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Sparwood Council Facts
BC Conservation Officer Service
Conservation Officer Patricia Burley June 3 presented District of Sparwood council with the 2012 Access Management Compliance and Enforcement Program Report.
The previous year (2012) was the first year that the Elk Valley had a dedicated full time Conservation Officer working as an Access Guardian. It was noted that Grave Prairie is the busiest Access Management Area in the region with lots of violations occurring. Strict enforcement will be carried out in all regions this summer.
Outdoor tobacco use
Trish Hill from Interior Health, Andrea Winckers from the BC Cancer Agency, and Patti King from the Canadian Cancer Society made a presentation to council regarding outdoor tobacco use. The three organizations would like to work with the District of Sparwood in creating outdoor smoking bylaws.
Several municipalities in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and Okanagan have adopted outdoor smoking bylaws, which prohibit smoking in public places in parks and play spaces.
Sparwood Minor Ball
Staff was directed to investigate the costs of running electricity from the district’s pumphouse on Pine Avenue over to the Sparwood Minor Ball fields behind the Mountain View School field. A report will come back to council at a later date. The organization is looking for a power source to power a pitching machine and potentially a concession stand.
Sparwood Farmer’s Market
The Director of Community and Facility Services updated council on the status of the Sparwood Farmer’s Market. The organization has applied to the Sparwood Community Events Fund for start up funding. The market tentatively is set to run on Friday evenings from 5 – 9 p.m. from June 28 to September 6, at the Chamber of Commerce parking lot. The board is looking for vendors and volunteers. If you are interested email [email protected] or follow their Facebook page ‘Sparwood Farmer’s Market.’
Summer meeting cancellations
Council will meet for their regular meetings on July 15 and August 19, only during the months of July and August 2013. The regular meetings of council on July 2 and August 6 and the Committee of the Whole Meetings of July 29 and August 26 have been cancelled.
Informal survey – windrow removal
The District of Sparwood has received an informal petition signed by members of the community giving support for council’s motion to implement a windrow program for all driveways impacted the district’s snow removal program for the 2013/2014 year.
Purchasing policy
Council approved an amendment to the district’s Purchasing Policy to allow tenders to be invited from local financial institutions rather than only local banks when issuing a Request for Proposals for banking services.
Elk Valley Seniors Housing Society
Ernie Cook and Barbara Nunes were appointed as the District of Sparwood representatives on the Elk Valley Seniors Housing Society. The society will be holding their annual general meeting on June 25 at 7 p.m. in the Lilac Terrace dining room.
Leisure Centre closure
The Sparwood Leisure Centre will be closed from June 17 – July 8. Closure is to replace and upgrade the heating and HVAC system. The office will be open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. for program registration. During this closure the fitness centre will also be closed. All current monthly and yearly passes will be extended to cover the ‘shutdown’ period. Thank you for your patience while we upgrade our facility.
Brain Injury Awareness Month
June is Brain Injury Awareness Month, the time when we raise awareness on the causes and impact of brain injuries in Canada. The physical, emotional, economic, and social toll of brain injury is not only exacted on survivors and their families, but it also reaches friends, caregivers and the community. Children receive brain injuries from falls from balconies, patios, falling through window screens. Adults receive brain injuries from ATV accidents, falls, strokes, and numerous other accidents. There is no cure for brain injury, only prevention.
Annual reporting of municipal finances
Presentation of the 2012 Annual Report and reporting of council’s remuneration, expenses, and contracts for 2012 will take place at the regular meeting of council to be held at 7 p.m. on June 17, in the council chambers. The annual report includes the audited financial statements and other information required under Section 98 of the Community Charter.
2013 Tax Notices
The 2013 tax notices have been mailed. If you are a new owner and have not received a tax notice, please come into the District Office to obtain a duplicate copy. Notices are mailed to the owners shown on the Assessment role. Depending upon the date of purchase, we may not have the new owner’s information and the tax notice will be mailed to the previous owner.
Reminder to all taxpayers that the deadline to pay your property taxes without penalty is July 4. If you cannot pay your taxes in full and are entitled to claim the Home Owner Grant, it must be claimed before the deadline to avoid penalty on the grant portion.
Upcoming meetings (In council chambers)
-Monday, June 17 – Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.
-Monday, June 24 – Committee of the Whole Meeting at 7 p.m.
-Monday, July 15 – Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.
District of Sparwood
