January 12, 2026 - Council Highlights

From the meeting held on January 12, 2026

Mayor's Report

Mayor Pranger thanked staff and collaborating organizations who made the well attended, family focused, Dec 12 – 13 Winter Night Lights event possible.

Winter Night Lights

She also expressed her gratitude for the highly organized CPKC Holiday Train event, which helped set the tone for the holiday season as they donated $7,000 to the Agassiz Harrison Foodbank.

CPKC Holiday Train Photo credit: Adam Louis

In addition, thanks to the hard work of Freddy Marks and the many volunteers, the Agassiz Harrison Blue Kettle Campaign raised $24,500 for the Agassiz Community Services Food Bank. Of which, $3,000 was raised at the CPKC Holiday Train event alone.

Council's Report

Councillor Schwichtenberg noted that the 2025 Beef Raffle successfully raised $15,500 for the Agassiz Harrison Museum, this total will go towards the costs of painting the inside of the Museum.

On December 22, Mayor Pranger and Councillor Post, Councillor Spaeti, and CAO Wallace Mah attended a tour of the construction site for the Lets'emot Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre. Council commented on how excited they are to see more progress, and that they can't wait for the anticipated opening in late 2026.

(From left to right: Mayor Sylvia Pranger, Wallace Mah, Councillor Susan Spaeti,

Councillor Duane Post)

2026 Grants-In-Aid Program Applications

The District of Kent receives grant-in-aid applications annually from various community organizations and not-for-profit societies. The Financial Assistance/Grant-in-aid information package describes the application process and criteria for an application to receive Council consideration. The deadline for submission of operating grant funding requests (grants-in-aid) from community organizations is November 15th of each year preceding the budget year.

Historically, Council has set aside funds in the annual operating budget to provide grants to organizations in the community.

Council approved the funding requests to the Agassiz Agricultural and Historical Association, Agassiz Baseball Association, Agassiz Harrison Aquanauts, Agassiz-Harrison Community Services, Harrison Festival Society, Kent Harrison Arts Council, and Kent-Harrison Foundation.

Information regarding the Grant-in-Aid program is available at kentbc.ca/Grant.

Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

On May 12, 2026 the lights of Municipal Hall will be illuminated purple in support of Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. Over 500,000 Canadians are affected by Fibromyalgia, this chronic condition causes pain throughout the body, and can take years to diagnose.

To learn more about what you can do to support those affected by Fibromyalgia please visit: Home | Fibromyalgia Association Canada (FAC)

International Long Covid Awareness

In support of the millions worldwide who are affected by Long Covid, on International Long Covid Awareness Day, March 15, 2026, the lights of Municipal Hall will be illuminated Teal and Grey.

To learn more about Long Covid and what you can do to support those suffering from it, please visit: https://www.longcovidawareness.life/

Highway 9 and McDonald Road Crosswalk

Council and residents highlighted their gratitude for the addition of flashing lights at the crosswalk of Highway 9 and McDonald Road.

Mayor and Council have advocated for improvements at this intersection for many years, and thanks to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit for recognizing the need and completing the work.

During the installation, Mayor Pranger commented that a worker onsite was surprised to see how fast the vehicles were driving through the intersection. Motorists are reminded that the speed limit along Highway 9 approaching the intersection is 50 km/h, and to be extra cautious on days with low visibility.

Burgers, Brews, and Bids - LRRAC Fundraising

The January 24, Burgers Brews and Bids fundraising event at the Old Settler Pub is now sold out. This event hosted by the Lets'emot Regional Aquatic Centre Fundraising Committee is raising money for the new Aquatic Centre. With more events being planned, those interested should keep an eye out to purchase tickets early, as they sell out fast!

For those who missed the chance to purchase tickets but still want to donate, be sure to check out our website to see how you can donate in person, over the phone, or online, as well as to check out the merchandise we have available: Fill the Pool - District of Kent

Every donation makes a difference, and tax receipts are available for donations of $25.00 or more.