Elk Valley RCMP

Sgt. Will Thien of the Elk Valley RCMP Detachment Dec. 2 presented the Third Quarter Mayor’s Report for 2013 to District of Sparwood council.

The RCMP received 326 calls for service from July 1 to September 30. This is a decrease in calls from 358 over the same period last year. Sgt. Thien advised that the RCMP have currently increased their enforcement efforts for impaired driving and this week is ‘Impaired Driving Week.’

Paperless Agendas

Earlier this year council committed to a paperless strategy and adopted the use of tablets as a method by which the district agendas would be accessed by council. The use of electronic devices at council meetings and other district meetings will mean a reduction in the amount of paper used by the district. Council approved a policy to provide clarity and guidance to council and employees on the expectations, use, and support of paperless agenda devices.

Cherrywood Subdivision

Each lot in Cherrywood Subdivision has a Section 219 Covenant registered on title that stipulates that no construction, renovation, or other improvements shall be undertaken unless they have been approved by the District of Sparwood. Council has authorized the Manager of Planning to review and approve all applications for design review for the Cherrywood Subdivision.

Emergency Management

Starting in late 2011 and moving forward, the district has actively engaged employees and volunteers to build a knowledge base that would be considered a leader in public safety. With the establishment of the Emergency Social Support program, employee and volunteer training opportunities from the Justice Institute of BC and Emergency Services BC (EMBC), and through table-top and full scale exercises, engagement from within the District of Sparwood is a priority.

Gundula Brigl, Regional Manager, Southeast for EMBC has stated: “Whenever I look for an example of a community that is proactive in emergency preparedness, the District of Sparwood is the first one that comes to mind. The level of enthusiasm, commitment to public safety, and ability to put words into action is exemplary. Its clear that emergency management has been made a conscious priority by community leaders. Not only has Sparwood shown excellence in preparedness, they have also risen successfully to the challenge in a significant number of actual emergency events. The knowledge base, support networks, and working relationships were already well established before the event. The province’s role is to support the local authority when an emergency event occurs and this is easy to do when a community is this engaged.”

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The following recommendations from the Committee of the Whole Meeting held November 25 were adopted by council:

– Council supported an increase in the grant to the Coal Miner Days Society in the amount of $8,500 for a total grant of $12,000;

– Council deferred the addition of a communications position for six months;

– Council approved the provision of fuel, specifically for the Sparwood Search and Rescue vehicle fleet consisting of two heavy duty one-ton trucks, one side-by-side ATV, two snowmobiles, and a number of generators as modified from time to time.

– Staff was requested to meet with Carmen Gauthier regarding the requested street lights along Highway 43 and that a report return to council on the outcome of those discussions, including options; and

– Council stipend increase by two per cent for 2013.

Bylaws

Zoning Bylaw No. 264, 1981, Amendment Bylaw 1132, 2013 was adopted. This amendment is to address the side yard setback requirements in most single-family residential zones and text amendments clarifying some of the language surrounding density, secondary suites, and building height.

The following bylaws were introduced and given first, second, and third readings:

– Council Remuneration Bylaw 1133, 2013

– Land Sales Reserve Expenditure Bylaw 1134, 2013

– Capital Works, Machinery and Equipment Reserve Expenditure Bylaw 1135, 2013

– Street Repaving Reserve Fund Expenditure Bylaw 1136, 2013

– Recreational/Cultural Capital Works Reserve Expenditure Bylaw 1137, 2013

– Waterworks System Reserve Fund Expenditure Bylaw 1138, 2013

– Sewer System Reserve Fund Expenditure Bylaw 1139, 2013

CP Holiday Train

December 10, 2013 at 3:35 p.m. at the Leisure Centre.

The 2013 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is coming to Sparwood! More Canadians than ever are turning to food banks for support. Help make a difference in our community by bringing a cash or food donation to this year’s Holiday Train. This year the train features performances by Melanie Doane and Matt Dusk.

Snow and Ice

All residents of Sparwood are asked to be conscientious when the Public Works crews are removing snow from the municipal streets.

Business owners please keep your sidewalks free of snow and ice to ensure the safety of the public.

Pedestrians please be extra careful when out walking as the cooler temperatures are causing slippery roads and sidewalks.

Christmas Charity Drive

Sunday, December 8 at 5:30 p.m. Sparwood Ambulance, Fire Department, Cadets, and Search and Rescue will be having a Christmas charity drive for the local Food Bank and Toys for Tots. Please be generous with donations of nonperishable food, new toys, monetary gifts, or Canadian Tire money. If you are not at home donations can be dropped off at Fire Hall #1, 479 Pine Avenue or just leave them on your front doorstep in a bag or box for pickup.

Notice of road closure

Where? Red Cedar Drive from Centennial Street to Alpine Place (the Hill).

When? Beginning the week of December 2 for approximately two to four weeks.

Why? To repair the embankment on Red Cedar Drive.

What? Soil nailing – a method of placing numerous steel rods or tubes into the side of the embankment on an angle to stabilize the soil.

Who? The General Contractor will be Geo-stabilization International.

Detour? Use Centennial Street to Spruce Avenue and Pine Avenue to detour.

Pedestrian?  Both staircases will stay open and the pedestrian trail on the north side of Red Cedar Drive (above the fence) will remain open.

Questions? Contact the Engineering Department at 250-425-6830. www.sparwood.ca/roads

Best wishes

Mayor, council and staff of the District of Sparwood extend their very best wishes for the Holiday Season.

In lieu of sending Christmas cards and in keeping with the true spirit of Christmas a donation will be made to the Sparwood Food Bank and Toys for Tots.

We wish you all peace, happiness, and good health in 2014. Please drive safely over the Holidays.

Light Up A Child’s Life Campaign

The Chamber of Commerce has a tree set up in the Greenwood Mall for the ‘Light Up a Child’s Life’ campaign. If you have a few hours to spare please consider volunteering to sit at the tree. All proceeds go to the Sparwood Food Bank and Toys For Tots.

For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at 250-425-2423.

Seniors Light Tour

The Sparwood Chamber of Commerce will be co-sponsoring the seniors light tour on December 17. Best decorated homes and businesses will be judged during this tour so everyone is reminded to have your Christmas lights on. The bus will be leaving Lilac Terrace at 6 p.m. and Christmas music, tea and goodies will be served after the tour. Reserve your seat on the bus by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 250-425-2423. This event is also sponsored by the Sparwood Futures Society and Black Gold Coach Lines.

Upcoming meetings in council chambers

– Monday, December 16 – Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

– Monday, January 6 -Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.

District of Sparwood

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