Harrison Village Facts

Harrison Village Facts

July 13, 2026 Council Meeting Summary

The July 13 Regular Council meeting focused on emergency response, health care access, technology policies, community recognition, and updates on several Village initiatives.

Fire Response Recognized

Council unanimously approved letters of appreciation for the Harrison Fire Department, neighbouring fire departments, BC Ambulance Service, BC Wildfire Service, and other agencies that assisted during the recent Springs RV Park fire.

Councillors praised the firefighters' efforts and discussed reviewing fire prevention measures for trailer parks once the Fire Inspector's final report is complete. Fire Chief Curtis Janzen later confirmed that the SenseNet wildfire detection system detected the fire within minutes and said the system has improved significantly since it was installed.

Health Care Access

Council voted to send a letter to Fraser Health and Health Minister Josie Osborne requesting clarification about why Harrison residents who have family doctors in other communities cannot access the nurse practitioner at the Harrison clinic. Councillors noted this has become an ongoing concern for local residents.

AI Policy Approved

Council approved a new Generative AI and Information Technology Policy establishing guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, password management, and protection of confidential information. Staff emphasized that AI is intended to assist employees, not replace professional judgment or Council decision-making.

Civic Recognition Policy

Council approved a new Civic Recognition and Commemorative Naming Policy that will allow future councils to formally recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the community. The recognition committee will be established by the incoming council after the 2026 local government election.

Quarterly Staff Report

Council received the Second Quarter 2026 CAO Report outlining ongoing Village projects and operational activities. Councillors commended staff for improvements to the Little West Streetscape, public works, parks, water and wastewater operations, and overall service delivery.

Regional Pool Discussion

During her report, Deputy Mayor Michie Vidal addressed the recent District of Kent public information meeting regarding the proposed regional aquatic centre. She said she was disappointed that detailed financial information, including proposed user fees, had been released publicly before Harrison had been informed, stating that this undermined the spirit of collaboration between the two municipalities.

Vidal also stated that, during her time on Council, she is not aware of Harrison ever committing to contribute financially toward the pool's capital or operating costs. She said the Village's involvement has been limited to providing letters of support for grant applications and directing staff to explore a possible regional partnership. She concluded by saying that residents deserve to know the situation is "more nuanced" than has recently been presented publicly.

Self-Storage Rezoning

Council continued its consideration of the proposed self-storage development.

During the discussion, Planning Consultant Ken Cossey addressed concerns about the terminology used in the zoning bylaw. He stated, "We just switched the definition. I shouldn't say switched. We're using the definition now of a commercial storage facility... but it's still the same use. Nothing has changed."

Mr. Cossey said the proposal before Council is the same development that was presented approximately two and a half years ago, and that the change relates to the terminology used in the bylaw rather than the project itself.

Other Council Decisions

Council also:

• Supported the Harrison Museum's application to the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

• Supported an Oak Bay resolution requesting continued provincial funding for the Local Government Climate Action Program.

• Approved sending a letter of support to communities affected by the Boston Bar wildfires.

Overall

No major development applications or significant financial decisions were made at this meeting. The primary focus was recognizing the community's emergency response, improving access to health care, adopting policies for emerging technology, and discussing regional cooperation and communication regarding the proposed aquatic centre.