May 13 Council Highlights

From the meeting of May 13, 2019

Agassiz Farm Fresh Market Returns

The Agassiz Farm Fresh Market appeared before Council announcing the return of the farmers’ market this year and requested Council’s support by waiving the park use fees again for this season.

The Agassiz Farm Fresh Market was revitalized last year and was hugely successful in the community. It was reported that several vendors that participated last year opted out of other markets because they preferred our park setting. The children’s
Kids Zone programming that is facilitated through the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre will be returning, which provides games and activities for little ones while their caretakers shop.

Council unanimously supported the request and Mayor Pranger thanked the volunteer organizers for taking on the challenge of keeping the market running.

The Agassiz Farm Fresh Market will run on Thursdays from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm in Pioneer Park beginning June 27 through August 29. Some dates will coincide with the District’s Twilight Concert Series for an extra special evening of family fun. Be sure to bring your lawn blanket for the concerts on July 18, August 1 and August 21 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.

Access Awareness Day

Council proclaimed Saturday, June 1, 2019 as Access Awareness Day in the District of Kent.

The theme of this year is “Accessibility Makes Communities More Complete”, a concept supported by Council and District staff and emphasized in recently upgraded parks with accessible features and designs:

• Centennial Spray Park
• Schep Park
• Pioneer Park (playground opening soon)

Stay tuned for more event details about the grand opening of the Pioneer Park playground by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Kent Canada Day Celebrations 2019

Canada Day celebrations will be held in Pioneer Park on Monday, July 1 in the theme of Rootin’ Tootin’ Hometown Country Party!

A pancake breakfast by donation will be hosted by the Agassiz Harrison Aquanauts Swim Club, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Legion, from 9:00 am – 10:00 am at the Legion. Also taking place at the Legion will be the children’s bike decorating station for the bike parade, sponsored by Prospera Credit Union.

A marching procession of The Legion Colour Party, RCMP, Harrison Highland Pipe Band will begin at the Legion along Park Avenue and Pioneer Avenue to the flags in Pioneer Park. Welcoming ceremonies will begin upon the procession’s arrival, with a speech from Mayor Pranger, followed by the singing of O Canada, then festive cupcakes in the park around 9:45 am.

Other activities planned for this event are:

• Community and emergency vehicle displays
• Hay rides
• “Wanted” western theme photo booth
• Inflatable fun area including ride on horse derby for kids
• Baby goat petting pen
• Bingo for all
• And many more!

Local musician Todd Richard will take the stage to play old favourites and new tunes from his recently released album, “Live Your Life.”

Shops and restaurants along Pioneer Avenue are encouraged to be open throughout the event, and the Agassiz Harrison Museum will have displays and interactive activities as well.

Festivities are scheduled to wrap up at 12:30 pm, after which the public is invited to come out to the Ferny Coombe Pool for a free Patriotic Swim from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Outdoor Public Spaces Smoking Bylaw Adopted

A reminder to the public that the Outdoor Public Spaces Smoking Regulation Bylaw No. 1608 has been adopted by Council. Please note:

• The use of cannabis, tobacco and vapour in public outdoor spaces is prohibited as set out in provincial legislation and includes smoking of tobacco or vapour products 6 meters from outdoor bleachers in Centennial Park and in public outdoor spaces during events.
• Smoke related littering of matches, cigars, cigarettes, cannabis substances or dispensing devices is also not tolerated, and violators may be fined.

Council will be reviewing draft signage and locations at a future Council meeting. For more information please contact Municipal Hall at 604-796-2235.