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Sparwood Council Facts
The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Nov. 19 District of Sparwood council meeting.
BUSINESS
Whitewood Crescent
Council authorized the execution of Land Sales Agreements between the District of Sparwood and the owners of 1302, 1306, 1308, 1310 and 1312 Whitewood Crescent for the sale of a 3.048 metre (10’) wide strip of land that extends the width of their properties.
Temporary use permit – 8000 Highway 43
Council postponed consideration of a public hearing on a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) application to permit a housing camp located at 8000 Highway 43 until the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has approved the access plan to the site from Highway 43.
Mobile home park permit
Council approved a Mobile Home Park Permit for the reconfiguration of one mobile home space in Mountain View Mobile Home Park at 159-100 Aspen Drive. The modified space satisfies the requirements of the Mobile Home Park Bylaw and the land is zoned to accommodate the use.
Development Variance Permits
323 Pacific Yew Crescent – Front and Side Yard Setback
Council authorized that notices be sent to the owners and occupants residing within 60 metres of 323 Pacific Yew Crescent to advise them that council will be considering varying a section of the Zoning Bylaw at the December 3 regular meeting. If approved, the variance will reduce the front yard setback from 7.62 metres to 6.5 metres to allow the owners to construct a mudroom. The variance will also reduce the front yard setback from 7.62 metres to 7.0 metres and the side yard setback from 1.52 metres to 1.4 metres for the existing single-family dwelling.
100 Aspen Drive – Side Yard Setback
Council authorized that notices be sent to the owners and occupants residing within 60 m of 100 Aspen Drive to advise them that council will be considering varying a section of the Mobile Home Parks Bylaw at the December 3 regular meeting. If approved, the variance will reduce the side yard setback for any part of a mobile home or any addition from 1.52 metres to 0 metres on the south side of mobile home spaces 9, 16, 22, 29, 36, 42, 48, 55, 61, 66, and 71. To learn more see the staff report and application.
If you live within the 60m radius of either of these properties and believe you will be affected by these variances, please share your comments with council. You will be provided an opportunity to be heard at the December 3 council meeting, or you may submit your comments in writing to the District of Sparwood before noon on Monday, December 3.
Mosquito Control Program
Council approved continuance of the Sparwood Nuisance Mosquito and West Nile Vector Mosquito Control Program for 2019-2020 subject to annual budget approvals.
Douglas Fir Highway 3 Water Looping
Council approved submitting an application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program Rural and Northern Communities Program for funding for the Douglas Fir – Highway 3 Water Looping Project. If the grant application is successful funding would be one-third cost sharing between the District of Sparwood and the Canadian and British Columbia governments.
Municipal office holiday closure
The District Municipal Office will be closed on Monday, December 24 and will reopen on December 27 (regular business hours). All essential services will be available during the holiday season including Public Works, Fire Department and the Leisure Services Centre.
Youth Advisory Commission
Operations Budget
Council approved the 2018/2019 operations budget for the Youth Action Sparwood Program. This program is (100%) funded by Columbia Basin Trust, donations from the community, registration fees and other small grants.
$7,500 funding request
Council supported an application to the Columbia Basin Trust “Basin PLAYS Capital Improvement Grant” program for the development of an archery range (up to $32,500) and approved their funding request for $7,500. If the grant application is successful it will provide access to a sporting activity not currently available in Sparwood and was identified in the 2018 Youth Engagement Survey as the second most recommended activity that youth were interested in, just behind camping.
BYLAWS
Council ponders bylaw amendment
Council Procedure Bylaw 1022, 2009, Amendment Bylaw 1242, 2018 was adopted. This amendment changes the start time for all further regular council meetings (2019+) to 6 p.m.
Clean Air Bylaw
Clean Air Bylaw No. 1241, 2018 was given second and third readings. This bylaw proposes to:
• mirror the provincial regulations regarding outdoor consumption of cannabis in public places for tobacco use;
• include the provincial regulations for the six metre buffers into the Bylaw to provide the Bylaw Enforcement Officer with tools to bring about compliance with provincial regulations;
• authorize the Director of Community and Facility Services to designate smoking areas at or near municipal facilities; and
• provide details related to signage requirements.
OTHER INFORMATION
Snow Removal and Ice Control / Winter Parking Regulations
The district’s 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. Please park your vehicles in your driveway so that the operators can do a neat and thorough job of clearing the streets.
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.
Temporary Trail Closure
A contractor for the District of Sparwood is installing a replacement water line, which will require portions of the Elk River Trail to be closed from November 2018 to February 2019. Construction has begun and will result in the periodic closure of the trails near the Elk River Crossing Bridge. For your safety, please respect the trail closures and stay away from construction.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation while we install this new water line.
Christmas tree lighting
UPCOMING DISTRICT MEETINGS
▪ Regular Council Meeting in Council Chambers on Monday, December 3 at 6 p.m.
District of Sparwood
