The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the March 7 District of Sparwood council meeting.

DELEGATIONS

NWP Coal Crown Mountain Coking Project

David Baines, representing NWP Coal, provided a presentation to pouncil on their Crown Mountain Coking Project plans. With his software, he was able to show five, 10 and 15 year views of the site. NWP Coal is hoping to begin construction in 2025.

Canfor and Sebben Forestry

Paul Picard, representing Canfor, and Paul Freeze, representing Sebben Forestry, appeared before council to provide Canfor’s plan to harvest burnt timber along the Cummings Creek watershed from last year’s fire. To make it economical, they will need to harvest 150-200 hectares of unburnt timber.

COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE

High School Scholarships

Council will continue to award two $1,000 scholarships to Sparwood Secondary School graduates, to be administered by a school-based committee Council has requested to split the scholarships into two pools – one for academic, and one for trades – and to select the recipient based on grades.

Code of Conduct Policy

The Community Charter requires local governments in B.C. 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. Council reviewed the Code of Conduct policy section by section and will proceed with no changes.

BUSINESS

Development Variance Permit for Mountainview Mobile Home Park

Council held an informal public hearing for the development variance permit where council heard from the public and the applicant. It was then discussed at the regular meeting of council. The development variance permit is requesting variances to several of the infrastructure standards of the Mobile Home Parks Bylaw in order to expand the park to allow for five additional mobile home spaces. Council approved the permit.

100th Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition Support

The East Kootenay Mining Industrial Safety Association (EKMISA) will be hosting the 100th Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition in Sparwood on May 13. They appeared before council on February 21, as a delegation and requested an in-kind donation of up to $20,000 because it is the 100th year event. This request was approved and will be funded by deferring the entrance redesign project to 2024.

Hot Tub Replacement

Council awarded the hot tub remediation project to Link Builders for $549,198.45 plus applicable taxes. The 2023 capital budget will be increased by $243,262.19 for a total project cost of $642,562.19 to be funded through the capital works reserve. This project means the aquatic facility (pictured above) will be closed from early June to completion. More details will be released to the public when available.

UPCOMING DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS

Regular Meeting – Tuesday, March 21 at Council Chambers (136 Spruce Avenue) at 6 p.m.

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

e-KNOW file photos

District of Sparwood

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