June 16, 2025 Regular Council Meeting Highlights

Council Catch-Up
June 17, 2025

 

  • Agassiz-Harrison Community Services, Terra Social Purpose Real Estate, and The Nerdy Architect presented on Seniors Housing opportunities in the Village that align with the Village Lands Master Plan. Staff will be working with them regarding potentially applying to the Community Housing Fund by July 31, 2025. 

  • The Village will continue to explore opportunities to enhance FireSmart messaging and awareness in the community – stay tuned! 

  • Staff will be investigating bear proof resistant garbage containers and biodegradable dog waste bags, as recommended by the Environmental Advisory Committee. 

  • A new policy regarding the Village’s Occupational Health and Safety program was adopted (Health and Safety Policy 1.43). 

  • The 2024 Annual Report was approved. View the report here.

  • The Council Remuneration Review Update was received for information and will be brought forward for future consideration.  

  • Council voted to recommend that the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Board approve the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa’s application to increase its in-person capacity from 170 to 244 people for the Islands Bar. 

  • Council voted to recommend that the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Board approve the applications to extend the hours of service at Milos Greek Taverna and Black Forest Restaurant to 2:00 a.m. each day. 

  • Staff will be putting out a call for two (2) vacancies on the Environmental Advisory Committee. Interested applicants are invited to submit their expressions of interest to the Village Office. Applications are available at the Village Office or online here. 

  • Help keep our air clean and ensure the Village remains an enjoyable place for all. Smoking and vaping is prohibited in all public spaces in the Village. Staff will be focusing on increasing public education and communications about this, along with updating the signage on the beachfront. 

  • Staff will request meetings at the 2025 UBCM Convention with the following Cabinet Ministers regarding the following topics: 

    • Minister of Forests regarding the BC Timber Sales Operating Plan consultation process; 

    • Minister of Health regarding funding for the primary care unit renovation costs and emergency room closure notification; 

    • Minister of Education regarding a new elementary school; 

    • Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport regarding expanding RMI funding to campgrounds, using RMI funding for non-tourism related improvements, re-scoping projects and the funding formula; 

    • Minister of Housing regarding potential housing partnerships and the Village Lands Master Plan; 

    • Minister of Transportation and Transit regarding sidewalks on the east side of Hot Springs Road from McPherson Road to Miami River Drive, crosswalks on Hot Springs Road, bulbs on Lillooet Avenue crosswalks and Agassiz-Mission “North of the Fraser” bus route funding; 

    • Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities regarding Community Charter amendments and Provincial ethics commissioner; and 

    • Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship regarding provincial oversight of the hot springs source.

  • Staff provided Council with an update on the Highway 9 to McCombs Storm Sewer Project. Staff, along with the Village’s consultant, have awarded the contract to Strohmaier Excavating LTD. The construction schedule for this work is estimated to take seven (7) weeks and must be coordinated around the tie-in to the Miami River, which allows a fisheries work window for construction between August 1 and September 15. A detailed schedule and traffic management plan is in progress. Project information will be available on getintoitharrison.ca soon - check back for updates.

  • Staff will be applying to the 2025 PlanH Healthy Communities Grant – Healthy Public Policy Stream for up to $15,000 to support the development of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion framework and plan. 

  • The Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw Update Background Report was received for information. Keep an eye out for public engagement opportunities as the Village begins the process of updating these bylaws.  

  • Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1225 to rezone 285 Spruce Street from R2 (Duplex) to R3 (Small Lot) was given third reading and was adopted. 

  • Councillor Vidal presented a Notice of Motion to be considered at the next Regular Council Meeting regarding commissioned art. 

Community Happenings 

  • The Communities in Bloom Committee hosted a Community Planting Day on June 3 – planting begonias on the East side of the Lagoon to spell out “HHS”. Keep a look-out as these flowers continue to grow and flourish in the coming weeks. 

  • The Communities in Bloom Committee’s Garden of the Week program is in full swing - committee members will be making their way through the Village, checking out all the unique and beautiful gardens for Garden of the Week. Winners will receive Miracle-Gro products and will be announced weekly on the Committee’s Facebook page.