The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the March 17 District of Sparwood council meeting.

BYLAWS

Zoning Amendment – Home Occupations in RR-1a and RR-1b

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1363, 2026, was adopted by council. The changes will remove restrictions on customer visits for home occupations in the RR‑1a and RR‑1b zones (Whiskey Jack).

Zoning Amendment Bylaw – Low Density Residential Agriculture

Council adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1362, 2026, creating a new Low Density Residential – Agricultural (R‑Ag) zone that will legalize long‑standing small‑scale agricultural activities on residential leasehold lots along Michel Creek Road and Industrial Road #2. The bylaw adds new definitions related to limited agriculture, permits non‑commercial activities such as keeping horses and poultry, and rezones portions of the area from R‑1 to R‑Ag. Council amended the bylaw at first reading to adjust Animal Unit ratios for chickens and rabbits and to restrict the list of allowable animals to cattle, horses, donkeys, chickens, rabbits, and bees.

Council Remuneration Bylaw No. 1361, 2026 for adoption

The Council Remuneration Bylaw No. 1361, 2026 was defeated at the regular meeting of council. Council went into Committee-of-the-Whole and provided staff direction to bring a new report back to Committee-of-the-Whole at a future meeting.

Three readings for Amendment Bylaws for Recycle Collection and Food Waste Diversion

Council gave first, second, and third readings to Utility and Solid Waste Management Amendment Bylaw No. 1366, 2026 and Bylaw Enforcement Notice Amendment Bylaw 1367, 2026.

These bylaws formally establish a Curbside Recycle Collection Program within the Regular Service Area, introduce new definitions aligned with Recycle BC, and authorize the District to issue serialized blue recycling carts. They clarify requirements for acceptable materials, outline contamination protocols, and provide graduated compliance tools, including tagging, education, and enforcement options such as fines or temporary cart removal. The amendments also enable a FoodCycler Pilot Program, granting the Corporate Officer authority over program administration, eligibility, participation limits, and compliance requirements, while confirming appliances remain District property unless transferred. Additional changes correct the 2028 collection rates and remove outdated fees. Bylaw No. 1367 further adds new fines related to recycling regulations.

These amendment bylaws will return to council for adoption at a future meeting.

BUSINESS

2026 Paving Program

Council authorized the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute a contract with Terus Construction, a Division of Colas Western Canada Inc. for the 2026 Paving Program in the amount of $944,270.52 plus applicable taxes.

The areas for repaving include:

• Pine Avenue (Site 1): Full‑width milling and paving, curb and sidewalk replacement to current standards, driveway.
• letdowns, storm sewer upgrades, and associated restoration works.
• Centennial Lane / Business Alleyway (Site 2): Full‑width milling and paving, including pavement markings, and signage improvements.
• Aspen Drive (Site 3): Supply and installation of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) pedestrian crossing system to improve pedestrian safety near the Chamber of Commerce.
• Birchwood Place (Site 4 – Optional): Full‑width milling and paving, including pavement markings.
• Briarwood Place (Site 5 – Optional): Full‑width milling and paving, including pavement markings.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Recreation Facility Advisory Committee (Rescheduled) – Thursday, March 26.

Regular Meeting of Council – Tuesday, April 7.

Special Meeting of Council

ReDi Grants – Tuesday, April 14

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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