UPCOMING DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS
The following meetings will take place in Council Chambers (136 Spruce Avenue) at 6:00 pm.
- Special Meeting (Capital Budget) on Tuesday, November 24, 2020
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, December 1, 2020
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, December 15, 2020
DELEGATIONS
RCMP – Elk Valley Detachment
Mayor Wilks and Sgt. Tribes of the Elk Valley RCMP presented Rachel Prest with a Detachment Commander’s Award for Excellence in Valor on behalf of Superintendent Byron Massie, Officer in Charge of the Upper Fraser Valley RCMP Detachment. The reward referred to an incident that occurred in June 2019 in Hope, BC where Ms. Prest took part in saving the life of a complete stranger. The incident arose where a female, unknown to Ms. Prest, was standing on a railway line in a deranged state. Ms. Prest ultimately attempted to pull this female off the tracks at the last moment before being struck by a passing train. Police and first responders that day credit Ms. Prest‘s selfless actions with saving the life of this female.
Sgt. Tribes also presented the quarterly crime statistics on offences responded to by the detachment. The report reflected an increase of 41 calls for service over the same period in 2019.
For more information see the report.
Sparwood Trails Alliance
Mayor and Council were pleased to present Lindsay Vyse and Dan Charest of the Sparwood Trails Alliance (STA) with the Volunteer Organization of the Year Award. Along with constructing, maintaining, and grooming trails the STA hosts biking and running events, encouraging physical activity for residents of all skill and fitness levels. The District thanked STA members for their dedication and improving the quality of life within the community.
Teck – Castle Project
Norman Fraser, Senior Lead, Indigenous and Community Affairs for Teck provided an update on the company’s Fording River Castle Project. The project is an extension of Fording River Operations (FRO) and will become the primary source of steelmaking coal for FRO and maintain current production rates. Coal reserves are substantial and could support FRO for many decades. The project is currently in pre-feasibility design stage and is under review by the BC Environmental Assessment Act and Impact Assessment Act of Canada.
For more information see the presentation.
Canadian Forest Products
Shawna Grady and Paul Freeze, of Canadian Forest Products (CANFOR) provided an overview of the company’s plans for wildfire interface harvesting adjacent to the District of Sparwood.
For more information see the presentation.
BYLAWS
Parks and Trails Bylaw
Parks and Trails Bylaw 1217, 2020 was adopted. This bylaw regulates and manages municipal parks and trails.
For more information see the staff report and bylaw.
Council Procedure Bylaw
Council Procedure Bylaw 1279, 2020 was adopted. Primary changes to the bylaw include removal of Information Items as an agenda category and outlining the procedure for handling correspondence items.
For more information see the staff report and bylaw.
Utility & Solid Waste Bylaw Amendment
Utility and Solid Waste Management Bylaw 1014, 2009, Amendment Bylaw 1258, 2020 was adopted. This amendment sets the rates for water, sewer, and garbage for 2021 to 2024.
For more information see the bylaw.
Administrative Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment
Administrative Fees and Charges Bylaw 1255, 2019, Amendment Bylaw 1278, 2020 was given first, second, and third reading. This amendment will allow the District to collect an annual fee of $100 from local non-profit organizations who purchase third party liability and directors insurance coverage through the Municipal Insurance Association.
For more information see the staff report and bylaw.
Sewer and Water Reserve Replenishment Parcel Tax Bylaw Amendment
Sewer and Water Reserve Replenishment Parcel Tax Bylaw 1092, 2012, Amendment Bylaw 1280, 2020 received first, second, and third reading. This amendment establishes the parcel tax rates for 2021 through 2024.
For more information see the staff report and bylaw.
BUSINESS
Snow and Ice Handling Equipment
Council approved the purchase of a Wille Sidewalk Tractor and attachments for $232,627.10. This equipment will be used for sidewalk snow removal and the various attachments will allow the machine to be utilized throughout the year for multiple municipal services.
For more information, see the staff report.
Sparwood Weight Training Club Lease
Council authorized advertising of the disposition of part of District properties located at 367 Pine Avenue (Leisure Centre) to the Sparwood Weight Training Club for their gym. The lease will be brought forward to the December 15, 2020 regular meeting for Council’s consideration.
For more information, see the staff report and lease.
Teck Air Quality and Dust Control Management Plan
Council endorsed Teck’s Elkview Operations Air Quality and Dust Control Management Plan as presented to the Socio-Community and Economic Effects Advisory Committee meeting held October 21, 2020. As part of Condition 17 of the Baldy Ridge Extension (BRE) Project Teck is required to submit this plan to the District and the Environmental Assessment Office for approval.
For more information, see the staff report, Plan and presentation.
Street Banner Program
Council approved the Street Art Banner Advisory Group’s art selection recommendations from submissions received during the ‘call for art’. The selected artists will be notified of their successful submission and will receive a $500 honorarium for artwork that will be produced into a street banner. Residents will see these new banners on street poles in the Spring.
For more information see the staff report and submissions.
Post Date: November 19, 2020 | Category: Council Newsletter