The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Feb. 18 District of Sparwood council meeting.

PUBLIC HEARING

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1343, 2025

New Dawn Developments submitted an application to reduce the minimum lot area for townhouse development from 205 square metres to 180 square metres. The bylaw, which regulates townhouse density, revealed an issue after permits were issued for four-plex units in Westwood. Five of the permits do not meet the bylaw’s minimum requirement of 820 square metres per lot—each of these lots measures 766.6 square metres, falling short by 53.4 square metres. The discrepancy was overlooked by both the applicant during the rezoning and staff at the building permit stage for phase 1a of the four-plex development. After reviewing all phase one four-plexes concurrently, the error was replicated across all permits. With no public submissions, the bylaw received third reading following the public hearing and now awaits Ministry of Transportation and Transit approval prior to adoption.

BYLAWS

Sewer and Water Reserve Replenishment Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw 1348, 2025

At a special council meeting on January 14, the Committee-of-the-Whole directed an increase in the sewer reserve replenishment parcel tax to fund repayment of up to $20 million in long-term borrowing for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The increases are as follows:

• 2025: Increase the sewer parcel tax by $100, to $258.62;
• 2026: Increase the sewer parcel tax by $150, to $408.62;
• 2027: Increase the sewer parcel tax by $150, to $558.62.

The water reserve replenishment parcel tax will maintain its annual increase of three per cent. Bylaw No. 1348, 2025 was passed in first, second and third readings and will return to council for adoption at a future meeting.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1347, 2025

East Kootenay Pilot Service Ltd. submitted an application to rezone 620 Douglas Fir Road from Highway Commercial (C-2) to Light Industrial (M-1) to accommodate its business. Transportation services—including truck transport—are not permitted in the C-2 zone but are allowed in the M-1 zone. The bylaw has passed its first and second readings, and a public hearing is scheduled for March 18, 2025.

BUSINESS

Community Hall Revitalization and Elevator Project

Council approved that the Community Services department combine the Community Hall Revitalization project with the Elevator Project to be completed in 2025. The amalgamation yields efficiencies, cost savings, and reduced closure times for the Community Hall. The $250,000 originally set aside for the 2026 elevator project will be advanced to 2025, allowing both projects to be completed concurrently. Further details can be found in the staff report on the district website.

Upcoming Meetings

Regular Meeting of Council – Tuesday, March 4.
Regular Meeting of Council – Tuesday, March 18.
Recreation Facility Advisory Committee – Thursday, March 20.

All meetings are held at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office (136 Spruce Avenue), unless otherwise noted.

e-KNOW file photo

District of Sparwood

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