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Sparwood Council Facts
The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Feb. 20 District of Sparwood council meeting.
Business
Fernie Minor Hockey
Council denied a request from the Fernie Minor Hockey Association for waiver of ice rental fees for 10-hours of ice time in accordance with section 3 of the district’s Financial Assistance to Organizations / Clubs / Groups / Individuals policy.  The Association, which will be hosting the 2017 PeeWee Provincial Championships in March, has scheduled four games in Sparwood.
Middletown Crossing – Highway 3/43
Council directed staff to proceed with the design and tendering of a low use access road and relocation of the overhead hydro lines at the Middletown Crossing – Highway 3/43 Intersection. This will result in removal of the overhead power lines for a short distance along Highway 3 but will involve the clearing of trees up the hill across from the Red Cedar Drive intersection and across Highway 3 from the easterly Elkford directional sign. The relocation of these overhead lines will result in substantial cost savings to the district and address safety issues with the existing power poles.
A copy of the staff report is available here.
Solar Photovoltaic Energy Generation
Council accepted funds through the Clean Energy Canada’s Solar Now Program of $25,000 and agreed to match those funds using monies from Sparwood’s Carbon Neutral Reserve Fund (CNRF) to install a solar photovoltaic energy generation system on one or more municipal buildings.
The CNRF can only be used to invest in greenhouse gas reduction initiatives to contribute to carbon neutral municipal operations, so this project is a perfect fit for those funds. One of the main motivations of an alternative energy project such as this is to showcase the technology for the broader public in order to increase awareness and knowledge of non-fossil fuel energy generation. The added bonus is the financial benefits that are anticipated to begin on day one of operation, and escalating in value as energy costs increase. Once the capital cost is recovered (estimated in year 7 or 8), that financial value to the municipality ramps up further, since every dollar or energy generated from the system reduces the municipality’s electricity bill accordingly. This initiative helps Sparwood achieve its goal of “promoting environmental conservation best practices.”
Council also asked staff to bring forward a report to a Committee-of-the-Whole meeting on the possibility of wind-generated power in the valley.
Heritage Conservation Planning
Council received a report from the Manager of Planning summarizing efforts made towards heritage conservation planning in Sparwood. Two workshops were held in 2016 that started a dialogue about how to enhance our understanding, appreciation, and celebration of our heritage and to start developing local heritage values for Sparwood. Based on these workshops, Heritage BC has produced a District of Sparwood Heritage Values Report (HVR) outlining planning efforts such as the development of a Heritage Conservation Program and is a guiding document for decision-making.
A copy of the staff report and HVR are available here.
Policies
Video Surveillance Policy
Council amended the district’s Video Surveillance Policy to remove live-feed video monitoring systems from the scope of the policy to reduce red tape for district staff as the requirements under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act only apply when images are recorded. This change will enable Community and Facility Services Department to install a live-feed surveillance system in the arena concourse area that provides a live feed only. This will enable staff to better monitor the concourse area for safety concerns and reduce any potential vandalism.
Emergency Operations Centre Activation Wage Reimbursement Policy
Council approved the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Activation Wage Reimbursement Policy. Â The purpose of this policy is to clarify how overtime for exempt staff who work in an Emergency Operations Centre is paid out.
Other News
Snow Removal Safety
All residents of Sparwood are asked to be conscientious when the Public Works crews are removing snow from the municipal streets. Parents please keep your children away from snow banks. Although they look tempting to play on, or tunnel into they are dangerous for children to play on. Snowplow operators and other motorists may not be able to see children playing around snow banks. Help ensure our children play safe!
Volunteers needed to help with community clean up & Earth Day 2017 events
On April 22, we will have our fourth annual Community Clean-Up and we will need help to clean up Sparwood from the garbage accumulated over the winter. This year we would like to expand the event to celebrate Earth Day but we need volunteers to make this happen! If you are interested in helping, please contact Jessica Wheeler at 250-425-6271 or [email protected] to learn more about the event and how you can help.
Residential Garbage Collection
Residents of the District of Sparwood are reminded that all household waste material must be placed in garbage cans with tight fitting lids, in usable condition in all residential zones, except for the R-3 High Density Residential Zones which have commercial containers available. Garbage containers may not be placed out before 5 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. No more than two containers with an aggregate volume of 140 litres may be placed out for collection. The maximum weight per container shall be 22.5 kg (50 lbs.). Additional containers may be placed out if special tags are purchased ($1.50 each) and the tag is placed on top of the garbage within the container. These requirements are for the safety of the workers collecting the garbage and reduce the spread of garbage by animals.
2017-2021 Financial Plan – Public Open House
Tuesday, February 28 from 5 – 7 p.m.
 Council Chambers, 136 Spruce Avenue
Do you live in Sparwood or own property? Then you are invited to a Public Budget Consultation Meeting that will be held to discuss the district’s Financial Plan for the next five years. Council invites and encourages citizens to attend and provide feedback that will assist Council in setting priorities for our community for 2017-2021.
Can’t make it? You will be able to find the information displayed at Greenwood Mall and on our website at www.sparwood.ca during the month of March.
Upcoming Meetings
Committee of the Whole Meeting
Monday, February 27 at 7 p.m.
Public Budget Consultation Meeting
Tuesday, February 28 from 5 – 7 p.m.
Regular Council Meeting
Monday, March 6 at 1 p.m.
District of Sparwood