FVRD Solid Waste Management Plan
The FVRD is looking at a solid waste management plan that will incorporate an organics ban and possible mixed waste facility, as reported in a presentation to the District of Kent Council by Jessica Morrison, environmental services co-ordinator for the FVRD. She came to update Council on the Solid Waste Management Plan implementation. She touched on the issue of materials bans for garbage, such as for mattresses. Councillor Darcy Striker questioned if it will be a problem to implement FVRD-wide bans in Agassiz, given the District’s current lack of public curbside pickup for garbage.
Morrison said the District of Kent’s lack of curbside pickup does come up in FVRD staff discussions.
“As we develop bans, whoever does the pickup will, I think, be responsible,” said Morrison. “There’s no reason you have to look at curbside collection.”
But she did say it is certainly something the District could look into, to see if it makes sense for the District to take on at this point.
Weight Room Renovations
The inaugural Parks and Recreation committee meeting was held in May, with the minutes and items up for discussion presented at the June 22 regular Council meeting. The committee recommended that Council consider removing the wall between the weight room and the former preschool room at the Community Recreation & Cultural Centre (CRCC). The renovation will expand the weight room and provide a new area for free-weights. Council agreed, with Mayor John Van Laerhoven reporting that there was money designated in the budget for this project. Kerry Hilts, director of community services, said the goal is to have the work completed over the summer months when it has the least impact to the community.
The Parks and Rec committee also discussed a new play structure for Evergreen Park, the possibility of a disc golf course in town and the ongoing request of community members for the construction of an indoor pool. The committee touched on tombstone preservation at Kent Cemetery, upgrades at Pioneer Park and some details about the functions and operations of the new committee.
Members of the parks and recreation committee Jack van Dongen, Jayson Gill, Bruce Key, Michelle Kuipers, Chuck Jensen and Ian Wilson. It is chaired by Councillor Susan Spaeti, with Councillor Duane Post as alternate. Bev Kennedy sits on the committee as a Kent 125 Celebration liaison.
Morrow and Pioneer Upgrades
Morrow Road and Pioneer Road will be getting some upgrades in the near future. Council approved a proposal by Wedler Engineering LLP for engineering services, including a topographic survey, design, tender and construction services works.
The list of projects on Morrow Road include sidewalk, curb and gutter expansion to connect the space between Tower Road and Industrial Road.There will also be a short sidewalk extension between the Catholic church to Woodridge Estates. Lastly on Morrow, there will be a sanitary sewer main replacement from Vimy Road to Garden Place.
On Pioneer Avenue, the sidewalk, fencing, curb and gutter will extend from the Ferny Coombe Pool driveway entrance to the entrance of the CRCC. Pioneer Avenue will be reconstructed from Agassiz Avenue to the CRCC driveway entrance.
Mick Thiessen, director of engineering services, says they hope to have all the work completed by the end of this year.
Fraser River Lodge liquor licence
Council supported an application to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch to allow the Fraser River Lodge to change its liquor licence. The change means the lodge can serve alcohol without food for events at the hall, interior lounge area and specified exterior spaces. The current food primary liquor license was restrictive, according to the lodge owners. Based on a recommendation from the liquor inspector, the change to a liquor primary license would provide more flexibility.
Council members voted all in favour of supporting the application. It will now be reviewed by the Liquor Control Licensing Board.
“It’s good have a business in our community that brings international clients and money to our municipality,” remarked Councillor Duane Post.
