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Sparwood Council Facts
The following is a synopsis of what took place during the District of Sparwood council meeting on Jan. 18.
BUSINESS
Off-Leash Dog Park Pilot
District of Sparwood council Jan. 18 directed staff to develop a plan for the construction of two dedicated off leash dog parks; one to be located in Sparwood Heights and the other in Sparwood proper. This decision followed their consideration of the request from Mr. Lilio Colonello that the ball diamond located at the Leisure Centre, be designated as a dog off leash area as council felt that the use of the ball diamond as an off leash park could cause significant levels of conflict during the baseball season
Sparwood Weight Training Club Lease Agreement
Council will consider renewing the lease agreement with the Sparwood Weight Training Club (pictured above) for the operation of a weight training facility located at the Leisure Centre (expired October 31, 2015) at the February 15 regular council meeting. The
term under the proposed agreement will be for five years, with monthly rental payments of $1,450.85 and increasing two per cent annually. A copy of the lease and related documentation may be inspected at the municipal office Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, or to provide comments, contact Duane Lawrence, Director of Community & Facility Services.
Sparwood Transfer Station Hours
Council resolved to maintain the current hours of operation at the Sparwood Transfer Station (Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and directed staff to develop a policy for replacing fruit bearing trees. The cost to increase both the Sparwood and Elkford Transfer Stations to seven-day-a-week service would cost the district an additional $54,954 annually. Recognizing that the bear activity this past fall was an anomaly and considered a 1-in-20 year event, it was determined that the steps that are being taken by staff to improve public awareness and education in relation to waste management and human-wildlife conflict within the community. Council also considered closing the Transfer Stations on Mondays and opening on Sundays, but ruled that out as it would impact residential waste pick-ups on Mondays and commercial waste haulers.
BYLAWS
RDEK E9-1-1 Service Establishment Amendment Bylaw No. 2675
Council supported the Regional District of East Kootenay’s (RDEK) to amend RDEK E9-1-1 Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1665, 2002 to include the City of Cranbrook as a participant and apportion the costs of the service and consented on behalf of the municipality to the adoption of the bylaw.
Business Licence Bylaw Amendment
Council adopted Business Licence Bylaw No. No. 849, 2001, Amendment Bylaw No. 1185, 2015. The amendment requires that all businesses applying for licensing must comply with current provincial and federal statutes and regulations; rectified the Fee Schedule within the bylaw; and repealed all other schedules to the bylaw to enable staff to adjust the application form as needed from time to time.
Development Application Procedures Bylaw
Council gave first three readings to Development Application Procedures Bylaw No. 1177, 2016. The bylaw, which shall replace the existing Land Use Application Procedures Bylaw, will provide clear application procedures for new Development Permit Areas (DPA) that were adopted within the Official Community Plan.
Delegation Bylaw
Council gave first three readings to Delegation Bylaw No. 1181, 2016. This bylaw will help to reduce the red tape for applicants applying for a development or sign permit, or those individuals booking a park or facility for an event where a liquor licence is being applied for through the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.
OTHER NEWS
On-Street Parking Regulations October 1 – March 31
We would like to remind residents that the district’s Winter Parking Regulations came into effect on October 1. Section 36 of the Sparwood Traffic, Parking and Highway Regulation Bylaw No. 472, 1987 prohibits on-street parking between the hours of 6 a.m. and 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 section 189 (1) (n) of the Motor Vehicle Act and offending vehicles will be towed. Please make appropriate arrangements for parking your vehicles.
Notice of assessment
BC Assessment has mailed out your 2016 Notice of Assessment. If you do not receive your Notice of Assessment by January 25, you should contact BC Assessment to determine if there is an issue with your mailing address. The BC Assessment Branch for the East Kootenay is in Cranbrook and can be reached at 1-800-556-9229 or 1-250-426-8901 or by email at [email protected]. Additional information can be obtained on their website at www.bcassessment.ca. District of Sparwood staff is also available to help locate your Notice of Assessment or assist with a change of address.
Dog licences
The District of Sparwood Animal Control Bylaw requires every dog to have a current year licence by January 15. A neutered or spayed dog tag, with vet certificate, is $10 or $30 for an unaltered dog.
Why licensing your dog should be your number one priority.
– If your dog gets lost, even in a neighbouring community, a licence is the fastest way to reunite you with your dog. Even if your dog is microchipped, a licence tag is immediately visible and doesn’t require a scanning device. Dogs are often returned by contacting the dog’s owner at their address on file with the District
– Your dog’s licence shows that you are a responsible dog owner. When you walk your dog people will notice the licence on your dog’s collar and know that you really care about your dog’s welfare;
– Licensing lets others know that your dog is not a stray. Often found dogs are kept by the people who find them, who assume an unlicensed dog is a stray; and
– It’s the law! Failure to licence your dog by January 15 may result in tickets and impound fees. For more information, or to renew or purchase a dog licence please contact the district office.
Upcoming district meetings
– Regular meeting in council chambers on Monday, February 1 at 1 p.m.
– Regular meeting in council chambers on Monday, February 15 at 7 p.m.
District of Sparwood
