Elk Valley RCMP

Sgt. Will Thien of the Elk Valley RCMP Detachment presented the Fourth Quarter Mayor’s Report for 2013 to District of Sparwood council on March 3. Sgt. Thien was pleased to report that calls for service had decreased significantly over the same period in 2012. The detachment received 225 calls for service from October to December 2013 and 363 calls during the same period in 2012.

Sunset Ridge Ski Society

Shelly Hume provided Council with an update on the Sunset Ridge Ski Society. Members of the society groom and oversee approximately 10 – 15 km of cross-country ski trails. The society is currently looking for volunteers to teach a Jack Rabbit Program for young adults and teens. Recent improvements the club has undertaken include a new signage on the trails, a new website – www.skisparwood.com, rebuilding of Bombardier tracks, and developed a brochure which is available at the Chamber of Commerce and the Recreation Centre. Membership in the club ranges from 40 – 100 members.

Highway 3 and 43 intersection improvements

McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. provided council with an update on the Highway 3 and 43 Intersection Improvement Project. The project includes a cul-de-sac between the Esso and Husky service stations, which will be named Spruce Spur.

From this cul-de-sac there will be a pedestrian tunnel under Highway 3 to the new industrial/commercial development on the south side of Highway 3. There will be full traffic signals at the intersection of Highway 3 and 43 and the intersection of Aspen Drive and Highway 43.

Construction on the project should begin in late April or early May with completion set for the fall of 2014.

Climate Action Revenue Program

The Deputy Director of Finance submitted the 2013 Climate Action Revenue Program (CARIP) Report to Council. In 2008 the District signed the BC Climate Action Charter, which is a non-legally binding commitment to make corporate operations carbon neutral by 2012, to measure and report on corporate emissions, and to work toward creating a more compact, complete, energy efficient community.

The district is eligible to receive annual CARIP funding based on being a signatory to the Charter. A number of actions were taken in 2013 towards meeting the Charter commitments such as adopting a Community Energy and Emissions Plan, revising the Official Community Plan and Subdivision Servicing Bylaws to allow for greener and Smart Growth alternatives, promotion of BC Hydro Power Smart programs including the East Kootenay Energy Diet, trail system enhancements, toilet rebate program, Water Smart Ambassador program, energy retrofit of the Leisure Centre, installing spray-foam insulation on several pump houses and lift stations to reduce energy losses, and replacing several decorative seasonal lights with new LED fixtures.

2014 Municipal Election

Sarann Press was appointed as the Chief Election Officer and Karen Miles as Deputy Chief Election Officer to conduct the 2014 General Local Election for the District of Sparwood in November 2014. Ms. Press has over 12 years of experience in local government elections, as well as federal and provincial elections.

Highway 43 and Matevic Road Intersection

Council received a letter from a motorist who was involved in a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway 43 and Matevic Road. A letter will be sent to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure with copies to Mainroad Contracting and the RCMP addressing concerns with access to the intersection of Highway 43 and Matevic Road and also strategies to increase safety in the future.

RDEK Public Library Grants-In-Aid

Council gave consent to Regional District of East Kootenay Bylaw Local Service (Public Library Services Grants-In-Aid) Area Establishment Bylaw, 1990 Amendment Bylaw No. 3, 2013. If approved by the board, the Regional District of East Kootenay will be able to continue to provide financial assistance to the reading centres in the Elk Valley, Columbia Valley, and Kimberley area through the Public Library Grants Service directly.

Bylaws

– Bylaw 1141 cited as “Election Procedures Bylaw No. 940, 2005, Repeal Bylaw 1141, 2014”, Bylaw 1142 cited as “Records Management Bylaw 1142, 2014”, Bylaw 1143 cited as “Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Bylaw 1143, 2014”, Bylaw 1144 cited as “Election Procedures Bylaw 1004, 2008, Amendment Bylaw 1144, 2014”, and Bylaw 1148 cited as “Sewer and Water Reserve Replenishment Parcel Tax Assessment Roll Bylaw 1091, 2012, Amendment Bylaw 1148, 2014” were all adopted.

