The following is a round up of what occurred during the Jan. 6 District of Sparwood council meeting.
Sign Permit
Council approved a six-month extension for a sign permit authorized to Coal Town Properties for a fee of $100 per month per sign. The signs, advertising the Vantage Point Development, are located at 1302 Highway 3, 6000 Highway 43, and 1800 Sparwood Heights Drive.
Bylaws
Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw 1140, 2014 was introduced and given first, second, and third reading. The purpose of a revenue anticipation borrowing bylaw is to provide for an operating line of credit. The District of Sparwood has not had an overdraft for many years; however, there is always the possibility that one could be created if transfers from investments are delayed.
Leisure Centre Programs
Be sure to check out the new winter programs at the Sparwood Leisure Centre. Brochures are now available at the Leisure Centre or on the District of Sparwood Recreation website at www.sparwood.ca/recreation.
Business licences
All people carrying on a business within the municipality require a business licence. This includes all home occupations, catalogue sales, commercial, and out of town businesses.
This is a reminder to all local business owners that your 2014 Business Licences are now due.
If you have not purchased your current licence please come into our office and bring your account up to date.
New businesses can apply in person at 136 Spruce Avenue or on-line at www.Sparwood.ca under application forms.
On-Street Parking Regulations
From October 1 – March 31 the District of Sparwood “Sparwood Traffic, Parking and Highways Regulation Bylaw No. 472, 1987, Amendment Bylaw 1106, 2012” prohibits on-street parking from six o’clock a.m. to four o’clock 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.
Dog licences
The District of Sparwood Animal Control Bylaw requires every dog to have a current year licence by January 15. A neutered or spayed dog tag, with vet certificate, is $10 or $30 for an unaltered dog.
Why licensing your dog should be your number one priority:
- If your dog gets lost, even in a neighbouring community, a licence is the fastest way to reunite you with your dog. Even if your dog is microchipped, a licence tag is immediately visible and doesn’t require a scanning device. Dogs are often returned by contacting the dog’s owner at their address on file with the district;
- Your dog’s licence shows that you are a responsible dog owner. When you walk your dog people will notice the licence on your dog’s collar and know that you really care about your dog’s welfare;
- Licensing lets others know that your dog is not a stray. Often found dogs are kept by the people who find them, who assume an unlicensed dog is a stray; and
- It’s the law! Failure to licence your dog by January 15 may result in tickets and impound fees.
For more information, or to renew or purchase a dog licence please contact the District Office.
Notice of Assessment
BC Assessment has mailed out your 2014 Notice of Assessment. If you do not receive your Notice of Assessment by January 20, you should contact BC Assessment to determine if there is an issue with your mailing address.
The BC Assessment Branch for the East Kootenay is in Cranbrook and can be reached at 1-800-556-9229 or 1-250-426-8901 or by email at eastkootenay@bcassessment.ca. Additional information can be obtained on their website at www.bcassessment.ca.
District of Sparwood staff is also available to help locate your Notice of Assessment or assist with a change of address.
Pay your utilities early and save!
The 2014 utility rates for single family dwellings and strata units are set out below. A 10% discount is available for the whole amount, or any portion thereof, provided it is paid no later than January 31.
Single Family Residence – 2014 Water/Sewer/Garbage – $819. If paid by January 31 it is $737.10 – Save: $81.90.
Strata Unit- 2014 Water/Sewer/Garbage $786.60. If paid by January 31, it is $707.94; Save $78.66
Residential Water and Garbage Services only - 2014 Water/Garbage $554.40 – If paid by January 31, – $498.96 - Save $55.44;
Residential Garbage Service only - 2014 Garbage $352.20. If paid by January 31 – $316.98 - Save 35.22.
Discounts apply only if 2013 utilities have been paid in full. Payment will be applied first to any outstanding 2013 utilities transferred to tax accounts. Discounts are available to all commercial accounts as well.
Recycling in the District of Sparwood
Yellow recycling bins are located in four areas within the District of Sparwood. Sparwood Heights minimal (seven bins with one for glass); Silver Fox parking lot (five bins with one for glass); Engelmann Spruce Drive between the Public Works yard and the Mainroad Contracting yard (13 bins with two for glass); and the Transfer Station (five bins with one for glass). The public is encouraged to use these bins for their recycling.
Yellow bins that are located behind businesses in the downtown core are for business use only and should not be used by the public.
Upcoming meetings in council chambers
- Monday, January 20 – Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.
- Monday, January 27 – Committee of the Whole Meeting at 7 p.m.
District of Sparwood