Sparwood Council Facts

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Posted: December 18, 2014

The following is a breakdown as to what occurred during the Dec. 15 District of Sparwood council meeting.

Whiskey Jack Resort

Mr. Joe Valentine addressed council with concerns he has regarding the Master Development Agreement between the district and WJ Lots ULC.

Recreation Facility Retrofit

The Recreation Centre has undergone two significant retrofits in 2013 and 2014. Both the Leisure Centre and the Arena have had a complete overhaul of the heating systems in order to increase building efficiencies and replace aging infrastructure.

The projects were funded 78% through the Provincial Community Recreation Program and the Federal General Strategic Priorities Fund. The district anticipates that the retrofits will save Sparwood approximately $105,000 annually in energy expenditures and maintenance and repair costs.

Recreation Facility schedule change

During the spring and summer of 2014 a review of the pool facility was conducted to determine if the facility was adequately servicing the public. A new schedule has been created with the intent to provide more variety and options for the public.

Changes to the schedule include evening swim lessons, early bird swim during the week, aquafit on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, earlier lane swim and new family swim on Saturday afternoons, and changes to public swim times. The Recreation Department is continuing to receive public feedback and will evaluate the effectiveness of the pool schedule and make adjustments from time to time in order to best serve the community.

Futures Society – Skate Park

The Sparwood Futures Society has undertaken a community project to construct a concrete skateboard park for Sparwood.

The proposed skate park would replace the aging wood and metal frame skate park currently located on the Leisure Centre grounds in an old tennis court.

Council approved the allocation of land located at the northeast corner of the Arena and Leisure Centre parking lot between the ball diamond and Pine Avenue.

The Futures Society will be responsible to raise the funds needed for the construction of the park and the district will assume responsibility for the project once the required funds are secured.

School District No. 5

School District No. 5 Southeast Kootenay is sending a letter to the Prime Minister’s office urging to Federal Government to reconsider changes made to the National Household Survey, also known as the census. In 2010 the Federal Government changed the survey from mandatory to voluntary. The Provincial Government uses formulas from the survey to allocate funding to the School Boards for vulnerable children in their districts. Without accurate data the provincial government can only guess where the vulnerable students in small B.C. communities reside. Council will send a letter supporting School District No. 5 concerns.

Site C Dam Project

Council received a letter from Hudson’s Hope regarding the proposed Site C Dam Project. The District of Hudson’s Hope and the Peace River Regional District are calling on the BC Government to place a one-year moratorium on deciding whether to proceed with proposed Site C Dam Project to allow time for the BC Utilities Commission to hold an inquiry and public hearing on the economic effects.

Council will send a letter to the District of Hudson’s Hope stating that Sparwood is in favour of a one-year moratorium.

Bylaws

Cease Fluoridation Bylaw 1145, 2014 was adopted. At the November 15 general municipal election the following question was asked: “Are you in favour of Council adopting Bylaw 1145, “Cease Fluoridation Bylaw 1145, 2014” which authorizes removal of fluoride from the municipal water supply effective January 2, 2015?”

The results of the assent voting, as reported by the Chief Election Officer were:

Votes favour: 578 and Votes against: 419.

The following reserve expenditure transfer bylaws were adopted. These bylaws are required to move year’s capital projects.

– Land Sales Reserve Expenditure Bylaw 1160, 2014;

– Capital Works, Machinery and Equipment Reserve Expenditure Bylaw 1161, 2014;

– Recreational/Cultural Capital Works Reserve Expenditure Bylaw 1162, 2014;

– Waterworks System Reserve Fund Expenditure Bylaw 1163, 2014.

Council waived the requirement under Section 21(e)(iii) of the Rivercrest Cemetery Bylaw No. 877 to permit additional cremated remains to be interred in the common grave.

Business Licences

All people carrying on a business within the municipality require a business licence. This includes all home occupations, catalogue sales, commercial, and out of town businesses.

This is a reminder to all local business owners that your 2015 Business Licences are now due.

If you have not purchased your current licence please come into our office and bring your account up-to-date.

New businesses can apply in person at 136 Spruce Avenue or on-line at www.Sparwood.ca under application forms.

Snow and Ice

All residents of Sparwood are asked to be conscientious when the Public Works crews are removing snow from the municipal streets.

Business owners please keep your sidewalks free of snow and ice to ensure the safety of the public.

Pedestrians please be extra careful when out walking as the cooler temperatures are causing slippery roads and sidewalks.

Holiday Hours and Information

The District of Sparwood Municipal Office and Public Works Office Hours:

December 25 – Closed

December 26 – Closed

December 29 to 31 – 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

January 1, 2015 Closed

January 2, 2105 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Anyone wishing to make tax or utility payments can do so by leaving a cheque in the drop box located at the front entry, or by internet payment through your financial institution.

Household Garbage Collection

All garbage normally picked up on Thursday, December 25, will be picked up on Wednesday, December 24 and all garbage normally picked up on

Friday, December 26, will be picked up on Monday, December 29. All garbage normally picked up on Thursday, January 1, 2015, will be picked up on Friday, January 2, 2015.

PLEASE HAVE YOUR GARBAGE SET OUT BY 8 A.M. There are no limits on number of garbage bags from December 15 to January 9, 2015. A reminder that cardboard is banned from the landfill site and must not be put out with your household refuse.

Christmas wrapping “paper” (not foil) can be recycled. All uncontaminated cardboard must be RECYCLED.

Public Notice Danger – falling trees

On November 29, a winter storm with high winds came through the Elk Valley. The property on the west side of Highway 43, south of Sparwood Heights Drive, sustained heavy damage from the winds.

Hundreds of trees were knocked down and many of the standing trees have been weakened at the root ball. Due to the danger of falling trees this area will be cordoned off and signs will be placed prohibiting entry to the area. The removal of trees will commence once a contract has been awarded. Public entry into this area is prohibited for any purpose until the clearing of trees and debris is completed and the signage restricting entry removed.

Best wishes