May 25, 2026 - Council Highlights

From the meeting held on May 25, 2026

Mayor’s Report

On May 17, Mayor Pranger attended the celebration of life for Mary McGhee at the Harrison Mills Community Hall. Mary was a long serving member of the Kilby community, and a huge support to the Kilby Museum. Mayor Pranger was glad to be able to honour Mary and her many contributions to this community.

Council’s Report

Councillor Schwichtenberg highlighted the incredible $6,000 in jam sales the Agassiz Harrison Museum has made since the beginning of this year. Also bringing attention to the Kilby Historic site which has doubled campground revenue as well as the number of historic site visits since 2016. She wished both these groups continued success.

Councillor Spaeti noted there is still time to purchase tickets to attend tonight’s Lets’emot Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre Burger and Brew Fundraiser at the Agassiz Legion (1846 No 9 Hwy.). The event begins at 5:30 pm, and tickets ($30) can be purchased from the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre at 604-796-8891.

National Dental Care Day - Proclamation

Mayor and Council unanimously approved the request to Proclaim October 10, 2026 as National Dental Care Day in the District of Kent. As increasing awareness about oral health and preventative dental care, oral hygiene, and early intervention can help improve long-term health outcomes.

To learn more about the importance of this day and how to support Canada’s national day of dignity-based dental care, please visit: https://www.nationaldentalcareday.ca/

Go By Bike Week

Mayor and Council would like to support GoByBike Week by encouraging residents during the week of May 30 to June 5, to choose cycling for transportation, recreation, and everyday trips. Residents can register to log their rides through the LogMyRide app (https://logmyride.gobybikebc.ca/) or check out the GoByBike webpage to learn more about this initiative: https://gobybikebc.ca/

Year in Review 2025

Councillor Watchorn took a moment to appreciate the District of Kent Year in Review report which details departmental projects and highlights during 2025. With Mayor Pranger noting she wished it was mandatory reading for every resident as it has incredibly interesting information. The report can be read in this meetings Agenda package beginning on page 29 at: https://calendar.kentbc.ca/meetings/Detail/2026-05-25-1800-Council-Meeting/7165494f-b166-482a-be0e-b45200170ef0

BC Local Government Climate Action Program

Mayor and Council voiced their support for the letter from District of Saanich Mayor, Dean Murdock, urging for the Province to continue to fund the Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP). In February 2026, the Provincial Government released the 2026/27-2028/29 Service Plan for the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions, which did not appear to include funding for the renewal of the LGCAP.

The letter notes that Local Governments are on the front lines of planning for and responding to climate impacts and have direct and indirect influence over more than half of BC’s greenhouse gas emissions; and LGCAP funding is essential to ensuring that local governments can continue to deliver climate action and prepare for climate impacts at the scale required.

Thanks to funding from this program, the District of Kent is running our Seeding Stewardship Fund for a second year. The Seeding Stewardship Fund provides financial support to successful applicants who own private District property and are planning natural landscaping and planting initiatives that help offset climate change. Applications close on August 1, 2026, visit www.kentbc.ca/SeedFund to check our application guide and apply today.