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Sparwood Council Facts
The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the August 21 District of Sparwood council meeting.
Delegation
Heritage Society
David Wilks of the Michel Natal Sparwood Heritage Society (MNSHS) provided an update to council on their proposed exterior improvements and the restoration of a man car at the museum. The MNSHS provided council with a copy of the design work and cost estimate for $10,870. The MNSHS has raised $6,000 for the work and has requested financial support from council for the balance of $4,870. The funding request was referred to staff to bring back a report to council at the September 5 regular meeting with options and a status update on the conditions outlined in their lease agreement.
Business
Development Variance Permit
182 Hemlock Road (DVP 2017-007)
Council approved Development Variance Permit 2017-007 for 182 Hemlock Road to vary section 3.2.2.B.(i) of the Zoning Bylaw to reduce the front yard setback by 1.27m (4.17 feet) to allow construction of a front entrance addition and deck.
Sparwood Skatepark Project
Council approved the allocation of an additional $160,483 for the Sparwood Skatepark Project. This additional funding will enable the Sparwood Skatepark Society to begin earthwork this fall and ensure that they do not lose their grant from Columbia Basin Trust in the amount of $150,000. To learn more about the status of this project, please visit the Sparwood Skatepark Society’s website.
In the July 17 edition of Council Facts, we reported that to date the society had raised $328,000 of the $620,000 project. The society has actually raised a total of $338,748.
Mountain View Mobile Home Park
Council approved a Mobile Home Park Permit for the addition of three mobile home spaces in Mountain View Mobile Home Park subject to the wetland area adjacent to the additional lots being fenced. The proposed lots are located southeast of the existing playground area.
United Steelworkers Labour Day Event
All members of council were authorized to attend Labour Day celebrations hosted by the United Steelworkers (USW) at the Fernie Rotary Park on September 4, from noon until 4 p.m.
The event is free and includes four live musical acts, bounce houses, games, face painting, and food.
Multi-Use Outdoor Recreation Facility
Sparwood Heights
Council authorized entering into a 10-year lease agreement with School District No. 5 (SD 5), at an annual rental rate of $10 plus tax, for the property located at 1351 Ponderosa Drive (adjacent to the existing ball diamond). The district intends to construct a new outdoor multi-purpose facility, which will replace the Cherrywood tennis courts and basketball court. Approval of the electors was obtained once the deadline for the Alternative Approval Process (counter petition) had passed on August 15 and no submissions had been received.
Other News
Volunteer Community Appreciation BBQ
This September, the District of Sparwood, Mayor and council will be hosting the first Volunteer Appreciation BBQ. The afternoon has been chosen to recognize and thank volunteers around Sparwood for the time and energy they contribute to our community. Help us celebrate all that the volunteers in Sparwood do by sending us stories, pictures or experiences we can share at this event.
We hope that you will join us at Sparwood’s first Volunteer Appreciation BBQ. Please extend our invitation to all your volunteers.
• Sunday, September 10 from 2 – 4 p.m. at Mountain Shadows Campground Group area.
Please RSVP how many of your volunteers are planning on attending to [email protected] or call 250-425-0552 by August 30.
Off-Leash Dog Parks in Sparwood
The District of Sparwood is seeking public input about the needs and location options for one or more off-leash dog parks in Sparwood. We invite you to complete a survey available on our website at www.sparwood.ca/dogparks to offer input.
The survey can also be picked up and dropped off at the Municipal Office (136 Spruce Avenue) and the Recreation and Leisure Centre (367 Pine Avenue). We are also accepting comments on social media (Facebook, Twitter) and at [email protected].
Completed surveys will be accepted until Sept. 15.
Labour Day Garbage Pickup
Due to the statutory holiday, Labour Day on Monday, September 4, garbage pickup scheduled for that day will be picked up on Tuesday, September 5, instead.
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.
Bears in and around our community
The district would like to remind residents not to place their garbage out on the curb before 5 a.m. on collection day. Garbage MUST be placed in a secure garage, shed or inside your house until collection day. Excess garbage should be taken to the Transfer Station which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday (excluding statutory holidays). It is important for residents to lock up their refuse and keep other bear attractants, such as fruit trees bearing over-ripe fruit, or easily accessible bird feeders, pet food, and BBQs (drip pans/grease cans), out of a bear’s reach.
Campfires Banned Until Further Notice
A campfire ban remains in effect until the public is otherwise notified.
Prohibited activities include:
• Campfires;
• The burning of waste or other materials;
• Stubble or grass fires of any size over any area;
• The use of fireworks, sky lanterns, tiki torches, Chimineas, burning barrels or burning cages of any size or description;
• The use of binary exploding targets (e.g. for target practice); and
• The use of air curtain burners (forced air burning systems).
Upcoming Meetings
Regular Meeting – Tuesday, September 5 at 1 p.m.
Regular Meeting – Monday, September 18 at 7 p.m.
District of Sparwood
