The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Oct. 6 District of Sparwood council meeting.

BYLAWS

Development Cost Charges Bylaw

Council reviewed the proposed Development Cost Charges (DCC) Bylaw and after discussion, Council directed staff to amend the bylaw as follows:

• Cap residential DCCs at a maximum of $10,000 per unit, using the municipal assist factor to phase in the charges.
• Keep the Sparwood Drive Sewer Extension as an eligible DCC-funded project.
• Remove the Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades as an eligible DCC project.
• Change the light industrial DCC calculation from parcel area to gross floor area.
• Ensure installment payment options are available for all DCCs.
• Delay implementation until six months after bylaw adoption.

After the motion to amend the bylaw, council defeated third reading of the bylaw and is no longer being considered.

Bulk Water Station – Utility and Solid Waste Management Amendment Bylaw

Council gave first, second, and third reading to Utility and Solid Waste Management Amendment Bylaw No. 1377, 2026. The amendment establishes rates and definitions required for the new Bulk Water Station, which is expected to be operational by the end of October 2026. The station will provide a self-service, metered system allowing customers to purchase and pay only for the volume of water they use rather than paying a fixed daily charge.

Hydrant-based bulk water service will remain available in limited circumstances where use of the Bulk Water Station is not possible or has been authorized by the district. Customers obtaining water for commercial beverage production, agricultural use, carwashes, resale of water, or other high-demand uses will continue to require applicable Water Use Permits.

The bylaw will return to council at a future meeting for adoption.

BUSINESS

Permissive Tax Exemption Policy

Council approved updates to the Permissive Tax Exemption Policy to improve the application review process. The amendments move the application deadline from June 30 to May 31 and require new applicants to present their request to council at a Committee-of-the-Whole meeting before a decision is made. All other eligibility requirements, application requirements, and exemption provisions remain unchanged.

Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee Establishment

Council established a Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee to help address concerns related to human- wildlife conflicts and residential garbage management in Sparwood. The committee was created in response to ongoing community concerns about bear activity and other wildlife attractants, with more than 200 related complaints received by the district in 2026. The committee will focus on identifying practical ways to reduce wildlife attractants through improvements to solid waste management, public education, infrastructure, and service delivery.

The committee will bring together council representatives, staff, and community members to review consider options used in other communities, and develop recommendations for Council. Any future changes to waste collection services, bylaws, or infrastructure would still require separate council approval.

Recruitment for volunteer committee members will begin soon, with the goal of holding the committee’s first meeting in early 2027.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

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

Tuesday, October 20 – Regular meeting of council.

Tuesday, November 3 – (Inaugural and regular meeting of council).

Tuesday, November 10 – Youth Advisory Commission at 11:30 a.m. at Sparwood Secondary School.

Tuesday, November 17 – Regular Meeting of Council.

e-KNOW file photo

District of Sparwood

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