VISITING KENT  HERITAGE
  The history of the Upper Fraser Valley offers a colourful and exciting exposé reflecting the spirit of the region's first inhabitants, explorers and early settlements. Many have witnessed and shared the growth of our province from the days of the Spanish expeditions to those of Captain Cook and Captain George Vancouver.
In the early 1800s, settlers began to farm the fertile lowlands and the quest for gold attracted thousands of people to the province mid-century.Europeans first came through the Agassiz area en route to the Fraser Canyon during the 1858 gold rush and in the late 1860s the first families to settle in the region were T.B. Hicks and the famous Agassiz family. The Upper Fraser Valley's first commerce actually took place along the Harrison River between the Hudson's Bay Company and the local natives. Soon enough, rapid development of organized commercial centres materialized, and paddle-wheelers piled the Fraser River which served as the region's lifeline for trade and commerce.
Commencement of construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1881 encouraged more settlement along the banks of the Fraser and Harrison Rivers. Eight years later in 1895 the Upper Fraser Valley saw its newest community emerge and the District of Kent soon enjoyed even greater economic impact on trade and prosperity after the first train arrived later that year.
 The primary economic activity within the immediate area has been traditionally that of agriculture and forestry. This development is easily explained as a result of the ease with which the fertile terrain could be cleared and cultivated for bountiful harvests. The economy of the District's area began to diversify during the early part of the 1900s. Road construction became a major economic generator from 1901 to 1940 and saw the bridge over the Harrison River completed in 1926, which provided the first road connection to areas west of Kent. These road improvements brought major urban areas within close reach of the District and helped to establish Agassiz as a market-oriented agricultural town. The establishment of Pioneer Park in 1938, which lies between Pioneer Avenue and the railway right-of-way, provided Agassiz with a distinctive feature and focal point. The 1948 Fraser River flood had some devastating consequences to the District. The flood saw the end of hop production in the District, however, corn became the new major crop and Agassiz soon became known as the "Corn Capital of BC."
 The District of Kent's commercial centre of Agassiz offers the basic necessities for every day living and includes a wide variety of small town shopping amenities. The conveniences of a small town enables you to park anywhere in the town centre and walk no further than a few hundred metres to reach every business door from retail, service, food and entertainment. You will enjoy it here!
 Situated on the periphery of the Lower Mainland area, the District of Kent has experienced a sustained population growth during the last ten years. As commercial, industrial, and population expansion has take place throughout the entire south-western portion of BC, the impact of these activities is being reflected within the District.
The combined elements of local access to major transportation routes and the availability of a 'Country Lifestyle' have proven to be strong incentives for people to establish themselves within the area. Many of the local citizens enjoy the outstanding cultural, entertainment, and sporting events offered within the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, however, the biggest attraction here is the supernatural beauty of the Upper Fraser Valley to be explored and enjoyed by all. |
