- Kent Harrison Search and Rescue representatives presented to Council seeking support and funding for the purchase of a new underwater drone. Each year, KHSAR responds to at least 3-5 drowning incidents, requiring underwater searches. The presenters demonstrated the inadequacy and challenges of the current search equipment, which causes longer search times and requires significant resources to operate. The Village is proud to support this organization of highly skilled and dedicated volunteers and will be contributing to the cost of acquiring new underwater search equipment for up to $3,500.
- At the 2024 UBCM Convention, the Village called on the Province to increase access to mobile mammogram services in rural communities and lower the age of MSP coverage for routine mammogram screening to thirty. The Province responded advising that they are looking into strategies to make screening more accessible and working on a project to increase access to screening for patients without a family doctor.
- The Village will be purchasing two voting machines for use in future general local elections, by-elections and assent voting.
- The application for a Development Variance Permit for 889 Hot Springs Road will be referred to the Village’s Fire Department for comment. The applicant is proposing to subdivide the property to allow for a convenience store and storage units. To achieve this, they are requesting a reduction in the rear and interior side setback requirements of the Zoning Bylaw. Once comments are received from the Fire Department, the application will be brought back to Council at a future meeting.
- The Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1229, 2025 was adopted after incorporating feedback from the Open House, Public Hearing and referral agencies including the Advisory Planning Commission. Thank you to all who provided their input into the updated bylaw.
- Council reviewed a report proposing the following amendments to the Business Licence and Regulation Bylaw:
- Clarifying the requirements for short-term rental business licencing
- Increasing the business licence fee from $100 to $125 and fire inspection fee from $75 to $85
- Reducing the business licence fee by 50% for new applications received after July 1st
- Relaxing the provisions for Food Trucks, allowing them for one-day events on private property or for public events requiring a permit or rental from the Village
- These proposed amendments were sent back to staff to return with more information on Food Trucks and to refer the bylaw to the Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce for comment. Prior to adopting the bylaw, a notice will be published inviting the public to provide written or verbal comments. Please keep an eye out on our website and notice boards for more information.
- A bylaw to incorporate fees for false fire alarm attendance and increase the fees for Tax Certificates from $25 to $100 was also given first two readings
Community Happenings
- The Chair Yoga program runs until December 16 (excluding November 11). Join us Tuesdays from 9am - 10am at Memorial Hall, 290 Esplanade Avenue, for this free, low barrier activity. Please register in advance with the Village Office at 604-796-2171 or [email protected]
- The Village Office will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 to commemorate Remembrance Day. The Village Office will reopen on Wednesday, November 12 at 8:30am.
- The Starlight Skating Rink opens November 8 for self skate – bring your own skates and enjoy skating under the stars! Skate rentals and concession operations begin November 22. See here for more information on skate schedules and operating hours.
- The Lights by the Lake kickoff event returns this year on November 22 from 5-8pm. Enjoy photos with Santa and Sasquatch, free hot chocolate for the first 1,000 attendees, carols, pet parade, fireworks, and more! Learn more at tourismharrison.com