Bylaw enforcement is getting a boost in Harrison Hot Springs, just in time for the high tourism season.
During the April 4 meeting Harrison's village council, officials released a resolution they approved in a closed meeting on March 17, earmarking $12,000 in surplus funds to increase bylaw enforcement hours in May, June and September.
Bylaw enforcement hours are typically limited from January through May and September to December, and service increases through the busy summer months. The assigned $12,000 would help bring bylaw enforcement up to full time during the peak months.
Items such as this proposal are handled under a closed meeting as they fall under personnel matters. However, there are resolutions that only require confidentiality for a limited period of time. After being reviewed by municipal staff, the resolutions are typically released and available for public view in near-future council agendas.
While some bylaw issues such as public alcohol consumption trended downward in 2024, bylaw enforcement sees an annual summer surge in warnings and tickets issued for a variety of violations, including feeding geese, loud music, barbecue violations and off-leash dogs.
In other council business:
- Council has directed village staff to investigate options to host a hazardous waste collection day, as per the recommendation of the Environmental Advisory Committee.
- Council approved a development permit for a 28-unit condo building with underground parking to be located at 728 Hot Springs Rd.
- Coun. Michie Vidal reported that there has been an increase of use of the local food bank and Agassiz-Harrison Community Services is assessing expanding hours to accommodate the higher volume. To learn about volunteer opportunities or to donate to AHCS, visit them online at agassiz-harrisoncs.ca, call them at 604-796-2585 or visit them at 7086 Cheam Ave. in Agassiz.
- Chief financial officer Scott Schultz recently received the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association.
- Susan Caley and Janice Moffat were appointed to the Communities in Bloom Committee.
The next regular Harrison Hot Springs Village Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 22, at 5:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall (290 Esplanade Ave.).
Online attendance is also available via Zoom; those interested can register through harrisonhotsprings.ca. Video recordings of the meetings will be archived on the village’s YouTube page.
