Local officials and conservation advocates are making a concrete difference along the Haig Highway.
During the May 24 meeting of the District of Kent Council, deputy Mayor Kerstin Schwichtenberg updated council on the Fraser Valley Conservancy Haig Highway planting project.
While the recent hot temperatures meant more water was required than previously expected, the plants are doing remarkably well.
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The Haig Highway project was the inaugural initiative of the “Step To It” program, which began last November. A team of volunteers put more than 400 native plants in the ground after months of careful planning. Step To It is the conservancy’s community engagement program designed to assist communities across the valley in addressing environmental issues they find most important.
The Haig Highway site was chosen due to its natural existing abundance of indigenous plants and to further beautify the nearby walking path that runs parallel to the highway. Not only does it provide an environmentally friendly natural look, but it provides much-needed habitat and food sources for local wildlife and birds.
There are plans to further expand planting projects in the District of Kent, including a tree canopy to provide shade and shelter.
The Fraser Valley Conservancy has a number of upcoming workshops, the most recent of which is coming up next Saturday (June 10) titled “Invasive Plants 101.” The workshop takes place at the Agassiz Library and explores invasive plants common in the Fraser Valley and how to effectively manage the spread of said species. The workshop starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 12:30 p.m.
Those interested in volunteering with the conservancy can find them online at farservalleyconservancy.ca.
RELATED: Fraser Valley Conservancy collabs with District on planting project
In other council business:
– Mayor Sylvia Pranger and CAO Wallace Mah were not present at the Monday meeting as they were attending the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference in Toronto.
– Council approved the next section of paving improvements. Roads slated for paving include Sutherland Road, Mountain View Road, Mill Road, Cartier Road and Kennedy Road. The road work is expected to run between the end of June to October.
– Coun. Susan Spaeti reported that St. Anthony’s Thrift Store held a fundraising event for the Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre (LRAC) on Friday, May 26. St. Anthony’s raised just over $3,500 for the LRACs construction.
To make a donation and learn more about the LRAC, visit kentbc.ca/fill_the_pool.
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The next regular District of Kent Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 12 at 7 p.m. at Municipal Hall (7170 Cheam Avenue). Online attendance is also available via Microsoft Teams; those interested can register through kentbc.ca.
adam.louis@ ahobserver.com
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