With local COVID-19 vaccination rates high and still climbing, the District of Kent says there’s a call for celebration.
During the March 14 District Council meeting, councillors unanimously agreed that residents and businesses have worked hard to keep everyone safe during the pandemic to this point. A celebration of appreciation for community safety efforts is now in the works.
During a previous meeting, the council had moved to host a celebration when 90 per cent of the local health area population aged 18 and up (which includes the district and the village of Harrison Hot Springs) are vaccinated with at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the B.C. Centre For Disease Control (BCCDC), as of March 10, 84 per cent of the 18-plus population has received at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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District councillors approved up to $25,000 from the COVID-19 Safe Restart Grant to be used toward the celebration. The district expects to release further details on the celebration via their social media outlets and website in the near future.
In line with the March 11 public health orders from the province, masks are no longer required at facilities run by the District of Kent, which includes public council meetings and the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre.
In other council business:
– Council awarded a $1,500 grant-in-aid to Agassiz-Harrison Community Services for the much-loved Storytime in the Park program. The annual summer celebration of reading, traditionally consisting of stories read aloud once a week in Pioneer Park as well as other family-friendly entertainment.
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– During her report, Coun. Susan Spaeti said the Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce is in the process of making its website more user-friendly as well as engaging the business community through workshops in the near future.
– During her report, Mayor Sylvia Pranger reminded residents to make use of the dog waste bags and trash receptacles available throughout the community and urged residents to continue picking up after their pets.
The next regular District of Kent Council meeting is scheduled for March 28 at 7 p.m. at Municipal Hall. Online attendance is also available via Microsoft Teams; those interested can register through kentbc.ca.