[0:01] Good evening, January 20th, 2026.

[0:04] Public hearing is now convened at 6 0 1 pursuant

[0:08] to section 4 6 4 of the local government act.

[0:11] The purpose of this hearing is

[0:13] to consider a zoning

[0:14] amendment for a neighborhood commercial.

[0:16] The order of business for the remainder

[0:17] of this hearing will be as follows For each application

[0:21] be staff report presentation by the applicant, opportunity

[0:25] for public feedback.

[0:27] Applicant response

[0:29] after the hearing is concluded,

[0:30] the zoning amendment will be considered at the regular

[0:32] council meeting immediately following this hearing.

[0:35] Mr. So Fleet, please provide a brief overview

[0:38] of the application.

[0:40] Thank you Chair.

[0:52] So before you for this hearing is, uh,

[0:53] by zoning bylaw amendment 13 59 20 25.

[0:57] This is a proposed amendment

[0:59] to the C3 neighborhood commercial Zone.

[1:01] Uh, for reference, the C3 zone only applies

[1:03] to two properties in town, uh, 1290 Ponderosa Drive,

[1:07] which is the Sparwood Heights store site,

[1:08] and six 14 Douglas Fir, which is the Silver Fox.

[1:13] So the application's been received

[1:15] and it's, uh, requesting adding the following uses

[1:17] to the C3 zone offices, restaurants, institutional services

[1:21] to buildings and dwellings,

[1:23] and adding recreation to the list of uses that are permitted

[1:26] to happen exterior to the building.

[1:28] The last component is deleting the max gross floor area

[1:31] limitation of 185.8 square meters for each primary use.

[1:36] Uh, this bylaw received first

[1:38] and second reading on December 16th.

[1:40] Notice has been provided, uh, in the free press

[1:43] and delivered to properties within 60 meters.

[1:45] Uh, after third reading.

[1:47] Should council provide third reading,

[1:48] the bylaw will be referred to the Ministry of Transportation

[1:51] and Transit before coming back for adoption.

[1:55] In terms of public feedback to date, as if 4:00 PM today,

[1:58] no feedback's been received,

[1:59] I'm just gonna touch on the specific changes.

[2:02] Um, so adding, uh,

[2:04] neighborhood commercial is more restrictive than general

[2:06] commercial zones and typically have a more

[2:08] restrictive suite of uses.

[2:10] Office is a definition that's not in our bylaw.

[2:14] Uh, so it's using the dictionary definition.

[2:16] Generally, less foot traffic can reduce vibrancy in

[2:19] character, but have minimal noise, order odor

[2:22] or heavy traffic, and are depending on the types of office,

[2:25] can be common in neighborhood,

[2:26] commercial areas and other communities.

[2:29] Institutional, uh, this is a defined use.

[2:32] It's a broad category,

[2:33] but typically you're looking at governmental, religious,

[2:36] educational, charitable or hospital type buildings.

[2:39] Um, restaurant, uh,

[2:41] restaurants are a typical use in neighborhood commercial.

[2:43] In our C3 zone neighborhood pubs are currently permitted.

[2:47] Restaurant is just a broader category

[2:48] of eating establishment than neighborhood pub.

[2:51] So again, very common in neighborhood commercial areas,

[2:54] services to buildings and dwellings.

[2:57] This definition comes from our M1 zone, uh,

[3:00] which is actually pulling from the standard industrial

[3:02] classification of 1980, uh, which defines it

[3:05] as establishments primarily engaged in disinfecting

[3:08] and ex exterminating, window cleaning, janitorial,

[3:11] and other services to buildings and dwellings.

[3:13] So under thes 1980 definition, it is more akin

[3:16] to an industrial use.

[3:17] Um, however, those definitions may change with the rewrite

[3:21] of our zoning bylaw.

[3:22] Um, yeah,

[3:25] adding allowable exterior uses the C3 zone does

[3:28] limit outdoor use.

[3:29] Um, the applicant's requested that recreation be added

[3:32] as an allowable use to permit the mini golf

[3:34] that occurs there seasonally.

[3:35] Um, potentially other uses could be included, particularly

[3:39] as we're considering a zoning bylaw rerate.

[3:41] Common issues on private,

[3:42] or I should say common outdoor amenities on private property

[3:45] are patios for pubs.

[3:47] Um, and in some cases,

[3:49] businesses bring their product out onto the street, uh,

[3:51] or into the, into the lot to advertise it.

[3:54] Um, this zone is subject to the form

[3:56] and character development permit area.

[3:58] So any external alterations to the building would follow

[4:00] through, uh, form and character DP

[4:03] and aren't impacted by the proposed amendment.

