As B.C.’s restart plan enters Phase 3, activity throughout the District of Kent is gradually returning to some degree of normal.
The District of Kent Council discussed a number of important COVID-19 updates at their regular meeting on Monday, June 22. Coun. Duane Post reported the Kent Agricultural Advisory Committee (KAAC) that last met back on June 11 is working on preparing local agricultural resources in the event of an emergency in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Coun. Kerstin Schwichtenberg said the Agassiz-Harrison Museum is scheduled to open on June 29.
Coun. Susan Spaeti said the Agassiz-Harrison Community Services (AHCS) Food Bank use has remained relatively steady from pre-COVID to now. The demand is expected to rise over the course of the next few months due to job loss and pay cuts. District officials said the main needs for AHCS are condensed soup, kids’ toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant and canned cat food. The Food Bank is open by appointment only and can be reached at 604-796-2585.
RELATED: District of Kent Council tackles lighter agenda
“Thank you to the residents of Kent for your respectful way of following the advice of our Medical Health Officer,” Mayor Sylvia Pranger said in a statement. “Stay safe, be kind and shop local.”
In other council business, the council unanimously voted to write a letter of support for a plan to offer an alternate route for residents of Rockwell Drive. Rockwell Drive has experienced a number of natural disasters in recent years, including February’s landslide that forced the evacuation of more than 40 homes. John Allen of Harrison Hot Springs approached council during their meeting on June 8 with a proposal to create an alternate route that would connect Rockwell Lane to Hick’s Lake Road. The letter of support will make its way to provincial organizations, including the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI).
RELATED: District of Kent approves cannabis retail rules
Pranger reported she recorded a message for Agassiz Elementary Secondary School’s (AESS) class of 2020.
“Congratulations to all who helped make this event possible,” Pranger said. “It still became special for [the graduates] the way everybody pulled together and tried to make it a good event.”
The District of Kent continues to monitor speed data along Highway 9 near McDonald Road as well as at the school zone near Morrow Road. Director of engineering services Mick Thiessen said the presence of visible speed monitoring systems have been “well-received and have had the desired effects.” Thiessen reported the district is working closely with MOTI to work toward solutions for safer intersections.
District council approved the creation of two concrete box culverts from Langley Concrete for approximately $103,000 as part of the ongoing reconstruction process for Sutherland Road. Concrete culverts, according to district staff, are the ideal structures for the area thanks to their durable build, long lifespan and fish passage benefits.
The council approved a contract with Contour Concrete for approximately $28,000 to work on sidewalk repairs throughout the Agassiz town site. This year’s work marks the second of three phases of the repair plan; the first phase was completed last summer. There is a map on the district’s website indicating where sidewalks would be replaced.
The next scheduled District of Kent council meeting is set for July 20 at 7 p.m. at District Hall.
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email:
news@ahobserver.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
Want to support local journalism during the pandemic? Make a donation here.