The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Dec. 18 District of Sparwood council meeting.

BUSINESS

Public Hearing

The hearing to receive input from the public on Zoning Bylaw No. 264, 1981, Amendment Bylaw 1213, 2017 was reconvened from the December 4 regular meeting. The Manager of Planning, Nelson Wight, provided council with an update on meetings held with the individuals who presented their submissions at the December 4 meeting. The hearing was then adjourned to reconvene at the regular meeting on January 15, 2018 at 7 p.m. This will allow staff additional time to undertake further consultation on the zoning amendment.

The zoning amendment proposes to remove office use as a principal use in the M-1 Light Industrial zones, while retaining it as an accessory use.

To learn more read the public hearing package.

Towing and Impound Services Agreement

Council authorized a three-year agreement between Sparwood Towing and the District of Sparwood for towing and vehicle storage services required by the district. This agreement will authorize Sparwood Towing to collect towing and impound fees and remit the administrative and impound storage fees to the district.

Off-Leash Dog Area

Council approved the Dog Park Working Group Terms of Reference and directed staff to continue to investigate options, including costing, for the location of an off-leash dog area(s) within Sparwood. The district is seeking additional volunteers to participate in the Working Group.

The Working Group will act as a liaison between the district and dog owners using off-leash dog areas within the district and to provide advice to district staff, help educate dog owners, and report on park activities and issues.

If you are interested in joining the Dog Park Working Group, please contact the Planning Department at 250-425-6271 or [email protected].

BYLAWS

Cemetery Management Bylaw

Cemetery Management Bylaw 1017, 2017 was adopted. This bylaw consolidated the two existing cemetery bylaws; updated the fees and charges; prohibits pets within the cemeteries; and regulates the use of adornments in the Rivercrest Cemetery.

You can read the complete bylaw here.

Utility & Solid Waste Management Bylaw Amendment

Utility and Solid Waste Management Bylaw 1014, 2009, Amendment Bylaw 1216, 2017 was adopted. This bylaw amendment establishes new rates for residential and commercial solid waste collection services; and a requirement for properties which generate or contain waste that is a wildlife attractant utilize a bear resistant container.

Sparwood Traffic, Parking & Highway Regulation Bylaw Amendment

Sparwood Traffic, Parking and Highway Regulation Bylaw 472, 1987, Amendment Bylaw 1215, 2017 was adopted. This amendment updated the towing (from $35 per tow to actual cost); introduced a $50 per day impound storage fee; and permits the district’s towing contractor to collect all fees on behalf of the District when a vehicle is impounded which is parked in a fire zone, or contrary to no parking and off-street parking regulations. These rates had not been changed since the bylaw was adopted in 1987.

OTHER INFORMATION

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) Community Initiatives & Affected Areas Programs

Applications are now being accepted for the 2018/19 CBT Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs. The programs support local projects that provide additional value to Basin communities and that benefit the broad community and public good.

Application forms and proposal guidelines are available on line through the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) at www.rdek.bc.ca or can be picked up at the District of Sparwood Municipal Office. The application deadline for project proposals is 2 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2018 to the RDEK office.

Safe Snow Removal

All residents of Sparwood are asked to be conscientious when the Public Works crews are removing snow from the municipal streets. Parents please keep your children away from snow banks. Although they look tempting to play on, or tunnel into they are dangerous for children to play on. Snowplow operators and other motorists may not be able to see children playing around snow banks. Ensure your children play safe.

Holiday Hours/schedule

District of Sparwood offices are closed Dec. 25 and 26 and Jan. 1. Office hours for Dec. 27 to 29 are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Household Garbage Collection over the holidays

All garbage normally picked up on Monday, December 25 and Tuesday, December 26 will be picked up on Wednesday, December 27 and all garbage normally picked up on Monday, January 1 will be picked up on Tuesday, January 2. Please have your garbage set out by 8 a.m. There are NO LIMITS on the number of garbage cans placed out for collection between December 18 and January 12, however ALL cans must have a tight-fitting lid and weigh less than 50 lbs. A reminder that cardboard is banned from the landfill site and must not be put out with your household refuse.  Christmas wrapping “paper” (not foil) can be recycled. All uncontaminated cardboard must be recycled.

Discarding Christmas Trees

You may drop off your old Christmas trees at either compost site (Engelmann Spruce Drive or next to the Sparwood Heights ball field). Please ensure that you have removed all ornaments and the tinsel before discarding your tree. The District will provide pick up service for those who are unable to drop them off. Leave the tree at your curb for pickup any time up to January 12, 2018.

UPCOMING DISTRICT MEETINGS

• Regular Council Meeting of Tuesday, January 2 HAS BEEN CANCELLED
• Regular Council Meeting in Council Chambers on Monday, January 15 at 7 p.m.
• Committee of the Whole Meeting in Council Chambers on Monday, January 29 at 7 p.m.

Mayor, Council and Staff of the District of Sparwood Extend Their Very Best Wishes for the Holiday Season. We wish you all Peace, Happiness, and Good Health in 2018

Please Drive Safely Over the Holidays.

District of Sparwood

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