Council Meeting Highlights - April 7, 2026

A motion was passed to remove the Special Event permit fees associated with the 2026 Terry Fox Run event which is to be held on September 20, 2026, in the Village. 

The 2026 First Quarter Update was received for information. View the highlights from the report on page 31 of the agenda package here.

Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1242, 2026 was adopted. This bylaw is a bylaw to amend Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 855 by providing for compliance agreements and replacing the Schedule of Designated Bylaw Contraventions and Penalties. 

A motion was passed to defer the report from the Village’s Planning Consultant regarding an Amenity Cost Charges Program, to a future Committee of the Whole meeting. 

A zoning amendment bylaw for the property located at 469 Naismith Ave was given first three readings. This amendment bylaw would see a rezoning from R1 to R2 for the property. R2 is the only zone that allows for the use of a Coach House. 

Three Notices of Motion were shared, which will be presented at a future Regular Council Meeting including: 

• Civic Recognition: THAT staff be directed to draft a Civic Recognition Policy that outlines eligibility criteria, a nomination process, selection method, and process by which public spaces may be named after an individual, for Council’s consideration. 

• Community Forest Engagement: THAT Council direct staff to engage with relevant provincial agencies, departments, BC Timber Sales – Chilliwack Forest District, Indigenous governments, and neighbouring communities to share the following perspectives as a basis for dialogue and collaborative planning:  

  • 1.Council’s significant concern regarding the continuation of large-scale clear-cut harvesting on slopes and forested areas surrounding the community, including Mount Woodside, Mount Agassiz, Green Mountain, Bear Mountain, and Mount Slollicum, given their proximity to residential areas and critical watersheds; and 

  • 2.Council’s strong interest in exploring and supporting lower-impact, selective harvesting and other ecosystem-based forest management practices that recognize forest values beyond timber supply, while maintaining long-term economic returns from sustainably managed forests; and  

  • 3.Council’s support for community-based forest stewardship principles, including meaningful opportunities for residents of Harrison Hot Springs and surrounding communities to provide input into forest management decisions and policies affecting the local landscape; and  

  • 4.Council’s interest in working collaboratively with provincial partners to reconsider the routine mechanical and chemical suppression of native deciduous species within the Harrison Lake watershed and surrounding areas, in order to encourage forest conditions that may enhance wildfire resistance, slope stability, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

• Public Art Policy: that Council direct staff to undertake a review of the current Public Art Policy (Policy 1.37) and provide observations and considerations related to its alignment with community and artistic interests; and Further be it resolved that staff explore and report on possible approaches for the consideration of public art opportunities, including the potential role of an advisory panel.  

Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, April 14 from 11:30AM – 1PM at the Village Office: Join us for Lunch & Learn Series: Emergency Preparedness. Session #1: FireSmart Landscaping. Enjoy a free lunch while learning how FireSmart landscaping can help reduce wildfire risk around your home. This session will cover practical, low-cost ways to make your property more resilient, including plant choices, yard maintenance, and simple design tips you can apply right away. Registration required by calling 6047962171 or email [email protected] 

BCServices Mobile Service Centre pop-up is coming to town! The Mobile Service BC Centre van will be in town on Tuesday, April 21 from10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, along Maple Street (east side of Memorial Hall). Residents can access a wide range of government and ICBC services in person, including: 
✅ ICBC photo ID, appointments, and knowledge tests 
✅ BC Services Card support and health record access 
✅ Federal services via CRA and Service Canada accounts 
✅ Vital statistics documents (birth, marriage, death certificates) 
✅ Other services: traffic tickets, court fines, PST, rural property tax, hunting & fishing licenses, and more 

Community Connections Café Series: Join us every second Friday starting April 24 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Village Health Centre (102-160 Lillooet Ave). Drop by and enjoy coffee, conversation, and access to local resources - no registration required. Browse our lending library, connect with service providers, and pick up your copy of “The Community Brew.” Upcoming Theme: April 24 – Spring Welcome Café: Build your own spring bouquet and celebrate the season.  

Earth Day in May: Save the Date for Earth Day in May, hosted by the Environmental Advisory Committee. Join us for a morning of community, sustainability, and hands-on learning! Saturday, May 2 from 9:00AM - 12:00PM at Memorial Hall, 290 Esplanade Avenue.

Join Us for the Civic Campus Community Engagement Evening! 
The Village is inviting you to take part in an interactive and meaningful conversation about the future of our community. Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM, Location: Harrison Hot Springs Elementary School Gymnasium (501 Hot Springs Road). Learn more about this engagement opportunity here.