March 24, 2025 - Council Highlights

From the meeting held on March 24, 2025

Mayor's Report

Mayor Pranger took a moment to highlight the importance of traffic safety, noting that both drivers and pedestrians should take personal responsibility by slowing down, watching out, being alert, and getting off your devices. She expressed her concern that signs and crosswalks can only do so much if motorists are not paying attention.

Council Report

Councillor Schwichtenberg noted that Farmland Advantage along with the Fraser Valley Watershed Coalition completed a project along Chaplin Road. This project involved replanting a portion of riparian along the Maria Slough, it is an extensive project that will continue for the coming years.

To learn more about how Farmland Advantage partners with farmers and ranchers in BC to protect and conserve critical lands, visit: https://farmlandadvantage.ca/

On March 18, Councillor Spaeti attended a Tourism Harrison River Valley meeting which presented the results of a visitor survey conducted through their social media channels and website. Their survey received 750 responses, the results of which showed that the main motivator for those visiting the area is eco tourism, visiting the Hot Springs, visiting Harrison Lake, and Hiking.

Find out more about Tourism Harrison River Valley and what they offer, visit: https://tourismharrison.com/

Chilliwack Plowing Society Annual Plowing Match

Mayor Pranger, or her designate, has been invited to compete in the "Politicians Class" annual plowing match held by the Chilliwack Plowing Society on April 5, 2025 at 1:00 PM.

The annual plowing match will be held at Greendale Acres. To learn more about this event, please visit: https://greendaleacres.ca/plowingmatch/

Business Licence Regulation

Council has given three readings to the proposed Business Licence Regulation Bylaw No 1747, 2025. If adopted this proposed new Business Licence and Regulation Bylaw would clarify the language permitting mobile vendors.

2024 Year in Review

The year in review of 2024 was presented to Mayor and Council, showcasing the successes and challenge of the year. Some highlights include:

• Successfully securing $1.8 million dollars in grant funding.
• Receiving the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting for the 2023 Annual Report.
• Replacement of the aging wood stave culvert on the Maria Slough.
• Additional 10 sidewalk letdowns in various locations in Agassiz.
• Installation of an adventure playground in the newly developed Harrison Highlands Park.

• The Agassiz Fire Department responded to 407 emergency calls for service (an increase of 77 calls from the previous year).
• Completion of the new regional live fire training facility.
• Construction commencement for the Lets'emot Regional Aquatic Facility.

To learn more about the 2024 projects and achievements of the District visit our website and find A Year in Review 2024 on page 45-75 in the March 24, 2025 Agenda: https://calendar.kentbc.ca/meetings/Detail/2025-03-24-1800-Council-Meeting/cbff7707-9c2b-4927-9431-b2a700097c51

Upcoming Events:

1) Spring Cleanup 2025 Yard Waste Event

The Agassiz Community Gardens Society will once again be hosting the Annual Spring Cleanup yard waste event. Yard waste materials will be accepted at the Municipal Gravel Pit, located at 4610 Cemetery Road on April 5, and May 3 2025, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. This is free for District of Kent residents, to learn more about what materials are accepted visit: https://www.kentbc.ca/en/news/spring-cleanup-2025-yard-waste-event.aspx

2) FREE Easter Egg Hunt

In partnership with the Agassiz-Harrison Museum the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre is hosting a FREE Easter egg hunt in Pioneer Park. The event will take place on Saturday April 19, 2025 from 9:30 am – 10:30 am and will feature crafts, hot chocolate at the Museum, and an easter egg hunt!

To learn more visit the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DOKCRCC

3) Community Recreation and Cultural Centre Highlights

Registration will open on April 10 for the Spring & Summer 2025 Leisure Guide. Discount Days will run from April 10 - 12, 2025 providing early registrants for recreation programs at the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre will receive a 10% discount.

Registration for swimming lessons for residents of the District of Kent, Village of Harrison Hot Springs, and surrounding First Nation communities will open on April 15, registration for non-regional partner residents opens April 22. To register please contact the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre at 604-796-8891.