Special Features - Discover Community Guide 2014

Agassiz Harrison Observer Thursday, May 29, 2014 9

discover 2014 official community guide

agassiz, harrison hot springs & surrounding areas

Published by the award-winning newspaper

The Agassiz â?– Harrison

services

arts

recreation

culture

lifestyle

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harrison hot springs agassiz and surrounding areas

Time to discover your community Welcome to your official community guide for Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs.

The region truly is a strong community of small neighbourhoods, close friendships and big dreams.

That’s why we all love living and working here. From the soothing shores of the lake to the snow-capped mountaintops all around us, the area’s beauty is hard to ignore.

The small town charms are all around us, too. With pastoral setJESSICA PETERS tings and the Best Fall Fair around to mom-and-pop shops you know and trust, there seems little reason to ever leave!

But changes are all around us, too. The area is ever-changing, with new businesses and services starting up all the time.

We’ve published this guide to help you navigate the community and rediscover your own backyard. We also wanted to highlight the hidden gems you may be missing, as well as pay homage to the internationally-acclaimed highlights that draw in tourists year after year.

But besides being a mecca for tourists, there is a vibrant business community here, growing in earnest thanks to our hardworking Chamber of Commerce. Businesses are blossoming and the community is stronger than ever.

Jessica Peters Editor - The Observer

Find this special publication in a digital format at our website, www.ahobserver.com, in our e-Editions. To learn more about advertising in future publications, contact Sarah at ads@ahobserver.com or by phone at 604-796-4301.

Harrison Lake is the perfect place to unwind after a long day, with benches and beautiful scenery.

JESSICA PETERS / OBSERVER

Discovering your artistic side Rockwell Drive in Harrison Hot Springs. 604-796-2723.

Photo courtesy of Kent Harrison Arts Council.

The Fraser Cascade can be an oasis of peaceful relaxation — just the right environment for artists seeking solitude and inspiration. So it's no surprise that art galleries and exhibitions are growing in popularity.

As a bonus, many of the galleries and organizations listed below also offer classes and

demonstrations throughout the year. Thumb through this listing the next time your creativity needs a boost.

RANGER STATION ART GALLERY • This local art gallery situated on the shores of Harrison Lake features monthly shows by area artists. Operated by the Kent Harrison Arts Council, at 98

KENT HARRISON ARTS COUNCIL • A not for profit arts and cultural organization serving the communities of the Village of Harrison Hot Springs, District of Kent, Seabird Island and Chehalis.

Visit kentharrisonartscouncil. com/khac for more information.

WOODSIDE ART GALLERY • Tucked away on Mt. Woodside, this gallery was converted from a cafe is a creative space featuring monthly shows and openings.

Located at 2226 Lougheed Highway, Harrison Mills BC.

Whether you’re new to the area or just

dropping by...

We have educational programs and fun events for all ages, all year long.

For more information contact Dehlia at 604-615-7770 or www. woodsidegallery.ca AGASSIZ MONDAY PAINTERS • Meet fellow artists monthly, in the bright and spacious Agassiz United Church hall. For times and dates, contact ...

RUBY CREEK ART GALLERY • An abundance of First Nation art work and history.

Located at 58611 Lougheed Highway Agassiz, BC • (604) 796-0740 or online at www. rubycreekartgallery.com.

HARRISON FESTIVAL SOCIETY • Keeping the art vibe alive for decades in Harrison Hot Springs, this group is responsible for year round concerts in Harrison Memorial Hall, and the internationally-known Harrison Festival of the Arts every summer.

Visit www.harrisonfestival. com to check current events, or phone 604-796-3664.

HARRISON HOT SPRINGS MULTICULTURAL CHOIR • This active group sings regularly at many events.

For more information, phone 796-2084.

Ranger g Station PUBLIC ART GALLERY Monthly exhibits featuring local and Fraser Valley artists.

