UPCOMING DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS
The following meetings will take place in Council Chambers (136 Spruce Avenue) at 6:00 pm.
- Special Meeting (Operating Budget) on Tuesday, January 26, 2021
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 2, 2021
- Public Hearing (Cannabis Retail Store Licence) on Tuesday, February 16, 2021
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 16, 2021
DELEGATIONS
NWP Coal
Dave Baines, Manager, Environment and Engagement at NWP Coal presented an update on the company’s Crown Mountain Coking Coal Project. The proposed project has an anticipated production capacity of 3.7 million tonnes per annum for 15 years. Construction is targeted to commence in 2022 based on regulatory approvals being received and will provide up to 500 jobs over a 19-month period and 330 full time positions.
For more information, see Mr. Baines’ presentation.
BUSINESS
Active Transportation Project Grant
Council authorized the submission of a grant application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream for up to $400,000 and include a 15% District contribution up to $60,000 for the Michel Creek Active Transportation Corridor Project. The purpose of the project is to develop a pathway along Michel Creek Road and along the west side of Ponderosa Drive from Sparwood Heights Drive to Carbonado Court.
For more information, see the staff report.
Cannabis Retailer Application
The District has received notification of an application to the provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) for a non-medical cannabis retail store licence in Centennial Square. An electronic Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 6:00 pm to consider Council’s recommendation to the LCRB. The Public Hearing, though electronic, is open to the public and all representations to Council form part of the public record. At this time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, public access to Council Chambers is not permitted.
Council encourages members of the public to submit their feedback through the following ways:
- Written submissions to District of Sparwood, Box 520, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0.
- Electronic submissions to lhannan@sparwood.ca.
- Attend the Hearing electronically on Zoom via this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84795426759 and request to speak to the matter at the Hearing.
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.
For more information, see the staff report.
Hours of Operation Policy
Council approved a new Hours of Operation Policy which provides authority for Staff to amend the hours of operation and/or closures for municipal buildings due to statutory holidays, maintenance, staffing shortages, weather, and any other unforeseen operational issues.
For more information, see the staff report and policy.
Archery Range
Council authorized approval of an operation and maintenance agreement between the District of Sparwood, Sparwood Golf Club Society and Sparwood and District Fish and Wildlife Association for the archery range located at the Sparwood Golf Course. This agreement will pass ownership of the range to the Golf Club and joint operation and maintenance of the facility to the Golf Club and Fish and Wildlife Association.
For more information, see the staff report and agreement.
Sparwood Curling Club
Council authorized waiving lease payments from the Sparwood Curling Club for the curling rink from December 3, 2020 until the Public Health Order preventing adult curling ends or March 15, 2021 whichever is earlier.
For more information, see the staff report.
Recreation Master Plan
Council adopted the Sparwood 2030 Recreation Master Plan which establishes the 10-year vision for recreation and leisure in the District of Sparwood and provides a framework to manage the direction of recreation, parks and facility services over the planning period.
For more information, see the staff report and Master Plan.
Overdose Crisis
Council will send a letter to the Government of Canada asking that the Federal Government declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency so that it is taken seriously and funded appropriately.
For more information, see the letter from the City of Kamloops.
BYLAWS
Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw
Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw 1281, 2021 was given first three readings. This bylaw, when adopted, will provide 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
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!
Visit www.sparwood.ca/snow-removal for more information on the Snow Removal & Ice Control Program.
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.
Post Date: January 21, 2021 | Category: Council Newsletter