Kent Mayor Sylvia Pranger to walk from Agassiz to Chilliwack for new pool

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“The District believes in working collectively to strengthen our community to community relationships and to promote reconciliation in building the Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre together,” Pranger said.

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The new facility was aptly named the Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre, taking after our community to community group. The district said in its statement that “it is an honour to have Chief Andrew Victor [of Cheam First Nation] join Mayor Pranger, as it represents our shared desire to make our area and amenities accessible to everyone in our community.”

“With one heart and one mind, Cheam First Nation is proud to partner with the District of Kent, Stó:lō relatives, and neighbouring communities on the Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre project,” Chief Victor said in a statement released through the district of Kent. “Mayor Pranger is leading the way for this great project that will benefit our region. I am pleased to join her in walking to the Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre on April 22. I hope many more people, families, and businesses put their best foot forward for this great initiative.”

People will have a chance to cheer on Mayor Pranger along her route and donate to the pool at one of her scheduled pit stops.

The district of Kent announced in February 2023 that the future regional aquatic centre will officially be named the Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre.

In a news release posted on the district’s website, the facility’s new name arose after a recent Lets’emot Community to Community forum.

The Halqemeylem word “Lets’emot” stands for ‘One Heart, One Mind’ and the District will be incorporating this concept with plans for the new indoor pool in the spirit of embracing all the neighbouring communities, the district said in a statement.

The Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre will be a future hub for recreation and will promote accessibility, inclusion, and social connection, to ensure that everyone feels welcome to use the facility.

“We look forward to continuing to work together with our partner communities on fundraising and promotion for the Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre,” the district wrote. “Latset q’ép and let’s fill the pool!”

The District of Kent says it will contribute $6.4 million towards the estimated $20 million cost of building the Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre.

According to minutes from its meeting on Monday, January 23, the District of Kent will pitch in $4.4 million from the city’s Community Works Fund and $2 million from its general capital reserve.

“In a continued effort to remain transparent and reinforce their commitment to the building of the Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre, Council has approved updating the large fundraising signs located outside the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre, at Pioneer Park, and the new Visitor Kiosk, to reflect the District’s contribution of $6.4 million,” the District of Kent wrote on its website.

The District of Kent has been eyeing a new regional aquatic centre for some time now. The municipality continues to seek additional funding opportunities from other levels of government as well as fundraising opportunities, it wrote on its website. A fundraising committee meets regularly to plan community events to help the District reach its community fundraising goal of $1 million.

“Mayor (Sylvia) Pranger expressed her gratitude to the various government agencies that have already granted funds and mentioned that more grant applications are underway,” the district said online.

The town’s beloved Ferny Coombe Outdoor Pool, located at 6820 Pioneer Avenue, was built in 1978 and has remained a vital community asset in the District of Kent. It is also home to the Agassiz-Harrison Aquanauts competitive swim club.

The new aquatic centre will be a 27,000-square foot facility, connected to the Community Recreation & Cultural Centre, and feature such indoor amenities as an eight-lane lap pool, leisure pool, whirlpool, steam and sauna, spectator viewing area, activity space, community room, and lifeguard station.