Monday – Friday 10 – 4 Saturday – Sunday 1 – 5

7140 Cheam Ave | 604.796.9510 | fvrl.bc.ca | Read. Learn. Play.

604-796-2723 98 Rockwell Drive Harrison Hot Springs Operated by The Kent Harrison Arts Council | kentharrisonartscouncil.com

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Learning doesn`t just have to happen in the classroom Our community is filled with opportunities to learn something new, whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, have an artistic — or all three!

Check out these places to visit, for a little outdoor learning at any age.

KILBY HISTORIC SITE The oldest building in the District of Kent is at Kilby Historic Site, and so is the haunted Manchester House Hotel. Ask Kilby’s friendly staff and volunteers to show you around. You might be surprised at what you’ll learn about local folklore.

See the area as it once was, from farm implements and a fueling station to living quarters and the general store and post office.

The site has several special dates planned each year, inviting the public to share in something as simple as the change of seasons.

You could camp at Kilby Park or

pack a picnic lunch for the day.

Visit www.kilby.ca or phone 604-796-9576.

CHEAM LAKE WETLANDS REGIONAL PARK Spend some time at the Cheam Wetlands and you’ll leave with a better understanding of nature.

Here, 93 hectares of marsh, lake and uplands have been protected as a nature park. The park is home to many bird, animal and insect species, including deer. It is unsuitable for dog walking, fishing or boating, but the perfect spot for a picnic and a short hike.

Cheam Wetlands is 6km south of Agassiz. Take the east exit off the roundabout, following Yale Road to Elgey Road.

AGASSIZ PUBLIC LIBRARY Have a free afternoon? Try getting lost in the stacks.

The Agassiz Library has a full schedule of activities throughout

the year, including a summer reading club for adults and children, Storytime in the Park and special presenters.

Grab a book, an audiotape, a few magazines or even a movie, and hunker down to enjoy a little free entertainment. For more information, visit them at 7140 Cheam Avenue or online at www. fvrl.bc.ca.

AGASSIZ HARRISON MUSEUM The oldest wooden railroad station still in existence in B.C. now houses the Agassiz-Harrison Museum where you can see period clothing, artifacts and photos of pioneer life. Admission is free and the museum is open from May to September. The park itself is a beautiful place to take a stroll or stop for a picnic.

Visit them at 7011 Pioneer Ave. or phone 604-796-3545. See page 14 for more information on local history.

JESSICA PETERS / OBSERVER

Sports and recreation around town

AGASSIZ HARRISON AQUANAUTS SWIM CLUB For swimmers of all ages. Practice at Ferny Coombe Pool with meets around the province. For more information contact Anne at 604-796-8458.

HARRISON YACHT CLUB This is a non-profit organization formed for the purposes of promoting safe boating on Harrison Lake. The HYC operates on land formerly occupied by the BC Forest Service and provided by the Village of Harrison Hot Springs.

FRASER VALLEY DRAGON BOAT CLUB Established in 2002, this society is committed to assisting and overseeing

activities which will encourage, promote and develop teams within the Fraser Valley for the sole purpose of dragon boating.

The club is currently made up of four mixed teams that practice one or two times a week on Harrison Lake.

The club is in the process of offering a Youth team (13 to 18) and a Master’s team (55+). Season runs from March to October and they’re always looking for new paddlers. 604-799-8464 or visit www.fraservalleydragonboatclub.com.

COMMUNITY RECREATION AND CULTURE CENTRE An expansion project there is about to be complete, and staff is always bringing in new ideas for classes, programs and fitness incentives. Visit them at 6660 Pioneer Avenue or phone: 604-796-8891.

CENTENNIAL PARK Featuring a skate park, a playground, soccer pitches, baseball fields, and a walking trail, Centennial Park is a great place for any family to stretch their legs. Located at 6660 Pioneer Avenue in Agassiz.

FERNY COOMBE POOL Find out why the Aquanauts can't wait for swim season, at the community's favourite cooling off zone during the hot summer months. The outdoor pool operates from May to August at 6820 Pioneer Avenue. For more information, phone 604-796-2451.

HARRISON HIKERS There is a group for every style of hiker, or walker, in this fun group. For more information on local groups and popular hikes, phone Ken at 604-491-5540.

