The District of Kent council has unanimously supported efforts to preserve the Kent Municipal Cemetery.
During their March 10 meeting, council supported the following motions to assist the Old Cemetery Preservation Society in their efforts:
- Direct district staff to negotiate a management agreement with the the Old Cemetery Preservation Society.
- Approve seed funding of $1,500 for start-up costs
- Approve use of a meeting space and a locked filing cabinet in a district-owned facility
- Allocate $10,000 in funding each year to cover improvements and enhancements to the Kent Municipal Cemetery.
Representatives from the Old Cemetery Preservation Society – Stephanie Key and Bev Kennedy – met with council last month to introduce the organization dedicated to maintaining the Old Cemetery on Limbert Road. The cemetery was established in 1895 – the same year as the District of Kent – and has deteriorated over the years. Unsanctioned trees in the area complicated the original layout of the cemetery and erosion caused a number of the headstones to be moved and disturbed.
During a research session in 2017, ground penetration radar detected hundreds of unmarked graves with their headstones buried under inches of moved soil.
In other council business:
- Council approved the Agassiz-Harrison Lions Club request to close Pioneer Avenue for their annual car show and fundraiser, scheduled for Sunday, July 27. Last year, the car show raised $8,400 to support community events and organizations.
- Council waived business license and event permit fees for the Agassiz Fresh Farm Market as it makes its return this summer. The market takes place on Thursdays between June 26 and Sept. 18 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Pioneer Park.
- Coun. Susan Spaeti reported a Family Fun Day event raised nearly $140 for the Lets'emot Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre. More than 300 people attended on Feb. 15.
The next regular District of Kent Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 24, at 6 p.m. at Municipal Hall (7170 Cheam Ave.). Online attendance is also available via Microsoft Teams; those interested can register through kentbc.ca.