[4:06] Again, there could be potential impacts

[4:07] from noise, depending on the use.

[4:09] In terms of maximum floor area,

[4:11] the maximum current is 185.8.

[4:15] Uh, this building has been around for a while,

[4:17] and there's a number of development permits

[4:19] that have been issued to alter those sizes.

[4:21] Um, the remaining units in the, in the

[4:26] property do appear to meet the standards.

[4:28] And just one note, if this regulation is removed,

[4:31] it could allow the entire building

[4:33] to be consolidated into a single business.

[4:35] And typically, neighborhood commercial is not intended

[4:37] for large scale commercial activities.

[4:39] So single operators, um, but that's council's prerogative.

[4:44] Uh, removing it here will also affect the other C3 zone

[4:47] property, which is the silver fox.

[4:49] Uh, next steps. This, uh,

[4:51] amendment is on the agenda this evening

[4:53] at council's regular meeting.

[4:55] And that concludes my presentation.

[4:58] Thank you. Mr. Flt.

[5:00] Is the applicant present

[5:01] and do they wish to make a presentation to council?

[5:09] Very good. Oh,

[5:15] Mr. Anderson, did you, uh, did you, uh, want

[5:18] to, uh, present to counsel?

[5:32] Just gonna ask one more time.

[5:33] I'm not sure if you're hearing me.

[5:34] Uh, Mr. Anderson online, are you wanting

[5:37] to make a presentation to counsel on public hearing?

[5:44] If you're trying to talk to us, you're muted.

[5:55] Okay. That was fair opportunity. I'm moving on.

[5:56] That completes the presentation portion of the application.

[5:59] I'll now open the floor to those present here

[6:01] and online who believe

[6:02] that their interest is affected by this application.

[6:05] To share their views with counsel, please raise your hand

[6:07] to speak and you'll be called upon in order.

[6:10] When called upon. Please state your name

[6:11] and address for the record prior to sharing your comments.

[6:15] Each person will be given two minutes

[6:18] to speak about the matters pertinent to this application.

[6:21] For those online, please enter your name and address

[6:24] and comments in the chat.

[6:26] Uh, and staff will read those to counsel.

[6:28] Please note that the only opportunity

[6:30] to comment on the application will be during this hearing

[6:33] as members of council are not permitted

[6:35] to receive further submissions

[6:36] after the close of the hearing.

[6:38] Is there anyone present who would like to speak

[6:40] to the application

[6:44] hand raised?

[6:46] Uh, George, if you come up to the, uh, podium there,

[6:49] and there should be a button, uh, you've used it

[6:52] before, just make sure it turns red on the right hand side

[6:56] so that, uh, those online can hear you.

[6:59] Uh, yes, my name is George Clma.

[7:01] I don't think Jim is, uh, able to get

[7:04] through for whatever reason.

[7:05] I, so I'm just gonna say that, uh, that building up there,

[7:09] I hope they understand that it's only

[7:11] to store their material

[7:14] and to, uh, uh, pick up, uh,

[7:17] and have a small office in there.

[7:19] It's not gonna be bringing in stuff to clean or anything.

[7:22] They'll, they'll be doing another. Nothing other than that.

[7:26] So I, you know, like

[7:28] They'll Be, uh, they've got, uh, contracts in Elford.

[7:32] They've got contracts in Sparwood Ferney,

[7:34] so they'll be coming and going.

[7:35] And that's about it. Thank you.

[7:39] Thanks George. Jim, I've seen

[7:40] that your mute button has gone off there.

[7:42] Is there more to add that I will afford, uh, a circle back

[7:45] to the, uh, if there was a technology problem.

[7:49] Is there anything else you'd like to add?

[7:56] It's new. Yep. Yep.

[7:59] Uh, is there any online besides that, uh, Marie that

[8:03] There Are attendees online,

[8:05] but no questions have been submitted?

[8:11] Alright, seeing no others

[8:14] and none online, we'll move on.

[8:17] Uh, there's no applicant responses there.

[8:19] Jim, are you, are you able to speak?

[8:30] Okay, I see no comments. Uh, Mr.

[8:32] Ley, do you have anything to add based on that? No. Mr.

[8:35] Chair. Okay.

[8:36] I'll declare this hearing closed at, uh,

[8:39] 6 10, 6 0 9.

[8:43] Actually, it's not quite six 10 yet.

[8:50] Alright. Good evening and welcome to the January 20th, 2026.

[8:54] Regular meeting of council for the district is forward.

[8:57] I'd like to call this meeting to order at 6 0 9.

