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Sparwood Council Facts
The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Jan. 17 District of Sparwood council meeting.
BYLAWS
Bylaws No. 1305 and 1302 – Westwood Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment Bylaws
At the Special Meeting on January 10, the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Amendment bylaws were given first and second readings. This section of land (Westwood) is currently zoned as Agricultural and has been identified as future residential in the OCP. On January 17, the OCP Amendment bylaw was further amended to relocate the park zone.
Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw
This bylaw was given three readings. It is an annual statutory requirement under Section 177 of the Community Charter, and allows the district to borrow funds, if necessary, to meet its current lawful expenditures and pay amounts required to meet the municipality’s tax obligations in relation to another local government or other public body.
BUSINESS
Westwood Purchase and Sale Agreement
At the Special Meeting on January 10, council accepted the offer to purchase 1500 Sparwood Heights Drive (Westwood) by New Dawn Development for $818,400. The intended purpose of the land (shown on map above) is a new subdivision. Read the staff report.
Development Variance Permit for New to You Clothing Society
Council issued a development variance permit for New to You Clothing Society to install a donation shed in one of their off-street parking locations. This will replace the current donation bin.
2023 Community Grant Allocations
Community grant allocations are reviewed and approved by council annually. The following were approved by council and will be included in the 2023 Operating Budget.
Sparwood Search and Rescue – $4,590 for in-kind fuel and building operating costs.
Fernie Women’s Resource Centre – $3,27 in support of Sparwood Parent-Tot Funtimes rental of District facilities
Sparwood Golf Club – $30,000 golf course operating grant
Michel Natal Sparwood Heritage Society – $60,180 Sparwood museum operating grant and building operating costs.
Sparwood Trails Alliance – $10,200 grant toward the Sparwood Ridge Trail Project.
Sparwood Public Library – $212,685 (operating grant + $6,000 donor matching grant + $10,000 capital grant).
Coal Miner Days Society – $28,392 (operating grant + rental of District facilities for Coal Miner Days festivities.
Sparwood Early Years – $1,091 toward the Kindergym program’s rental of District facilities.
Wildsafe BC – $2,000 operating grant.
Sparwood Chamber of Commerce – $76,022 (Sparwood Visitor Centre operating grant, economic development grant + building operating costs).
Branch Out Learning Society – $11,249 for the Children with Special Needs Summer Camp’s rental fees and admissions at district facilities.
Sparwood and District Art and Heritage Council – $3,205.53 (operating grant + rental of district facilities when hosting various annual events)
Category 2 Funding Allowance – $26,000.
Sidewalk Tractor Purchase
The Operations department have been given approval to purchase a new sidewalk tractor with attachments (including a snowblower) to replace the current tractor that is pending a transmission repair.
2023-2027 Financial Plan Capital Budget
The 2023 – 2027 Financial Plan Capital Budget was reviewed by council during Committee-of-the-Whole. Council asked staff to pull the budget amount for security cameras from 2025 to 2023. This document will be revised and brought to council for final approval during a regular council meeting.
UPCOMING DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS
Joint Public Hearing Tuesday, February 7, Council Chambers (136 Spruce Avenue) at 6 p.m. Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 7, Council Chambers at 6 p.m.
Youth Advisory Commission Tuesday, February 14, Sparwood Secondary School (101 Pine Spur Dr) at 11:30 a.m.
Socio-Community and Economic Effects Advisory Committee Wednesday, February 15, Council Chambers at 6 p.m.
Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 21, Council Chambers at 6 p.m.
e-KNOW file photos
District of Sparwood
