The District of Kent Council is striking while the iron is hot when it comes to preparing for freshet season.
The Council unanimously approved purchasing a portable pump for $22,000 to support pumping in the Kilby Ditch during freshet season and to reinforce other flood mitigation efforts throughout the district.
According to a report from director of engineering services Marty Rankin, prior to this purchase, the district would rent out a portable trailer pump for six weeks every year to support the Kilby ditch, costing about $10,000 per year, which would be reimbursed by the province. Rankin’s report indicates that in light of flooding issues in recent years, it would be prudent to get a pump as soon as possible as it’s becoming less an occasional emergency tool and more of an often-used structural necessity.
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Council approved up to $35,000 to be spent to acquire a portable pump.
In other council business:
– Mayor Sylvia Pranger declared May 15 to 21 Local Government Awareness Week. According to a letter from the Union of B.C. Municipalities, the week is an initiative aimed at spreading public awareness about local government roles and responsibilities as well as encouraging civic engagement.
– Pranger has been elected chair of the Fraser Valley Regional Hospital Board. She takes the place of Terry Raymond, a long-time advocate for health care in rural B.C., who passed away in early April.
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The next regular District of Kent Council meeting is scheduled for March. 14 at 7 p.m. at Municipal Hall. Online attendance is also available via Microsoft Teams; those interested can register through kentbc.ca.