The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the August 19 District of Sparwood council meeting.

DELEGATIONS

Sparwood Search and Rescue

Sam Batten and Pierre Laberge, representing Sparwood Search and Rescue, provided an update on their operations.

Lodgepole Trailer Park

Fay Martens, representing Lodgepole Trailer Park, spoke to council with concerns regarding the Mobile Home Park Bylaw and suggested updates.

BUSINESSSeptember 10, 2025

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

An Informal Public Hearing was held to hear community feedback regarding a development variance permit for 9555 Highway 43 (Lodgepole Mobile Home Park). Staff received an application 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. The development variance permit was later issued by council at the regular meeting.

Upper Elk Valley Fire Protection Service – Agreement Amendment

The District of Sparwood (District) and the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) currently have an agreement (attached) that expired in December 2024. This agreement provides for fire protection services to a specific area located within a portion of Electoral Area A, outside of the municipal boundaries. The District and the RDEK are current in the process of renegotiating the agreement, which may include changes to the boundaries, call volume and response time. As such, an extension of the current agreement to December 31, 2025 has been approved.

Curling Rink Roof Replacement – Contract Award

Council authorized the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute a contract with Western Roofing Master Roofers for the replacement of the Curling Rink roof for $260,000 plus applicable taxes and to defer the Curling Rink ceiling structural upgrades until 2026.

COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE

Animal Control Bylaw Review

On May 20, council had a delegation to request a change to the Animal Control Bylaw to allow for domestic ferrets. In the current bylaw, Animal Control Bylaw 1289, 2021, domestic ferrets fall under the Mustelidae species in Schedule A – Wild or Exotic Animals and are prohibited within the District of Sparwood. Council directed staff to bring back the bylaw for review. The committee also reviewed the definition of Farm Animals to add poultry, discussed the removal of skunks from the bylaw, and removing the fees and charges to place them in the Fees and Charges bylaw.

The committee directed staff to draft a bylaw based on their direction and bring it back to council for consideration.

Recreation Fees and Charges Bylaw Review

At the July 15 meeting, council accepted the Recreation Fees and Charges Review Study and directed staff to incorporate the framework outlined in the study into the update of the Recreation Fees and Charges Bylaw.

Staff incorporated those changes and the Committee provided the following direction:

• Keep rates as they are until Bylaw adoption, continuing with regular increases September 1 of each year thereafter;
• Inclusion of the additional definitions as presented;
• Definition of local as presented;
• Remove defined list of events and change attendance to over 100;
• Add Swim Club Lane Rental during programmed lane swimming;
• Apply inflationary rate of 3.5% each year from 2025 – 2030;
• Move field rental rates to an hourly rate;
• Target a minimum of 20% cost recovery for the arena and sports field by phasing in rate increases over five-years;
• Supportive of a fee subsidy program, staff to explore options;
• Explore the option of a tax levy for a capital reserve.

Staff will draft the new bylaw and bring it to council for consideration.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Tuesday, September 2 – Regular Meeting of Council

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

Wednesday, September 10 – Socio Community and Economic Effects

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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