Home »
Sparwood Council Facts
The following is a break down as to what occurred during the April 7 District of Sparwood council meeting.
DVP – Spardell Mobile Home Park
A development variance request for 100 Industrial Road #1 (Spardell Mobile Home Park) to vary sections of the Subdivision Servicing Bylaw which proposed to vary road widths, street lighting standards, and curb and gutter requirements was denied by council. The owner, Mr. Rick Pater, is in discussions with Interior Health regarding the private water distribution system in the mobile home park. Council will consider a new application from the owner which addresses improvements to the water distribution system in the existing park serviced by private wells.
Project Heavy Duty 2015
Project Heavy Duty is a partnership between School District No. 5, College of the Rockies, WorkSafe BC, the District of Sparwood, and local businesses. The program introduces 24 high school students to a variety of jobs available in the road building and construction industries. The students learn the importance of safety training and receive mentoring from equipment operators as they learn through hands-on experience to operate different types of heavy machinery. Council approved district support for the program in in-kind support to cover manpower, equipment, location, and lunch on one day. This year’s event is being held at the gravel pit area across from Whiskey Jack Resort on May 12 and 13.
Corporate Strategic Plan
The Corporate Strategic Plan, incorporating Council’s Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives, and projects for 2015 – 2018 was approved. Council has adopted the following ‘Vision’ statement: “A progressive, welcoming and livable community that takes in its natural resources and environment” and the following ‘Mission’ statement: “Deliver quality services in a responsible manner.” A copy of the final version of the Strategic Plan will be posted to our web page in the near future.
Tom Uphill Manor
Council received a request from the Fernie Family Housing Society for donations for improvements to Tom Uphill Manor gardens and landscaping. The society is looking for cash or in-kind donations of gardening materials, topsoil, garden decorations, solar lights, flower baskets, plants, trees, and shrubs. Council authorized any excess usable planters or flower baskets that the district has be donated to the society.
The society is a non-profit, charitable society that provides affordable housing to low-income seniors, families, and people with disabilities.
Middletown Crossing
Council received an update from the Director of Engineering on Middletown Crossing – Highway 3/43 intersection improvements. In 2014 and early 2015 preliminary earthworks and deep services were completed and funded directly by the District of Sparwood. The Provincial Government has advised that decisions on grant funding through the Small Communities Fund may not receive approval until this fall. Therefore, the tendering process for further work has been placed on hold until funding approvals have been announced. The district will continue to work with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, BC Hydro, and other agencies to ensure all final approvals are in place. In the meantime hydro seeding and remedial work on the site will occur to help control dust concerns from the site.
The purchase contracts with Joy Global and Teck include clauses that requires the district to construct the access to their lots, intersection improvements, and an underpass by October 31. Due to the delay in completing the intersection improvements council approved extensions to both of the purchase contracts to October 31, 2016.
Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1168
Council rescinded second reading of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1165, 2015 to comply with the adoption sequence outlined in Section 882 of the Local Government Act. The public hearing is scheduled for April 20, 2015 at 7 p.m. in council chambers. The Official Community Plan Advisory Committee began preparing the new Official Community Plan (OCP) for Sparwood over two years ago. The OCP helps guide the future decisions of council and administration to achieve the long-term vision and goals for the residents of Sparwood.
Council Procedure Bylaw Amendment 1167 was adopted. This bylaw amendment changes the start times for the regular council meetings scheduled for the first week of each month from 7 pm to 1 p.m. As the Community Charter requires that start times for regular council meetings be established by bylaw, any permanent changes to the times set by Council Procedure Bylaw must be done by bylaw.
Planting the Seed – Gardening in Sparwood
On Wednesday, April 15 from 7 – 9 p.m. at the District of Sparwood council chambers. Do you garden?
Are you interested in community gardening?
You are warmly invited to join us for an evening to explore gardening in our area!
Events for Arts and Culture Week
Taste of Sparwood
Sunday, April 19 – 1 – 4 p.m. at Greenwood Mall: History of gardening in Sparwood; Speakers from local community gardens; Learning and sharing about gardening; Gleaning opportunities.
Move for Health Day
Move for Health Free Family Ball Swim with Mayor and Council!
Location: Sparwood Leisure Centre Swimming Pool
When: Tuesday May 12 – 6:30 – 8 p.m.
A free family ball swim with the Mayor and Council. A great way to kick off your week by doing a Sunday night family swim and getting active.
BC Arts & Culture Week April 20 – 26
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.
Events for Arts and Culture Week
Taste of Sparwood this Sunday
Sunday, April 19 1– 4 p.m. – Greenwood Mall
Sparwood Arts Council invites local talented cooks and restaurants to take part in Taste of Sparwood. For more information contact Rose Sharma at 250- 425-6900.
Art and Craft Auction
Sunday, April 26 at Causeway Bay Hotel; Funds raised from this auction will go to the Senior’s Villa and Lilac Terrace.
Public Notice
The District of Sparwood will be seeding the toboggan hill next to the tennis courts at the Recreation Centre and the hill in Sparwood Heights south of Cherrywood Boulevard next to the ball diamond this spring. Please help us by staying off the hill while the new grass is growing. Thank you.
Upcoming meetings (in council chambers)
– Monday, April 20 – Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.
– Tuesday, April 21 – Special Budget Meeting at 9 a.m. in Council Committee Room
– Monday, April 27 – Committee of the Whole Meeting at 1 p.m.
District of Sparwood
