January 10 Council Highlights

From the meeting of January 10, 2022

Mayor’s Message

Mayor Pranger wished everyone a Happy New Year and hopes that it is a little less eventful than 2021.

I am so grateful for the wonderful people in this community and particularly the ones in my neighbourhood who help keep our sidewalks clear of ice and snow.

As we prepare for the next Atmospheric River weather event, I would like to ask residents to continue by helping to clear the storm drains of ice and snow to prevent flooding. If you notice large amounts of water pooling and cannot locate to storm drain, please contact Municipal Hall at 604-796-2235 or by using our “Report a Concern” on our website at kentbc.ca.

Vaccination rates among young people in Agassiz-Harrison have increased and many now have received booster shots and that is thanks to the participation of our local pharmacies.

Please be kind, be safe and shop local.

Global Goals for Sustainable Development

On behalf of the Mayor, Councillor Post attended Agassiz Christian School where students presented their plans for global goals for sustainable development. Some of the initiatives included raising awareness on fossil fuel dependency, gender equality in Rwanda, and bringing salmon back to local waters.

The students will choose one goal to focus on and will be fundraising to help raise awareness. Councillor Post applauded their boldness in tackling such large global issues and pointed out that this is where change begins.

Register. Book. Get the Shot

In his report, Councillor Watchorn acknowledged the efforts of our public health and pharmacies in providing COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. Everyone who can, is encouraged to get vaccinated. He also pointed out his admiration for Dr. Bonnie Henry in her compassionate guidance throughout the pandemic.

Find COVID-19 vaccination information by visiting Fraser Health’s website at www.fraserhealth.ca.

Black Excellence Day

Councillor Watchorn highlighted a new event which is Black Excellence Day. This day will recognize the history of struggles, the stories, accomplishments, and art contributed to black Canadians. Everyone is encouraged to where black on January 14^th to acknowledge this day. Learn more at blackexcellenceday.ca.

Summer Students

Council approved six summer student positions for the duration of 16 weeks of employment at cost of up to $74,000 in the 2022 operating budget. In past years, the District was successful in receiving grant funding from Service Canada under its Canada Summer Jobs program.

The District of Kent annually employs summer students to provide positive work experience for local youth in the community. This opportunity supports youth who are attending trade school, university, or high school.

Watch for more information on the various opportunities posted on our website at kentbc.ca/employment in February.

Love Local

February will mark the second year of Love Local, a month to celebrate local businesses. The Harrison-Agassiz Chamber of Commerce will be spearheading shop local promotions such as the Winter Night Lights and Love Local Campaigns, which were initiated by the District of Kent.

District staff will partner with the Chamber during these initiatives to host events together. Staff are currently working with the Chamber on planned activities for this year’s Love Local, pending restrictions at that time. Watch for details on our social media.

Development Growth in 2021

Councillor Watchorn highlighted the Building Department Report and the values for this year are $23,867,334 which is almost double the previous year values of $12,435,873.

Progress and development are continuing in the District despite the pandemic and other issues occurring in our Province.

Mayor Pranger emphasized that the staffing levels have not changed and thanked staff for their efforts in this regard.

Accessory Dwelling Units in the ALR

Council approved Bylaw No. 1687 which amended the following Zoning Bylaw regulations:

• Definitions:
  • Will add an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and garden suite definition to the Zoning Bylaw.
  • Amend the definition of Accessory Residential Facilities and gross floor area.
  • Remove the definition for Floor Area – Farm Residence and Floor Area – Farm Employee Residence.
  • Farm Home Plate and Farm Employee Residences
    • Replace all farm home plate regulation references to coach houses with Accessory Dwelling Unit.
    • Increase the maximum allowable farm home place increase for a home plate containing a farm employee residence, a detached Accessory Dwelling Unit or home occupation within an accessory building.
    • Amend the maximum floor area and floor area exemptions for a farm residence.
    • Zones (A, A1, RR2 and RR3)
      • Permit Accessory Dwelling Units as an auxiliary use.
      • Define which types of ACU units are permitted.
      • Remove requirements for registered owners to be present on the property to have an accessory dwelling unit.
      • Allow maximum of one secondary suite and one detached ACU unit per lot.

The benefits include increase rental options within the District as well as opportunities for the elderly to stay on the farm site where homesite severances may not be an option. This amendment also provides an option for farm employee housing without an application to the Agriculture Land Commission.

For more information, please contact Development Services at planning@kentbc.ca.