and Training, eligible projects including a generator could be rewarded up to $25,000 if successful.

Evacuee Registration and Assistance Tool

Council directed staff to apply for the 2021 Union of BC Municipalities Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) Emergency Support Services grant for $7,000.

In partnership with the Village of Harrison Hot Springs, the District of Kent maintains a roster of volunteers who deliver the Emergency Support Services (ESS) program, which provides short-term basic support to British Columbians impacted by disasters ranging from a single house fire to larger events, such as wildfires and floods.

The Province has launched the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool, which is a web-based application that allows for digital delivery of Emergency Support Services. The ERA tool, if implemented in Kent and Harrison, will allow the team to do much of the work online. Additionally, residents on evacuation alert will by able to pre-register using the ERA tool, which will speed up the process of assisting evacuees if an evacuation order is issued.

Emergency Management BC has compiled a list of recommended equipment to effectively deliver the program. This equipment can be purchased as a “Tablet Registration Kit” at a cost of approximately $7,000. Including tax, and includes tablets, a printer and other equipment such as a high capacity battery to support delivery of ESS assistance in the field. Additionally, the application includes a mobile hotspot to allow the ESS to access the ERA tool in places without a Wi-Fi connection. The monthly cost for the hotspot will be covered by the existing ESS budget.

Family Day Fun!

Enjoy FREE family gymnasium admission from February 13 – 15 at the Community Recreation & Cultural Centre. Advance book 45 minutes of family fun and choose from one of the following activities: badminton, floor hockey, basketball, pickleball, playtime or volleyball.

This event is made possible thanks from the support of the BC Government.

Register by calling 604-796-8891 or online at kentbc.ca/rec. We observe and enforce all COVID019 Safety Regulations ordered by the Provincial Health Officer.

Experience Agassiz

Watch for our Love Local Campaign happening now! Show your love to local businesses in our area that offer a tailored and unique experience for locals and tourists alike.

Participating businesses include:

• The Community Recreation & Cultural Centre
• Harrison Lavender
• The Farm House Natural Cheeses
• Kilby Historic Site
• Fraser River Lodge
• Agassiz-Harrison Museum
• The Back Porch
• The Happy Prospector

For more information contact the Community Recreation & Cultural Centre at 604-796-8891 and be sure to follow us on social media for special promotions and feature items.