Kent, British Columbia

The District of Kent is a district municipality located 116 kilometres (72 mi) east of Vancouver, British Columbia. Part of the Fraser Valley Regional District, Kent consists of several communities, the largest and most well-known being Agassiz—the only town in the municipality—Harrison Mills, Kilby, Mount Woodside, Kent Prairie, Sea Bird Island and Ruby Creek. Included within the municipality's boundaries are several separately-governed Indian reserves, including the Seabird Island First Nation's reserves on and around the island of the same name.

Kent
District municipality
The Corporation of the District of Kent[1]
Flag of Kent
Flag
Kent, British Columbia is located in British Columbia
Kent, British Columbia
Location of Kent in British Columbia
Coordinates: 49°17′0″N 121°45′0″W
CountryCanada
ProvinceBritish Columbia
Regional districtFraser Valley
Incorporated1895
Government
 • MayorSylvia Pranger
Area
 • Total168.39 km2 (65.02 sq mi)
Elevation
80 m (260 ft)
Population
 (2016)[2]
 • Total6,067
 • Density35.9/km2 (93/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC−8 (PST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
Postal code span
V0M
Area code(s)604, 778
Websitewww.kentbc.ca

Kent's only incorporated municipal neighbours are Chilliwack, to the south across the Fraser, and Harrison Hot Springs which is an enclave on the north side of the municipality at the south end of Harrison Lake. Chehalis, to the west across the Harrison River from Harrison Mills, is unincorporated and largely an Indian reserve community of the Chehalis First Nation of the Sts'Ailes people.

Neighbourhoods

Located north of Chilliwack and south of Harrison Hot Springs, Kent is made up of several communities. Agassiz is the district's commercial and industrial centre, and also the largest community. Harrison Mills in western Kent consists of mainly agricultural land and is home to the British Columbia Heritage Kilby Museum and Campground. Harrison Highlands (formerly known as Mount Woodside, which is still the name of the mountain Harrison Highlands is located on) is a residential resort development located in central-west Kent targeted towards residents from Vancouver. Ruby Creek to the northeast is a mixed rural-residential community. Rockwell Drive, at the eastern shore of Harrison Lake, serves as a residential and commercial resort-like community.

Climate

Like the rest of southwestern British Columbia, Kent enjoys a wet but moderate to mild climate in the wintertime with drier summers, with very few major temperature fluctuations. The warmest months are usually July and August, with an average of 23 degrees Celsius (74 degrees Fahrenheit); its coldest month is normally January, averaging 2.5 °C (35 °F).[3]

Climate data for Agassiz
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 17.2
(63.0)		 21.7
(71.1)		 25
(77)		 32.2
(90.0)		 36
(97)		 36.7
(98.1)		 38.3
(100.9)		 39.4
(102.9)		 35.6
(96.1)		 28.3
(82.9)		 21.1
(70.0)		 17.2
(63.0)		 39.4
(102.9)
Average high °C (°F) 6.2
(43.2)		 8.5
(47.3)		 11.6
(52.9)		 15
(59)		 18.5
(65.3)		 21.1
(70.0)		 24
(75)		 24.6
(76.3)		 21.3
(70.3)		 15
(59)		 8.9
(48.0)		 5.8
(42.4)		 15
(59)
Daily mean °C (°F) 3.4
(38.1)		 5.1
(41.2)		 7.5
(45.5)		 10.4
(50.7)		 13.6
(56.5)		 16.2
(61.2)		 18.5
(65.3)		 18.7
(65.7)		 15.9
(60.6)		 11
(52)		 6.1
(43.0)		 3.2
(37.8)		 10.8
(51.4)
Average low °C (°F) 0.5
(32.9)		 1.6
(34.9)		 3.4
(38.1)		 5.6
(42.1)		 8.8
(47.8)		 11.3
(52.3)		 12.8
(55.0)		 12.8
(55.0)		 10.3
(50.5)		 6.9
(44.4)		 3.2
(37.8)		 0.5
(32.9)		 6.5
(43.7)
Record low °C (°F) −25
(−13)		 −24.4
(−11.9)		 −14.4
(6.1)		 −3.9
(25.0)		 −1.1
(30.0)		 1.7
(35.1)		 3.3
(37.9)		 1.7
(35.1)		 −1.1
(30.0)		 −8.5
(16.7)		 −19
(−2)		 −21.1
(−6.0)		 −25
(−13)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 240.8
(9.48)		 142.1
(5.59)		 154.7
(6.09)		 125.9
(4.96)		 103
(4.1)		 92.3
(3.63)		 66.6
(2.62)		 58.2
(2.29)		 87.6
(3.45)		 191.7
(7.55)		 285
(11.2)		 206.1
(8.11)		 1,754.1
(69.06)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 220.8
(8.69)		 131.1
(5.16)		 148.8
(5.86)		 125.5
(4.94)		 103
(4.1)		 92.3
(3.63)		 66.6
(2.62)		 58.2
(2.29)		 87.6
(3.45)		 191.6
(7.54)		 275.8
(10.86)		 187.7
(7.39)		 1,687
(66.4)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 20.3
(8.0)		 12.5
(4.9)		 5.8
(2.3)		 0.4
(0.2)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0.2
(0.1)		 9.2
(3.6)		 19
(7.5)		 67.4
(26.5)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 20.9 16.9 20.5 18.8 18 15.4 10.5 9.8 12.2 18.7 22.3 19.5 203.6
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) 18.7 15.5 20.1 18.8 18 15.4 10.5 9.8 12.2 18.6 21.7 18 197.4
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) 4 2.4 1.1 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0.1 1.5 3.6 12.9
Mean monthly sunshine hours 58.8 94.1 131.6 164.1 195.7 192.6 247.9 246.6 205.1 114.3 56.1 56.8 1,763.6
Percent possible sunshine 21.8 32.9 35.8 39.9 41.3 39.7 50.7 55.2 54.1 34.1 20.4 22.1 37.3
Source: [4]

