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Sparwood Council Facts
The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the March 18 District of Sparwood council meeting.
BYLAWS
Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1343, 2025 – R3 Minimum Lot Area
The bylaw amendment to reduce the minimum lot area for townhouses in the high-density (R3) residential zones was adopted by council.
Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1347, 2025 – 620 Douglas Fir Road
A public hearing was held for an amendment bylaw to change the zoning of 620 Douglas Fir Road from Highway Commercial (C-2) to Light Industrial (M-1). There were no submissions from the public. The bylaw amendment was given third reading by council.
Street Naming Amendment Bylaw No. 1349, 2025
Council gave first three readings to the amendment bylaw to assign new street names in the phase 1b subdivision of Westwood Heights at 1500 Sparwood Heights Drive.
BUSINESS
Lions Park Water Looping
Council approved the contract award for the Lions Park Looping project for $1,135,520.50 plus taxes. The works for this contract include the supply and installation of 200mm PVC water mains along Lions Park. The project also includes additional hydrants, tie-ins to existing mains, associated surface restoration, storm drain improvements, water fountain upgrades at the ball field and updated roadway light standards and wiring. Looping of the watermain will provide secondary flow in the event of a disruption on Maple Street including waterline loss or valve repairs and will provide redundancy to lower Sparwood.
The Maple Street line is the only main line feeding the rest of lower Sparwood south of this street. This also adds improved flow, storage, and an additional hydrant on Red Cedar Crescent.
Sparwood and District Chamber of Commerce Business Signs
Council directed staff to post notice of Council’s intention to consider the disposition of the business signs along Highway 3 by way of a 92-month lease to the Sparwood and District Chamber of Commerce for a total value of $41,297.07.
COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE
Street Sign Replacement
The street signs currently used by the District of Sparwood are custom wood signs and the replacement and maintenance of these signs was once completed through a contracted service that is no longer available in Sparwood. The Committee-of-the-Whole discussed a variety of options and direct staff to replace the street signs with a wood post with a reflective sign and standard bracket. The reflective sign will have a black background and white writing.
Personal Recording Devices
The Committee-of-the-Whole considered a personal recording devices draft policy and expressed support for the use of Body Worn Cameras for the Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
The purpose of Body Worn Camera use by the district would be to:
- reduce safety risks to the Bylaw Enforcement Officer when working alone;
- provide additional evidence when required;
- augment current note taking practices and improve evidence documentation;
- help to de-escalate and reduce potential conflicts;
- determine accuracy of any claims made by the public against the Bylaw Enforcement Officer; and
- provide greater insight into service delivery and identify good practice.
The policy will come back to a future meeting of council for consideration.
Elk Valley Thrift Shop Society Donation
The Committee-of-the-Whole discussed a donation of a water fountain from the Elk Valley Thrift Shop to be installed at the Skatepark. The committee directed staff to add this project as a special project in future years if the Elk Valley Thrift Shop is committed to making a future $10,000 donation to this project. The location of the water fountain chosen by the committee would be at the north end of the Skatepark.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Tuesday, April 1 – Parcel Tax Review Panel Meeting at 5:45 p.m.
Tuesday, April 1 – Regular Meeting of Council.
Tuesday, April 8 – Special Meeting of Council (ReDi Grants Community Meeting).
All meetings are held at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Municipal Office (136 Spruce Avenue), unless otherwise noted.
e-KNOW file photos
District of Sparwood
