UPCOMING DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS
The following meetings will take place in Council Chambers (136 Spruce Avenue) at 6:00 pm.
- Special Meeting (Grant Application for Wastewater Treatment Plant Project and Borrowing Bylaw Amendment) on Tuesday, October 13, 2020
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2020
- Special Meeting (Asset Management) on Tuesday, October 27, 2020
- Public Hearing for OCP and Zoning Bylaw Amendments (Affordable Housing) on Tuesday, November 3, 2020
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, November 3, 2020
DELEGATIONS
NWP Coal Canada Ltd
Mike Allen, General Manager, NWP Coal Canada Ltd. provided an overview of 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. Construction will provide up to 500 jobs over a 19-month period and 330 full time positions.
For more information, see Mr. Allen’s presentation.
BYLAWS
Bylaw Amendments
Official Community Plan Bylaw 1165, Amendment Bylaw 1276, 2020 and Zoning Bylaw No. 264, 1981, Amendment Bylaw 1276, 2020 received first and second readings and a public hearing scheduled for November 3, 2020 at 6:00 pm. These bylaw amendments propose to permit the development of a multi-family affordable housing development on a section of land between Mountainview School and the Public Works yard on Pine Avenue.
All persons who believe that their interest is affected by the proposed Bylaws 1275 and 1276 may provide written or e-mail submissions to the District of Sparwood, Box 520, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0 or planning@sparwood.ca by 4:00 pm on November 3, 2020. Please note that due to potential e-mail issues, all submissions sent by e-mail should be confirmed by phone at 250-425-6271.
Alternatively, those who wish to attend the Public Hearing and/or make a verbal presentation at the Public Hearing must register in advance via phone or e-mail by 4:00 pm on November 3, 2020. To comply with physical distancing requirements, the Public Hearing will be held electronically, as permitted under Ministerial Order #M192. Registered attendees will be provided a link to facilitate their electronic attendance via Zoom.
For more information, see the staff report, OCP Bylaw or Zoning Bylaw .
BUSINESS
Electronic Sign Policy
Council approved a new Electronic Sign Policy which provides clean and consistent parameters for governing content, administration, and maintenance of a new electronic sign that will be placed on Aspen Drive.
For more information, see the staff report or policy.
Water Conservation Plan Update
Council approved an updated Water Conservation Plan to align with Council’s strategic goals of reducing system wide leakages and provide a framework for efficient public and municipal irrigation, better use of water meter data, new water rate structures, and a renewed community outlook on water usage.
For more information, see the staff report or report from Urban Systems.
Street Banner Advisory Group
Council appointed the following individuals to the Street Banner Advisory Group for a term of October 6, 2020 to December 31, 2021:
Rose Sharma, Sparwood & District Arts and Heritage Council Representative;
- Lois Halko, Senior Representative;
- Rosie Pallone, Youth Representative;
- Councillor Amy Cardozo, Council Representative; and
- Jenna Jensen, District of Sparwood Staff Representative.
OTHER INFORMATION / ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thanksgiving Day
The District of Sparwood Main Office and Public Works Office will be closed Monday, October 12, 2020 to observe the Thanksgiving Day Stat Holiday.
The Leisure Centre will be open for public swim from 1:00 – 4:00 pm and public skate from 3:00 – 4:30 pm.
Fire Prevention Week
October 4 – 10, 2020
During Fire Prevention Week, we are given the opportunity to tell all of our firefighters just how much they are appreciated by Council and residents of Sparwood. Sometimes they are taken for granted until we need them in an emergency and only then do we truly recognize the courage and strength they personify.
The District of Sparwood is proud to salute our firefighters
We extend a heartfelt thanks to all our skilled and qualified firefighters for their dedication, commitment to fire rescue, training, fire safety and education, and pay tribute to them during Fire Prevention Week.
Please come out and join the Sparwood Fire Department for their first ever “Drive-Thru” Open House. This annual event has been modified to keep everyone COVID-19 safe. No foot-traffic will be allowed. Please drive through our exhibit and receive a Fire Safety Educational handout bag, snacks and refreshments served by your local Council members.
Keeping People and Bears Safe
We can change our behaviour more easily than bears can. By changing what we do, we can change a bear’s future.
It is much easier to keep food away from a bear in the first place than it is to teach a food-conditioned bear to stay away from unnatural food that he has learned to enjoy. Securing attractants is the single best way to keep people safe, prevent property damage, and avoid the unnecessary killing of bears that come into conflict with people. To assist us in this goal, the District of Sparwood is asking residents to help us reduce the potential for human wildlife conflicts by picking any fruit trees you may have on your property.
Apples especially are a fine food source for bears.
By not being responsible and picking all fruit from trees, homeowners are placing themselves, as well as their neighbours, in harm’s way.
- Be a good neighbour and pick your fruit as soon as possible;
- Do not allow windfalls to accumulate on the ground;
- Assist neighbours who may be unable to pick their fruit; and
- Consider removing fruit trees if you find that you are not using the fruit.
The District would also like to remind residents not to place their garbage out on the curb before 5 am on collection day. Garbage should be placed in the bear-resistant carts with clips locked until collection day. Remember to unclip the bear-resistant locks after placing the cart at the curb on collection day. Excess garbage should be taken to the Transfer Station which is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday (excluding statutory holidays).
Bottom line: Garbage, birdseed and pet food etc. attracts bears to your property making it more likely for the bear to break into your home creating a safety risk for your family and a death sentence for the bear.
Post Date: October 9, 2020 | Category: Council Newsletter