The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Jan. 21 District of Sparwood council meeting.

DELEGATION

Elk Valley Thrift Shop Society

The Elk Valley Thrift Shop Society addressed council on the potential of a donation towards a water fountain to be installed at the Skate Park.

BYLAWS

Wastewater Treatment Plant Loan Bylaw moves forward

Sparwood council gave the first three readings to a bylaw that would authorize borrowing up to $20 million for construction and upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The maximum term for the loan is 30 years.

The process to secure the loan includes several steps:

1. Provincial review and statutory approval by the Inspector of Municipalities.
2. Approval by electors.
3. Adoption of the bylaw by council.
4. Challenge period.
5. Provincial review and issuance of a certificate of approval by the Inspector of Municipalities.
6. Council passes a security issuing resolution and agreement.
7. The regional district drafts and adopts a security issuing bylaw.
8. A second challenge period follows.
9. Provincial review of the security issuing bylaw and issuance of a certificate of approval.
10. Final security issuance by the Municipal Finance Authority.

The district said further details will be communicated to residents throughout the process.

PUBLIC HEARING

Temporary Use Permit approved for Pine Avenue property

A public hearing was held for a temporary use permit (TUP) at 481 Pine Ave., where Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting plans to place a mobile office on-site. The proposed 10-by-20-foot office shack, placed on skids, will remain until the company applies for a building permit in early 2025. The temporary structure was installed in October prior to the application for the TUP. No public submissions were made regarding the permit, which was later approved by council during the regular meeting.

INFORMAL PUBLIC HEARING

Development Variance Permit issued for Westwood Heights

An informal public hearing was held to consider a development variance permit for Phase 1b of the Westwood Heights development at 1500 Sparwood Heights Dr. The permit, DVP2024-013, seeks to vary several requirements of the district’s Subdivision Servicing Bylaw, including road, water, sanitary, storm, lighting, and gas infrastructure locations, as well as intersection separation, storm pipe material, and fibre optic design.

No public submissions were received, and council approved the permit during its regular meeting.

BUSINESS

Sparwood Curling Club funding approved

Council approved $722 of in-kind support for the Sparwood Curling Club for rental of the Community Hall. The funding remaining for 2025 community funding requests is $21,278.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Tuesday, Feb. 4 – Regular meeting of council; 6 p.m. at Council Chambers, 136 Spruce Avenue.

e-KNOW file photo

District of Sparwood

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