History

Kent's growth was initiated by the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush about fifty years later in 1858. Among the first European settlers to settle in Kent in the 1860s include T.B. Hicks and the Agassiz family. Shortly after, the first commercial activity in the area took place between the local First Nations people and the Hudson's Bay Company fur traders. Rapid commercial growth followed as boats started to routinely stop in the area en route to the Fraser Canyon.

The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway around 1881 introduced more development along areas in Kent near the Fraser River and Harrison River. In 1895, the District of Kent was incorporated, taking the name of the English county where hops were also an important crop.[5] Shortly after the incorporation, the Canadian Pacific Railway opened, bringing along more commercial activity to the area.

While the traditional economic merchandise in the area are agriculture-related, there has been a diversification since the 1900s. Roads started to be built between 1901 and 1940, becoming one of the major sources of employment. A bridge crossing at the Harrison River opened in 1926, creating the first-ever road connection to the west of Kent. This connection is often credited for making Agassiz a market-friendly agricultural centre.

In 1948, the Fraser River Flood struck and wiped out Kent's hop industry. However, this disaster unexpectedly benefited Kent as corn became the new primary agricultural product of the region, leading to Agassiz's claim as the "Corn Capital of BC"; this claim is still used today.[6]

Mountain Institution, formerly known as Agassiz Mountain Prison, which was torn down on the same site, is a federal maximum-security prison at the western end of Kent Prairie, just north of the foot of what is known as Agassiz Mountain, the mountainside grade of BC Highway 7 which rises over the south side of Mount Woodside and descends into Harrison Mills to the Harrison River Bridge. It was constructed in the 1960s to house 400 Sons of Freedom in the wake of their arrest for various bombings in the Kootenay region and became the site of a large temporary tenement camp of their followers and supporters.[7][8]

A research farm run by the federal government Department of Agriculture is located to the northwest of the town of Agassiz, and was formerly a private estate.

Demographics

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Kent had a population of 6,300 living in 2,351 of its 2,518 total private dwellings, a change of 3.8% from its 2016 population of 6,067. With a land area of 168.59 km2 (65.09 sq mi), it had a population density of 37.4/km2 (96.8/sq mi) in 2021.[9]

The majority of Kent's residents live in Agassiz. It is the fifth most populated municipality in the Fraser Valley Regional District, after Abbotsford (115,711), Chilliwack (64,898), Mission (31,272) and Hope (6,313). Only one incorporated municipality, Harrison Hot Springs, has fewer residents (1,343).

Ethnicity
Panethnic groups in the District of Kent (1996−2021)
Panethnic
group		 2021[10] 2016[11] 2011[12] 2006[13] 2001[14] 1996[15]
Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. %
European[lower-alpha 1] 4,720 84.51% 4,540 87.06% 4,255 88.19% 4,245 90.71% 4,105 94.26% 3,990 94.1%
Indigenous 420 7.52% 385 7.38% 370 7.67% 295 6.3% 130 2.99% 125 2.95%
Southeast Asian[lower-alpha 2] 180 3.22% 60 1.15% 0 0% 55 1.18% 30 0.69% 45 1.06%
South Asian 80 1.43% 45 0.86% 15 0.31% 0 0% 0 0% 45 1.06%
East Asian[lower-alpha 3] 55 0.98% 75 1.44% 120 2.49% 35 0.75% 55 1.26% 25 0.59%
Latin American 50 0.9% 60 1.15% 0 0% 10 0.21% 15 0.34% 0 0%
African 30 0.54% 10 0.19% 45 0.93% 20 0.43% 20 0.46% 10 0.24%
Middle Eastern[lower-alpha 4] 20 0.36% 25 0.48% 0 0% 10 0.21% 0 0% 0 0%
Other/Multiracial[lower-alpha 5] 10 0.18% 15 0.29% 0 0% 10 0.21% 10 0.23% 0 0%
Total responses 5,585 88.65% 5,215 85.96% 4,825 85.19% 4,680 98.78% 4,355 88.41% 4,240 87.53%
Total population 6,300 100% 6,067 100% 5,664 100% 4,738 100% 4,926 100% 4,844 100%
Note: Totals greater than 100% due to multiple origin responses

