Press Release - 2025 Projects funded by $4.4M from Canada Community-Building Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 23, 2026

District of Kent 2025 Projects funded by $4.4M from Canada Community-Building Fund

Agassiz, British Columbia – The Lets’emot Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre (LRRAC) is nearing its completion in the District of Kent. A project, decades in the making to bring a new, year-round, aquatic facility to the region. The LRRAC reached its first major milestone in 2022 with the District’s successful application to the Investing in Canada’s Infrastructure Program (ICIP) – Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream. This provided $454,112 in Federal funding and more than $9.5 million in Provincial funding towards the Regional Aquatic Centre. The project is also supported by $2.8 million from B.C.’s Growing Communities Fund.

Recently, the District of Kent received $4,427,500 from the Federal Government’s Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) to be used for 2025 projects. This amount was allocated to the Chandos construction contract for the LRRAC.

The CCBF funding was administered by the Union of BC Municipalities, and provides up-front, predictable annual long-term funding to help address local infrastructure priorities. 

The LRRAC is a priority project, that will bring exciting amenities to the area in the newly expanded 27,000 square foot facility including:

·         8-lane lap pool (with wheelchair lift access and ramps)

·         Leisure pool with lazy river (with wheelchair lift access and ramps)

·         Whirlpool

·         Steam room and sauna

·         Spectator viewing area

·         Community room

The facility is anticipated to be open to the public in late 2026, with more information about the grand opening to be released in the coming months. To stay up to date on all news regarding this project be sure to subscribe to our News webpage: www.kentbc.ca/news

Help Fill the Pool

We’re only $350,000 away from our one million dollar community fundraising goal. Join us in building a healthier, stronger, and more connected region by donating today, either in person, on the phone, or online at www.kentbc.ca/Fill_the_Pool. With only a little more than a third of our fundraising goal left we hope residents and those from around the region will help support this facility by donating. A $250 donation will get you Agassiz branded merchandise and 5 single use admissions to the new facility. To find out what else you can get by donating, visit our website at: link. Supporters exceeding $25.00 will be issued a tax receipt.

We are thrilled to see this project come to life thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved including our previous Mayors and Councils, such as Lorne Fisher and John Van Laerhoven as well as thanks to the Province and the Government of Canada.

This facility will bring immeasurable value to the physical and mental health of residents in the region. It is incredibly rewarding getting to see the many residents who grew up using the seasonal Ferny Coombe pool now enjoy all the upgrades and amenities that this new facility will bring them and their families all year long."

- Mayor, Sylvia Pranger

The Lets’emot Regional Recreation & Aquatic Centre is an important facility that invites all of our communities to come to an environment that encourages play and sport in recreation. It also fosters a culture of diverse recreation programs and venues that promote the well being of truth and reconciliation, bringing people together to have fun and engage in play. We are truly grateful for the funding provided by the Provincial and Federal Governments, as without their generous support this project would not have been possible."

-       Wallace Mah, Chief Administrative Officer

Community infrastructure plays an important role in supporting people’s health and well‑being. A year‑round, accessible aquatic and recreation facility will help ensure Kent residents of all ages can be active, stay healthy and connect with one another close to home. This is an example of how strong partnerships across governments help turn local priorities into lasting community benefits."

- Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Christine Boyle

Investing in community infrastructure like the Lets’emot Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre means investing directly in the health, well‑being, and quality of life of residents. Our government is proud to support the District of Kent in delivering a modern, inclusive facility that will bring people together, support healthy lifestyles, and serve families across the region for generations to come.” 

– Ernie Klassen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Member of Parliament for South Surrey—White Rock.

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Mayor Sylvia Pranger

District of Kent

604-796-2235