Home »
Sparwood Council Facts
Whiskey Jack Resort
District of Sparwood council April 15 authorized the Mayor and Director of Corporate Services to execute a fifth modification to the Whiskey Jack Master Development Agreement removing the storm sewer outfall and replacing it with the Highway 43 – Resort Centre Boulevard intersection.
RDEK Home Based Business Regulation
Council received a zoning bylaw amendment referral from the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) governing Home-Based Businesses. Council will not support the proposed changes to the RDEK’s Home Based Business regulation as these proposed changes are inconsistent with the Regional Growth Strategy. Changes could negatively impact the rural character of the areas to which they apply. There is a further concern that they allow for increased commercial/industrial activity outside of the neighbouring municipalities, which is in conflict with RDEK policy direction.
Official Community Plan
Golder and Associates was awarded the contract as the consultant for the District of Sparwood Official Community Plan update.
Women In Mining
At the April 2 Regular Meeting, council received a request from Women In Mining Elk Valley Branch to waive or reduce rental rates for recreation facilities for their non-fundraising events. Current District policy states that applications for reduced rental which apply to adult groups whether the purpose of rental is profit or non-profit orientated be refused.
A further request from the organization to have their events advertised on district electronic signs would be approved upon rental of recreation centre facilities.
Canadian Pacific Railway Crossings
Staff was directed to investigate locations and costs for capital, operation, and maintenance of a public pedestrian and vehicle crossing and of a public pedestrian crossing only on the CP Railway tracks. With the construction of the Iron Rails and Elk River Crossing and Link Trail public access to the river and trails along the river has resulted in an increase in pedestrian traffic near the railway. Further trail development will be great for enhancing an active and healthy community.
Public Relations Committee Meeting
The following recommendations from the Public Relations Committee Meeting held Monday, January 28, were approved by council:
– The District of Sparwood float (pictured above) will attend the Jaffray Fall Fair Parade in 2013;
– $150 will be provided to the Elk Valley P.A.R.T.Y. Program provided that the organization’s final budget meets District of Sparwood policy requirements; and
– The following policies were approved as presented:
– Grants – Craft, Small Business and Trade Fair;
– Personnel – Awards Banquet;
 Public Relations – Float – Attendance at Parades; and
- Public Relations – Promotions.
Bylaws
Bylaw 1120 cited as “Security Alarm Bylaw 1120, 2013” was re-introduced and given first, second, and third reading.
Bylaw 1121 cited as “Recreation Fees and Charges Bylaw 1041, 2010, Amendment Bylaw 1121, 2013” was introduced and given first, second, and third reading.
Bylaw 1122 cited as “Michel Creek Road Water Extension Local Area Service Parcel Tax Assessment Roll Bylaw 1122, 2013” was re- introduced and given, first, second, and third reading.
Bylaw 1123 cited as “Michel Creek Road Water Extension Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw 1123, 2013” was re-introduced and given first, second, and third reading.
BC 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 invites 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. Please reserve your seat no later than April 26 by calling 250-425-2423.
Events for Arts and Culture Week
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.
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.
Celebrate BC Mining Week April 29 – May 3
Join Teck Coal on a free mine tour and learn more about the steelmaking coal industry in the Elk Valley.
April 29 – Greenhills Operations
April 30 – Line Creek Operations
May 1 – Coal Mountain Operations
May 2 – Elkview Operations
May 3 – Fording River Operations
Please reserve your seat no later than April 26 by calling 250-425-2423.
Buses will leave the:
– Fernie Chamber of Commerce at 9:30 a.m.
– Blairmore Mall in Crowsnest Pass at 9:30 a.m.
– Sparwood Chamber of Commerce at 10:30 a.m.
– Elkford Visitor Centre at 11 a.m. (April 29 and May 3 only)
Please remember to pack a lunch as the tour is approximately four hours in length. When registering please specify the tour you wish to attend.
OCP Steering Committee
What does your Sparwood look like in 2035? Would you like to work with others in your community to chart that course for that future? If so, now is your chance to share your opinions, your concerns, and your vision.
The District of Sparwood is inviting interested members of the community to participate in the upcoming Official Community Plan (OCP) review and update. Over the next several months, there will be many opportunities for engagement. However, this initial call for applications may be of particular interest to you.
We are looking for a diverse group of representatives from Sparwood to sit on the OCP Steering Committee. Your role will be to work closely with District Staff, Council, and our consultant through critical stages of the process in this important community initiative. Applications can be found online at www.sparwood.ca/forms, at the District Office, 136 Spruce Avenue, and at the Recreation Centre Office.
Deadline for submissions is April 22.
If you are still interested in shaping the future of Sparwood, but are looking for other ways to contribute, please keep an eye on our website and other media for notice of those upcoming events. There will be opportunities to share your vision on topics such as:
Transportation
; Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails; Economic Development
; Downtown Revitalization
; Housing
; Future Land Use; Growth Management.
If you would like more information on how you can participate, or if you just have some questions, please contact: 
Nelson Wight, Manager of Planning at District of Sparwood
, PO Box 520, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0; Fax: (250) 425-7277
; Email: [email protected]
Upcoming meetings (In council chambers)
-Monday, April 29, Special Meeting at 7 p.m.
-Monday, April 29, Committee of the Whole Meeting HAS BEEN CANCELLED
-Monday, May 6, Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.
-Monday, May 13, Parcel Tax Review Panel at 7 p.m.
-Monday, May 13, Special Meeting at 7:30 p.m.
District of Sparwood