The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the August 5 District of Sparwood council meeting.

DELEGATIONS

Tourism Fernie Society

Jikke Gyorki, representing the Tourism Fernie Society, provided a presentation to council on their sustainable tourism program and recent projects along the Elk River, and other important outdoor tourism and recreation areas for the purpose of long-term sustainability and user enhancements. They are currently exploring the interest of river access improvements and future partnerships in Sparwood and at Line Creek. Council will add this as a discussion item to the next Town Hall meeting to gauge interest from the residents of Sparwood.

NWP Coal Canada Ltd.

Dave Baines, representing NWP Coal Canada Ltd., provided council with an update on their Crown Mountain Coking Coal Project regulatory process, rail loadout location and layout, roads and access.

BUSINESS

Temporary Use Permit for 441 Pine Avenue

An Informal Public Hearing was held to hear community feedback regarding a temporary use permit for 441 Pine Avenue to allow the site superintendent to camp on the property in a recreational vehicle/trailer for the duration of construction of Timbers 2 (estimated as finishing January 2027). The temporary use permit was later denied by council at the Regular Meeting.

Curbside Recycling – Recycle BC

Council authorized the Mayor and Corporate Officer to sign an amended contract with Waste Management to include curbside recycling services starting March 31, 2026. With Recycle BC support, the total per household per year for both garbage and recycling collection will be $205.56. The curbside recycling collection and garbage collection will alternate weekly and another 240L container will be provided to each resident with a blue lid identifying the container for recyclables.

Development Variance Permit for 9555 Highway 43 (DVP2025-004)

Council authorized staff to issue notice to affected properties of its intent to consider a development variance permit to vary requirements of the District’s Mobile Home Parks Bylaw No. 288, 1982 as amended, to permit the existing sites as shown on Schedule A at 9555 Highway 43. An informal hearing will be scheduled to hear from the public on August 19, prior to consideration.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Regular Meeting of Council – Tuesday, August 19

Recreation Facility Advisory Committee – Thursday, August 21

Regular Meeting of Council – Tuesday, September 2

Youth Advisory Commission – Tuesday, September 9, at 11:30 a.m. at Sparwood Secondary School.

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

e-KNOW file photos

District of Sparwood

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