Home »
Sparwood Council Facts
The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the March 4 District of Sparwood council meeting.
BYLAWS
Sewer and water reserve replenishment parcel tax amendment bylaw adopted
At a special council meeting on Jan. 14, the Committee-of-the-Whole directed an increase to the sewer reserve replenishment parcel tax to fund repayment of up to $20 million in long-term borrowing for the wastewater treatment plant.
The sewer parcel tax will increase as follows:
- 2025: Increase by $100 to $258.62;
- 2026: Increase by $150 to $408.62;
- 2027: Increase by $150 to $558.62.
The water reserve replenishment parcel tax will remain at a three per cent annual increase.
Bylaw No. 1348, 2025, the Sewer and Water Reserve Replenishment Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw, received first, second and third readings on Feb. 18, and was adopted on March 4.
BUSINESS
2025-2029 Financial Plan
Council approved the 2025-2029 Financial Plan and the 2025 Capital Plan at the meeting. The 2025 tax increase, excluding the mine pool, is budgeted at 7.5% (previously 8.25%).
The tax increase is made up of:
- 4.00% for regular inflation (Guideline 2, Attachment #5);
- 1.00% increase for annual policing reserve transfer;
- 2.00% increase for annual recreation reserve transfer;
- 1.25% increase for a new staffing position;
- 2.00% increase for contributions to the Capital Works Reserve;
- Minus 2.00% attributed to growth;
- Minus 0.75% for budget reductions and updates reflecting 2024 actuals.
The mine tax pool increase for 2025 is 3.1%, based on the B.C. consumer price index (CPI), excluding food for December 2024.
A 7.5% tax increase for the municipal portion of taxes, along with a $100 increase in the sewer parcel tax, means additional costs for residential homeowners in 2025:
Elk Valley Thrift Shop – Community funding and support category 2 request
Council approved a Category 2 funding request for the Elk Valley Thrift Shop Society, which will support their 2025 utility bills.
There is $18,278 in funding remaining for 2025 requests.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Regular Meeting of Council – Tuesday, March 18.
Recreation Facility Advisory Committee – Thursday, March 20.
Regular Meeting of Council – Tuesday, April 1.
All meetings are held at 6 pm in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office (136 Spruce Avenue), unless otherwise noted.
e-KNOW file photos
District of Sparwood