Religion

According to the 2021 census, religious groups in Kent included:[10]

Government and politics

In federal elections, Kent is part of the Chilliwack—Fraser Canyon riding, which has existed since 2004. The riding's current Member of Parliament is Mark Strahl, a member of the ruling Conservative Party of Canada.

In provincial elections, Kent lies within the Chilliwack-Kent riding. The current Member of the Legislative Assembly is Kelli Paddon of the British Columbia New Democratic Party.

The current mayor of Kent is Sylvia Pranger.

Transportation

Several highways run through Kent. Highway 7 (also known as the Lougheed Highway) runs the entire length of the district, connecting Kent to much of the Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver. Highway 9 connects Highway 7 to the Trans Canada Highway.

Agassiz-Harrison Transit operates a single bus route (No.11) from the Chilliwack downtown exchange to Rosedale, Popkum, Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs

Economy

Kent's economy has traditionally relied on agriculture. However, it has diversified in recent years by ways of tourism and recreation. Nearby Harrison Hot Springs is a big tourist draw for the area, and many adventurers take advantage of the lakes and rivers in and around Kent.

A major employer of the region is the Correctional Service of Canada. Both Mountain Institution (medium security) and Kent Institution (maximum security) are located within the district.

Agassiz bills itself as the 'Corn Capital of BC'.

Education

Kent is served by School District 78 Fraser-Cascade. Its schools within Kent include Agassiz Elementary Secondary School, Kent Elementary School, McCaffrey Alternative School, and the Agassiz Continuing Education Centre provides education for adults.

There is also a private K-7 school, Agassiz Christian School.

Sports and recreation

While Kent has no big sports teams, it is a hub for recreational activity due to its proximity to major rivers and lakes; Harrison Lake and Harrison River is often used for water sports. Sasquatch Provincial Park in northern Kent, next to Harrison Lake, provides camping areas and offers hiking and fishing opportunities.[16]

Media
Main article: Media in the Fraser Valley

See also

Notes
  1. Statistic includes all persons that did not make up part of a visible minority or an indigenous identity.
  2. Statistic includes total responses of "Filipino" and "Southeast Asian" under visible minority section on census.
  3. Statistic includes total responses of "Chinese", "Korean", and "Japanese" under visible minority section on census.
  4. Statistic includes total responses of "West Asian" and "Arab" under visible minority section on census.
  5. Statistic includes total responses of "Visible minority, n.i.e." and "Multiple visible minorities" under visible minority section on census.

References
  1. "British Columbia Regional Districts, Municipalities, Corporate Name, Date of Incorporation and Postal Address" (XLS). British Columbia Ministry of Communities, Sport and Cultural Development. Archived from the original on July 13, 2014. Retrieved November 2, 2014.
  2. "Census Profile, 2016 Census - Kent, District municipality [Census subdivision], British Columbia and Saskatchewan [Province]". 8 February 2017.
  3. Monthly Averages for Agassiz, Canada - The Weather Channel
  4. "Calculation Information for 1981 to 2010 Canadian Normals Data". Environment Canada. Archived from the original on June 22, 2013. Retrieved July 9, 2013.
  5. BCGNIS listing "District of Kent"
  6. Visiting Kent - Heritage Archived 2014-02-01 at the Wayback Machine District of Kent website
  7. Commeree, David Lee (1964). The Migration of the Sons of Freedom to the Lower Mainland of British Columbia: The Movement to the Gates of Mountain Prison, Agassiz, B.C. 1962-1963 (PDF) (Master's thesis ed.). University of British Columbia: School of Social Work. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  8. Woodcock, George; Avakumovic, Ivan (1977). The Doukhobors. Toronto: McClelland and Stewart Limited. p. 353.
  9. "Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), British Columbia". Statistics Canada. February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
  10. Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2022-10-26). "Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  11. Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2021-10-27). "Census Profile, 2016 Census". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2023-03-12.
  12. Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2015-11-27). "NHS Profile". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2023-03-12.
  13. Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2019-08-20). "2006 Community Profiles". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2023-03-12.
  14. Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2019-07-02). "2001 Community Profiles". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2023-03-12.
  15. Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2019-06-04). "Electronic Area Profiles Profile of Census Divisions and Subdivisions, 1996 Census". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2023-03-12.
  16. Sasquatch Provincial Park - British Columbia Adventure Network
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