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Sparwood Council Facts
The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the June 19 District of Sparwood council meeting.
Delegation
Elk Valley Welcome Arch
Linden Hay and Dane Campbell from Sparwood Secondary School made a presentation to council on an ‘Elk Valley Welcome Arch’ (pictured above) that a group of students from Sparwood Secondary, Elkford Secondary, Fernie Secondary and Crowsnest Consolidated High Schools are sculpting.
The wooden arch is being created to commemorate Canada’s 150th birthday and the conversion of the TransCanada Trail to The Great Trail. The students will be participating in a four-day camping trip at the Elk Lakes during the week leading up to Canada Day. The highpoint of their project will be the installation of the arch on the B.C. / Alberta border. The delegation requested a $250 donation from council to be used towards funding a luncheon on the final day of their trip. Their request was referred to the Public Relations Committee.
A copy of their presentation is available here.
Business
Development Variance Permits
1200 Matevic Road (DVP 2017-004)
Council approved Development Variance Permit 2017-004 for 1200 Matevic Road to vary a section of the Zoning Bylaw to reduce the side yard setback from 7.62 m (25 ft.) to 2.13 m (seven feet) to allow construction of a storage building.
1236 Pinyon Road (DVP 2017-005)
Council authorized notices to be sent out to owners and occupants residing within 60 m of 1236 Pinyon Road to advise them that they will be considering varying a section of the Zoning Bylaw at the July 17 regular meeting. The variance, if approved, will reduce the side yard setback for an accessory building to 1.2 m (3.9’) to permit construction of a shed; reduce the side yard setback to 0.15 m (0.5’) to permit construction of a deck; and permit a home occupation to discharge or emit vapour, odorous matter, and heat to the extent that they may be presented through a home-based meat drying operation.
If you believe you will be affected by this variance and wish to share comments with council prior to their consideration, you will be provided an opportunity to be heard at the July 17 meeting, or you may submit your comments in writing to the District of Sparwood, Box 520, Sparwood, B.C., V0B 2G0 or by email to [email protected] before 1 p.m. on Monday, July 17.
Middletown Crossing Intersection
The Director of Engineering, Danny Dwyer, provided council with an update on the Middletown Crossing Intersection project. Trees have been cleared to allow for construction of an access road and relocation of overhead powerlines to the back of the properties. Work on the access road is scheduled to be completed by July 31 by Fiorentino Bros Contracting Ltd. BC Hydro is currently finalizing design drawings for the relocation of the overhead lines.
Council approved payment of $254,587.20 to BC Hydro for this portion of the project. Other major components of the project will be tendered over the summer with award approval in the fall and the bulk of the construction work occurring in 2018.
Other News
BC Hydro Power Outage
BC Hydro requires a five-hour outage to complete maintenance work on the transformer at the Sparwood Substation. The outage is needed so they can switch the substation’s transformer. The outage is scheduled for five hours on Sunday, June 25 from 2 to 7 a.m. It will affect approximately 2,700 customers in the town of Sparwood, Sparwood Heights and the Lower Elk Valley Road; Highway 3 from Sparwood Transfer Station, east to Michel Creek Road; and north on Highway 43 to Bursato Road.
Tax Deadline Reminder
Reminder that the deadline for paying your 2017 property taxes without penalty is Tuesday, July 4. If you live in your home as your principal residence, but cannot pay your tax bill, you should still claim your Homeowners Grant. The penalty applies to all taxes, including the grant portion outstanding after the due day of July 4. For your convenience, payment can be made through your bank (online or telephone banking) or at the district office (after hours drop box available for cheques). Home Owner Grant applications must still be mailed, dropped off at the office or claimed through our on-line services. If you are out of town and believe that there is not enough time to send your cheque by mail, please contact the office before the due date to make alternate arrangements to ensure your payment is received on time. Couriers are not always the best option for timely delivery, but if you must use one, consider postdating your cheque and sending it early before the due date. The district office must receive the funds by the due date, post-marks (dated July 5th or later) are not considered.
Annual Reporting of Municipal Finances
Presentation of the 2016 Annual Municipal Report and reporting of the Statement of Financial Information (SOFI), which includes council’s remuneration, expenses, and contracts for 2016 will take place at the special meeting of council to be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 26 in council chambers. The Annual Report includes the audited financial statements and other information required under Section 98 of the Community Charter.
Stat Holiday Garbage Pickup
The District of Sparwood Public Works Department will be closed for the Canada Day Statutory holiday on Friday, June 30. Please note that there will be NO garbage pickup on that day and garbage that is normally picked up on Friday will be picked up on Thursday, June 29.
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.
Garbage Container Requirement
Any garbage that has NOT been placed in a container with a secured tight-fitting lid shall NOT be picked up. Non-compliant property owners may also incur a fine. If you are a homeowner and are afraid of losing your garbage lid, we suggest that you attach your lid to your container.
Upcoming Meetings:
Special (AGM) Meeting on Monday, June 26 at 7 p.m.
Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, June 26 at 7 p.m.
Regular Meeting on Monday, July 17 at 7 p.m.
District of Sparwood
