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Sparwood Council Facts
The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Oct. 17 District of Sparwood council meeting.
Delegation
Staying Alive First Aid Academy
Bernie Palmer, on behalf of Staying Alive First Aid Academy, presented their proposal to provide a part-time Primary Care Paramedics program in Sparwood to council. The delegation stated that they wanted to provide a higher level of care to the community (Primary Care Paramedics “PCP”), noting that they did not qualify for the Provincial Community Care Program as they were not currently trained as PCPs, and that the Interior Health Authority (IHA) was not providing them with funding as they currently met the level of standard for Sparwood, as set by IHA, of an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR). The delegation is hoping to provide applicants with a more flexible course schedule than what is currently provided by the Justice Institute. Council referred the request from Staying Alive First Aid Academy for financial support to provide a part-time PCP program in Sparwood to staff for advice.
Sparwood Public Boat Launch
Council voted against a public boat launch in Sparwood. This issue first came before council in 2012 but was not pursued at that time. However, it came before council again at the February 29 Committee of the Whole meeting after the district received a request from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations (FLNRO) to investigate the establishment of a boat launch in Sparwood. This was followed by a comprehensive public engagement/consultation process, as highlighted in the Boat Launch Initiative Stakeholder Engagement Summary.
Consultation included: Public Forum on May 4 (a total of 17 participants with representation from the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce, Elk Valley Economic Initiative, Sparwood Fish and Wildlife, Teck, Angling Guides, Elk River Alliance, council, and the general public); Online Poll which showed 76% of respondents were in support of a public boat launch in Sparwood; One-on-one dialogues; Written submissions from the public; and presentations by Chamber of Commerce (supportive) and the Sparwood & District Fish and Wildlife Association (opposed) to council on July 18th; and Presentation by FLNRO to council on October 3rd where it reiterated the need for a boat launch near Sparwood for the health of the fishery and the available funding of $15,000 for development of a boat launch in Sparwood.
A copy of the staff report is available here.
Leisure Centre Concession
Council authorized a lease agreement between Michele Dwyer and the district for the operation of the Leisure Centre concession for one-year beginning October 18, for $500 a month. This short-term lease, at Ms. Dwyer’s request, will provide her with an opportunity to determine the viability of the business.
A copy of the staff report and lease is available here.
Michel-Natal-Sparwood Heritage Society
Council reconsidered the vote from its Sept. 19 decision to authorize a lease between the Michel-Natal-Sparwood Heritage Society and the district for 141B Aspen Drive. Following the removal of the vote, council deferred a second vote on the matter until after they meet with the Society’s executive. A copy of the Sept. 14 staff report and lease is available here.
Sparwood Futures Society (SFS)
Council will provide a letter of support to the Sparwood Futures Society to include with their application to the ministry to permit the Mountain Shadows Campground sign to remain in its current location on the west side of Highway 3 within the provincial highway right-of-way.
Bylaws
Recreation Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment
Recreation Fees and Charges Bylaw 1041, 2010, Amendment Bylaw 1197, 2016 was given three readings. This amendment proposes to incorporate fees for the new Elk Valley Recreation Access Pass and conditions for the rental of the training room at Fire Hall #1.
In Other News
Director of Fire Services
The District of Sparwood is pleased to announce that Dean Spry has been appointed as the new Director of Fire Services effective December 1. Mr. Spry has been the Deputy Director of Fire Services for the district since April of 2014. Mayor Cal McDougall and members of council wish to offer heartfelt congratulations to Chief Jim Jones on his upcoming retirement. Chief Jones has served the district for the past five years.
Sleepy Hollow Halloween Pumpkin Walk
Monday, October 31 from 6 – 9 p.m. at Lions Park.
Mark your calendars! The Frank J Mitchell Elementary School Grade 5 and 6 students’ pumpkin carvings (from witches to cats) will be on display in Lions Park. The artful jack-o-lanterns represent the spirit of Halloween, also known as All Hallows’ Eve. Local businesses and community members are encouraged to carve your own jack-o-lanterrns and bring them down to Lions Park for display as well.
Upcoming meetings
Special Committee of the Whole Meeting – Monday, October 24 at 1 p.m.
Committee of the Whole Meeting – Monday, October 31 at 1 p.m.
Regular Council Meeting – Monday, November 7 at 1 p.m.
District of Sparwood
