UPCOMING DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS
The following meetings will take place in Council Chambers (136 Spruce Avenue) at 6:00 pm.
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, March 2, 2021
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, March 16, 2021
DELEGATIONS
Rob Morrison, MP
Rob Morrison, Member of Parliament for Kootenay-Columbia riding updated Council on federal government issues including new gun control legislation, infrastructure funding projects, COVID vaccines, Canada – USA border closures, and environmental assessment process support.
New Commons Development
Dion Whyte, Director of New Commons Development Small Communities Initiative, provided an overview of an affordable housing project. The company is working with the Elk Valley Family Society on a proposed development at 400 Evergreen Crescent in Sparwood.
For more information, see Mr. Whyte’s presentation.
BUSINESS
Cannabis Retailer Application
A Public Hearing was convened to hear from the applicant, The Source Dispensary Ltd (Elk Valley Cannabis), and the community in relation to an application for a non-medical cannabis retail store licence at 127 Centennial Square #3.
Approximately 24 people submitted written comments and 4 people participated electronically with a 50/50 split in favour and against the application. Of those opposed, proximity to the childcare facility was the most common concern. Council also heard from the applicant.
Following the Public Hearing Council approved sending a recommendation to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch in support of the Elk Valley Cannabis Retail Store licence application.
For more information, see the staff report.
Crown Mountain Impact Assessment
Council authorized Staff to make an application for $12,300 to the Canadian Environment Assessment Agency for reviewing and commenting on the environmental reports pertaining to the NWP Coal Canada Elk Valley project. Federal funding of the review allows for participation without impacting the municipality’s budget.
NWP Coal Canada Ltd is proposing to construct an open-pit metallurgical coal mine in the Elk Valley approximately 12 km from Sparwood between Elkview and Line Creek mines.
For more information, see the staff report.
1024903 BC Ltd
Council approved sending a letter of support to 1024903 BC Ltd for their application to the CMHC Construction Incentive Program for a housing development at 1353 Cherrywood Boulevard. The company is exploring the feasibility of building a 4-storey 39 unit building which will include some affordable units.
For more information, see the company’s request.
City of Surrey Police Transition
The District of Sparwood will call upon the Provincial Government to commission a feasibility and impact study of the Surrey Police Transition to ensure it does not negatively impact the District of Sparwood and the surrounding region including manpower at the Elk Valley Detachment.
For more information, see the City of Surrey’s letter.
OTHER INFORMATION / ANNOUNCEMENTS
Snow Removal Safety
All residents of Sparwood are asked to be conscientious when the Public Works crews are removing snow from the municipal streets. Please be aware that any vehicles that are parked on the street while snow removal activities are taking place may be ticketed.
Parents, please keep your children away from snowbanks. Although they look tempting to play on, or tunnel into, they are dangerous for children to play on. Snow-plow operators and other motorists may not be able to see children playing around snowbanks. Help ensure our children play safe!
Visit www.sparwood.ca/snow-removal for more information on the Snow Removal & Ice Control Program.
Community Funding & Support Program
We invite you to check out our new Community Funding and Support Program. Join us for virtual information sessions being held on Thursday, February 25th and Monday, March 1st at 6:00 pm on Zoom.
The Zoom link can be found on our website www.sparwood.ca, on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Sparwood.BC or be provided upon request by emailing sparwood@sparwood.ca.
BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY
Community Events Dog Park Project Archery Range
Skate Park Project Library Operations Trail Projects
Community Garden Kindergym Summer Camps
Toys for Tots Food Bank Spray Park Project
Youth Sports Coal Miner Days New Initiatives
Watch Council Meetings Live
Are you interested in what goes on at a Council meeting? The District is now facilitating public participation in Council meetings via Zoom.
Go to our website at www.sparwood.ca, under ‘Updates and Information’ on the home page, for the Zoom link and the rules for participating in the meeting. Upon entry into a meeting please provide your name. If you have a question, related to an agenda topic, you may click the “raise hand” button on the bottom of your screen . During Question Period you will be called upon to ask your question of Council.
You can also watch the meeting live on our Facebook page (www.facebook.Sparwood.BC), however comments will not be monitored.
Volunteer Organization Achievement Award
The District of Sparwood appreciates the dedication of its volunteer groups and wishes to recognize the volunteer organizations that provide so much to the community by donating their time, talents, actions and services to the residents of Sparwood.
We are looking for nominations of our local community volunteer organizations that:
- Demonstrates initiative, leadership and creativity in their service to the community
- Inspire others to engage in volunteer service
- Improve the overall quality of life for the residents and the community as a whole
To be selected, nominated organizations must:
- Provide direct support or services in Sparwood
- Be a volunteer organization based in the District of Sparwood or the Elk Valley.
- Have provided support or services in Sparwood for greater than one year.
Nomination deadline is March 31, 2021 to:
Main Office: 136 Spruce Avenue
Leisure Centre: 367 Pine Avenue
Mail: Box 520, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0
Email: sparwood@sparwood.ca
Nomination forms can be picked up at the Leisure Centre or Main Office. Digital copies can be accessed online at sparwood.recdesk.com or sparwood.ca.
Post Date: February 18, 2021 | Category: Council Newsletter