Public hearing

Following a Nov. 18 District of Sparwood public hearing to receive input from the public regarding Official Community Plan Bylaw 839, 2002, Amendment Bylaw 1129, 2013 and Zoning Bylaw No. 264, 1981, Amendment Bylaw 1130, 2013 a motion to give third reading and refer the bylaw amendments to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure was deferred to the December 2 regular meeting. Staff was directed to report back to council on issues that were raised during the hearing.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Council recognized and congratulated Kyra Von Matt on receiving a Duke of Edinburgh Award. Ms. Von Matt received her award from The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia at an awards ceremony held at the Royal Alexandra Hall in Cranbrook on September 6.

Marken Projects

Ayme Sharma representing Marken Projects of Vancouver, made a remote presentation to council regarding construction of Passive Houses.

BC Passive House is Canada’s first manufacturing plant prefabricating a panelized system that meets the rigorous Passive House Standard. The Passive House (PH) Standard is a European concept and international performance based building standard that defines the total annual amount of energy that can be used for heating and cooling of a structure and for primary energy usage.

The science behind the Passive House Standard is not just about energy efficiency. Passive House construction is next generation, state of the art construction producing homes that are smart, healthy, efficient, comfortable, and enjoyable to live in. From low income housing to luxury homes, schools, hospitals, and office buildings, Passive House construction improves the interior living environment while dramatically reducing the energy requirements.

Elk Valley Regional Economic Development Trust

The Elk Valley Regional Economic Development Trust was formed in 2011 by the communities of Elkford, Fernie, Sparwood, the Tobacco Plains Band and RDEK Area A. The Task Force’s broad objective is to foster close working relationships between the communities with a common focus on economic development in the Elk Valley. In an effort to prioritize, the Task Force commissioned a report entitled Elk Valley Economic Opportunity Analysis & Growth Sector Identification. A copy of the final report will be made available on the District of Sparwood website.

Treehouse Daycare

Council approved a request from the Society for Kids Care-Elk Valley for an interest free loan in the amount of $48,842 for a term not to exceed five years. The society requires the funding to cover operational shortfalls for Treehouse Daycare that occurred in 2012.

Agricultural Land Commission Boundary Review

Staff was directed to send a response to the Agricultural Land Commissioner indicating that council supports the proposed Elk Valley ALR Boundary Review as it relates to those lands within the District of Sparwood. Some lands have been identified for inclusion and some for exclusion, with a net loss to the ALR being proposed for this region.

Columbia Broadband Corporation – Fibre Optics

Council received a report from the Director of Engineering regarding Columbia Broadband Corporation (CBBC) fibre optics. The CBBC has recently extended its fibre optic network coverage in the Kootenays and has received a $6.5 million funding commitment from the Columbia Basin Trust.

Red Cedar Hill

Over the last couple of years, the stability of Red Cedar Hill has become a concern due to visible settlements and the formation of cracks of a 40m section of the road. In 2012 Groundtech Engineering was engaged to research the concerns and to provide possible solutions. After consultation with GeoStabilization International it was determined that “soil nailing” would be a solution to fixing the stability of Red Cedar Hill. The soil nailer uses air pressure to shoot long soil nails into the ground at a very high speed. They can be filled with grout to bind unstable soil to the stable soil deeper in the road bed. There will also be horizontal drains installed in the treatment area.

The Mayor and Director of Corporate Services were directed to enter into a contract with GeoStabilization International to complete the stabilization work on Red Cedar Hill for $263,224 plus tax. This work can be completed before year end.

Bylaws

Zoning Bylaw No. 264, 1981, Amendment Bylaw 1131, 2013 was given first and second reading and a Public Hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. on December 16. This amendment has been initiated by the district to provide text amendments to A1 Zones (Agricultural Land).

CP Holiday Train

December 10 – 3:35 p.m. at the Leisure Centre.

The 2013 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is coming to Sparwood! More Canadians than ever are turning to food banks for support. Help make a difference in our community by bringing a cash or food donation to this year’s Holiday Train. This year the train features performances by Melanie Doane and Matt Dusk.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Come Help Santa Light the Tree on Thursday, November 21 at Centennial Square. Bonfire at 6:30 p.m. and caroling at 6:45 p.m. Santa arrives at 7 p.m. to light the tree

Windrow Removal Pilot Program

Council approved a windrow removal pilot program for the 2013/2014 winter season for all residents affected by the district’s snow removal program.

General guidelines of the program include:

Windrow removal service will be provided only when the windrow is an accumulated height of six inches or greater;

No windrow removal service will be provided to residents who push snow from their driveways into the windrow for removal by the district; and the intent of the windrow removal service is to knock down the windrow and allow for vehicle passage; it is not the intent of the program to provide full clearing and cleaning of the entire width of a driveway, from edge to edge. Approximately one to two inches of snow will be left to avoid damage to driveways.

Snow that has been cleared from driveways will be deposited on the boulevards and periodically removed, as required, to make room for additional storage.

Generally, district staff will be utilizing two Bobcats to remove the windrows around the community. These machines were purchased new this year, and are a very versatile addition to the district’s fleet. Only the machine time spent on windrow removal will be allocated to the cost, which will be reviewed by council at the end of the winter season.

For more information on snow and ice removal procedures please refer to the guideline for procedures: snow removal and ice control brochure on our website at www.sparwood.ca.

Next meetings in council chambers

– Monday, November 25 – Committee of the Whole Meeting at 7 p.m.

– Monday, December 2 – Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

– Monday, December 16 – Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

District of Sparwood

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