Sparwood Council Facts

Desktop – Leaderboard

Home » Sparwood Council Facts

Posted: May 10, 2018

The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the May 7 District of Sparwood council meeting.

BUSINESS

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System

The Manager of Planning made a presentation to council on the district’s solar PV systems. The solar panels that were installed on the Municipal Office and Leisure Centre buildings in 2017 are producing energy that is taken off district’s electricity bills.

The main purpose of this initiative, however, is education and awareness. Staff has connected with teachers at Frank J Mitchell Elementary School and are helping them to use these systems in instructing their students on alternative energy, conservation, and understanding the future of energy use.

Sparwood Energy Step Code Policy

Council adopted the Sparwood Energy Step Code Policy and committed to adopting the BC Energy Step Code 1 by December 15, 2019. The Energy Step Code Policy encourages energy efficiency in new building construction with incentives through rebates on building permit fees.

The Province of BC adopted the BC Energy Step Code as regulation in April 2017. The Step Code includes five ‘Steps’ to help governments and industry reach a goal of “net-zero energy ready” building by 2032. The BC Building Code is expected to be updated over the coming years to require construction efficiency that matches higher steps.

BYLAWS

Animal Control Bylaw Amendment

Sparwood Animal Control Bylaw No. 821, 2000, Amendment Bylaw 1208, 2018 was adopted. This bylaw amends Schedule “B” to exclude five properties on Matevic Road that are zoned Agricultural and include the Whiskey Jack Resort area and all mobile home parks within the crosshatched areas (prohibited from keeping farm animals) and increases the maximum fine for a violation to $10,000.

Financial Plan Bylaw

Financial Plan (2018-2022) Bylaw 1223, 2018 was given three readings. The Financial Plan sets out the objectives and policies of the municipality for years 2018-2022 for each of the funding sources, the distribution of property value taxes and the use of permissive tax exemptions. The plan also sets out the proposed expenditures by the municipality, funding sources and transfers between funds. The bylaw will be considered for adoption at a Special Meeting of Council on May 14 at 1 p.m.

Tax Rates Bylaw

Tax Rates Bylaw 1224, 2018 was given three readings. The property tax rates for general municipal were set to provide an average eight per cent increase over the previous year for residential tax levies. This eight per cent increase in municipal tax revenue is offset by a reduction in user fees for garbage removal. Below is a table showing the effect on the changes in policy, resulting in an overall increase of 3.2% in utilities and taxes or $103.28 for the year.

The bylaw will be considered for adoption at a Special Meeting of Council on May 14 at 1 p.m.

OTHER INFORMATION

Residential Spring Cleanup

Begins Tuesday, May 22

Limit of one pickup truck per household.

The district will begin the residential spring cleanup on Tuesday, May 22. All refuse including household furniture, white goods, metal and wood will be picked up including: fridges; freezers; and air conditioners.

All refuse for disposal MUST be separated, bundled, piled and placed just outside property lines by 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22.

Any person wishing to take advantage of this service is required to register at the District Office no later than Friday, May 18, and pay the required fee of $20. Seniors 65 and over receive this service free of charge but must also register with the District Office by calling 250-425-6271.

Are You a Responsible Pet Owner?

Cleaning up after your dog is not only respectful to your neighbours and the community, it is the law and you could be subject to a $100 fine under the Animal Control Bylaw. The district would like to remind all dog owners to please clean up after your dogs, not only when using municipal parks and trails, but on municipal streets, sidewalks and neighbours’ lawns as well.

Dogs are required to be leashed at all times when off their own property. The district is currently investigating options for an off-leash dog park, but until such time, leashes remain mandatory.

To report possible violations or find out more about your responsibilities, please contact the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at 250-425-5367, by email at [email protected], or go online at www.sparwood to Service Request.

Celebrate BC Mining Week May 13 – 19

The District of Sparwood is proud to salute all the mines in the Elk Valley.

We recognize the on- going support that the mines provide to the community, not only by way of taxation and employment, but also by the support they give the community through donations, time, and scholarships.

Off-Road Vehicle Restrictions

The District would like to remind citizens that Off-Road Vehicle Bylaw 1182 prohibits the operation of any off- road vehicles on ALL public property including parks, trails, walkways, roads, and greenbelts.

The Bylaw Enforcement Officer or Peace Officer is authorized under the bylaw to seize or impound an off-road vehicle operating contrary to the bylaw. In addition to impoundment fees of $50 per day and towing costs, violators could be charged up to $500 in fines.

If you witness a contravention, please notify the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at [email protected] or 250-425-5367.

You will be asked to provide a description and any evidence (photo or video if possible or witness statement) you may have when you call. Information received by the Bylaw Enforcement Officer has led to a decrease in trail abusers and fines being issued. Let’s everyone do their part to keep Sparwood’s parks, trails, walkways, roads and greenbelts in pristine condition for the enjoyment of all.

A map of the restricted areas is available on our webpage.

Senior’s Birthday Book

Sparwood commemorates seniors turning 75 years of age

The District of Sparwood recognizes the contribution that seniors make to our community. Those Sparwood seniors who have, or will, reach the age of 75 years this year are invited to meet with members of council to sign the “Senior’s Birthday Book” and receive a lilac lapel pin (Sparwood’s flower) to commemorate the occasion.

Please notify the District of Sparwood Municipal Office by May 25, 2018 if you, or someone you know has turned 75 years or will be turning 75 this year. We will then send an invitation to the recipient to attend the Regular Meeting of June 4, 2018. Family and friends are also encouraged to attend.

The “Senior’s Birthday Book” will be kept at the Municipal Office as part of our community’s heritage records. Please ensure that you or your loved one becomes part of Sparwood’s history.

For further information, please contact the District Office at 250-425-6271.

Outdoor Fire Pits

It is that time of year again when people want to enjoy a fire in their back yard. Please note that it is a requirement within the District of Sparwood that you must first obtain a fire pit permit.
Permits are available FREE of charge at the District Office and must be renewed every year.

Upcoming district meetings