Harrison Village Facts

Harrison Village Facts – Agenda Analysis

Regular Council Meeting Agenda– June 15, 2026

This meeting contains several significant items that could have long-term impacts on Harrison Hot Springs, particularly the Civic Campus proposal and a proposed $250,000 hot springs feasibility study.

Key Issues to Watch

1. Civic Campus Project Update (Page 17)

This is the most significant item on the agenda. Council is being asked to:

• Continue moving forward with the Civic Campus concept.

• Seek additional environmental and tree assessments.

• Forward a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to School District 78.

• Authorize the CAO to execute the MOU if the School District agrees.

What Changed?

Staff acknowledge that:

• Strong opposition exists regarding the removal of trees and impacts to Fire Hall Park.

• The draft MOU has been revised to include tree protection and retention measures.

• Additional environmental and vegetation studies are being proposed.
  

Public Opinion

The Village's own engagement report states:

• 21% support the Civic Campus concept.

• 66% do not support the concept as presented.

• 13% require more information.

This means a clear majority of respondents opposed the proposal in its current form.

Important Admission

Staff state that:

"There has been broad support for the overall concept of a Civic Campus and school replacement project; however, there is strong and consistent opposition to the removal of trees within Fire Hall Park."

This suggests many residents support a new school but not necessarily the proposed location.

Elector Approval Required

The report confirms that if parkland is used:

• Fire Hall Park dedication would need to be removed.

• Elector approval would be required through either:

  • Referendum (Assent Vote), or

  • Alternative Approval Process (AAP).

This is a major decision point because the project cannot proceed without public approval.

Questions Residents May Wish to Ask

• Why proceed with an MOU when 66% of survey respondents oppose the concept as presented?

• Why were environmental assessments not completed before public engagement?

• What alternatives have been seriously evaluated?

• Will Council commit to a referendum rather than an AAP?

• How much forest area could ultimately be affected?

2. Hot Springs Source Feasibility Study (Page 87)

Council is being asked to approve:

• Up to $250,000 for a feasibility study.

• $50,000 from Community Works Funds.

• $200,000 expected from grants.

• An RFP process to determine project requirements and costs.

Why This Matters

The study would explore ways to provide public access to hot springs mineral water.

Questions

• What happens if grant funding is not approved?

• Will taxpayers be responsible for additional costs?

• What are the projected future capital costs if the project proceeds?

• Is there sufficient public demand to justify the study?

3. 2025 Annual Report (Page 91)

Council will be asked to approve the Village's 2025 Annual Report.

Residents may want to review:

• Financial performance.

• Capital projects completed.

• Strategic plan progress.

• Infrastructure commitments versus actual results.

4. Anti-Racism Policy 1.42 (Page 93)

Council will consider adoption of an Anti-Racial Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy.

Potential questions:

• Is the policy mandatory under provincial guidance?

• What training requirements or implementation costs exist?

• How will success be measured?

5. Temporary Off-Leash Dog Park (Page 105)

Council is being asked to:

• Reinstall the temporary dog park at Spring Park.

• Operate it from late June through September.

• Conduct a public survey.

• Return with future options and costs.

This appears to be a trial extension rather than a permanent decision.

Delegation

Royal Canadian Legion

The Legion will present a proposal regarding:

• A Veterans Crosswalk.

• Remembrance Day Veterans Banners.

This could lead to future budget or streetscape discussions.

Overall Assessment

High Interest Items

1. Civic Campus Project

2. Hot Springs Feasibility Study

Moderate Interest Items

1. Annual Report

2. Anti-Racism Policy

3. Dog Park Trial

Biggest Story

The Civic Campus report confirms two important points:

• Public opposition remains substantial, with 66% of survey respondents opposing the proposal as presented.

• The Village acknowledges that elector approval will ultimately be required if Fire Hall Park is used.

For residents following this issue, June 15 is not the final decision on the project, but it is another step toward determining whether the Village and School District continue exploring the Civic Campus concept.