[9:01] I'd like to remind everyone present

[9:02] that this meeting is being aired live on Facebook

[9:04] and Zoom, as well as being recorded

[9:06] and will be broadcasted on the local cable channel.

[9:10] If you'd like to ask a question related to an agenda topic,

[9:12] you will have an opportunity during question period.

[9:15] Those online will have to join the zoom meeting,

[9:18] or pardon me, the meeting through Zoom

[9:20] and ask question of counsel.

[9:23] So, Before we move into the, uh, adoption

[9:25] of the agenda, we do have more than two members online,

[9:28] which means we'll need a motion to spend our, uh, orders

[9:33] of operation, allow more than two councils

[9:34] to attend electronically.

[9:35] So, do I have a motion? Second? Second. Second.

[9:40] Any discussion? All in favor?

[9:46] And I see none, um,

[9:48] Carried In opposition.

[9:51] So we're carried. Next order of business is the adoption

[9:56] of minutes from the previous meetings.

[9:57] Are there any errors or omissions to the minutes to note

[10:00] before we consider adoption?

[10:05] Hearing none the motion

[10:07] before is that the minutes of the special meeting

[10:08] of council held December 9th, 2025

[10:10] and the minutes of the regular council meeting

[10:12] of counsel had, uh,

[10:14] December 16th, 2025 be adopted

[10:16] as presented. We have a motion.

[10:17] Moved. Moved. Second.

[10:23] Uh, All those in favor?

[10:27] Uh, Carried. I need to backtrack. I skipped a page.

[10:30] Thank you, Jacqueline. Uh, is there anything

[10:33] that council wishes to add

[10:35] or change to this evening's agenda

[10:36] before we consider adoption?

[10:41] Mayor? Well, 'cause I see the smile. Yes. I skipped a page.

[10:44] Uh, you've, you've had much more practice than first time.

[10:48] It, it changes. Just three seats

[10:50] over the, the pressure's here.

[10:52] Great. Hearing none.

[10:53] Can I have a motion to, uh,

[10:54] to approve the agenda as presented?

[10:56] Move, seconded. Uh, any discussion? All those in favor?

[11:02] Carried. Alright,

[11:05] we have two delegations this evening.

[11:08] I'd like to remind the delegations that the presentations

[11:11] will be received as information by council tonight.

[11:15] You're limited to 10 minutes for your presentations.

[11:17] If you require additional time, a unanimous vote

[11:20] of council is required to extend

[11:22] that time period following your presentation.

[11:24] An additional five minutes is, uh, allocated to, uh,

[11:28] questions from council to clarify

[11:30] any points of your presentation.

[11:31] So to be clear, no decisions will be made tonight.

[11:34] Um, and that brings us to the first delegation.

[11:38] Our first delegation.

[11:40] I don't see, uh, Sergeant Nielsen in the room.

[11:43] Oh, there, he snuck in. There. He is. Over to the side.

[11:46] Uh, it's from the SMP Sergeant, uh, staff Sergeant.

[11:49] Uh, and listen with a quarterly update. Welcome.

[11:54] My apologies. No problem. Hit the

[11:59] Button. Sorry,

[12:00] I was hitting the blue one, not the red one.

[12:02] Sorry, Ann. Um, thank you very much.

[12:05] Um, no problems with the, um, unrecognizable, uh,

[12:08] face on the, uh, right side there.

[12:09] It's okay, sir. Um, just, uh, quickly go through here.

[12:13] Obviously I've got 10 minutes, so I'm working on that.

[12:15] So I'm used to doing this now, so we'll get started.

[12:18] Um, so I went through a few of the power reviews.

[12:20] Obviously Sparwood just has a busy quarter.

[12:23] Um, I know the last time I was here, um, I covered off some

[12:26] of this, so I apologize if some is kind of a repeat, just

[12:28] because I was a little bit into the, the quarter

[12:31] that was already ongoing.

[12:33] But, um, as going through the file details, just, um,

[12:37] I know you're probably a bit concerned about some of the,

[12:39] the sexual assault defenses.

[12:41] Um, uh, generally speaking, um,

[12:43] those are still being investigated

[12:45] or have, uh, victim that's coming and reported them to us.

[12:49] And then, um, and then become not necessarily uncooperative.

[12:52] It just didn't want to go any further with those.

[12:54] Um, some were handled, one was handled in particular with a,

[12:57] um, a workplace reporting structure

[12:59] that the person had available to them.

[13:02] And then there was also one, uh,

[13:03] youth investigation, which is ongoing.

