Image: Brad Vis Facebook / MP Brad Vis, representing Agassiz in the Mission-Matsqui-Fraser Canyon riding, handed out pins and certificates at the District of Kent meeting this past Monday, February 27 in Agassiz. Vis was there to thank them for their heroic efforts in working to rescue people following the November 2021 atmospheric river events. Vis also collected 240 petitions related to the proposed Lets'emot Regional Acquatic Centre.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

MP Brad Vis

MP Brad Vis salutes Agassiz firefighters, gathers petitions for new acquatic centre

Mar 4, 2023 | 10:51 AM

AGASSIZ — MP Brad Vis, representing Agassiz in his Mission-Matsqui-Fraser Canyon riding, praised the heroic efforts of the Agassiz Fire Department following the 2021 atmospheric river events at a District of Kent meeting this past Monday (Feb. 27).

Vis presented certificates and pins to members of the Agassiz Fire Department to honour them for their role in rescuing people trapped due to landslides in November 2021.

According to his Facebook post, Vis said “their work alongside members of the Canadian Armed Forces saved lives during that fateful storm and proved our local first responders are a force to be reckoned with.”

According to a meeting summary from the District of Kent website, Mayor Pranger also thanked Agassiz firefighters for their brave actions during the November 2021 atmospheric river. Through their coordination with the B.C. Ambulance Service, Hope Search and Rescue, and B.C. Hydro, they were able to rescue nine motorists trapped by the landslide. Mayor Pranger specifically thanked Chief Gerald Basten for his leadership and heroism that day, which led to the assembling of a human chain of firefighters to rescue the nine individuals who were trapped in a water-filled debris field.

Chief Gerald Basten thanked Mr. Vis for his kind words and the tokens of appreciation, and extended his appreciation on behalf of the Agassiz Fire Department to the District of Kent, mayor and council, and the administration team. He highlighted the important work of support staff during the atmospheric river and recalled that the following Monday, Mayor Pranger and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Wallace Mah came to the fire station for a debrief and to make plans to rescue the remaining 350 stranded motorists. He said that they could’ve easily stayed at Municipal Hall and called for updates, but they instead decided to attend in person. Their show of support did not go unnoticed, the meeting summary on the District of Kent website indicated.

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Chief Basten then presented the mayor and the CAO with Recognition and Appreciation Challenge coins engraved with the Agassiz Fire Department file number for that specific event as gesture of gratitude for their support. Director of Corporate Services Clair Lee, executive assistant Lindsay Jonk, Director of Financial Services Mike Veenbaas, Deputy Director of Financial Services Cheryl Price also received coins and letters of appreciation from the AFD for their assistance roles during the atmospheric river event.

At the District of Kent council meeting, Mayor Sylvia Pranger and Chief Administrative Officer Wallace Mah also hand delivered petitions with an impressive 240 signatures in support of the proposed Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre.

“This petition will come with me straight to Ottawa where I will raise your voice in the Chamber,” Vis said on Facebook. “Legislation requires that the Government provide a response to official House of Commons petitions within 45 days. I am committed to making the Lets’mot Regional Aquatic Centre a reality!”

After his presentation to the AFD, Vis addressed Council directly and pledged to continue fighting for Agassiz to receive its fair share of public funds. Vis plans to advocate for the acquatic centre in Ottawa and explain why the aquatic centre is crucial for the development of the Agassiz community, and an important resource for current residents.

According to the minutes summary on the District of Kent website, Councillor Watchorn thanked Mr. Vis on behalf of council and the community for his work and dedication to the project. Councillor Watchorn also reiterated that the Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre is an important step towards reconciliation on the local level.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

MP Brad Vis salutes Agassiz firefighters, gathers petitions for new acquatic centre

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