District of Kent council weighed in on adding Tourism Harrison River Valley to an emergency readiness committee.
Councillors and Mayor Sylvia Pranger voted unanimously to recommend Tourism Harrison to the Kent-Harrison Joint Emergency Program Committee (KHJEPC).
The purpose of adding the tourism authority to the committee would be to help local governments communicate more efficiently with visitors and operators in the tourism sector in the event of an emergency situation.
RELATED: Kent’s Mayor Pranger completes 26-km walk to raise funds for aquatic centre
Bonnie Kent, visitor services manager with Tourism Harrison, appeared as a delegation before the KHJEPC during their April 19 meeting. As a member of Destination B.C., Tourism Harrison needs to develop an emergency plan for their organization in hopes of forming a cohesive response with area businesses as they respond to emergency situations.
“From experience, with no plan in place, there was no properly communicated local government directive, which resulted in mayhem,” reads an April 26 report from Pranger.
Given tourism’s impact on the area, their role as a communications hub could be just as crucial. Should the organization be approved for the committee, Tourism Harrison would be able to send accurate and timely information out to all tourism-involved businesses in the Agassiz-Harrison area in the event of a disaster or emergency, Pranger’s report said.
Harrison Hot Springs council weighed in on Tourism being added to the KHJEPC during their last regular meeting on May 1.
Coun. Michie Vidal said Tourism Harrison would be “an excellent resource” to the KHJEPC.
“They have the ability to very quickly do fan-outs to businesses and to any campgrounds or anything that comes under their umbrella,” said Vidal.
Mayor Ed Wood said he had several years of experience in emergency planning and he was “absolutely, strongly” opposed to the idea, calling it “a big mistake.”
“When it comes to an emergency and you have to deal with an issue, you really have to have a good, knit group that’s working together and clearly understands what their responsibilities are,” Wood said. “Tourism Harrison, and this is meant with no disrespect, has done a fantastic job as Tourism Harrison. That’s what their strategy is. Their strategy is not the focus of the emergency program committee.”
Wood’s said his concern was Tourism Harrison’s involvement may muddy the emergency management waters when communications need to be their clearest. Pranger’s April 26 report from the committee meeting and Vidal’s later comments at the May 1 meeting indicated Tourism Harrison has no intent to act as an emergency operations centre, only to augment communications to the tourism sector, which is a major industry in Agassiz-Harrison.
Council voted 4-1 to appoint Tourism Harrison to the KHJEPC with Wood opposed.
RELATED: Kent, Harrison continue push for emergency route
In other council business:
– Pranger said the final total for the Walk the Talk for Lets’emot fundraiser is $43,000 for the future regional aquatic centre. Harrison resident Theresa Omelus Gadreau, who walked 26 kilometres with Pranger from Agassiz to Chilliwack, donated $2,279, which she raised through business sponsorships, donations and a 50/50 draw.
– Pranger welcomed the new director of recreation, culture and projects, Kurt Houlden.
– Council appointed Gail Guimont to the Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre Fundraising Committee.
– District of Kent staff are preparing for Canada Day this year with 2023’s theme being “Carnival.” Events would include live music from Ben Cottrill, an acrobatic performance, food trucks, rides and more. Council approved closing a section of Pioneer Avenue for the day.
– Registration for the pilot FoodCycler program is available now to the public. There are 50 spots available for the subsidized countertop composters. Those interested in signing up can look for more information on the district’s website at kentbc.ca.
The next regular District of Kent Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 24, 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.