[13:06] Um, it skip down to collisions are very, very typical.

[13:10] The only unfortunate event, obviously we had

[13:12] during the quarter in November, which was a busy month.

[13:15] And I know everybody that's on liner listing knows we had a

[13:18] busy November here in Sparwood.

[13:20] Um, we did have a fatal incident, um, to the, um, east

[13:23] of town, which unfortunately resulted in two deaths, um,

[13:26] after the, uh, during the investigation.

[13:29] Um, so it's pretty much, um,

[13:32] at this point been concluded more

[13:34] or less related to, to row conditions

[13:36] at this point, more than anything else.

[13:38] Um, uh, as far as, um, some of the other details,

[13:42] the missing person file that we had,

[13:44] the one missing person file was a youth

[13:46] that was running away and they were located

[13:48] by a parent before we got involved.

[13:50] Um, the traffic initiative that I spoke

[13:52] of the last time I was here, which is quite adamant with one

[13:54] of the participants in the audience, um, that I spoke to

[13:57] after the event, we started that right away

[13:59] and engaged that process, uh,

[14:02] pretty much within the same week.

[14:04] Um, and that resulted in, um, so far anyway

[14:07] with Christmas season and everything.

[14:09] So forgive us. Um, eight checks are completed by the,

[14:12] by the GD teams, which I see you can see on the results

[14:15] later on about the file totals for those,

[14:17] or the ticket total story that were in regards

[14:19] to the Sparwood area.

[14:21] And then of course, there was constant checks by me

[14:23] because I go through the town every single day.

[14:25] And so I do that twice a day and or more sometimes.

[14:28] So there was a lot more than just the eight.

[14:30] But, um, so we're continue

[14:31] to do those along Pine in Ponderosa as per the ask.

[14:34] Um, so far there's been a few ticks, issued a lot

[14:36] of warnings, but, uh, generally speaking, um,

[14:39] in the unmarked truck anyway, uh, a lot of people are, um,

[14:42] paying attention to what they're doing thankfully.

[14:45] Uh, but we're still ongoing with that

[14:46] and obviously trying to meet the, um, the queries of council

[14:50] and the public too as well in regards

[14:51] to the timing of those things.

[14:52] So we're still working those issues out.

[14:55] Um, the wild mines events that we did in the schools, uh,

[14:59] particularly with, um, the, we had pizza days

[15:02] that were going, going through the spring last year,

[15:04] and then into, into, uh, the early school year,

[15:07] more focused on, uh, uh, wild mines working

[15:10] with MAT students

[15:11] and elders that are, that are in our area, um,

[15:14] occurred at the Sparwood Secondary as well

[15:15] as the other secondary schools.

[15:17] Um, those were very successful

[15:18] and we had very positive comments

[15:20] and, um, workings with, not only with the elders,

[15:22] but with the students, uh, just to build

[15:24] and, um, build relationships there.

[15:26] And then, um, as you may be interested in,

[15:29] we do have one vacancy currently, um,

[15:31] within our detachment area.

[15:33] Not with you guys, but with the current municipality.

[15:35] And we're actually able to, um, fill that.

[15:38] Actually, I just got notified of that today.

[15:41] It's pretty much final, but, um,

[15:42] pretty much guaranteed that we'll fill that spot.

[15:44] So at that point we should be, knock on wood,

[15:46] um, full hopefully.

[15:48] So. Um, so we're thankful for that.

[15:51] Um, obviously other investigations that we had in November.

[15:54] Um, the major crimes team

[15:56] that's continuing their investigation, ironically,

[15:59] they're here this week, um, continuing investigation

[16:01] with the incident that occurred in the NW.

[16:03] Um, so that's, um, been progressing pretty actively, um,

[16:07] within the team there.

[16:09] And obviously we have the, um, the EVR, um,

[16:12] workplace incident, um, fatality there

[16:14] that we have an ongoing investigation with

[16:16] that we're handling internally with our

[16:18] general investigative section.

[16:20] And that is, um, ongoing

[16:22] and we'll likely take a few months to get complete.

[16:25] It's a very complex investigation. Um, very unusual.

[16:28] We're working with a variety of different partners, uh,

[16:31] not only with, um, mine inspectors,

[16:33] but also we have a partnership with Crown and,

[16:36] and, uh, other agencies.

[16:37] So it's a, it's a complex, uh, complex project

[16:41] and, um, we won't have any answers for that for,

[16:44] for several months, but it is ongoing

[16:45] and we are, um, we are pursuing

[16:47] the investigation as we should.

