An applause-filled all-candidates meeting saw five Kent council candidates put forth their ideas for the future on Thursday (Sept 29) evening.
The Harrison-Agassiz Chamber hosted back-to-back candidates meetings for both Harrison Hot Springs and the District of Kent. District candidates and an interested audience met at Agassiz Agricultural Hall (6800 Pioneer Avenue). Mayor-elect Sylvia Pranger was not on the panel; she was elected by acclamation when nominations closed and she was unopposed.
“How much is the proposed pool facility (Regional Aquatic Centre) going to raise taxes per household?”
All candidates came to the same general conclusion: with fundraising and sourcing still ongoing, it’s unclear what tax increase would occur, if any, to get the facility built.
In his opening statement, Stan Watchorn said the district had the lowest municipal tax rate in the Fraser Valley. He later added that as the district grows, the tax base would broaden, which would further soften any impact the Regional Aquatic Centre might make on the tax rate.
“I am fully on board with the pool,” Watchorn said. “We will find a way to make it work and keep taxes down as much as possible.”
Kerstin Schwichtenberg pointed out that while upkeep would not be free, there are multiple factors that affect how much would need to be subsidized by tax.
Susan Spaeti said even the final figures for the centre are still up in the air until council makes a final decision, pointing out that regardless, the $10 million in grant funding is that much less they’d have to pay.
Duane Post said since the district has secured half the initial $20 million via grant funding and the district has paid off a number of projects, they are in a good position to borrow, if need be.
Verna Dandedault – the only non-incumbent candidate for district council – said that any good thing would come with some increase and the Regional Aquatic Centre is nothing but a net positive for Agassiz.
”What will you do to protect our environment and reduce the impact of climate change in the district?”
Watchorn said this issue is important on a local, federal and global level. He said there are a number of approaches to take district-wide, including water conservation measures, planting more trees, re-establishing salmon habitats and continuing to improve flood boxes.
Spaeti pointed out several parties have come forth as delegates to council meetings with conservation suggestions. She said new tree regulations will help preserve and increase the district’s trees and district officials are working on an active transportation plan.
While Post lauded the replacement of the Hammersley pump station as an environmental victory, he said the district could also help the environment by purchasing vehicles that are eco-friendly going forward.
Dandedault said adding spaces and plugs for electric cars would be a good step as well.
Schwichtenberg said protecting the environment is why she ran for council in the first place. She supported bolder approaches to flood mitigation, particularly in the face of last year’s atmospheric river crisis. “I think we’re taking baby steps, and I’m not opposed to going faster.”
“Would you support making garbage, recycling and compost pickup as a public utility?”
Candidates universally agreed that the current privatized system is working to the public’s satisfaction.
“To make something (a municipal service), you would have to charge every household the same amount,” Spaeti said. “This might not be fair for all residents, and it’s not what’s best for the district at this time.”
“What is your vision for the district for the next five years?”
Post said he sees the Regional Aquatic Centre getting plenty of use, roads being repaired to standard, a pathway connecting Pioneer Avenue to side roads and even a path connecting Agassiz to Harrison Hot Springs. He sees further development on Mount Woodside and possibly a six-storey building for more housing.
Dandedault said while growth is unavoidable, everyone involved should agree on how the district grows.
“Everybody working together is what we need to move forward,” she added.
Schwichtenberg said it would take creative planning to grow without interfering with views or the community’s character, but it can be done.
Watchorn said securing funding for the aquatic centre was important and housing is an ongoing issue. Adding to the commercial and industrial base of the district would also be necessary, Watchorn said, and he sees council working to address walking trails and increased safety in the Mount Woodside area and on the Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge.
Spaeti is proud of how the district has come so far with several businesses coming into town and Winter Night Lights adding to tourism during the winter in particular. She concurred with other candidates that dealing with affordable housing continues to be paramount.
“What steps will you take toward reconciliation?”
Dandedault serves on the Chilliwack School District’s Indigenous Education Advisory Committee, so the topic is very close to her heart. She urged officials to listen to what people have to say and learn from what they tell them. She said she’s seen a lot of change so far.
Schwichtenberg said reconciliation moves beyond land acknowledgements. She said planning seven generations down the road is the correct perspective and added that protecting sturgeon and salmon populations in particular would be a big step.
Watchorn said education and understanding the tragedies of the Indigenous people is the first step. Spaeti and Post both highlighted the Community to Community Forum, which sees local First Nations and municipalities meet to collaborate on mutually beneficial goals.
“How do you plan to support current and future business growth?”
Schwichtenberg said council has taken step to collaborate with the business community, trying to make the district a good place to set up and continue business. She pointed to tax initiatives and incentives to make the first crucial years easier.
Watchorn said the goal is to keep people shopping within the community and agreed that council would work to encourage development fairly and in any way they could.
Spaeti said 260 business licenses were issued this year, including several home-based businesses (some of which began during the COVID-19 pandemic).
“In the past four years, we’ve shown interest in bringing new businesses in and supporting existing businesses,” she added. “We have attracted well-paying jobs.”
Post said it’s important to support local business as much as possible and added that the council would continue to work toward a business-friendly community.
Dandedault agreed, supporting the efforts toward building the business community.
“It’s nice to have everything you need so you don’t have to go to Chilliwack or Mission,” she added.
“What are your plans to strengthen and grow your relationship with local community groups?”
Watchorn said the key to growing those relationships is being available and responding in a timely manner, both points on which he prides himself.
The other candidates agreed with this approach; Spaeti said the district and community organizations particularly showed how well they could work together through last year’s atmospheric river crisis.
Schwichtenberg said the current administration works well with local organizations through grant-in-aid funding.
“Sometimes you just need a small amount of money just to get started,” she added. “There’s a whole bevvy of groups that can get grant-in-aid; it’s been an excellent program that helps a number of groups.”
“How do you plan to support young families in the District of Kent?”
Spaeti said district officials can and should get involved in a variety of organizations, including the Parental Advisory Committee with the school district.
Post said the future Aquatic Centre would be key to support young families in addition to improving existing amenities and helping families get involved in local events and organizations. Dandenault echoed these same sentiments.
Schwichtenberg said council is working to improve the housing situation, recreation and safety of the district.
Watchorn reiterated that housing is the main issue facing those living in and moving to the district. He added district officials should engage one-on-one with young families and other residents to help them get more involved in the community.
Election Day is on Oct. 15. Voting begins at 8 a.m. and runs until 8 p.m.