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

SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNCIL

Recreation Fees and Charges Review – Draft Study

RC Strategies gave a presentation on the draft study for the Recreation Fees and Charges review and the draft study was received by council at the special meeting. Next step in the review is to seek community feedback on the study which will available on our website soon.

BUSINESS

Development Variance Permit for 408 Willow Place

An Informal Public Hearing was held to hear community feedback regarding a development variance permit for 408 Willow Place. Staff received an application to vary requirements of the district’s Zoning Bylaw No. 264, 1981 as amended, to increase the allowable accessory building site coverage and decrease the minimum side and rear yard setbacks for a new accessory building. The development variance permit was later issued by council at the regular meeting.

Elk Valley Accessibility Plan

Council received the Elk Valley Accessibility Plan, which outlines shared regional priorities and is organized into six action areas:

1. Built Environment: Accessible municipal infrastructure, including ramps, washrooms, curb cuts, and facilities;
2. Communication and Information: Accessible websites, alternative formats, and clear public information;
3. Employment and Training: Inclusive hiring, workplace assessments, and staff education on accessibility;
4. Emergency Preparedness: Inclusive planning for residents with diverse needs;
5. Policies and Planning: Bylaw and project reviews to embed accessibility in development;
6. Transportation & Mobility: Snow clearing, accessible parking, crossing signals, and transit advocacy.

The establishment of the Elk Valley Accessibility Plan is a significant step toward fostering an inclusive and accessible region and ensuring our community remains compliant with the Act. The collaborative approach taken by the District of Sparwood, District of Elkford, and the City of Fernie through the Elk Valley Accessibility Committee has ensured that the plan is informed by diverse perspectives, including those of residents with disabilities.

The report will be available on the district’s website soon.

COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE

Porta Potty Vandalism

Due to the vandalism and complete destruction of the porta potty located at the Sparwood Heights multi-purpose court, which required response from both the RCMP and Sparwood Fire Services, staff brought a report to the Committee-of-the-Whole to determine if and how they were going to replace the porta potty. After discussion, the committee directed staff to defer the playground gravel refresh/replacement project in order to pay for the $3,000 replacement porta potty.

If anyone has any knowledge of the crime, you are encouraged to contact the RCMP.

New Zoning and Parking Bylaw – Engagement Strategy

The Committee-of-the-Whole reviewed the Zoning and Parking Bylaw engagement strategy provided by the Director of Planning and Development and provided feedback. The District of Sparwood’s current Zoning Bylaw was adopted in 1981 and our Off-Street Parking and Loading Bylaw was adopted in 1988. The bylaws have become dated with definitions and in some cases regulations that may no longer be pertinent. In addition, the many amendments that have occurred over the years have created some conflicts or difficulties with interpretation. In addition to the general need for new zoning and parking bylaws, recent changes in Provincial law necessitate that at least the anticipated number of units required for 20 years of growth, as identified through our housing needs assessment, are zoned by the end of 2025. Next steps are to develop the survey and get it out to the public for their feedback.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Tuesday, June 3 – Regular Meeting of Council.

Tuesday, June 10 at 11:30 a.m. at Sparwood Secondary School – Youth Advisory Commission.

Tuesday, June 10 at 6 p.m. Special Meeting of Council – Town Hall Meeting at Community Hall, Leisure Centre.

Tuesday, June 17 – Regular Meeting of Council.

All meetings are held at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office (136 Spruce Avenue), unless otherwise noted.

e-KNOW file photo

District of Sparwood

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