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Sparwood Council Facts
Jude Smith, Business Development Liaison presented a work update to District of Sparwood Council Oct. 21. Mr. Smith organized a successful media launch event in September, has been working with Invest Kootenay to raise awareness within the business community, and is working on a business retention and expansion survey project. Council supported an application to Columbia Basin Trust for a grant in the amount of $10,000 to undertake the Business Retention and Expansion survey.
2013 Mosquito Control update
Council received the “Sparwood 2013 IMMPACT Nuisance and West Nile Vector Mosquito Control Program” report from Culex Environmental. The program targets the aquatic stages of the mosquitoes (larvae and pupae), which are found in relatively discrete bodies of water, as opposed to mosquito adults, which once they emerge can spread over many square miles. Potential larval development sites were sampled every six to 10 days between April 16 and August 30 with a total of 43 surface water sites sampled to determine if any larval treatment was required. The complete report is available on our website at www.sparwood.ca.
Windrow Removal Pilot Program
Council approved a windrow removal pilot program for the 2013/2014 winter season. General guidelines of the program include:
– Windrow removal service will be provided only when the windrow is an accumulated height of six inches or greater;
– No windrow removal service will be provided to residents who push snow from their driveways into the windrow for removal by the District; and
– The intent of the windrow removal service is to knock down the windrow and allow for vehicle passage – it is not the intent of the program to provide full clearing and cleaning of the entire width of a driveway, from edge to edge.
Residents will receive notice of this pilot program through advertising in the local papers, Council Facts, the Recreation newsletter, a direct mail out, and posters through the community.
Council also approved the purchase of two skid steer loaders (Bobcats) and attachments from Cervus in Cranbrook for the amount of $113,913.00 excluding taxes.
RDEK Public Library Grants-In-Aid
Council gave consent to Regional District of East Kootenay Bylaw Local Service (Public Library Services Grants-In-Aid) Area Establishment Bylaw, 1990 Amendment Bylaw No. 3, 2013. If approved by the Board, the Regional District of East Kootenay will be able to continue to provide financial assistance to the reading centres in the Elk Valley, Columbia Valley, and Kimberley Area through the Public Library Grants Service directly. (Sparwood Library pictured above)
Our Future Sparwood
Beginning in June, Sparwood hired Golder Associates to create a public engagement plan for the Official Community Plan (OCP) update process.
In the initial phase of the OCP update project the goals were to:
– Raise awareness about what an OCP is and why it is important for residents and businesses to shape the plan;
– Raise awareness about the process to be taken to update the OCP and the opportunities to get involved;
– Raise awareness about why long-term planning for the community is an important thing to do for everyone; and
– Identify key issues in Sparwood that will inform the development of the OCP.
Feedback received indicated that Sparwood residents are proud of the community and its strong social networks, friendly neighbours, and welcoming atmosphere. Parks, recreational facilities, and the natural beauty of the area were identified as community assets. Participants suggested that the community needs more local shops and social gathering places, more jobs outside of mining, and more services for seniors and youth.
Manufactured Home Park Redevelopment and Strata Conversion
Staff was directed to consult with mobile home park property owners and residents of manufactured home parks with respect to establishing a policy to address the displacement of tenants through the redevelopment of manufactured home parks. The policy is meant to provide tenants with the opportunity for greater notification and assistance than is currently required under Provincial legislation. A report will come back to Council after the consultation process.
Whiskey Jack Resort
The second phase of subdivision in Whiskey Jack Resort has created a new road that required naming. Council approved the name “Resort Centre Boulevard”. The first section of the road is scheduled to be complete in the near future and will provide access from Highway 43 into the north section of Whiskey Jack Phase One.
Bylaws
– “Zoning Bylaw No. 264, 1981, Amendment Bylaw 1128, 2013” was adopted. This amendment will allow for additional development at 120 Spruce Avenue including a new commercial building on the corner and an addition to the old RCMP building to accommodate up to two residential units.
– “Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 869, 2002, Amendment Bylaw 1129, 2013” was given first and second reading and a Public Hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. on November 18.
– “Zoning Bylaw No. 264, 1981, Amendment Bylaw 1130, 2013” was given first and second reading and a Public Hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. on November 18.
Both of these amendments have been requested from the owner of Spardell Mobile Home Park who wants to include additional lands within the park.
– “Zoning Bylaw No. 264, 1981, Amendment Bylaw 1132, 2013” was given first and second reading and a Public Hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. on November 4. This amendment is to address the sideyard setback requirements in most singlefamily residential zones and text amendments clarifying some of the language surrounding density, secondary suites, and building height.
Halloween
Halloween can be an exciting time for children and with the distraction of candy and costumes, safety rules can easily be forgotten. Drivers please slow down and watch for children, many of whom may be dressed in dark costumes. Do not send the little ones out on their own even if they are only going to walk around the neighborhood. Children should not go out alone.
An adult or older sibling should accompany the kids on their Halloween trick or treat rounds to keep a watch on them and make sure they are safe.
2013 Kootenay Literary Competition
Tell all your writer — and aspiring writer — friends: submissions are now being accepted for the 2013 Kootenay Literary Competition! As with previous years, there are two age groups — youth (grades 7-12) and adult (18+ years) — competing for cash prizes in creative fiction, non-fiction, and poetry categories. Full details of the competition are available on the Kootenay Literary website at www.kootenaylitcomp.com
Winter Parking for Snow and Ice Control
During the winter months, the District’s snow-clearing teams are busy working to keep your roads safe and clear for motorists, pedestrians and public transit.
The District’s snowplows cannot deliver their best service when vehicles are parked on highways, roadways or lanes. The District asks you to please park your vehicle(s) in your driveway as soon as the snow begins to fall – empty streets enable snow plows to do a better job and ensures room for sanding equipment to cover more space.
To achieve efficiencies in snow removal and to reduce unequal windrow distribution while plowing, on-street parking will be prohibited from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 1 to March 31.
Residents should note that:
– Parking on the street during snow plowing, snow removal, snow hauling, or sanding operations is prohibited;
– It is an offence to push, place or throw or allow to be pushed, placed or thrown any snow or ice upon a highway or lane;
– That no advance warning is required under the bylaw and the Motor Vehicle Act and offending vehicles will be towed. Please make appropriate arrangements for parking your vehicles.
Remember: It is an offence to feed or leave attractants available to wildlife. Keep garbage in the house, garage or shed until pick-up day.
Time Change
Remember to turn your clocks back one hour on November 3.
Upcoming meetings (In Council Chambers)
– Monday, October 28 – Special Meeting at 7 p.m.
– Monday, November 4 – Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.
– Monday, November 18 – Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.
District of Sparwood