UPCOMING DISTRICT MEETINGS
- Youth Advisory Commission Meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 12:05 pm at Sparwood Secondary
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers
- Special Socio-Community & Economic Effects Advisory Committee Meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers
DELEGATIONS
Teck
Nic Milligan, Manager Social Responsibility for Teck, provided an overview of the company’s Castle Project at Fording River Operations (FRO). Castle is an extension of FRO and will become the primary source of coal for FRO and maintain current production rates. The project is currently in pre-feasibility design stage and Teck plans to initiate the Environmental Assessment process in early 2020. Coal reserves are substantial and could support FRO for many decades.
For more information, see the presentation.
BYLAWS
Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw
Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw 1264, 2019 was adopted. This bylaw provides for an operating line of credit in 2020 if required. The District has not had an overdraft for many years, however there is always the possibility that one could be created if transfers from investments get delayed.
For more information, see the bylaw.
Upper Elk Valley Fire Protection Services Authorization Bylaw
Upper Elk Valley Fire Protection Services Authorization Bylaw 1265, 2020 was adopted. This bylaw provides for fire protection services to the Upper Elk Valley Fire Protection Services Area, as depicted in Schedule A of Appendix A of the bylaw.
For more information, see the bylaw.
BUSINESS
BC Active Transportation Grant
Council authorized the submission of a grant application in the amount of $500,000 at 70% funding, under the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant through the Province of BC for developing a walkway along Michel Creek Road. Council also authorized an increase in the 2020 budget for the District portion of the project from $70,000 to $215,000 to support this grant application.
For more information, see the staff report
Policing Priorities
Council approved the following top three Elk Valley RCMP Detachment policing priorities for the District of Sparwood for the 2020/21 year.
- Traffic/visibility – focus on speeding, aggressive driving and impaired driving;
- Crime reduction – focus on repeat chronic prolific offencers; and
- Youth – involvement within the schools through talks, presentations and speaking to students in hallways.
District Workforce
Council approved one additonal public works labour position and one additonal recreation maintenance position with recruitment to commence in February 2020.
Council also appointed Michele Schalekamp as the interim Corporate Officer and Jenna Jensen as the interim Emergency Program Coordinator until such time as a new Director of Corporate Services has been hired.
Recreation Master Plan
Council received a progress report from Upland Planning & Design and the REConsulting group undertaking the development of the Sparwood 2030 Recreation Master Plan. The next phase of the project is for the consultants to evaluate what the community is saying and compare and contrast this against the current state of parks and recreation in Sparwood.
For more information, see the staff report, interim report 1, and draft engagement report.
Shaw Go WiFi Agreement
Council authorized advertising of the disposition of part of District properties located at 367 Pine Avenue (Leisure Centre) and 136 Spruce Avenue (Main Office) to Shaw Cablesystems Ltd. for Shaw Go WiFi telecommunications equipment. The agreement will be brought forward to the March 3, 2020 regular meeting for Council’s consideration.
For more information, see the staff report and agreement.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 in the 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
Centennial Square Revitalization Concept
Want to learn more about the Centennial Square Revitalization
Click on the link below to learn more information and to fill out the Centennial Square Concept Plan survey. https://www.sparwood.ca/centennial-square
Post Date: February 7, 2020 | Category: Council Newsletter