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Sparwood Council Facts
Women In Mining, Elk Valley Branch
Jo-Anna Singleton appeared before District of Sparwood council April 2 to introduce the Elk Valley Branch of Women in Mining. A request from Ms. Singleton for discounted rental rates was referred to staff to report back to council.
Kootenay-Columbia MP
Mr. David Wilks, MP Kootenay-Columbia provided council with an overview of the Federal Government’s 2013 Budget. Highlights of the budget include:
– $32.2 billion over the next 10 years through the new Building Canada Plan;
– $21.8 billion over 10 years through the Gas Tax Fund payments;
– $253 million per year over five years earmarked to invest in affordable housing;
– $600 million will be targeted for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy;
– The Canada Job Grant is expected to provide access to upwards of 130 thousand people in training to fill available jobs each year. The Federal Government will provide up to $5,000 per person toward training at eligible training institutions;
– $19 million provided to Parks Canada for improvements to highways and associated bridges that pass through Canada’s National Parks;
-$ 45 million over three years to the Enabling Accessibility Fund to allow communities to undertake larger retrofit projects to enhance accessibility of existing facilities or create new accessibility facilities; and;
-$92 million over two years starting in 2014 to continue support for forestry innovation and market development.
Selenium in groundwater
A report from Franz Environmental confirms that the selenium concentrations in the municipal drinking water wells have not exceeded the applicable British Columbia Drinking Water Standards.
Special Occasion Permits
Council approved Special Occasion Permits to the Coal Miner Days Society to operate a Comedy Night with Dance on May 4 in the Curling Rink and a Cabaret on June 8 in the Curling Rink.
Coal Discovery Trail
Council received a verbal report from the Chief Administrative Officer regarding the Coal Discovery Trail. A letter will be sent to the Regional District of East Kootenay advising that the Coal Discovery Trail should remain in place and not be decommissioned.
Mutual Aid Agreements
Council approved updated Mutual Aid Agreements between the Sparwood Fire Department and the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass, the District of Elkford, the City of Fernie, the Regional District of East Kootenay (Hosmer), and Teck Ltd. (Elkview Coal). The agreements will be forwarded to the respective communities for their consideration and signature.
Public Relations Committee Meeting
The following recommendations from the Public Relations Committee Meeting held Friday, March 22, were approved by council:
– $350 be provided for the Coal Miner Days parade luncheon;
– A basket containing District of Sparwood promotional items be prepared and donated to the Kananaskis Pro Rodeo Association for the Association’s Pro-Rodeo event in Coleman, Alta. on April 26 – 28;
– The District of Sparwood float will enter the Creston Valley Blossom Festival Parade on May 18; and
– The Gifts and Gratuities policy be approved as amended.
Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition
The East Kootenay Mines Industrial Safety Association’s Zone Mine Rescue and First Aid
Competition will be held in Sparwood on Saturday, May 11, at the Finning site located at 749 Douglas Fir Road. Competitions are set to begin at 8 a.m. Mayor Lois Halko was authorized to attend the awards banquet in Fernie following the competitions.
Policies and Bylaws
Snow Removal and Ice Control Policy was adopted as amended to include a windrow removal program for all driveways impacted by the District of Sparwood snow removal program for the 2013/2014 year.
Public Relations Gifts and Gratuities Policy was adopted.
Bylaw 1104 cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 264, 1981, Amendment Bylaw No. 1104, 2012” was adopted.
Bylaw 1118 cited as “Officers and Officials Benefits Bylaw 1038, 2012, Amendment Bylaw 1118, 2013” was adopted.
Bylaw 1119 cited as “Elk Valley Communities Mutual Aid Agreement Bylaw No. 433, 1986 and Crowsnest Pass Mutual Aid Agreement Bylaw No. 835, 2001, Repeal Bylaw 1119, 2013” was introduced and given first, second, and third reading.
Bylaw 1120 cited as “Security Alarm Bylaw 1120, 2013” was introduced and given first, second, and third reading.
Arts and Culture Week April 21 – 27
The assembly of BC Arts Councils sponsors this week every year. The Sparwood and District Arts and Heritage Council invite everyone in the community to take part. Here are just a few ways to be included.
– Talk up the value of arts education
– Unveil a public artwork
– Display arts, crafts, photos, etc.
– Ethnic displays or wearing ethnic dress
– Performances – song, dance, instrumental
If you wish to take part, or for more information please contact Rose Sharma at 250-425-6900 with your event.
Events for Arts and Culture Week
Taste of Sparwood – April 21, 1 – 4 p.m. at the Greenwood Mall.
Dance Recital – April 25, 6:30 p.m. in the Curling Rink.
Arts Display at the Sparwood Leisure Centre.
If you are interested in displaying your artwork, please contact the Leisure Centre at 250-425-0552.
Dangerous play habits
Once again, with spring in the air, children are spending more time playing outdoors. Drivers – please slow down and keep a watchful eye for children. Parents – please teach your children the dangers of playing in the street.
Street sweeping
Weather permitting, the district will continue with their street sweeping schedule. To assist the Public Works Department, watch for their street sweeper and ensure that your vehicles are removed from the street.
Upcoming meetings (In council chambers)
– Monday, April 8, Budget Meeting at 7 p.m.
– Monday, April 15, Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.
– Monday, April 29, Special Meeting at 7 p.m.
– Monday, April 29, Committee of the Whole Meeting HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
District of Sparwood
