Press Release - District of Kent Lets’emό:t Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre Grand Opening

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 25, 2026

District of Kent Lets’emό:t Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre Grand Opening

Agassiz, British Columbia – The newly expanded 27,000 square foot, Lets’emό:t Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre (LRRAC) was officially opened to the public today. After years of planning, on September 25, 2026, Mayor Pranger and Council were thrilled to welcome the public into the new aquatic facility. Celebrating this landmark achievement with facility tours, speeches, a video unveiling, cultural drumming, and dancing from the Pil'alt dance group.

In 1978, the Ferny Coombe Outdoor Pool was built thanks to the tireless effort of this community. However in 2008 a Leisure Needs Assessment determined that the Ferny Coombe Pool was nearing its projected life expectancy and recommended the facility be replaced by 2015. With this in mind Councils of the District of Kent have been making efforts to identify opportunities to secure funding and partnerships to make the new Aquatic Centre a reality.

In 2022 the District was able to secure $454,112 in Federal funding and more than $9.5 million in Provincial funding from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream, thanks to our close relationship with surrounding First Nation communities. These communities included Cheam First Nation, Peters First Nation, Popkum First Nation, Seabird Island Band, Sq'ewá:lxw First Nation, Sts'ailes First Nation, and Stó:lō Tribal Council. In addition to this original funding, Council has earmarked the $2.8 million received by the District from B.C.’s Growing Communities Fund and allocated $4,427,500 from the Federal Government’s Build Communities Strong Fund Community stream, representing 15 years of successive Councils setting aside the District’s annual allocation.

Now 48 years after opening, thanks to proactive maintenance from staff, the seasonal Ferny Coombe Outdoor Pool has completed its job in serving this community, and has officially retired.

Today’s opening date of September 25 was selected to be in proximity with the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, as this facility is a tangible demonstration of the District’s commitment to reconcilliation. The facility’s name, Lets’emό:t, Halq’eméylem for ‘One Heart, One Mind’ was selected in the spirit of embracing all neighbouring communities. Designed to accommodate the needs of our growing community and to support accessible year round water programming, the now completed project brings exciting new amenities to the region 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

·         Sauna

·         Spectator viewing area

·         Community room

In addition to the sourced funding, this facility was supported by many generous donations from our incredible community. With a community goal of raising one million dollars, an impressive $780,000 has been raised to date. A tribute to significant contributors will soon be unveiled with a donation board set to be prominently displayed in the new facility. Though it’s not too late to add your name to the board! Donations can still be made to help support the facility costs. To donate please visit: www.kentbc.ca/FillthePool donations of over $25 will receive a tax receipt.

For more information about the aquatic facility, including our length and leisure swim, blended aquafit, parent and tot swim, previous press releases, photo galleries, and background information, be sure to visit our website at www.kentbc.ca/LRRAC

In the spirit of Lets’emό:t (one heart, one mind), this space belongs to all of us. To our First Nations communities, fundraising committee members and volunteer community members, sponsors, architects and contractors, the many donors, and staff who supported Council in this vision from day one—we simply could not have done this without you. This facility is a testament to the beauty of collaboration, and building community relationships. I am endlessly grateful to have been a part of the Lets’emό:t Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre legacy.”

- Mayor, Sylvia Pranger

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Mayor Sylvia Pranger

District of Kent

604-796-2235