November 9 2026 - Council Highlights
From the meeting held on November 9, 2026
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Spaeti took a moment to reflect on the hard work and courage of our first responders during the devastating 2021 atmospheric river event. Five years ago, 14 motorists became trapped by landslides between the District of Kent and District of Hope. Thanks to the quick action of the Agassiz Fire Department, and other first responders, everyone was brought to safety, and no lives were lost during this event.
On November 1, 2026, Mayor Spaeti along with Councillors Schwichtenberg and Watchorn were thrilled to see the Lets’emό:t Regional Recreation & Aquatic Centre host the Eastern Fraser Valley Aquatics Zone Championship. Although the facility seems large, it was quickly filled up with over 200 athletes, plus officials, and many spectators. Congratulations to all athletes who qualified for the BC School Sports Swimming Provincial Championships on November 20–21, 2026 in Richmond, especially all fourteen students from Agassiz Elementary Secondary School.
At the Inaugural meeting of Council on November 2, 2026, Mayor Spaeti and Councillors Watchorn, Koning, Schwichtenberg, and Post were sworn in by the honourable Judge Ian Caldwell.
After being sworn in under oath and acknowledging the code of conduct, time was taken to recognize outgoing Mayor Sylvia Pranger and her dedicated service to the District of Kent, acting as both Mayor and Councillor for over 20 years. Throughout her time in office she has been a leader, a mentor, and a trusted friend to many. Making countless contributions to the District of Kent and our community, we thank her for her years of service and wish her all the best in the future.
Council’s Report
Councillor Schwichtenberg highlighted the Agassiz-Harrison Museum Stories of the Wild: Year of Birds series. The next event is on November 14 from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm at 7011 Pioneer Ave, where Earthwise Agassiz will be giving a free presentation on birds from our region. To see the other events from this series, visit the Agassiz-Harrison Museum website at: https://www.agassizharrisonmuseum.org/event-details-registration/stories-of-the-wild-year-of-birds-2026-11-14-14-30
Lifesaving Society, BC & Yukon - Delegation
Ms. Lenea Grace, the Executive Director of Lifesaving Society, BC & Yukon, presented Council with the services and projects offered by their charitable organization. These services aim to reduce drowning and water related injuries with programs like “Swim for Life”, “Swim to Survive”, as well as by working with communities to have publicly accessible life rings and lifejackets.
In Cultus Lake they successfully worked with Cultus Lake Park and other sponsors to launch a Lifejacket Loaner Station Program to loan free lifejackets to visitors. To learn more about this organization and the services they provide visit their website at: https://www.lifesaving.bc.ca/
Adoption and Permanency Awareness Month - Proclamation
Mayor Spaeti has declared November as "Adoption and Permanency Awareness Month" for the District of Kent. Adoption and Permanency Awareness Month takes place every November in BC to draw attention to the children and teens who are waiting for permanent homes through adoption, guardianship, kinship placement, or another form of permanency. This year, Adoption and Permanency Awareness Month focuses on sibling relationships and the role they play in the lives of children and youth. Learn more by visiting: https://belongingnetwork.com/apam
Continued Fundraising Efforts
While former Mayor Sylvia Pranger has finished her duties as Mayor, she will be our ambassador in continuing to fundraise for the Lets’emό:t Regional Recreation & Aquatic Centre. When fundraising first began our District Council set a goal of raising $1 million dollars, and as of today we have reached $840,000!
Visit our Fill the Pool webpage to see our donation guide and what each donation tier can get you! While any donation over $25 will receive a Tax Receipt, the more you donate the better the rewards! Sponsorship opportunities are also available and can be arranged by contacting Jason Blood the Director of Recreation/Culture & Projects at lrracinfo@kentbc.ca
Upcoming Events:
1) Winter Night Lights – December 11 (4:30 pm – 9:30 pm) and 12 (2:30 pm – 8:30 pm)
Winter Night Lights is back! Visit 7167 Pioneer Avenue and you can enjoy food trucks, hot chocolate, mini train rides, games and prizes, and other fun activities.
2) CPKC Holiday Train – Saturday, December 19, 5:30 pm
The CPKC Holiday Train includes live music and fun activities while aiming to raise funds and donations for local food banks at each stop the train makes. CPKC encourages all attendees to help raise money, food, and awareness to support local Foodbanks.
To view the full train schedule and the list of performers visit the CPKC website at: https://www.cpkcr.com/en/community/HolidayTrain?mibextid=Zxz2cZ
