Council Meeting Highlights - May 19, 2026
Waterfront Dike Upgrade Project Update
The Village will be moving forward with the environmental permit applications and detailed design work required for the Waterfront Dike Upgrade Project, with the intent to tender the project for construction. A Request for Proposals (RFP) for construction will be issued following detailed design and permitting, with construction anticipated to take place outside of peak tourism season.
A common community question has been whether the project will significantly raise the existing dike height and impact waterfront views. The design does not include height increases or view impacts along the Dike. Many of the proposed upgrades are focused on strengthening shoreline protection, increasing the elevation of the road to the waste water treatment plant, increasing height and protection around the plant and improving flood protection below ground while maintaining the existing look and grade of the waterfront.
Planned improvements include:
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Upgrading shoreline riprap in critical areas
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Raising and improving access roads and embankments near key infrastructure, including the wastewater treatment plant and Miami River Pump Station
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Maintaining the existing natural hot springs ponded area
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Installing below-grade sheet pile seepage cutoffs along existing dike sections and lock block walls
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Creating a uniform, level surface for future deployable flood barriers along the waterfront and lagoon areas
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Dike sections are expected to remain at or near the current grade, with improvements largely occurring below ground or within existing infrastructure areas.
You can listen to the dike project update from yesterday’s meeting here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOET1xFdHVs
Or view the project page at: https://getintoitharrison.ca/waterfront-dike-upgrade-project
Council Catch-Up Continued
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The Village will not engage individually with the Province on updates to the Heritage Conservation Act and will work with UBCM to provide a coordinated response.
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The Village will be requesting meetings with Cabinet Ministers at the 2026 UBCM Convention regarding funding support for responding to Freedom of Information requests, the BC Timber Sales Operating Plan consultation process and the importance of FireSmart funding, funding and recruitment support for the Village Health Centre, funding and timelines for a new elementary school, modern treaties and Indigenous relations, e-unicycle and e-hoverboard regulation as well as increased enforcement and education related to the e-scooter pilot program, and oversight of the hot springs source.
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The Village will be investigating the installation of a cenotaph outside of Memorial Hall and will engage with Royal Canadian Legion Branch 32 to seek input and guidance on appropriate design and protocols. A report will be brought back to Council with recommendations including a proposed project budget and timeline.
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A future Committee of the Whole meeting will be scheduled to discuss concerns related to forestry activities near the Village, including wildfire risk, water quality in Harrison Lake, flooding impacts, and the visual character of surrounding forests and mountains. Council will also consider how to engage Provincial authorities and neighbouring communities, including the District of Kent and Sts’ailes, on these matters.
Community Happenings
Civic Campus Engagement Evening:
Residents are invited to attend the Civic Campus Engagement Evening on May 20 from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM at the Harrison Hot Springs Elementary School Gymnasium. The event will explore the proposed civic campus partnership between the Village and SD78 and gather community feedback through interactive discussion tables and shared idea boards to help inform future planning and a forthcoming “What We Heard” report.
GoByBike Community Celebration
GoByBike Week is coming to Harrison Hot Springs! Residents can sign up as a solo rider or team and log rides until June 5 for a chance to win prizes while promoting active transportation. The GoByBike Kick-Off Event takes place Sunday, May 31 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Spring Park and will include a community BBQ by donation supporting the Harrison Hot Springs Firefighter’s Charitable Society, a kids’ bike skills zone, activities, prizes, and more. Visit gobybikebc.ca/Harrison to log your rides and win great bike prizes!
Community Connections Café
Join us on May 22 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Village Health Centre for the next Community Connections Café. This month’s theme focuses on wellness and recreation, with opportunities to learn about local programs, connect with community resources, enjoy coffee and conversation, browse the lending library, and pick up a copy of the District of Kent Recreation & Cultural Centre Recreation Guide.
Pay Parking Season
Pay parking is in effect in Harrison Hot Springs from May 15 to September 15. Parking hours are Monday–Thursday from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM and Friday–Sunday from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
New this season, parking can be paid conveniently through the PayByPhone app or at paybyphone.com. Simply enter the location number, select your parking duration, and choose your payment method. Pay stations will also be available soon in designated locations.
Resident parking passes are available at the Village Office for $75 and provide up to four hours of free parking per day through the PayByPhone app. Questions can be directed to [email protected]