The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Feb. 20 District of Sparwood council meeting.

DELEGATION

Sparwood Futures Society

Danny Dwyer, representing the Sparwood Futures Society addressed council on their requests for concrete barriers on Highway 3 and the use of pavement millings.

New Dawn Development

Rick Jensen, representing New Dawn Development, provided an update on the Westwood Heights development.

BYLAWS

Street Naming Amendment Bylaw No. 1325, 2024

Council adopted the Street Naming Amendment Bylaw. The district regulates the naming of streets through the Street Naming Bylaw No. 1253, 2019. A subdivision in the Whiskey Jack neighbourhood will create a new road which will connect Whiskey Jack Drive and Resort Centre Boulevard. This new road, Blue Jay Drive, is expected to be completed in 2024.

Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1327, 2024

The Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1327, 2024 was given first three readings. The bylaw will include a few administrative changes and align hearing procedures for Water Use Permits. The bylaw will be given final consideration at the March 19 regular meeting of council.

BUSINESS

Category 1 Funding

Council approved the following Category 1 funding requests:

• $4,558 increase to the 2024 operating grant for the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce for providing visitor information services due to an administrative error with the previously approved funding.
• $13,378 to the Sparwood Secondary Grad Committee for Grad 2024 rental of facilities and advertising on the electronic sign.
• Up to $34,500 to Coal Miner Days Society for the 2024 Coal Miner Days events.

Council reduced the Category 2 annual funding amount from $27,000 to $22,000 to fund the increase in approved Category 1 funding.

COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE

Time Capsule Opening Event

On March 19, 1984 a time capsule (pictured above) was sealed in the wall in Greenwood Mall by Sparwood Mayor Toto Miller. The time capsule contains letters, drawings, photos and newspaper articles from council and residents of the time and is scheduled to be opened on March 19, 2024 – 40 years after it was placed.

The committee directed staff to hold a public event at the Greenwood Mall and to approach the museum about archiving the time capsule items.

Significant Event Policy

On September 5, 2023 staff brought forward a report to Committee-of-the-Whole seeking direction regarding the observation of days of significance and how the municipality should recognize such days. Over the years council has received requests from local organizations soliciting support for their special occasion by means of raising a commemorative flag, landmark decorating or lighting or sharing information on District communications platforms.

With no outlined approach, these types of requests have been addressed inconsistently and council’s expectations have not been defined. The draft policy outlines that requests to recognize these occurrences must be submitted at least 30 days before the event is scheduled to occur for Council’s consideration as an Information Item on an agenda.

The draft policy also outlines flag protocols and the raising of commemorative flags. The final policy will be considered by council at a future regular meeting.

UPCOMING MEETINGS:

Regular Council Meeting – Tuesday, March 5 in Council Chambers (136 Spruce Avenue) at 6 p.m.

Regular Council Meeting – Tuesday, March 19 at 6 p.m.

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District of Sparwood

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