UPCOMING DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS
The following meetings will take place at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers, 136 Spruce Avenue.
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2020
- Committee of the Whole Meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2020
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2020
DELEGATIONS
North Coal
Patty Vadnais, Communications Lead for North Coal, provided an update of the company’s Michel Coal Project located southeast of Sparwood in the Michel Creek Valley. The company has completed 40,000m of exploration drilling and construction is planned to begin early in 2022. The mine has an anticipated life of 25 years and is expected to create 190-300 full-time jobs.
More information on the Project can be found at northcoal.ca.
Sparwood Fish & Wildlife Association
Matt Huryn, President of Sparwood Fish and Wildlife Association, provided an overview of the most recent initiatives the Association has been involved in. Among these includes the Big Ranch habitat enhancement, Grave Prairie habitat enhancement, and the elk collaring and migration study.
The Association is asking for a letter of support to submit with their grant application to Columbia Basin Trust for funding to provide ecosystem enhancement initiatives on the Big Ranch property. The project will improve grassland areas for critical wintering habitat.
More information on the Sparwood Fish and Wildlife Association can be found at sparwoodfishandwildlife.ca
BUSINESS
Public Notice – District Facilities
Main Office
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.
Leisure Centre Complex
All public activities at the Henry Volkmann Memorial Leisure Complex have been suspended until further notice. Refunds will be issued for pre-paid bookings and classes. Please be patient as we reach out to everyone via phone and email to process these.
Public Works and Firehall #1 and #2
The Public Works Office and Fire Hall #1 and #2 remain closed to the public. However, the offices will be happy to assist you via phone or email.
Outdoor Facilities
Basketball courts, tennis courts, ball diamonds and pickleball courts have been reopened for public use.
Several safety measures are in place regarding access of these areas. These spaces may be utilized by individuals and family units only. Group sporting activities are not permitted. Physical distancing applies and it is recommended that users use hand sanitizer before and after using facilities. Sharing sports equipment is not recommended.
The District is asking users to self-monitor, not utilize a space unless there is sufficient room to maintain physical distancing, and heed all health and safety precautions to ensure that these public spaces can be enjoyed without putting the community at unnecessary risk from the spread of COVID-19.
The Skatepark and playgrounds remain closed at this time, however the District will be working on a plan to safely re-open these sites and will notify the public as changes occur.
The District of Sparwood is committed to doing our part to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and, as always, place the health, safety, and wellbeing of employees and the public as our highest consideration.
Please visit out website at www.sparwood.ca for updates.
BYLAWS
Financial Plan Bylaw
Financial Plan (2020-2024) Bylaw 1268, 2020 was adopted. The Financial Plan sets out the objectives and policies of the municipality for 2020-2024 for each funding source, the distribution of property value taxes, and the use of permissive tax exemptions. The Plan also sets out the proposed expenditures by the municipality, funding sources and transfers between funds.
For more information see Bylaw 1268 or contact the Finance Department at 250.425.6271.
Tax Rates Bylaw
Tax Rates Bylaw 1269, 2020 was adopted. Property tax rates for general municipal were set to provide an average 6.2% increase over the previous year for residential tax levies.
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.
Residential Spring Cleanup
Begins Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Limit of one pickup truck per household
The District will begin the residential spring cleanup on Tuesday, May 19th. All refuse including household furniture, white goods, metal and wood will be picked up, including fridges; freezers; and air conditioners.
All refuse for disposal MUST be separated, bundled, piled and placed just outside property lines by 8:00 am on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.
Any person wishing to take advantage of this service is required to phone the District Office at 250.425.6271 no later than Friday, May 15, 2020 and make arrangements to pay the required fee of $20.00.
Seniors 65 and over receive this service free of charge but must register with the District Office by calling 250.425.6271.
Responsible Pet Ownership
The Bylaw Enforcement/ Animal Control Officer would like to remind all residents that if you’re walking your dog it must remain on leash unless you are in the District’s dog park.
As a pet owner it is also your responsibility to clean up after your dog while out walking or at the dog park. Take a baggie with you or pick up one at the many “dog poop bag” dispensers located around the community and dispose of it properly. By taking a few simple steps to clean up after your pet, you can contribute not only to the cleanliness of our community, but also towards the elimination of one of the most irritating nuisances in our community.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Post Date: May 7, 2020 | Category: Council Newsletter