The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Nov. 20 District of Sparwood council meeting.

BUSINESS

Arena Ice Rates

In keeping with council’s desire to support the City of Fernie during their difficult time, council authorized that all Fernie Memorial Arena “local” user groups be deemed local Sparwood user groups for determining rates, until the Fernie Memorial Arena is once again operational. The rates for junior hockey games and practices will remain the same as approved in the Recreation Fees and Charges Bylaw.

This decision was in response to the requests received by council from Fernie Minor Hockey and Fernie Skating Club for reduced arena ice rental rates.

Design Review – 1311 Whitewood Crescent

Council approved the Design Review for a building permit application for a single-family modular dwelling at 1311 Whitewood Crescent, subject to a $5,000 landscaping deposit. The deposit will be returned to the registered property owner when the landscaping is completed.

Land Use Planning

The Manager of Planning, Nelson Wight made a presentation to council regarding a proposed zoning amendment to the Light Industrial Zone to remove office use as a principle use, but leave it as an accessory use.

A public hearing has been scheduled for Monday, December 4 at 1 p.m. in council chambers, 136 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood, to consider this proposed amendment to the Zoning Bylaw. Offices will still be permitted as accessory uses. This will not prohibit any existing office uses in this zone from continuing to exist.

If you believe you will be affected by this amendment and wish to share comments with council prior to their decision, you will be provided an opportunity to be heard at the December 4 council meeting or you may submit your comments in writing to the District of Sparwood.

BYLAWS

Officers and Officials Benefits Bylaw

Officers and Officials Benefits Bylaw 1038, 2012, Amendment Bylaw 1176, 2017 was adopted. This amendment limits the annual vacation entitlement for exempt staff to a maximum of five weeks; allows for up to four unused sick days to be carried over to the following year (to a maximum of 10 days available at any one time); and amended sections related to use of personal vehicles and training eligibility as these sections are now covered by policy.

Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw

Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw 1202, 2017 was given three readings. This bylaw is to provide for an operating line of credit in 2018 if required. The district has not had an overdraft for many years; however, there is always the possibility that one could be created if transfers from investments get delayed.

This bylaw will be considered for adoption at the January 15, 2018 regular meeting.

Financial Plan Bylaw Amendment

Financial Plan (2017-2021) Bylaw 1204, 2017, Amendment Bylaw 1214, 2017 was given first three readings. This bylaw proposes to amend the capital expenditure and funding sources for the Search and Rescue building replacement, Skate Park project, Replacement Well #4 project and transfer of funds out of the Carbon Neutral Reserve for the energy efficiency rebate program, adopted earlier this year.

This bylaw will be considered for adoption at the December 4 regular meeting.

Fire Department Remuneration

Council approved amendments to the Fire Department Remuneration Policy authorizing monthly stipends to be paid to the Safety and Training Officer positions and annual wage increases for Paid On-Call Firefighters consistent with CUPE increases for 2017 to 2020.

OTHER INFORMATION

Small Business BC Awards

The Small Business BC Awards recognizes the contributions and achievements of BC small business owners. The awards, sponsored by Canada Post, recognize the entrepreneurs that make British Columbia such an amazing place to live, work and play through their efforts. Nominated businesses can benefit from the amazing marketing and PR opportunities the Awards present, and if they win, they will receive a cash prize of $1,500.

This year two Elk Valley businesses have been nominated for this Award. The Elk Valley Thrift Shop Society has been nominated in the “Best Community Impact” category and Shoesmith Construction from Fernie has been nominated in the “Best Apprentice Training” category.

To show your support for these businesses and help them to proceed to the next stage of the contest you can vote for each of them at www.sbbcawards – categories under the banner Elk Valley Thrift Shop Society and Shoesmith Construction.

On-Street Parking Regulations October 1 – March 31

Reminder to residents that the District’s Off-Street Parking Regulations came into effect on October 1. The Sparwood Traffic, Parking and Highway Regulation Bylaw No. 472, 1987 prohibits on-street parking from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 1 to March 31 inclusive. 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.

November is National Radon Action Month

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, leading to about 16% of lung cancer deaths each year in Canada. High levels of Radon may be found in any enclosed space such as a home, office building or school. The only way to find out how much Radon is in a building is to test for it.

The best time to test for Radon is during the colder months of the year. November is a great time to start a Radon test to find out if you are at risk – and take action!

To learn more about Radon visit the Health Canada Radon website at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/radon or the BC Lung Association website at www.bc.lung.ca.

UPCOMING DISTRICT MEETINGS

• Committee of the Whole Meeting in Council Chambers on Monday, November 27 at 7 p.m.
• Regular Meeting in Council Chambers on Monday, December 4 at 1 p.m.

District of Sparwood

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