– Bylaw 1146 cited as “Officers and Officials Bylaw 1026, 2012 Amendment Bylaw 1146, 2014” and Bylaw 1147 cited as “Officers and Officials Benefits Bylaw 1038, 2012, Amendment Bylaw 1147, 2014” were introduced and given first, second, and third reading. These amendments are being brought forward to include the new Deputy Director of Fire Services position.

Sing Me A Song

The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia is introducing a new program to promote music and community spirit across the province. ‘Sing Me A Song’ is an opportunity for musical groups of all ages and genres to write and sing an original song in the lead up to Canada’s 150 birthday celebrations in 2017.

Groups are encouraged to write a song about what Canada’s 150 birthday means to them or their community. Entries will be posted on the Lieutenant Governor’s website and YouTube cannel, Sing Me A Song BC, to be viewed by all British Columbians.

Further information is available online at www.ltgov.bc.ca.

Celebrate International Women’s Day Saturday March 8

Greenwood Mall – Noon – 4 p.m. Food and beverages, haircuts and massages, live performances, and other fun activities.

Snow removal safety

Please do not allow your children to dig tunnels in the snow banks along district streets. Snow removal equipment operators have limited visibility and may not see children playing.

Parents and neighbours need to keep a watchful eye for where children are playing and warn them of the dangers.

Reminder

On-Street Parking Regulations October 1 – March 31

District of Sparwood “Sparwood Traffic, Parking and Highways Regulation Bylaw No. 472, 1987, Amendment Bylaw 1106, 2012” prohibits on-street parking from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 1 to March 31 inclusive.

Residents should note that:

– Parking on the street during snow plowing, snow removal, snow hauling, or sanding operations is prohibited;

– It is an offence to push, place or throw or allow to be pushed, placed or thrown any snow or ice upon a highway or lane; and

– That no advance warning is required under the bylaw and the Motor Vehicle Act and offending vehicles will be towed. Please make appropriate arrangement for parking your vehicles.

Student Employment Opportunities Parks and Greenbelt Workers

The District of Sparwood is looking for energetic and enthusiastic individuals who will be employed for the summer to work as summer parks and greenbelt workers beginning May 5 to September 5. The rate of pay is in accordance with CUPE Local 2698 Collective Agreement.

All applications including cover letter, resume, and proof of enrolment must be received by the District of Sparwood Municipal Office on or before 4 p.m. Friday, March 28. The ‘hat’ draw will be conducted on Monday, March 30. All successful applicants will be contacted following the draw. Applicants should be aware that work performance with the District of Sparwood will be considered for future employment.

Only students who have been enrolled on a full time basis in a post secondary institution or high school during the 2014 Winter/Spring term and are intending to return to school in the fall are eligible for these positions. Student application forms, including the proof of enrollment, are available at the Municipal Office, 136 Spruce Avenue or at the

Sparwood Recreation Department, 367 Pine Avenue or on the district website at www.Sparwood.ca. Proof of enrollment form must be signed by the school Registrar’s Office.

Preference will be given to post secondary students.

All successful applicants will be required to have a valid driver’s license with a Class 5 or a minimum of a Class 7N or Class 7L. Applicants’ address must be the same on their Driver’s License as on their mailing address or permanent address in Sparwood.

Any eligible applications received after the close date, will be automatically put on the bottom of this list, as well as any who are unable to start employment on May 5, 2014.

Questions can be directed to the Sparwood Municipal Office at 250-425-6271 or be emailed to [email protected].

Next meetings in Council Chambers

– Monday, March 17 – Regular Meeting of Council at 7 p.m.

– Monday, March 31 – Special Meeting of Council at 7 p.m.

District of Sparwood

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