The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Oct. 7 District of Sparwood council meeting.

INFORMAL PUBLIC HEARING

Development Variance Permit for signs in Sparwood Resort Residential

An Informal Public Hearing was held to hear community feedback regarding a development variance permit for signs in Sparwood Resort Residential. Staff received an application to vary requirements of the District’s Sign Bylaw No. 839 as amended, to allow a larger third-party sign and to permit two signs in the Sparwood Resort Residential zone. The development variance permit was later issued by council at the regular meeting.

BYLAWS

Recreation Fees and Charges Bylaw – First Reading

After the extensive review of the Recreation Fees and Charges, the new bylaw was brought to council for first reading. Public engagement will be sought again before the bylaw is adopted.

BUSINESS

UBCM Strategic Priorities Fund Grant Application

Council has approved staff to submit the Union of BC Municipalities Strategic Priorities Fund (Canada Community Building Fund 2024–2034) grant application for up to $7 million toward the Wastewater Treatment Plant project; and that the District of Sparwood will provide overall grant management and support any cost overruns.

School District No. 5 and District of Sparwood Joint Use Agreement

The first Joint Use Agreement (JUA) was negotiated between the District of Sparwood and School District No. 5 (SD5) in 1986. Since that time the agreement has been renewed with the last extension ending in November 2021. The existing agreement is outdated and since 2021 the district and SD5 have been operating as status-quo as neither party provided notice to terminate the agreement.

On June 17 2025, staff sought feedback from Committee-of-the-Whole regarding the renewal of the JUA and provided a draft which included a significant amount of administrative clean up and edits to language to provide clarity and process alignment. The committee was agreeable to the draft and amendments and directed staff to bring back the JUA to a future meeting of council for approval. On September 29, the SD5 Board passed a motion at the Special In-Camera Meeting: “THAT the Sparwood Joint Use Agreement be approved, in principle, pending the District of Sparwood’s acceptance of the recommended amendments from Board of Education.”

Council approved the Joint Use Agreement and authorized the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute the agreement.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Thursday, October 16 – Recreation Facility Advisory Committee

Tuesday, October 21 – Regular Meeting of Council

Tuesday, October 28 – Town Hall Meeting

Tuesday, November 4 – 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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