Kent officials are tackling the increased demand on parking as Agassiz-Harrison continues to grow in population.
During Monday evening’s meeting, District of Kent Council approved increasing the payment in lieu of parking rate from $15,800 per stall to $25,000 per stall. Council further approved a $760 per square metres payment in lieu of space for loading.
According to a staff report, payment in lieu of parking fees are applied when a developer is not able to provide the required amount of parking on site, which would cause increased demand on public or street parking. When this happens, the lack of parking creates a concern in the business community that paying customers may not be able to conveniently park.
The funds collected via the payment in lieu of parking fees are used to develop public parking areas. The increase in fees comes based on the current estimates of land and construction costs.
“We all know the price of property has increased,” said Coun. Stan Watchorn. “If we’re providing parking for development, it needs to reflect the actual costs.”
In other council business:
- Coun. Duane Post reported the Agricultural Plastic Committee will have sufficient funding to continue their program until the end of the year. For the past 15 years, about 20 local farms have participated in recycling round bale plastic, twine and farm waste plastic. The committee is seeking funding from the prgoince and working closelyw ith Clean Farms and the Fraser Valley Regional District.
The next regular District of Kent Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 22, 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.