November 22 - Council Highlights

From the meeting of November 22, 2021

Mayor’s Message

This last week has taught me, and many people, a lot of lessons about community and how people pull together to support those in need. We didn’t know the people who were stranded on the Lougheed Highway, but that was part of the privilege, that we could help. I couldn’t be prouder of this community, how we pulled together.

Our fire department and their efforts to rescue the people that were stranded between the slides. The Canada 1 Urban Rescue Team, the Deputy Fire Chief, Search and Rescue, our staff directed by CAO Mr. Mah, the members of the emergency committee that met, in the beginning, three times a day to make sure that no one was being left out. Community Services… I could go on and on and I’m scared if I do, I will forget to mention some important people.

It was a privilege to watch our community at Agricultural Hall when the helicopters started to come in. People just kept coming to the Hall asking what they could do, can I bring you food. It was an amazing effort of community pulling together. I am just so proud and honoured to be a part of this community. I want to thank everybody and hope that we don’t have to be faced with another situation like this, but I know if we do, the community will step up.

Thank you very much.

Pathfinder Camp Resorts Update

Delegate Stan Duckworth, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer Joe Bleackley from Pathfinder Ventures provided Council with its first annual update.

The Agassiz resort is located just outside of Harrison Hot Springs on Lougheed Highway. The resort offers 38 full hookup RV sites and the only hard-roofed accommodations in Agassiz with 8 renovated cabins.

The average stay in Agassiz is 2-4 days and hosts travellers from the lower mainland, throughout BC and Canada as well as some guests from the western United States.

The summer season offers short term accommodation and occupancy rates through the week was on average 50% with the weekends being the busiest. Family activities and services that are currently offered at the other locations are in the works for the Agassiz location for the upcoming season.

The winter season is geared to accommodate limited long term stays by professional tourists. At the end of each season, the resort does a complete shut down for three days, which is strictly enforced and therefore, does not permit year-round living.

Pathfinder Ventures offers 3 locations in BC, Agassiz, Fort Langley, and Parksville. For more information visit their website at pathfinderventures.ca.

Council thanked the delegates for the improvements that have been made to the property and welcomed them to the community.

Agassiz Harrison Historical Society Fundraisers

Councillor Schwichtenberg highlighted the following opportunities to support the Agassiz Harrison Historical Society (AHHS).

2021 All Beef Christmas Raffle

Tickets are sold in groups of 5 for $20.00 for the chance to win the following prizes:

• 1^st Prize: Side of Beef (value $1,800)
• 2^nd Prize: Quarter Beef (value $900)
• 3^rd Prize: Quarter Side (value $900)

Draw: Saturday, December 18 at 2:00 pm

Tickets can be purchased at the Museum or from AHHS Directors

2021 Christmas Loonie Raffle

Buy a $2.00 raffle ticket for a chance to win the following prizes:

• 1^st Prize: 1 Night at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort (value $375.00)
• 2^nd Prize: 1 Night at the Sasquatch Inn + $50.00 gift card (value $189.00)
• 3^rd Prize: Camping chair, cooler and stove combo (value $175.00)

Draw: Saturday, December 18 at 2:00 pm

Tickets can be purchased at the Museum or from AHHS Directors

The 2021 Dickens Christmas Tea Boxes are now available for pre-order. The cost for a 2-person box is $40.00 and can be purchased at the Museum or over the telephone with a credit card. Pick up date is Saturday, December 4th between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm.

To contact the Agassiz Harrison Museum, call 604-796-3545 or visit agassizharrisonmuseum.org for more information and events.

Support for the Chamber of Commerce

Council approved sending a letter of support to the Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce for their application for a Shop Local Grant from the BC Chamber of Commerce. If successful, the grant would provide funds to refresh their website, develop social media, create an online and paper business directory and promote “shop local” for both communities.

Spin Coming to the CRCC

The all new M3i Indoor Keiser Bikes are here! Beginning January 3, group fitness spin classes will be offered 4 days/week at the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre.

Three classes designed for all levels of fitness and spin experience will be offered. Watch for the schedule in the Winter Leisure Guide.

Disaster Financial Assistance

Residents are encouraged to review their eligibility for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) and submit their application as soon as possible to have the damage assessment completed promptly. The deadline to submit your application for DFA is February 12, 2022.

Assistance is available to qualifying homeowners, residential tenants, small business owners, farm owners and charitable organizations. Applicants should be aware of the following:

• Financial assistance is provided for each accepted claim at 80 percent of the amount of total eligible damage that exceeds $1,000, to a maximum claim of $300,000.
• Claims may be made in more than one category (i.e.: homeowner and business owner).
• A homeowner or residential tenant must show that the home is their principal residence. Seasonal or recreational properties, hot tubs, patios, pools, garden tools, landscaping, luxury items (like jewelry, fur coats and collectables), and recreational items (like bicycles) ae not eligible for assistance.
• Small business owners and farm owners must demonstrate it is their primary source of income. Owners of damaged rental property must apply and qualify as a small business.
• Charitable organizations must provide a benefit of service to the community at large.
• Applications for DFA must be submitted to Emergency Management BC (EMBC) within 90 days of the date the DFA was authorized and must contain a signature.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Disaster Financial Assistance team:

• Email: DFA@gov.bc.ca
• Phone: 1-888-257-4777 (toll free)

Applications may be submitted to Emergency Management BC:

• Email: DFA@gov.bc.ca
• Fax: 250-952-5542
• Mail: DFA / PO Box 9201 Stn Prov Govt / Victoria BC V8W 9J1