The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Nov. 3 District of Sparwood council meeting. It was the inaugural meeting for the new council following the Oct. 17 election.

Acting Mayor Appointments

Council approved the Acting Mayor rotation for the 2026–2030 term. In accordance with Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1327, 2024, Councillors are designated on a rotating basis to serve as Acting Mayor when the Mayor is absent, unable to act, or the Office of the Mayor is vacant. While serving in this role, the Acting Mayor has the same powers and duties as the Mayor for the applicable matter.

The schedule is as follows:

Councillor Kallies from November 2026 to February 2027

Councillor Pasiechnyk from March 2027 to June 2027

Councillor Benko from July 2027 to October 2027

Councillor Catsirelis from November 2027 to February 2028

Councillor Sheets Mayor from March 2028 to June 2028

Councillor Frère from July 2028 to October 2028

Councillor Kallies from November 2028 to February 2029

Councillor Pasiechnyk from March 2029 to June 2029

Councillor Benko from July 2029 to October 2029

Councillor Catsirelis from November 2029 to February 2030

Councillor Sheets from March 2030 to June 2030

Councillor Frère from July 2030 to October 2030

Appointments to Standing and Select Committees, and Commissions

Council members were appointed to committees, commissions and panels for the 2026–2030 Council term. These groups provide council representation and support more detailed consideration of specific community and municipal matters.

Appointments included:

Youth Advisory Commission: Councillor Sheets.

Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel: Mayor Kelloway, Councillor Benko, Councillor Catesirelis, Councillor Frère, Councillor Kallies, Councillor Pasiechnyk, and Councillor Sheets.

Labour Relations/Grievance Committee: Councillor Frère and Councillor Benko.

Socio-Community and Economic Effects Advisory Committee (SCEEAC): Councillor Sheets (chair), Mayor Kelloway, and Councillor Catsirelis.

Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee (SWMAC): Mayor Kelloway, Councillor Kallies, and Councillor Pasiechnyk.

Appointments to Other Boards and Partner Organizations

Council members were appointed to several external boards and partner organizations for the new council term. These appointments ensure the District of Sparwood is represented in regional discussions and initiatives that affect the community.

Council representation was established for the following:

Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors and Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board: Councillor Benko and alternate Councillor Pasiechnyk.

Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia (MIABC): Councillor Kallies and alternate Councillor Frère.

Highway 3 Mayors and Chairs Coalition: Councillor Catsirelis.

Elk Valley Resources Communities of Interest Advisory Panel: Councillor Frère.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

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

Tuesday, November 17 – Regular Meeting of Council.

Wednesday, November 25 – Socio-Community and Economic Effects Advisory Committee.

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

Lead image: Left to right: Councillor Joshua Frere, Councillor Steve Kallies, Mayor Hadden Kelloway, Councillor Cayle Pasiechnyk, Councillor Jeremy Catsirelis and Councillor Sherry Benko. Missing from photo Councillor- elect Dorene Sheets. Photo Credit: Matt Kuhn Photography

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