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Sparwood Council Facts
The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Jan. 7 District of Sparwood council meeting.
DELEGATIONS
North Coal
John Pumphrey and Bill Arling representing North Coal presented an update on the Michel Coal Project to council. North Coal holds metallurgical coal deposits in Southeast B.C., including the Loop Ridge, Tent Mountain, Michel Head and South Hazell, and has incorporated best practices and innovative technologies into their mine design to reduce waste generation, protect water resources and minimize landscape alteration. The project has an estimated mine life of 20 to 30 years.
Click here to see the project overview
BUSINESS
Infrastructure Grant Application
Council approved submitting an application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Rural and Northern Communities for the Douglas Fir – Highway 3 Water Looping Project, which includes a 15% municipal contribution of $871,000. This grant provides communities under 5,000 with funding up to 100%. Including a municipal contribution may increase the district’s success in obtaining funding.
Development Variance Permit
Council authorized that notices be sent to the owners and occupants residing within 60m of 319 Pacific Yew Crescent to advise them that council will be considering varying a section of the Zoning bylaw at the January 29 special meeting. If approved, the variance will increase the maximum site coverage for accessory buildings and structures from 10% (61.3m2) to 11.5% (70.5m2) for the purpose of constructing a garage.
If you live within the 60m radius of this property and believe you will be affected by this variance, please share your comments with council. You will be provided an opportunity to be heard at the January 29 council meeting, or you may submit your comments in writing to the District of Sparwood before noon on Tuesday, January 29.
Michel Creek Road Speed Limit Enforcement
Council directed staff to draft an amendment to the Traffic, Parking and Highways Regulation Bylaw to prohibit vehicles exceeding five tons from residential areas including Michel Creek Road and to reduce the speed limit on Michel Creek Road from 60 km/h to 50 km/h.
Council also authorized the purchase of two speed cameras to be used as data collectors for analysis purposes.
BYLAWS
Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw
Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw No. 1244, 2018 was adopted. This bylaw provides for an operating line of credit in 2019 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.
OTHER INFORMATION
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!
Notice of Assessment
BC Assessment has mailed out your 2019 Notice of Assessment. If you do not receive your Notice of Assessment by January 21, you should contact BC Assessment directly to determine if there is an issue with your mailing address.
The BC Assessment Branch for the East Kootenay is in Cranbrook and can be reached: by phone at 1-800-556-9229 or 1-250-426-8901; or by email at [email protected] Additional information can be obtained on their website at www.bcassessment.ca.
District of Sparwood staff is also available to help locate your Notice of Assessment or assist with a change of address.
RDEK Launches Solid Waste Management Plan Review
A review of the Regional District of East Kootenay’s (RDEK) solid waste management plan is underway. The RDEK is asking for the public’s input on how they use the current solid waste and recycling systems and what they would like to see in the future by completing the Waste Services Survey available here.
Upcoming meetings
Regular Council Meeting in Council Chambers on Tuesday, January 22 at 6 p.m.
Committee of the Whole Meeting in Council Chambers on Tuesday, January 29 at 6 p.m.
District of Sparwood
