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Sparwood Council Facts
The following is a breakdown as to what occurred during the May 4 District of Sparwood council meeting.
Trans Canada Trail
Representatives from the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) Society and the Fernie Trails Alliance presented council with an overview of the TCT project. The three trail options include the Greenway (preferred by TCT, non-motorized), the Roadway (using public roads to facilitate trail), and the Yellow Trail (for motorized use). A total of $450,000 from the Elk Valley Community Directed Funds (grant application is currently under review) would be directed to the project with matching funds provided by the TCT Society. The total budget for the Elk Valley Trail would be $1.2 million.
Coal Alliance Report
Council expressed their support for the Coal Alliance and acknowledged the economic and social contributions by the coal industry. The Coal Alliance is a group stationed in British Columbia focused on ensuring its residents have the correct facts about the coal industry and its importance to our livelihood. They stated during their presentation to council on April 20 that they believed many people don’t have the right information about the way coal is exported and mined and would like to expand the education about coal mining procedures. For more information about coal, please visit the Coal Alliance’s website.
Parking safety reminder
In order to provide the safest environment possible, the district would like to remind all motorists to be aware of where they can and cannot park their vehicle. Parked vehicles in a parking lot or on the road can be dangerous to both pedestrians (especially young children) and other vehicles alike. Motorists cannot always see pedestrians between the parked vehicles and they in turn may not see the driver approaching.
The purpose of the Sparwood Traffic, Parking and Highways Regulation Bylaw is to enhance public safety, enable traffic flow and maintain community standards. Some of the prohibitions in the bylaw include:
Parking next to curbs that have been painted yellow;
Parking in disabled spots without the proper permit clearly displayed;
Parking in excess of 24 hours on public streets;
Parking further than 45cm from the curb;
Parking within 6m of a fire hydrant or crosswalk.
If you wish to report a violation or find out more about Sparwood’s parking regulations and fines, please contact the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at 250.425.6820 or by email at [email protected].
Bylaws
Financial Plan (2015-2019) Bylaw 1168, 2015
Financial Plan (2015-2019) Bylaw 1168, 2015 was adopted by council. The Financial Plan (the “Plan”) sets out the objectives and policies of the municipality for the years of 2015-2019 for each of the funding sources, the distribution of property value taxes and the use of permissive tax exemptions. The plan sets out the proposed expenditures by the municipality, funding sources and transfers between funds. The following schedules provided further information on the plan: the Consolidated Plan, a Capital Plan and a Reserve Fund Plan.
Tax Rates Bylaw 1169, 2015
Tax Rates Bylaw 1169, 2015 was given first three readings. The property tax rates for general municipal were set to provide an average three per cent increase over the previous year for residential tax levies. Final consideration and adoption will be given at the Special Meeting of Council on Tuesday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers.
Move for Health Day this evening
Move for Health features a free Family Ball Swim with mayor and council on Tuesday, May 12, from: 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the Sparwood Leisure Centre Swimming Pool. The free family ball swim is a great way to get out with the family and get active without even knowing it.
Celebrate BC Mining Week May 3-9
The District of Sparwood is proud to salute all the mines and miners in the Elk Valley. We recognize the ongoing support that the mines provide to our community, not only by way of taxation and employment, but also by the support they give the community through donations, time and scholarships.
Residential Spring Clean Up
The Residential Spring Clean Up begins Tuesday, May 19. Anyone wishing to take advantage of this service is required to register at the District Office no later than Friday, May 15, and pay the required fee of $20. Seniors, aged 65 and over, receive this service free of charge. However, it is necessary to register in person or call the District Office at 250-425-6271. Limit of one pickup truck Load per household.
All refuse including household furniture, white goods, metal, and wood will be picked up including fridges, freezers, or air conditioners. All refuse for disposal must be separated and placed just outside the property line and piled in such a manner that it can be picked up with a loader. Small branches must be tied or secured in bundles.
The following items WILL NOT be picked up:
Trees and large branches; Batteries; Vehicles; Oil or used oil filters; Construction refuse; Tires over 16” in diameter; and special wastes as defined by the Ministry of Environment.
Recyclable material must be taken to recycling depots located in Sparwood Heights and next to the Fire Hall. All refuse must be out by 8 a.m. (and no earlier than 5 a.m.) on collection day. The next garbage collection day is Tuesday, May 19.
Composting and garbage reminder
The District of Sparwood would like to remind those disposing of waste to please use the proper methods when doing so.
Our compost sites, located in Sparwood Heights next to the ball fields and in lower Sparwood by the Fire Hall recycling area, are marked to ensure only admissible materials such as grass and leaves are being discarded there. Garbage, plastic bags, branches and trees are not to be dumped in the compost site as they cannot decompose with the appropriate items.
Your yard waste should be in a compostable yard waste bag or left loose. If you use plastic bags, please empty at the receptacle. Litter Control Bylaw No. 421 helps keep our community and public areas clean.
To report a possible violation or find out more about your responsibilities, please contact Bylaw Services at 250-425-6271.
Help us keep Sparwood attractive and safe.
Upcoming meetings (In council chambers)
– Special Meeting in council chambers on Tuesday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m. to consider adoption of Tax Rates Bylaw 1169.
– Town Hall Meeting in the Recreation Centre Foyer on Wednesday, May 13 at 7 p.m. – Regular Meeting in council chambers on Tuesday, May 19, at 7 p.m.
– Committee of the Whole Meeting in council chambers on Monday, May 25 at 1 p.m.
Lead image: The 75% figure speaks to the completed section of the Trans Canada Trail. Trails noted in orange are the areas where trails are proposed but not completed. The East Kootenay, perhaps one of the most jaw-droppingly scenic stretches of the national trail, is incomplete.
District of Sparwood
