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Sparwood Council Facts
The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Nov. 16 District of Sparwood council meeting.
BYLAWS
North Coal
Ian Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer at North Coal presented an update on the company’s Michel Coal Project located southeast of Sparwood in the Michel Creek Valley. The mine has an anticipated life of 25 years. Construction is targeted to commence in 2025 based on regulatory approvals being received, with commercial production anticipated in late 2026.
311 Lodgepole Place
A request from the landowners at 311 Lodgepole Place to purchase a portion of District land adjoining their property was referred to staff to return a report for council’s consideration.
BYLAWS
MTI Bylaw
Municipal Ticket Information (MTI) Bylaw 1290, 2021 was given first, second and third readings. A revision to the existing bylaw is required to provide for enforcement of offences that may occur under the new Animal Control bylaw.
BUSINESS
2022 Community Funding & Support Allocations
Council approved the following Community Funding and Support Allocations for inclusion in the 2022 budget;
- Sparwood Search and Rescue ‐ $2,000 of in‐kind fuel;
- Fernie Women’s Resource Centre ‐ $3,211.76 in support of Sparwood Parent‐Tot Funtimes rental of District facilities;
• Sparwood Golf Club ‐ $30,000 golf course operating grant; - Michel Natal Sparwood Heritage Society ‐ $55,000 Sparwood museum operating grant;
- Sparwood Trails Alliance ‐ $10,000 grant toward the Sparwood Ridge Trail Project;
- Sparwood Public Library ‐ $198,711 Sparwood Library operating grant + $6,000 donor matching grant + $10,000 capital grant;
- Coal Miner Days Society ‐ $12,000 operating grant + $15,305.80 toward rental of District facilities for Coal Miner Days festivities;
- Sparwood Early Years ‐ $1,070.05 toward the Kindergym program’s rental of District facilities · Wildsafe BC ‐ $2,000 operating grant;
- Sparwood Chamber of Commerce ‐ $63,551 Sparwood Visitor Centre operating grant + $8,000 economic development grant;
- Branch Out Learning Society ‐ $11,028 for the Children with Special Needs Summer Camp’s rental fees and admissions at District facilities;
- Sparwood and District Art and Heritage Council ‐ $400 operating grant + $2,742.68 for the rental of District facilities when hosting various annual events;
- Category 2 Funding Allowance ‐ $25,000. Council also approved an allocation of $3,000 from the 2021 budget for Castlegar and District Community Services Society for support for the Kootenay Rent Bank with the funds being earmarked for Sparwood clientele.
2022 Council Meeting Schedule
Council approved the 2022 Council meeting schedule, including cancellation of the Regular Meeting of January 4, 2022. Regular meetings are held in Council Chambers at 136 Spruce Avenue on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
2800 Middletown Place
Council authorized staff to issue a Sign Bylaw development variance permit to allow a wall sign at 2800 Middletown Place (Komatsu) with a sign area greater than 0.18m2 per 0.3m2 of the wall width. The new Kotmasu building (lead image) is much larger in scale than the existing Sign Bylaw likely considered when adopted.
Pine Avenue and Blue Spruce Crescent
Concerns were raised about the stop signs on Pine Avenue at the three-way stop intersection with Blue Spruce Crescent. Council directed staff to investigate alternatives to the three‐way stop and bring back a report to council.
UPCOMING DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS
The following meetings will take place in Council Chambers (136 Spruce Avenue) at 6 p.m.
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, December 7.
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, December 21.
- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, January 4, 2022‐ CANCELLED BYLAW
e-KNOW file photos
District of Sparwood
