UPCOMING DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS
The following meetings will take place in Council Chambers (136 Spruce Avenue) at 6:00 pm.
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, December 15, 2020
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 – CANCELLED
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, January 19, 2021
DELEGATIONS
WildSafe BC
Kathy Murray, WildSafe BC Community Coordinator, provided an overview of the 2020 WildSafe BC Program. Ms. Murray thanked Council for their ongoing support of the program and commitment to preventing human/wildlife conflicts. Sparwood has taken very positive steps forward and is setting a precedent for other East Kootenay communities. The residential bear resistant carts and commercial dumpsters have resulted in less garbage accessible to bears. The number of bear reports was well below average this year with 15 calls, 7 black bears and 8 grizzly bears, compared to 60 last year.
For more information see the presentation.
Sunset Ridge Ski Society
Shelly Hume, representing the Sunset Ridge Ski Society, relayed concerns the Society has with how planned logging may affect the club’s access and use of cross-country trails in Sparwood Heights. Canfor intends to do Wildland Urban Fire Interface Treatment to the west of Sparwood.
BYLAWS
Administrative Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment
Administrative Fees and Charges Bylaw 1255, 2019, Amendment Bylaw 1278, 2020 was adopted. This amendment allows the District to collect an annual fee of $100 from local non-profit organizations who purchase third party liability and directors insurance coverage through the Municipal Insurance Association.
For more information see the staff report and bylaw.
Sewer and Water Reserve Replenishment Parcel Tax Bylaw Amendment
Sewer and Water Reserve Replenishment Parcel Tax Bylaw 1092, 2012, Amendment Bylaw 1280, 2020 was adopted. This amendment establishes the parcel tax rates for 2021 through 2024.
For more information see the staff report and bylaw.
BUSINESS
2021 Council Meeting Schedule
Council approved the 2021 Council meeting schedule, including cancellation of the Regular Meeting of January 5, 2021. Regular meetings are held in Council Chambers at 136 Spruce Avenue on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm.
For more information, see the staff report and schedule.
Leisure Centre Concession Lease
Council approved a lease renewal agreement with Michele Dwyer for the Leisure Centre Concession from November 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 in the amount of $2,400 plus tax.
For more information, see the staff report and lease.
Pedestrian Crossing at Hemlock Road
Council approved a new location for a crosswalk at Hemlock Road and Pine Spur Drive on the east side of the intersection. Signage will now be installed and painting of the crossing will be completed in the spring of 2021.
For more information, see the staff report and location.
Community Garden
During the Committee of the Whole portion of the meeting, Council provided direction to Staff to work with the Sparwood Community Garden group to develop a community garden at 440 Engelmann Spruce Drive through a land use agreement.
For more information, see the staff report.
OTHER INFORMATION / ANNOUNCEMENTS
Spread Holiday Cheer
The Sparwood Chamber of Commerce together with Sparwood & District Arts and Heritage Council and the District of Sparwood are encouraging all Sparwood businesses to create a holiday window display to spread community holiday spirit.
There is no contest or rules. We just hope you will join us in giving our community members a reason to smile.
Parking Regulations
October 1 – March 31
Reminder to residents that the District’s Off-Street Parking Regulations came into effect on October 1st. The Sparwood Traffic, Parking and Highway Regulation Bylaw No. 472, 1987 prohibits on-street parking between 6:00 am and 4:00 pm from October 1 to March 31 inclusive. Residents should note that:
- Parking on the street during snow plowing, snow removal, snow hauling, or sanding operations is prohibited;
- That no advance warning is required under the bylaw and section 189(1) (n) of the Motor Vehicle Act and offending vehicles will be towed; and
- It is an offence under the Community Standards Bylaw to push, place or throw or allow to be pushed, placed or thrown any snow or ice upon a highway or lane.
Please make arrangements for parking your vehicles.
Business Licences
Anyone carrying on a business within the municipality requires a business licence. This includes all home occupations, catalogue sales, commercial, and out of town businesses.
Invoices for the 2021 business licences will be mailed next week. If you do not receive your invoice or are no longer operating in Sparwood, please call 250.425.6271.
Are you thinking of starting a new business in Sparwood, but not sure where to start? Come into the District Office at 136 Spruce Avenue to talk to staff or you can go online at www.sparwood.ca/business-licences to find for more information on what you need to consider before you make that decision.
Enjoy the Winter Trail Network
There are many groomed and maintained trails within the community to enjoy throughout the winter months.
The Sparwood Trails Alliance maintains the groomed fat bike and snowshoe trails. Sunset Ridge Ski Society maintains the cross-country ski trails, which are now extended south of the golf course, and the District plows the paved pathways in town and through Central Park.
Post Date: December 4, 2020 | Category: Council Newsletter