The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the June 5 District of Sparwood council meeting.

Delegation

75th Birthday Book Signing

Congratulations to Romeo Bevilacqua, Phil Bortnick and Eileen Ward who joined the 75th Birthday Book Club and received a lilac lapel pin.  Also joining the club this year, but unable to attend the meeting, are Lois Halko and Tom Rothel.  The district honours those seniors who have or will reach the age of 75 years in a given year by inviting them to a council meeting to sign a “Senior’s Birthday Book” that is kept in the Municipal Office as part of Sparwood’s heritage records.

Business

Development Variance Permits

141B Aspen Drive

Council approved Development Variance Permit 2017-002 for 141B Aspen Drive (Museum) to vary a section of the Sign Bylaw to permit two freestanding signs on a lot where only one would otherwise be permitted.  This permit will allow the Michel-Natal-Sparwood Heritage Society to place a sign at their new location beside the Chamber of Commerce.

628 Sparwood Drive

Council approved Development Variance Permit 2017-003 for 628 Sparwood Drive (Alpine Lumber) to vary sections of the Zoning, Off-Street Parking and Sign Bylaws to legalize certain elements of their existing development that are not compliant.  The permit was approved subject to the following conditions:

The owner must apply for building permits for all non-permitted structures and ensure all structures conform to the BC Fire Code and BC Building Code;

A surveyor’s certificate must be submitted for all structures on the site;

Approval from the Director of Operations to use Sparwood Drive for loading purposes; and

Should any of the buildings which are the subject of this permit be destroyed to an extent of 75% or more this DVP would be of no force and effect.

Elk Valley Festival of Trees Society

Council ratified a decision to send a letter of support to the Elk Valley Festival of Trees Society for the Society’s application to the BC Rural Dividend Program for funding.

Civic Recognition Policy

Council approved the District’s Civic Recognition Policy. The purpose of this policy is to recognize and celebrate the contribution that volunteers make to the community.  An annual appreciation barbecue will be held on the second Sunday in September.  Volunteers’ names will be entered into a draw for the chance to win a donation of $500 to be awarded to the not-for-profit organization of their choice.  The policy establishes criteria for community groups, organizations and individuals to receive formal recognition from the Mayor and Council for outstanding service and/or other accomplishments or milestones.

Other News

2017 Tax Notices

The 2017 tax notices have been mailed out.  If you are a new owner and do not receive a tax notice by June 14, 2017, please come into the District Office to obtain a duplicate copy.  Notices are mailed to the current owner shown on the Assessment Roll. Depending upon the date of purchase, the District may not have the new owner’s information and the tax notice will be mailed to the previous owner.  Even if a bank is paying the taxes through a mortgage, homeowners who qualify must still claim the Home Owner Grant.  Failure to claim the Grant by the due date will result in a penalty.  Persons 55 years or older or disabled may apply for deferment of their taxes.  For detailed information, visit the tax deferment website at: www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/rpt and click on the Annual Property Tax link and select Defer Your Taxes, or stop by the District Office and we will be happy to assist anyone who wants to take part in this program.

Coal Miner Days 2017

Thursday, June 8 – Sunday, June 11

A weekend celebration (pictured above) for the whole community that has something for everyone – golf tournament, fireworks, street market, parade, food vendors, pancake breakfast, ball hockey, slo-pitch, petting zoo, bouncy houses, cabaret, High School play “Twelfth Night” and more.

Sprinkling Regulations

A reminder that the District of Sparwood sprinkling regulations are in effect from June 1 through September 30 each year to promote water conservation.  Even numbered addresses can water on even calendar days, and odd numbered addresses can water on odd calendar days. Homes with automatic irrigation systems can water daily, provided it is between 12 and 6 a.m.  Exceptions to sprinkling restrictions include nurseries, golf courses, farms, turf and tree farms, municipal parks, playing fields, and other municipal properties. There will be special permission for those residents who have installed a new lawn (either seed or sod) for a period of 21 days after installation of the lawn.

Living, Camping and Hiking in Bear Country

Bears have an incredibly acute sense of smell and can smell the smallest item of food at great distance. Bears are attracted to:
•    Anything that you have cooked or are about to cook;
•    Dirty BBQs or camp stoves;
•    Any item associated with food prep (dishrags, pots, etc.);
•    Grey water pails and discharge;
•    Garbage, wrappers, empty bottles, cans, condiments, or anything that has had contact with food;
•    Containers for gas, oil, or other petroleum products; and
•    Pet food bowls.
If you encounter a bear while out hiking or within your campsite:
•    Remain calm and do not run, running can trigger an attack. Never turn your back on a bear, but do not stare at it directly either;
•    If the bear sees you, talk to it in a low calm voice and take a step or two backwards;
•    Always carry   bear spray with you and know how to use it. Visit https://vimeo.com/123217603 to view WildSafeBC’s video on the safe use and deployment of bear spray; and
•    Report any encounter with an aggressive bear by calling the Conservation Officer Service at 1.877.952.7277.

Upcoming Meetings

Regular Meeting – Monday, June 19 at 7 p.m.

Special (AGM) Meeting – Monday, June 26 at 7 p.m.

Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting – Monday, June 26 at 7 p.m.

District of Sparwood

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