UPCOMING DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS
The following meetings will take place at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers, 136 Spruce Avenue.
- Committee of the Whole Meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2020
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2020
- Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2020
BUSINESS
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Presentation of the 2019 Annual Municipal Report will take place at the Regular Meeting of Council to be held at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 in Council Chambers. The Annual Report includes the audited financial statements and other information required under Section 98 of the Community Charter, such as progress respecting the objectives and measures established for 2019.
The report will be available for public inspection by 4:00 pm on June 1, 2020 at the Municipal Office, during regular work hours, and on the District’s website at www.sparwood.ca. Hard copies are available upon request at no charge.
Carbon Action Revenue Incentive Program
In 2008, the District signed the BC Climate Action Charter which is a non-legally binding commitment to make corporate operations carbon neutral by 2012, to measure and report on corporate emissions, and to work toward creating a more compact, complete, energy efficient community.
The Carbon Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) is a conditional grant program that provides funding to BC Climate Action Charter signatories equivalent to 100% of the carbon taxes that they pay directly.
The District’s corporate GHG emissions in 2019 were 876 tonnes, which is 6.3% more than the emissions reported in 2018. Research confirms that diesel usage in 2019 was down from 2018 due to lower snowfall, therefore reducing snow removal and hauling. Propane gas saw a large increase due to the delivery and fill of generators located at the Matevic Lift Station. This does not represent direct consumption and will be reflected in a reduction for 2020.
For more information on Climate Action and the 2019 CARIP Report, please visit our website at www.sparwood.ca/climate-action.
Strategic Priorities Report
Council accepted the Strategic Priorities Chart, updated to May 2020, which outlines the progress made on strategic priorities over the past four months. The Chart reflects the timelines for completion of the tasks that are currently underway by staff on both Council and operational strategies.
For more information, see the staff report and Chart.
Public Notice – District Facilities
The District of Sparwood has limited public access to the Main Office (136 Spruce Avenue) to help protect the health and safety of employees and the public. For urgent in-person matters, please call ahead (250.425.6271) to schedule an appointment.
Sparwood Council meetings will continue as scheduled. However, delegations will not be permitted to attend in person. We encourage those who wish to be a delegation to forward their presentation to the District of Sparwood in advance and call in during the meeting to speak to their topic.
The temporary closures of the Henry Volkmann Memorial Leisure Complex, Public Works Office, Firehalls #1 and #2, the skateboard park, and District-owned outdoor play structures remain in effect. The District will consider reopening each facility when they comply with all provincial health orders and appropriate safety plans have been implemented as per WorkSafeBC standards.
Notice of any facility reopening will be posted on the District’s facebook page, website, and in the Free Press.
OTHER INFORMATION / ANNOUNCEMENTS
Outdoor Fire Pits
It is that time of year when people want to enjoy a fire in their back yard. Please note that it is a requirement within the District of Sparwood that you must first obtain a fire pit permit. These are available FREE of charge from the District Office and must be renewed every year. Failure to obtain a permit may result in a fine up to $200.00
For more information call 250.425.6271.
Off-Road Vehicle Restrictions
The District would like to remind citizens that Off-Road Vehicle Bylaw 1182 prohibits the operation of any off-road vehicles on ALL public property including parks, trails, walkways, roads, and greenbelts.
The Bylaw Enforcement Officer or Peace Officer is authorized under the bylaw to seize or impound an off-road vehicle operating contrary to the bylaw. In addition to impound fees of $50.00 per day and towing costs, violators could be charged up to $500 in fines.
If you witness a contravention, please notify the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at bleo@sparwood.ca or 250.425.5367. You will be asked to provide a description and any evidence (photo or video if possible or witness statement) you may have when you call. Information received by the Bylaw Enforcement Officer has led to a decrease in trail abusers and fines being issued. Let’s everyone do their part to keep Sparwood’s parks, trails, walkways, roads and greenbelts in pristine condition for the enjoyment of all.
Celebrate BC Mining Month
The District of Sparwood is proud to salute all the mines in the Elk Valley.
We recognize the on-going support that the mines provide to the community, not only by way of taxation and employment, but also by the support they give the community through donations, time, and scholarships.
2020 Tax Notices
The 2020 tax notices will be sent out shortly. If you are a new owner and do not receive a tax notice by June 9th, please call the District Office at 250.425.6271 to obtain a copy. Notices are mailed to the owners shown on the Assessment Roll.
Post Date: May 21, 2020 | Category: Council Newsletter