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

PRESENTATION

2022 Volunteer Organization of the Year Award

Council presented the Coal Miner Days Society with the 2022 Volunteer Organization of the Year Plaque and $500 Award. The Coal Miner Days Society is comprised of volunteer members who dedicate time and energy throughout the year to plan and prepare for the week-long Coal Miner Days celebrations. Focusing on events for all ages, this dedicated group of volunteers bring the community together to have fun and make memories. Thank you for the work you do and for making our community a better place.

BYLAWS

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1315, 2023

A Public Hearing was held for the Zoning Amendment Bylaw to allow for accessory buildings and structures (ie. sheds and detached garages) in the Whiskey Jack neighbourhood. Currently, these structures are not permitted as they were removed during a zoning amendment 10 years ago. Private controls by the developer regulates building design but cannot permit them unless they are in the Zoning Bylaw. There was no feedback from the public and it was given third reading at the regular council meeting following the Hearing. Next step will be to submit to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for approval before this bylaw can be adopted.

Water Use Amendment Bylaw

The Utility and Solid Waste Management Amendment Bylaw and Delegation Bylaw were reviewed to provide a means of regulating heavy water use, to develop the means to respond to drought conditions, and to propose delegation for high demand water permitting. They were given their first three readings and will be brought back to council for adoption at a future meeting.

Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment Bylaws

Both the Official Community Plan Amendment and the Zoning Amendment bylaws were given their first two readings to allow for a multi-unit affordable housing development at 441 Pine Avenue. These amendments will be heard a future Public Hearing which will be advertised, and a referral will be sent to School District No. 5.

BUSINESS

Civic Recognition Policy

The Civic Recognition Policy was brought to Committee-of-the-Whole on September 5 by staff and based on the feedback received. Key changes are the Annual Day of Recognition had a specific date removed to allow staff more flexibility to host, the coordination of the annual volunteer appreciation event broadened to be a community wide event, and the nomination, selection, and award process. The changes brought forward to council were approved.

Sparwood Curling Club and Sparwood Weight Training Leases

Both the Sparwood Curling Club and Sparwood Weight Training leases were brought forward for a one-year term renewal while the Leisure Centre undergoes an optimization review requested by council.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Cemetery Management Bylaw

The Cemetery Management Bylaw No. 1017, 2017 is an amalgamation of two cemetery bylaws to allow staff to have one bylaw to reference. During the amalgamation, several clauses were included in the new bylaw that were either repetitive or contradictory. A further review was completed last year with the Committee of the Whole, on September 6, 2022 and the Committee asked that the fees be removed from the bylaw and included in a fees and charges bylaw. This change will be included in a future amendment. Administrative changes are also proposed to include updated definitions that follow those of the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act. Staff will bring the committee’s requested changes forward to council at a future meeting to update the bylaw.

Centennial Plaza Use

Since Centennial Plaza is a new space and inquiries have been made regarding park fees, staff requested council’s direction on whether the public may book this space and how that would fit with the current Parks and Trails Bylaw No. 1217, 2020 and Recreation Fees and Charges Bylaw. Furthermore, as most parks have limited winter maintenance, staff is also seeking direction on whether Council wishes this space to be fully usable and maintained throughout the winter months. Council’s requests will be brought forward at a future meeting to be implemented in policies.

UPCOMING DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS

Youth Advisory Commission Tuesday, November 14 at Sparwood Secondary School (101 Pine Spur Drive) at 11:30 a.m.

Regular Council Tuesday, November 21 at Council Chambers (136 Spruce Avenue) at 6 p.m.

Socio-Community and Economic Effects Advisory Committee Wednesday, November 22 at Council Chambers at 6 p.m.

District of Sparwood

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