The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the March 21 District of Sparwood council meeting.

DELEGATION

Elk Valley Economic Initiative (EVEI)

Taylor Jenkins and Sheila Byers, representing the EVEI, presented information and findings on establishing an “economic development service bylaw” through the Regional District of East Kootenay to promote economic development in the Elk Valley subregion. The boundaries of the service bylaw would consist of the City of Fernie, District of Sparwood, the District of Elkford, and the Electoral Area A. They also presented an overview of economic development activities, including the impacts, benefits, and beneficiaries. View the presentation.

BYLAWS

Council Procedure Bylaw

The Council Procedure Bylaw was brought back for adoption after three readings at the February 21 meeting. Public notices were posted in March 9 and March 16 editions of the Free Press in accordance with section 94 of the Community Charter. The main updates to the bylaw were meeting location notices and adding headings to committee meeting agendas.

BUSINESS

Code of Conduct Policy

The Community Charter requires local governments in BC to consider implementing or reviewing a Code of Conduct within the first six months of the first council meeting following a general local election. The District of Sparwood currently has a Code of Conduct policy that was adopted by Council on May 15, 2017. The Code of Conduct applies to council, committee members, and employees. A Code of Conduct is the best tool to elevate and keep the public’s trust. It shows the district’s commitment to a fair, transparent, and accountable process by defining what is acceptable behaviour and what is not. More importantly it identifies what core values and principles are the basis of its processes and relationships. The Code of Conduct was brought to Committee-of-the-Whole portion on March 7, for review. At the March 21 meeting council accepted the Code of Conduct policy and signed the Code of Conduct Acknowledgement Statement.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Draft 2023 – 2027 Financial Plan

Council was presented with the Draft 2023-2027 Financial Plan and no changes were made at this time. The plan will be posted on the District of Sparwood website and will be available on display at Greenwood Mall from March 22 to April 11. Council and staff will be at the Greenwood Mall on March 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for public input and will also host a Public Open House Q&A in Council Chambers on March 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.

UPCOMING DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS

Parcel Tax Review Panel Meeting – Tuesday, April 4 in Council Chambers (136 Spruce Avenue) at 5:45 p.m.

Regular Meeting – Tuesday, April 4 in Council Chambers at 6 p.m.

Regular Meeting – Tuesday, April 18 in Council Chambers at 6 p.m.

Special Meeting – Tuesday, April 25 (CBT ReDi Community Meeting) in Council Chambers at 6 p.m.

e-KNOW file photos

District of Sparwood

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