AGASSIZ SPEEDWAY The hottest ticket in town is a noisy little place, tucked away in a quiet, idyllic corner. But it’s one of the best places to get your heart pumping. Check out

their schedule online for race times and special events, at www.agassizspeedway. com, for events from spring to late fall.

FORE! Not one for revving an engine? Grab your clubs, book the day off, and head for the greens. Each course has its own, unique appeal. Try out Harrison Resort Golf Course, Sandpiper Golf Resort or Bridal Falls Golf Course. Or in the summer months, take the kids to Tugboat Junction Adventure Park for a round of mini golf.

WATER PLAY Be a tourist for a day this summer.

Book a parasailing or windsurfing lesson on Harrison Lake. Rent a banana boat, or a Sea-Doo and enjoy a little water action.

Test out the inflatable playground on the lake in front of the Harrison Resort. And for the extreme adventurers out there, book a tour in the skies with Far West Helicopters. For more ideas on how to be a tourist in your own town, visit Tourism Harrison online at www.tourismharrison. com or phone 604-796-5581.

1920s Living History • Costumed Interpreters General Store Museum • Orchard Playground Home-style Cafe • Unique Gift Shop Special Events • Campground 215 Kilby Road, Harrison Mills | 604-796-9576 1 km off Scenic Hwy. 7 – Just minutes west of Agassiz

Visit our website for hours of operation and to learn more about our special events:

www.kilby.ca

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Located in Pioneer Park, the AgassizHarrison Museum provides a taste of Canadian history with small town flavor. The museum resides in a CPR station built in 1893 and records both local CPR history and extensive archives relating to the Agassiz-Harrison area.

Come into our Local-Motive gift shop to see the works of our local artisans and authors.

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Mission & Kilby

Agassiz: Points of Interest 1. Agassiz Community Gardens 2. Agassiz Fire Department 3. Agassiz-Harrison Museum & Visitor Information Centre 4. Agassiz-Harrison Observer 5. Agassiz Library 6. Community Recreation and Cultural Centre 7. District of Kent Municipal Hall 8. Ferny Coombe Pool 9. Kent Recycling Centre 10. Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre 11. RCMP

Come out and see what really goes on behind the corn fields!

Agassiz is a friendly agricultural community; known for healthy country living and endless activities!

AGASSIZ VISITOR INFORMATION

CENTRE

Experience water sports, fishing, hiking, cycling, the Circle Farm Tour or paragliding in the picturesque Fraser Valley.

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Volunteering makes a difference The communities of Agassiz and Harrison are thriving with clubs, services, teams and organizations who are there to serve others. And whether you’re looking to volunteer, or need certain services, you’re sure to find what you need right here.

Here’s a sampling of some of the many services and activities you could get involved in.

KENT HARRISON SEARCH AND RESCUE Established in 1957, KHSAR is capable of ground, air and water searches, and works in conjunction with surrounding groups and other emergency personnel when in times of need. For more information, visit www2. khsar.com or email info@ khsar.com.

AGASSIZ HARRISON HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM

In the heart of Agassiz’s Pioneer Park, and housed in the oldest wooden railroad station still in existence in B.C., the museum will take back in time. 7011 Pioneer Ave., Agassiz. 604-796-3545.

FRASER HERITAGE SOCIETY Incorporated as a nonprofit society in Spring, 1999, this society has a mandate to provide support and enhancement projects in Cultural, Heritage and Arts organizations in the Fraser Valley and Fraser Canyon.

They are instrumental in helping keep Kilby Historic Site alive and well. www.kilby.ca.

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 32 This local group runs a pub, which helps fund services for local veterans, as well as organizing Remembrance Day each November. The Legion is always open to new

m e m b e r s , and it is not a requirement to be a member or past-member of the Forces to join. To find out more, visit www.legion.ca.

AGASSIZ HARRISON The Agassiz Harrison Lions Club hosts many events LIONS CLUB throughout the year, including a very popular car show.

