UPCOMING DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS
The following meetings will take place in Council Chambers (136 Spruce Avenue) at 6:00 pm.
- Public Hearing (Cannabis Retail Store Licence) on Tuesday, February 16, 2021
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 16, 2021
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, March 2, 2021
DELEGATIONS
BC Assessment Authority
Sharlynn Hill, Deputy Assessor with BC Assessment Authority provided an overview on property assessments and the community’s 2021 assessment roll. Market trends for single-family residential property in Sparwood indicate an 11% increase from 2020.
For more information, see Ms. Hill’s presentation.
BUSINESS
Energy Step Code
Council amended the Energy Step Code Policy to apply Step Code 3 of the BC Energy Step Code within the District of Sparwood as of September 1, 2021. The policy is designed to encourage energy efficiency in new building construction through incentives offered to builders who meet various steps through the BC Energy Step Code.
For more information, see the staff report and policy.
Street Banners
In 2020, the District received a grant for $20,000 from Columbia Basin Trust Public Art Grants program to purchase street banners. With the District’s required 20% contribution the total project budget amount was $25,000. Council approved an additional $1,961.40 to purchase Remembrance Day removable headers for the banners. The program can now be completed with the purchase of 20 banners which will be installed along Aspen Drive, Red Cedar Drive, and Ponderosa Drive.
For more information, see the staff report.
2020 Annual Building Activity Report
2020 was a busy build season for the District of Sparwood. Although there was an 8% decrease in total permits (79 in 2019 vs 72 in 2020), there was an overall increase in new construction of multi-family dwellings, residential renovations, residential accessory, and new mobile home replacements. There was a significant increase in building costs throughout the area, and the country, seeing increases of 4% from 2019 to the third quarter of 2020.
For more information, see the staff report.
2021 Vacancy Report
The total average vacancy rate for Sparwood as of January 2021 is 3.4%, based on known vacancies. This is down from a record high of 19.2% in 2017, but slightly higher than the 2020 vacancy at 2.3%.
For more information, see the staff report.
BYLAWS
Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw
Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw 1281, 2021 was adopted. This bylaw provides for an operating line of credit in 2021, if required. Although the District has not accessed the overdraft for many years, it is good practice to have one in place should transfers from investments be delayed.
For more information see the staff report and bylaw.
OTHER INFORMATION / ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dog Licences
Is Your Dog Licensed? 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.
For more information on licensing your dog, visit www.sparwood.ca/dog-licences.
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.
Notice of Public Hearing
Notice is hereby given that an electronic Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday February 16, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, 136 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood, BC, to consider Municipal Council’s recommendation to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) regarding an application for a non-medical cannabis retail store licence in the District of Sparwood.
Applicant: The Source Dispensary Ltd. (Elk Valley Cannabis)
Background: The Province of British Columbia provides licencing and regulation of cannabis retail stores. As part of the review process, the applicable local government is asked to provide a recommendation regarding the application. If the District of Sparwoood provides a negative recommendation, the LCRB cannot issue a licence. If the District makes a recommendation in favour of the application, then the LCRB has discretion whether or not to issue the licence.
Related Bylaws:
- Business Licence Bylaw No. 849, 2001: Outlines the requirements for cannabis retail stores to follow to be eligible for a local business licence in Sparwood.
- Zoning Bylaw No. 264, 1981: Defines cannabis retail store and what zones such a use is permitted in (i.e. C1 – Central Business District, C3 – Neighborhood Commercial, and C4 – Comprehensive Commercial. The applicant is proposing a store in a C1 zone).
All District residents may provide feedback and be heard regarding this matter. There are three options for doing so:
- Written submissions to District of Sparwood, Box 520, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0
- Electronic submissions to lhannan@sparwood.ca. (Confirmation of receipt will be sent via e-mail)
- Attend the Hearing electronically on Zoom via this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86796008591 and request to speak to the matter at the Hearing.
Note, written and electronic submissions must be received by noon on February 16, 2021. All submissions must include your name and street address and are considered public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Following the close of the Public Hearing, no further submissions or comments from the public or interested persons can be accepted by members of Council. Relevant information may be requested by email to Lyle Hannan at lhannan@sparwood.ca until end of day February 15, 2021.
Building or Renovating in 2021?
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.
Post Date: February 3, 2021 | Category: Council Newsletter