More people are getting involved in making the Regional Aquatic Centre a reality.
During the June 13 meeting of the District of Kent Council, councillors unanimously approved five members to the Regional Aquatic Centre Fundraising Committee. The newly appointed members are: Catherine Schwichtenberg, Karen Hatt, Kimberly Charbonneau, Bob Penner, Judy Pickard and Harrison Hot Springs Coun. Samantha Piper.
The district called for committee members in late May, hoping to find cross-representation not only from Agassiz and the surrounding communities but also representing First Nations communities, the business community, non-profits, the school districts and local sports groups.
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Committee meetings may be held once a month, interspersed with a variety of fundraising events.
Coun. Susan Spaeti said there is one vacancy left on the committee. For more information on the fundraising committee and how you can help, visit kentbc.ca/RegionalAquaticCentre.
The Regional Aquatic Centre has been in the works for a decade. The provincial and federal governments have provided about $10 million in funding toward the project to date – $454,000 from the federal government and $9.5 million from B.C.. The remaining funding from municipalities, First Nations communities and other sources. The District of Kent is looking to raise $1 million through a variety of events, including the Party in the Park held last month and an upcoming community swim-a-thon at Ferny Coombe Pool.
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The aquatic centre is to feature a six-lane lap pool, a lazy river, a hot tub, sauna, steam room and more. It will ultimately take the place of the Ferny Coombe Pool.
In other council business:
– Council awarded the Sutherland Road culvert replacement project to local company Jake’s Construction. Council opted for a concrete culvert to prolong its lifespan, the main drawback being the price tag is about $9,000 steeper. It’s likely the culvert will be circular rather than the wider box culvert to preserve the nearby habitat of the critically endangered Oregon spotted frog.
– Council approved utilizing Contour Concrete for all sidewalk concrete work in the district for 2022 for just over $44,000.
– Councillors also approved the closure of Pioneer Avenue between Park Street and the Agassiz-Harrison Museum, including the parking lot between the Aberdeen Building and the Broken Whisk for Canada Day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Members of council will attend the Canada Day festivities, including the official opening of the 125th Anniversary Legacy Artwork in commemoration of Kent’s 125th anniversary.
– Councillors approved the 2021 annual report.
– Council approved raising a flag for Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 in support of the B.C. Association of Community Response Networks standing against all kinds of elder abuse.
Deputy Mayor Coun. Susan Spaeti chaired the meeting in the absence of Mayor Sylvia Pranger.
The next regular District of Kent Council meeting is scheduled for June 27 at 7 p.m. at Municipal Hall. Online attendance is also available via Microsoft Teams.