It looks like construction for the Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre is getting some more federal traction.
During its regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 13, the District of Kent Council reviewed a petition to the Government of Canada from Mission-Matsqui-Fraser Canyon to the government of Canada, advocating for additional funding to support the construction of the LRAC.
Last April, the federal government announced it would contribute $454,112 to the new regional aquatic centre; the province is providing just over $9.5 million, which combined makes about $10 million in grant funding, approximately half of the estimated construction costs.
Vis’s petition states that due to not only inflation but ongoing supply chain issues, the cost of construction materials has experienced a 30-per cent hike, prompting the need for additional funding.
Additionally, Vis touts the LRAC as a project of reconciliation; the district has several Indigenous communities surrounding it, and Vis said the communities would be well served by the future aquatic centre.
According to the petition, the district has received written support from several communities, including the Fraser Valley Regional District, Harrison Hot Springs and the Seabird Island, Cheam Stó:lo, Sts’ailes, Sq’éwlets, Skawahlook, Popkum and Peters First Nations communities.
You can sign the petition by going to bradvis.ca/petitions under “Additional Federal Funding for the Les’Emot Regional Aquatic Centre.” Paper copies can be printed from the website and can also be picked up at Municipal Hall (7170 Cheam Avenue) and the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre (6660 Pioneer Avenue) Those signing the petition must be Canadian citizens or residents; there is no age requirement.
District staff will be hand-delivering the signatures in the next few weeks.
The minimum number of signatures a petition needs to reach the House of Commons via the sponsoring MP is 25.
“I’d like to challenge all present and former council members to help fill the pool,” said Mayor Sylvia Pranger. “We have a long ways to go, but we can all participate and before you know it, we’ll have a brand new Regional Aquatic Centre.”
In other council business:
- In light of a letter from Heritage B.C., Pranger declared Feb. 20 to 26 Heritage Week in the District of Kent.
- The council approved the installation of a chain-link fence at Dr. Mccaffrey Park for $19,910.
The next regular District of Kent Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 27 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.