A service group focused Avenue. To find out more, week recruit training. on giving back to the phone 604-796-1080. community. The Lions COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM organize and support AGASSIZ FIRE Both Agassiz and numerous activities and DEPARTMENT Harrison Hot Springs groups in Agassiz and If you are a motivated are past winners of CIB Harrison Hot Springs individual, physically fit, competitions. For more throughout the year. For 18 years old or older, information on how to get more information, contact you may have a future as involved, contact either Lion Joey Ellis at 604-9951. a part-time firefighter. municipality’s office.

AGASSIZ COMMUNITY GARDENS There are currently a handful of garden plots available for rent to local residents, at this community garden at the east end of Pioneer

Making safety a priority BLOCK WATCH Do you know your neighbours?

Block Watch is a wonderful program that can bring together neighbourhoods and potentially reduce crime. It’s about neighbours helping neighbours, and is a way to properly monitor and report suspicious activities. The program is administered by the local Agassiz RCMP, and team captains and co-captains are given training and resources to make their Block Watch successful.

But first, someone has to volunteer to be that captain.

If you are interested in Block Watch, please contact the Agassiz RCMP for your

starter kit or visit www.district.kent.bc.ca and look for the Block Watch tab under “Living in Kent.”

SPEED WATCH Do you want to take an active role in solving the speeding issue by raising the public awareness of the actual speed motorists are traveling? Speed Watch is a volunteer community-led program that creates awareness about speeding in neighbourhhoods working in partnership with police and ICBC. For more information, phone the Agassiz RCMP station at 604-796-2211 or the District of Kent at 604-796-2235.

Eligible applicants will be required to complete 10

EMERGENCY SOCIAL SERVICES ESS provides shortterm services to evacuees and response workers in emergency situations.

Volunteering involves free training, monthly meetings and on-call requirements. Find out more from the District of Kent.

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Making the business connection or phone 604-796-2235.

VILLAGE OF HARRISON The Village can address most of your home or business needs in Harrison Hot Springs and is always open to ideas for new businesses, organizations and events. For more information, visit www.harrisonhotsprings.ca or phone 604-796-2171.

The Agassiz Farm Fresh Market is becoming an important part of the local economy during the summer, and a similar market is currently being created in Harrison Hot Springs.

JESSICA PETERS / OBSERVER

All businesses benefit from making community connections, whether they are just starting out or have well-established roots. The organizations listed below are here to help your business grow.

HARRISON AGASSIZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Being a member has benefits.

The Chamber has been helping local businesses for more than 25 years. Email info@harrison. ca, or visit www.harrison.ca.

DISTRICT OF KENT If you are starting a new business, or expanding your existing one, check with the District staff for licensing and other business services. Visit them at www.district.kent.bc.ca

SEABIRD ISLAND BAND BUSINESS SERVICES Seabird Island is a small band on the cutting edge of economic development. They work collaboratively with many businesses and individuals to continue to support growth in the area. To learn more about developments at Seabird, visit www.seabirdisland.ca or phone 604-796-2177.

KENT HARRISON FOUNDATION A non-profit organization that has been providing local grants and bursaries since 1998.

For more information on how your business can partner with the foundation to create a lasting legacy, visit kentharrisonfoundation.com or email info@ kentharrisonfoundation.com.

COMMUNITY FUTURES DEVELOPMENT NORTH FRASER CFD offers business financing, training and advisory services, and are dedicated to promoting economic development in our service area in Mission, Kent and Harrison Hot Springs. www. northfraser.org.

The Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to Agassiz &

Bands on the Beach is held every Labour Day weekend in Harrison Hot Springs, and is heavily supported by the local Chamber of Commerce and its members.

beautiful Harrison Hot Springs Questions about businesses in the Harrison/Agassiz area?

Visit us at www.harrison.ca

Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce

The Voice of Business for Harrison Hot Springs The District of Kent and surrounding area

Local Chamber is the `voice of business` The Harrison-Agassiz Chamber represents the business interest of two dynamic and different communities: Harrison Hot Springs & the District of Kent.

