The weather's getting warmer and Canada Day will be here before you know it.
During a rather brief District of Kent Council meeting, district officials unanimously approved the groundwork for Kent's Canada Day celebration.
According to a report from manager of recreation, culture and projects Skylar Gormley, this year's Canada Day theme is Prehistoric Party. The day's festivities will kick off in the parking lot by the Aberdeen Building with a pancake breakfast courtesy of local swim team Agassiz Harrison Aquanauts. In the parking lot, parade participants marshal and decorate their bikes; the parade steps off at 10 a.m.
Once the parade stops, there will be a singing of O Canada and a welcome message from Mayor Sylvia Pranger. The welcome booth will open at 10:15 a.m., where participating members of council will continue their tradition of handing out Canada-themed cupcakes from Cabin Fever Junction. Activities for the day will include a climbing wall, inflatables, a reptile display, children's crafts and more.
In official action, council approved closing Pioneer Avenue from Park Street to the Agassiz-Harrison Museum, appointed the mayor or her designate to provide a welcome message and will consider participating in handing out cupcakes.
In other council business:
- Coun. Kerstin Schwichtenberg told council that the caboose in front of the Agassiz-Harrison Museum has now been fully restored, thanks in no small part to proceeds from the recent beef raffle. The speeder car – a small, yellow car often seen on the same length of track as the caboose – has been restored and is in the process of being painted as of Monday evening. Schwichtenberg also reported an accessible door is being installed at the museum, thanks to a substantial donations from Super Valu, The Kent Harrison Foundation and B.C. Rehab.
- Though it was anticipated the Spray Park would open this week, district staff report it is now set to open in the middle of June as they are waiting to replace the park's controller. Stay tuned to The Observer for details.
The next regular District of Kent Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 20, at 6 p.m. at Municipal Hall (7170 Cheam Ave.). Online attendance is also available via Microsoft Teams; those interested can register through kentbc.ca.
