The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the October 17 District of Sparwood council meeting.

DELEGATION

Canfor Lladnar Wildfire Salvage

Paul Picard, Triana Bojarski and Jen Melo, all representing Canfor, gave council an overview presentation on the Lladnar Creek Wildfire Salvage plans for 2024. Due to this wildfire, they were unable to follow through on the Cummings Creek wildfire salvage so this will also be done in 2024.

BYLAWS

Permissive Tax Exemption

The Permissive Tax Exemption Amendment Bylaw was adopted by council. This amendment bylaw grants a permissive tax exemption for 2023 to the Elk Valley Family Society for its affordable housing property at 431 Pine Avenue.

BUSINESS

Youth Advisory Commission Appointments

Eli Swanson, Baylee Palmer and Liam Feltin were appointed as Student Representatives to the Youth Advisory Commission for a two-year term as recommended by the Commission.

Development Variance Permit – Whiskey Jack Subdivision

An Informal Public Hearing was held for a development variance permit for subdivision infrastructure standards as the Whiskey Jack developer installed two manholes 153.3 metres apart where the maximum allowable separation for a straight section of sanitary sewer is 150 metres. There was no feedback from the public regarding this permit. The Development Variance Permit was then heard during the regular meeting of council and was approved.

Community Funding and Support Policy

During Committee-of-the-Whole on September 5, staff brought forward the Community Funding and Support Policy for consideration. The proposed policy with the changes were approved by council. The changes are intended to provide clarity and set expectations for the provision of the Community Funding and Support Policy as well as reduce red tape for small organizations requesting support for local community events.

UBCM Volunteer and Composite Fire Departments Equipment and Training Grant

Council approved a grant application of $30,000 for forestry and structural protection equipment capabilities. The total project will cost $34,778.31 plus applicable taxes; the additional funds are already identified in the 2023 Operating Budget and will be funded from there.

Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant

An application to the B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants through the province for the purpose of assisting in completing Michel Creek Pathway and Highway 43 crossing, up to an amount of $735,000, was approved by council. This project will be added into the capital plan for 2024 in the amount of $735,000, to be funded with $235,000 from the Growing Communities Fund reserve fund and $500,000 from grant revenue.

UPCOMING DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS

– Townhall Meeting Tuesday, October 24 at the Leisure Centre Community Hall (367 Pine Avenue) at 6 p.m.

– Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 7 in Council Chambers (136 Spruce Avenue) at 6 p.m. Youth Advisory Commission Meeting Tuesday, November 14 at Sparwood Secondary School (101 Pine Spur Drive) at 11:30 a.m.

– Regular Council Meeting Tuesday, November 21 at 6 p.m.

– Socio-Community and Economic Effects Advisory Committee Meeting Wednesday, November 22 in Council Chambers at 6 p.m.

District of Sparwood

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