Harrison Hot Springs, a small village in the big outdoors has been a premier resort destination for over a century and offers access to the largest fresh water lake in South Western BC. The District of Kent is the hub for agricultural activity in the eastern Fraser Valley and is the “Corn Capital” of BC. As the “Voice of Business,” the Harrison-Agassiz Chamber of Commerce has been serving the needs of the business community in the Kent District & Harrison Hot Springs for more than 25 years.

They are a non-profit, non-government organization with over 100 members comprising businesses, professionals & associations who have joined together for the purpose of promoting the civic, commercial & Tourist interests of our community.

The latest, greatest plan has been to host more casual social events instead of the more structured Chamber meetings where members or new businesses can come & network, share concepts in a more relaxed, constructive setting.

Have any questions about the Harrison-Agassiz Chamber of Commerce?

Interested in their next event? Email them at info@harrison.ca.

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harrison hot springs agassiz and surrounding areas

ALL EMERGENCIES: DIAL 9-1-1

NON-EMERGENCY: RCMP Agassiz Detachment (Non‐emergency) .......................................... 604‐796‐2211 Agassiz Fire Hall (Non‐emergency) ........................................................... 604‐796‐2614 After Hours Fire Dispatch (Non‐emergency) ........................................... 604‐702‐5014 Ambulance Services (Non‐emergency)...................................................... 604‐796‐2151 BC Conservation Officer..........................................................................1‐877‐952‐7277 Search and Rescue ...................................................................................... 604-796-0169

MUNICIPAL SERVICES: District of Kent Municipal Hall .................................................................. 604‐796‐2235 Village of Harrison Hot Springs ................................................................. 604-796-2171 Fraser Valley Regional District ................................................................... 604-702-5000

HEALTH AND WELLNESS:

Worship

There are several places of worship throughout the region, with many denominations represented. Of historical note, All Saints Anglican Church is one of the oldest churches in the province and worth a visit to take in the beautiful stained glass windows.

AGASSIZ AND HARRISON CHURCHES: All Saints Anglican, 6904 Lougheed Highway .............................................. 604-796-3553 Agassiz Christian Reform, 7452 Morrow Road ............................................. 604-796-9416 St Anthony’s Catholic Church, 7237 Morrow Road ...................................... 604-796-9181 Agassiz Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 7087 McDonald Rd ........... 604-796-3338 United Church, 6860 Lougheed Hwy ............................................................ 604-796-2680 Harrison Gospel Chapel, 514 Lillooet Avenue .............................................. 604-796-9500 Central Community Church, 6800 Pioneer Avenue...................................... 604-792-8037

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Agassiz Medical / Walk‐In Clinic ................................................................ 604‐703‐2030 Agassiz Harrison Community Services........................604‐796‐2585 or 1‐888‐748‐5777 Agassiz Community Health Centre ........................................................... 604‐703‐2030 Agassiz Public Health Unit ......................................................................... 604‐793‐7160 Chilliwack General Hospital....................................................................... 604‐795‐4141 Community Recreation and Cultural Centre ............................................ 604‐796‐8891 Ferny Coombe Pool (Seasonal) .................................................................. 604‐796‐2451

COMMUNITY SERVICES: BC Transit .................................................................................................... 604‐795‐3838 Kent Recycling (Agassiz Bottle Depot Ltd.) .............................................. 604‐796‐3653 Fraser‐Cascade School District #78 ........................................................... 604‐796‐2225 Agassiz Public Library................................................................................. 604‐796‐9510 Agassiz Harrison Employment Services ..................................................... 604‐796‐0266 Kilby Provincial Park................................................................................... 604‐796‐9576 Friendship House ........................................................................................ 604‐796‐3422 Family Place ................................................................................................ 604-796-0313 Agassiz Visitor Information Centre and Museum .................................... 604‐796‐3545

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Come and enjoy the Fraser Valley's most accessible waterslides, with no stairs for you to worry about! Our family oriented facilities make for the perfect day of fun in the sun (and the water) for you, your family and your friends. Enjoy hours of entertainment and fun!

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Visit us online at www.htr.ca

www.bridalfallswaterpark.com

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