The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Feb. 19 District of Sparwood council meeting.

DELEGATION

Gary Marcinowski

Mr. Marcinowski shared his concerns with council regarding the enforcement of encroachments onto public lands and indicated that he wished to purchase a portion (385m2) of the municipal greenbelt adjacent to the rear of his property.

BYLAWS

Admin Fees & Charges Bylaw Amendment

Administrative Fees and Charges Bylaw 995, 2008, Amendment Bylaw 1218, 2018 was adopted.  This amendment introduces a new application fee of $500 to purchase “unadvertised” municipal land.

Zoning Bylaw Amendment

Council rescinded second reading of Zoning Bylaw 264, 1981, Amendment Bylaw 1213, 2017 and amended the bylaw to permit “Offices for uses stipulated in the M-1 and M-2 zones of this Bylaw” within the M-1 Light Industrial zone then gave the bylaw second reading as amended. The bylaw is scheduled for a second public hearing on 7 p.m. on Monday, March 19 in Council Chambers.

All persons who believe that their interest is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard in person, by a representative, or by written submission on the matters contained within Bylaw 1213 at the public hearing.

The deadline for submissions is 12 p.m. on Monday, March 19. Submissions must include your name and street address, and are considered public information, pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Please note that due to potential email issues, all submissions sent by email should be confirmed by phone at 250-425-6271.

A copy of the staff report and notice is available.

Council Procedure Bylaw Amendment

Council Procedure Bylaw 1022, 2009, Amendment Bylaw 1220, 2018 received first three readings. The bylaw proposes to amend the month under section 9(1) from December to November and the term from three years to four years for when a councillor is to be designated to act as Mayor when the Mayor absent or unable to act. The bylaw will be considered for adoption at the March 19 regular meeting.

Election and Assent Voting Bylaw

Election and Assent Voting Bylaw 1211, 2018 received first three readings. The bylaw proposes to replace Elections Procedures Bylaw 1004, 2008; update references to sections of the Local Government Act; simplify some of the wording; include new sections related to public access to nomination and elector organization documents, authorization to the Chief Election Officer to select the time and location of all special voting opportunities; and remove redundant sections covered under the Act.

The bylaw will be considered for adoption at the March 5 regular meeting.

Automated Vote Counting System Authorization and Procedure Bylaw

Automated Vote Counting System Authorization and Procedure Bylaw 1219, 2018 received first three readings. The new bylaw which will authorize the use of automated vote counting machines for the 2018 general local election (October 20, 2018) includes procedures for how to vote during advance and special voting opportunities as well general voting day, the counting of votes and recount (if required), and the ballot form as required under the Local Government Act.

The bylaw will be considered for adoption at the March 5 regular meeting.

OTHER INFORMATION

2018 Vacancy Report

Council received the 2018 Vacancy Report that breaks down the housing vacancies in Sparwood over the past two decades by apartments and condominiums, mobile homes, single family dwellings and duplexes, and senior’s homes. The vacancy rate is an important metric which signals decision makers, municipal staff, residents, businesses, and developers of the need for additional housing stock.

See a copy of the report.

2017 Building Permits Report

Council received the 2017 Building Permits Report provides information on the number of building permits issued by the District of Sparwood, the value of construction, and the residential breakdown for new construction and renovations during 2017.

See a copy of the report.

Youth Action Sparwood Quarterly Report

Council received the February 2018 quarterly report from the Youth Advisory Commission which describes the youth engagement during the past quarter by Youth Action Sparwood (YAS), including programs and special events offered and stakeholder groups engaged by YAS.

Student Employment Opportunities

The District of Sparwood is looking for energetic and enthusiastic students who will be employed for the summer as parks and greenbelt workers beginning May 7, through to August 24. Rate of pay is in accordance with the current CUPE Local 2698 Collective Agreement.

The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 29.

2018 – 2022 Financial Plan Public Open House

If you live in Sparwood, you are invited to a Public Budget Consultation Meeting that will be held to discuss the District’s Financial Plan for the next five years. Council invites and encourages the public to attend and provide feedback that will assist council in setting priorities for our community. Tuesday, February 27 from 3-5 p.m. in council chambers, 136 Spruce Avenue.

Can’t make it? You will be able to find the information displayed at Greenwood Mall and on our website at www.sparwood.ca for the month of March.

Snow Removal Safety

All residents of Sparwood are asked to be conscientious when the Public Works crews are removing snow from the municipal streets. Please be aware that any vehicles that are parked on the street while snow removal activities are taking place will be ticketed.

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. Snow plow operators and other motorists may not be able to see children playing around snow banks. Help ensure our children play safe!

Spring Break Pool Schedule

The Spring Break Recreation Schedule in effect from March 19 – April 1. It has the Swim Schedule, Spring Break Swim Lessons and Pool Special Events.

Dog Licences

Did you know that all dogs within the District of Sparwood must have a license once they are nine months or older? This is to help us return your dog to you should he or she decide to go for a stroll without you!

The Animal Control Bylaw requires every dog to have a current year licence by January 15.  A neutered or spayed dog tag, with vet certificate, is $10 or $30 for an unaltered dog.

Why licensing your dog should be Your number one priority:

• If your dog gets lost, even in a neighbouring community, a licence is the fastest way to reunite you with your dog.  Even if your dog is microchipped, a licence tag is immediately visible and doesn’t require a scanning device.  Dogs are often returned by contacting the dog’s owner at their address on file with the district;
• Your dog’s licence shows that you are a responsible dog owner. When you walk your dog, people will notice the licence on your dog’s collar and know that you really care about your dog’s welfare;
• Licensing lets others know that your dog is not a stray. Often found dogs are kept by the people who find them, who assume an unlicensed dog is a stray; and
• It’s the law!  Failure to licence your dog by January 15 may result in tickets and impound fees.

For more information, or to renew or purchase a dog licence please contact the District Office at 250-425-6271 or at 136 Spruce Avenue.

Building Inspection and Permit Services

Building permits provide property owners with a reasonable assurance that the structure will perform as intended and provide occupants with an acceptable level of life safety.

The Building Official is responsible for: Issuing building/plumbing permits; Inspection of construction; plan review; and Building code administration.

UPCOMING DISTRICT MEETINGS

Committee of the Whole Meeting (COTW) in Council Chambers on Monday, February 29 at 7 p.m.

Public Budget Consultation Meeting in Council Chambers on Tuesday, February 27, from 3-5 p.m.

Regular Council Meeting in Council Chambers on Monday, March 5 at 1 p.m.

District of Sparwood

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