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Sparwood Council Facts
The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the March 21 District of Sparwood council meeting.
Business
Traffic concerns at Leisure Centre
Council provided direction to staff to:
– Increase the level of enforcement for all vehicle related contraventions that relate to pedestrian safety;
– Investigate costs of installing a flashing crosswalk sign or temporary rumble strips at the intersection of Pine Avenue and Western Larch Crescent; and
– Develop a Special Events Policy which includes parking, road closures, and use of barricades to improve public safety during community events.
Coal Miner Days 2016
Council approved the allocation of a $12,000 grant-in-aid for the Sparwood Coal Miner Days Society and up to $20,500 of in-kind contributions. Council also approved various road and parking lot closures to accommodate the fireworks, parade, soap box derby, children’s festival, emergency awareness displays, duathlon, and show and shine.
Off-leash dog parks
In order to determine the need and desirability of off-leash dog parks in Sparwood, council has directed staff to implement a community consultation process.
A survey will be developed and distributed online through the district webpage and Facebook page as well as hard copies available at the District Office and the Leisure Centre. Notices will be posted at known areas where off-leash activities are taking place directing residents to the survey.
Results of the consultation process will be included in a report to council along with potential sites and costs related to the development of off-leash dog parks.
Sparwood Old Age Pensioners Society (SOAPS)
Council approved the purchase of 10 hall rentals from the Sparwood Old Age Pensioners Society (SOAPS) at a cost of $1,250 per year, for the years 2016 and 2017.
In other news
Easter holiday break
Due to the two statutory holidays, Good Friday and Easter Monday, there will be not garbage pickup scheduled.
Garbage that would normally be picked up on Friday, March 25 will be picked up on Thursday, March 24 and garbage that would normally be picked up on Monday, March 28 will be picked up on Tuesday, March 29.
The District of Sparwood Main Office and Public Works Office will be closed on Good Friday, March 25, and Easter Monday, March 28. The Leisure Centre will be open Good Friday and Easter Monday from 1 – 4 p.m. for public swim.
Street sweeping
Weather permitting, the Public Works Department will continue with their street sweeping schedule. To assist the Public Works crews, watch for the street sweeper and ensure that your vehicles are removed from the street.
Building permits & inspections
The Planning Department administers the district’s Building and Zoning Bylaws and oversees building permits for new construction, renovations, alterations, additions, and changes in occupancy of existing buildings.
Building permits ensure that the work is in compliance with all codes and safety standards. The work will be inspected by the District’s Building Official.
All terrain vehicles and motorbikes
The District of Sparwood would like to remind citizens that ATV, Motorcycle and Snowmobile Bylaw 823, 2000 prohibits the operations of motorbikes and ATVs on all public property including parks, trails, walkways, highways, roads, and greenbelts. Section 4(a) authorizes a Bylaw Enforcement Officer or Peace
Officer to seize or impound motorbikes or ATVs that operate contrary to this bylaw. In addition to impoundment fees of $50 per day and towing costs, violators could be charged up to $50 in fines.
If you witness a contravention, please notify the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at [email protected] or 250-425-6820. You will be asked to provide a description and any evidence (photo or video if possible or witness statement) you may have when you call.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Spring Registration & Community Information Evening
Tuesday, April 5 5 – 7:30 p.m. at Sparwood Curling Rink Concourse.
Come on out and see what Sparwood has to offer for the spring and summer months at the Spring Registration and Community Information night on April 5. This will be your first chance to register for preschool, dance, summer camps, and more. For more information or to register your organization and book a table contact the Leisure Centre.
Clean-up Sparwood 2016 event
April 23 from 9 a.m. –noon: Wear old clothes and gather with your club, workplace, or family to help clean up Sparwood! From April 18 – April 23, we are once again looking for volunteers to help clean up Sparwood from the garbage accumulated over the winter as part of
Pitch In Canada Week, a national campaign to clean up the environment.
We want to show environmental leadership and instill pride in the beauty of our community. By picking up garbage and litter we will become more aware of what’s being thrown away, what could have been recycled and we’ll also have a better understanding of the consequences of littering.
We will have more information available in the next few weeks but there will be a staging area at the East Kootenay Community Credit Union Sparwood Branch where you will be supplied with garbage bags, gloves, and high-vis vests (if desired). After the clean-up there will be BBQ, provided by Lilac Terrace, for all participants. The BBQ will also be available to the public as part of a fundraiser for Lilac Terrace.
Any group or individual that registers before April 15 will be entered into a draw. For more information or to register, contact Jessica Wheeler at 250-425-6829 or email [email protected]. All community groups and individuals are encouraged to participate!
B.C. Arts & Culture Week April 17 – 24
The Assembly of BC Arts Councils sponsors this week every year. The Sparwood and District Arts and Heritage Council invites everyone in the community to take part. Here are just a few ways to be included: Talk up the value of arts education; Unveil a public artwork; Display arts, crafts, photos, etc.; Ethnic displays or wearing ethnic dress; Performances – song, dance, instrumental. If you wish to take part, or for more information please contact Rose Sharma at 250-425-6900 with your event.
SPARWOOD’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
In celebration of Sparwood’s 50th Anniversary, mark your calendar for a number of exciting events.
Anniversary Party & Cake Cutting
Thursday, May 12: 11:30 a.m. –1:30 p.m. Community photo, BBQ, cake, and live music at Titan Park.
Sock Hop Dance Family Fun Event 6 – 9 p.m.
Music by T & L Dynamic Sound; food and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase. Prizes for best dressed sock hoppers and dancers from 1960s. Everyone is welcome!
Friday, June 10: 5-10:30 p.m.
50th Anniversary Reunion Dinner & Dance at the Sparwood Arena. Tickets $35 (will be available soon).
Upcoming meetings
– Committee of the Whole Meeting in council chambers on Tuesday, March 29 at 1 p.m.
– Regular Meeting in council chambers on Monday, April 4 at 1 p.m.
District of Sparwood
