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Sparwood Council Facts
Elk Valley RCMP suggest bylaw for false alarm calls
Cst. Chris Mahoney of the Elk Valley RCMP made a March 4 presentation to District of Sparwood council regarding a proposed bylaw addressing false alarm calls which result in RCMP attendance. In 2012 the RCMP responded to 134 false alarm calls. Municipal staff will report back to council with recommendations that address the RCMP’s concerns.
Following a request from the RCMP, council provided a list of their top policing priorities for 2013 to be incorporated into the 2013/2014 RCMP Annual Performance Plan. The top priorities of council are speed reduction and enforcement initiatives, drug enforcement, underage drinking/bush parties, and a more robust use of Youth Diversion programming within the District of Sparwood.
Council approved closure of the District Main Office and Engineering Services Office at Noon on December 24, and the full day on December 27. Both offices will reopen for regular business hours on Monday, December 30.
Affordable Housing Strategies
Council received the District of Sparwood Affordable Housing Strategies – District Goals, Objectives, and Priorities Report that came out of the joint Housing Need and Demand Assessment with the District of Elkford. Staff was directed to develop an implementation plan for the strategies. The Joint Housing Need and Demand Assessment Report is available on our website at www.sparwood.ca.
Request for land
Council received a letter from an equine enthusiast looking for an area of land to use for a riding arena, storage shed, and bathrooms/outhouse. If a location can be found there are a group of people willing to form a ‘club’ that would be responsible for maintenance, insurance, etc. Council directed staff to investigate the possibility of potential land suitable for a riding club.
Bylaws
Bylaw 1115 cited as “District of Sparwood Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 1113, 2012 Amendment
Bylaw 1115, 2013” was adopted.
Bylaw 1116 cited as “Financial Plan (2012-2016) Bylaw 1095, 2012, Amendment Bylaw 1116, 2013” was introduced and given first, second, and third reading.
Bylaw 1117 cited as “Carbon Neutral Reserve Fund Establishment Bylaw 1117, 2013” was introduced and given first, second, and third reading.
Earth Hour 2013
March 23 – 8:30 p.m.
Take a Stand. Sit in the Dark. Turn off your lights for an hour and join the World Wildlife Federation and people around the world in demanding action on climate change.
Leisure Centre Grounds Master Plan
The District of Sparwood has now adopted a new master plan for the Leisure Centre grounds. The plan will be the foundation for all future development in Heritage Park, Lions Park, and on the Leisure Centre Sports Grounds.
The plan features new locations for some existing infrastructure including relocating the playground from behind the new spray park washrooms to the area directly west of the spray park. This will allow parents to watch their children play in both areas without having to move. The plan also features a new bike park and skatepark, enhanced heritage park area and a 1.5 km perimeter path that walkers and joggers can enjoy. We will be working to realize the plan over the next five to ten years with some improvements being implemented right away and other dependent upon community involvement.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the visioning sessions, submitted surveys on the preliminary plans, and spoke to our staff. The Leisure Centre Grounds Master Plan is available to the public viewing online at www.sparwood.ca
Student Employment Opportunities
Parks and Greenbelt Workers
The District of Sparwood is looking for energetic and enthusiastic individuals who will be employed for the summer to work as summer parks and greenbelt workers beginning May 6 to September 6. The rate of pay is in accordance with CUPE Local 2698 Collective Agreement.
All applications including cover letter, resume, and proof of enrolment must be received by the District of Sparwood Municipal Office on or before 4 p.m. Thursday, March 28. The ‘hat’ draw will be conducted on Tuesday, April 2. All successful applicants will be contacted following the draw.
Applicants should be aware that work performance with the District of Sparwood will be considered for future employment.
Only students who have been enrolled on a full time basis in high school or a post secondary institution during the 2013 Winter/Spring term and are intending to return to school in the fall are eligible for these positions. Student application forms, including the proof of enrollment, are available at the Municipal Office, 136 Spruce Avenue or at the Sparwood Recreation Department, 367 Pine Avenue or on the District website at www.Sparwood.ca.
Proof of enrollment form must be signed by the school Registrar’s Office. Preference will be given to post secondary students.
All successful applicants will be required to have a valid driver’s license with a Class 5 or a minimum of a Class 7N or Class 7L. Applicants’ address must be the same on their Driver’s License as mailing address or permanent address in Sparwood.
Any eligible applications received after the close date, will be automatically put on the bottom of this list, as well as any who are unable to start employment on May 6.
Questions can be directed to the Sparwood Municipal Office at 250.425.6271 or be emailed to [email protected].
Student Employment Opportunity
Administrative Assistant
At the District of Sparwood, we believe that students entering the workplace are the people who will shape the future of our community. If you are a highly energetic student with initiative and are looking for summer employment, this could be the job for you. At the District of Sparwood, you will be given the opportunity to learn, gain hands-on experience and make our community a better place to live, work, play, and do business.
The District of Sparwood is looking for an enthusiastic individual this summer to fill the Administrative Assistant position within the district office from Monday, May 6 to Friday, September 6.
In addition to attractive wages, the student will receive an Active Living Pass which entitles the employee to full access to all municipal recreation facilities, such as the leisure centre pool, arena, weight room, racquet courts, climbing wall, and select programs.
Students who have been enrolled on a full time basis in a post secondary institution during the 2012-2013 Winter/Spring term and returning to school in the Fall of 2013 are eligible to apply for this position. Please apply by Friday, April 5 at 4 p.m. local time with a cover letter, resume and a complete Administrative Assistant application package which can be found at www.sparwood.ca.
Grade 12 students who will be entering postsecondary school in the fall can apply, however, preference will be given to post secondary students who are in a program area applicable to the position being applied for.
Applications and any inquiries should be directed to Miranda Tomera at 250.425.6816, or by email to [email protected]
Rain Barrel Art Contest and Silent Auction
For the second year in a row the District of Sparwood has partnered with the Sparwood Arts Council in an effort to reduce water consumption and promote the arts. Rain barrels are often seen as characterless and boring. We aim to transform this normally drab outdoor feature into a masterpiece for the garden and we need your help to do this!
Invitations to paint or sponsor a rain barrel are now being extended to all businesses and members of the public.
Steps to Participate
1. Buy a Rain Barrel – some are currently available at Alpine Limber.
2. Paint the Rain Barrel – find an artist or even an employee that will paint the barrel for you.
3. Send the following information to Rose Sharma ([email protected]) before April 5:
a. Photo of Painted Barrel
b. Artist’s Name
c. Sponsor’s Name
d. Display Location – If you don’t have somewhere to display your barrel publicly, we will find a great spot for it.
Once we have your information, we will send you a Silent Auction Sign-Up Sheet to display beside your barrel so you can start collecting bids right away!
Bids will be collected until the end of Arts & Culture Week (April 21-27).
Sparwood residents who bid on the barrel will be entered into a draw to win a great water smart prize!
Upcoming Meetings (In council chambers)
– Monday, March 18, Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.
– Monday, March 25, Committee of the Whole Meeting HAS BEEN CANCELLED
– Tuesday, April 2, Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.
Council Facts is a publication by the District of Sparwood which summarizes the key decisions of council. Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month. The public is encouraged to attend regular council and committee meetings. The agenda is available on line at www.Sparwood.ca on the Friday before the meeting. Minutes of council are available, once adopted, on our website at www.Sparwood.ca
District of Sparwood