UPCOMING DISTRICT MEETINGS
The following meetings will take place at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers, 136 Spruce Avenue.
- Committee of the Whole Meeting on Tuesday, February 25, 2020
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2020
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2020
BYLAWS
Zoning Bylaw Amendments
Council gave third reading and referred two (2) zoning bylaw amendments to the Ministry of Transportation and Highways for their approval. The first amendment (Bylaw 1266) proposes to include “Home Based Child Care Facility” as a permitted use within the entire R-MH (Modular Home Subdivison/ Manufactured Home Subdivision) zone and the second amendment (Bylaw 1267) proposes to include “Health Services” as a permitted use within the entire C-3 (Neighbourhood Commercial) zone.
For more information on these proposed amendments for:
Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1266, see the staff report & Bylaw 1266. Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1267, see the staff report & Bylaw 1267
BUSINESS
Skate Park Lighting
At the January 21, 2020 regular meeting the Skatepark Society made a request to Council to use the remaining funds (approximately $25,000) in their account towards installation of lights at the Skatepark to increase usership and user safety. Based on a preliminary assessment the estimated costs for the installation of lighting at the skate park is approximately $64,120. Council directed Staff to advise the Society that the District is unable to undertake the project at this time and that the Society consider applying for additional grants to fully fund the project.
For more information, see the staff report
Sparwood Golf Club Society
Council approved a capital grant-in-aid to the Sparwood Golf Club Society in the amount of $30,000 for 2020 upon receipt of a 5-year capital replacement plan, financial statements including a profit and loss statement and balance sheet. Funding for this grant-in-aid will be through a 1.2% increase in the 2020 property tax requisition.
For more information, see the staff report
AKBLG Resolution
Council endorsed a resolution to be submitted to the Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Governments Annual General Meeting requesting that the Province of British Columbia increase funding to the Interior Health Authority (IHA) for the Health Connections Patient Transport Program.
The Program began in 2004/2005 and was created to address the need to connect patients to enhanced services offered at regional hospitals. Initially IHA received $1 million in funding from the Province and since that time no additional funding has been received, however inflationary costs of IHA are now at $1.3 million and will increase to $1.4 million in this fiscal year.
For more information, see the resolution and rationale.
OTHER INFORMATION / ANNOUNCEMENTS
2020 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.
All nominated organizations will be recognized at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration on Sunday, May 3, 2020, with the selected organization receiving a $500 donation to their group.
Nomination deadline is March 15, 2020 to:
Main Office: 136 Spruce Avenue
Leisure Centre: 367 Pine Avenue
Mail: Box 520, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0
Email: sparwood@sparwood.ca
Nomination forms are available on our website at www.sparwood.ca/volunteering.
2020 – 2024 Financial Plan
Budget Road Show
Members of Council will be available to discuss the Financial Plan:
Wednesday, March 4th from 2:00 – 6:00 pm
Greenwood Mall
Public Open House
If you live in Sparwood, you are invited to a Public Budget Consultation Meeting that will be held to discuss the District’s Financial Plan for the next five years. Council invites and encourages the public to attend and provide feedback that will assist Council in setting priorities for our community.
Thursday, March 5th from 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Council Chambers, 136 Spruce Avenue
Information will also be available on our website at www.sparwood.ca.
Feedback?
PO Box 520 Sparwood BC V0B 2G0
Phone: 250.425.6271; Fax: 250.425.7277
Email: finance@sparwood.ca
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 will 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!
Dog Licences
Did you know that all dogs within the District of Sparwood must have a licence once they are 9 months or older? This is to help us return your dog to you should he or she decide to go for a stroll without you!
The Animal Control Bylaw requires every dog to have a current year licence by January 15th. A neutered or spayed dog tag, with vet certificate, is $10.00 or $30.00 for an unaltered dog.
Why licensing your dog should be Your No.1 priority:
- If your dog gets lost, even in a neighbouring community, a licence is the fastest way to reunite you with your dog. Even if your dog is microchipped, a licence tag is immediately visible and doesn’t require a scanning device. Dogs are often returned by contacting the dog’s owner at their address on file with the District;
- Your dog’s licence shows that you are a responsible dog owner. When you walk your dog, people will notice the licence on your dog’s collar and know that you really care about your dog’s welfare;
- Licensing lets others know that your dog is not a stray. Often found dogs are kept by the people who find them, who assume an unlicensed dog is a stray; and
- It’s the law! Failure to licence your dog by January 15 may result in tickets and impound fees.
For more information, or to renew or purchase a dog licence please contact the District Office at 250.425.6271 or at 136 Spruce Avenue.
Mailing Addresses
Are you receiving your mail from the District of Sparwood? If not, we may have an incorrect mailing address for you.
Email the District office at sparwood@sparwood.ca or come into the Municipal Office at 136 Spruce Avenue to update your information.
Building or Renovating in 2020?
Beat the rush and apply for a building permit today!
Avoid unnecessary delays in construction by getting your permit ahead of time. Construction can start anytime within 6 months of the permit being issued.
Complete building permit applications can take up to 4 weeks to be approved and will take longer if a variance or development permit is required.
Contact the Planning Department for more information at 250.425.6271 or buildingofficial@sparwood.ca.
Business Licences
Business owners operating within the District of Sparwood are reminded that your 2020 Business Licence renewal is now due. Renewal notices have been mailed to all registered businesses operating within the District. If you haven’t received your invoice, please call 250.425.6271.
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.
New businesses can apply at 136 Spruce Avenue or on-line at https://www.sparwood.ca/apply-for-new-licence
Post Date: February 20, 2020 | Category: Council Newsletter