District of Kent residents came out in droves to attend an information session about the future aquatic centre coming to Agassiz.
During the regular council meeting on Monday, May 27, Mayor Sylvia Pranger told council she was excited and pleased to see so many residents come out to find out more about the Lets’Emot Regional Aquatic Centre. The recent presentation included a 3D rendered video of what the aquatic centre will look like in the near future.
During the last council meeting, council approved issuing a letter of intent to Chandos Construction LP to build the LRAC. Negotiations are also underway with Bingham Hill Architects, who are in charge of the building’s design. The projected cost is about $23.4 million, which is subject to adjustments as negotiations continue and cost-saving measures are discovered along the way.
RELATED: ‘We’re almost there’: Agassiz aquatic centre takes another step forward
Officials say the work would officially begin on-site in early July with an expected 20-month construction period.
The district also recently refreshed the aquatic centre’s logo. This revealed that the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre will be named the Lets’emot Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre.
“Lets’emot” is a Halqemeylem term that means “one heart, one mind.” The future centre takes its name in part from the Lets’emot Community to Community Forum, in which the District of Kent, Harrison Hot Springs, Fraser Valley Regional District Electoral Area D and the Cheam, Seabird Island, Sts’ailes and Sq’éwlets First Nation leaders meet to discuss matters that affect the area.
Those interested in donating to the construction of the aquatic centre may do so in person, by phone or online at www.kentbc.ca/fill_the_pool. Donations over $25 will receive a tax receipt.
RELATED: Enbridge makes a big splash in Kent aquatic centre fundraising
In other council business:
- Council has requested a series of meetings for the upcoming Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Convention with Premier David Eby, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. Topics will include fine-tuning the dikes and flooding plan, additional safety measures for Highway 9 pedestrian crossings and improvements for area highways as traffic increases.
- Council approved a contract with Habitat Systems to install a new playground at Westlin Park. Any equipment in the park that’s still usable will be retained and reused.
The next regular District of Kent Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 10, 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.