[16:49] So, um,

[16:50] and then of course we had the Mountain View Trailer park,

[16:53] um, uh, involvement

[16:54] where we had our emergency response team here too, as well

[16:57] with some of our containment team members.

[16:59] And they came and were able to safely arrest the, the,

[17:02] the gentleman involved in that, which has resulted in, um,

[17:06] no charge at this point, but we are pursuing, uh,

[17:09] prohibition, firearms prohibition with that gentleman, um,

[17:11] and taking that forward through that.

[17:13] So, um, everything's moving forward there.

[17:16] So, um, outside of that, um,

[17:19] I'm sure you'd probably see the, the BE stuff again, just

[17:22] to remind you of those things that typically we score those.

[17:25] So, because when we're doing work on those, I want the,

[17:28] I want us to have, um, credit for those.

[17:30] 'cause sometimes those can take upwards of half an hour

[17:33] to 45 minutes to, to go to and, uh, and investigate.

[17:36] So we, we naturally want to take credit for those

[17:39] through our, through our Canadian, uh,

[17:41] statistical process that we have to go through.

[17:43] So that's why you see them all unfounded there if you see

[17:46] them there, either on public or here.

[17:48] And outside of that, I think I'm pretty much done.

[17:52] Um, obviously we're still doing public, um, events.

[17:56] I got a few more minutes, um, public events.

[17:59] Um, we've got, um, we've got some student work.

[18:02] Uh, one of the, um, the constables has a pro a program

[18:05] to work with the schools with, um, a music building program,

[18:08] Constable Turner, and he does that fairly regularly.

[18:11] Obviously we've participated in the Sparwood, uh,

[18:13] Santa Parade and also the Lower Rock Valley Road parade,

[18:16] which we're very happy year every year.

[18:18] And then of course, we're involved in Packet PC as well

[18:20] as the Sparwood, um, emergency fundraising too as well.

[18:23] So, um, lots of good things done by the team.

[18:26] That's about it for me, unless there's questions.

[18:29] Fantastic. Thanks for making time for us

[18:32] and for the comprehensive report.

[18:34] Uh, please send our regards to Household Turner.

[18:35] I, I appreciate that he is, uh, a well established

[18:38] and accomplished drummer, as, as I understand it.

[18:40] So yes, he is. Yeah.

[18:42] Is there any, uh, questions from counsel, uh, both online

[18:45] and in person?

[18:47] Councilor Nan? Yeah, no question.

[18:49] Just wanna say thank you, uh, uh, uh,

[18:53] police Chief Van Nelson.

[18:55] Thank you so much. Really appreciate

[18:57] everything you guys do. Thank

[18:58] You. We do,

[18:59] We really do as a private citizen, not as a council.

[19:03] I appreciate that, Chris. Thank you. Thank you.

[19:05] Um, yeah, no, the, the team's working very hard.

[19:08] We have a lot of success within the crime reduction stuff we

[19:11] do too, as well with repeat offenders.

[19:13] We don't have a lot here that we keep track of,

[19:15] but they do do a good job with those two as well.

[19:17] And, um, yeah, I think the, the team is definitely, um,

[19:20] you know, doing some good, good work

[19:22] and lots of challenging files in November

[19:24] and into, into December.

[19:25] And, um, I think the strength

[19:27] of the team has come through in those results.

[19:29] So, yeah.

[19:31] Fantastic. Uh, Councillor

[19:32] Atwell, see you have your hand up there.

[19:34] Yeah. Uh, thank you, uh, through yourself to, uh,

[19:38] just ask Sergeant Nielsen, um, with the spike

[19:40] that we did see in, uh, in November, is there anything, um,

[19:44] that you could, uh, maybe see from, uh, on council's behalf

[19:48] of kind of what, uh, if there's any changes

[19:50] that we could potentially make to kind of assist in kind

[19:53] of bring some of those things to the forefront, um, kind

[19:55] of look at some root causes potentially, and, uh,

[19:58] and, uh, see what kind of, you know,

[20:00] assistance we can provide in that as well to kind of stem

[20:02] that from progressing forward?

[20:05] Sure thing. Um, I can, I mean, I can speak to 'em.

[20:07] I mean, I think most of the time, for me personally,

[20:09] in my 23 years doing this job

[20:12] and having been here for four years,

[20:13] sometimes it's just your turn, so

[20:15] to speak, to go through these things.

[20:17] Um, unfortunately, the, the, the fatalities

[20:20] that we had on the highway, the, the one fatality that re

[20:22] or the two fatalities resulted from one incident, um,

[20:25] that's, uh, that's just situational factors that existed

[20:28] during that investigation.

[20:29] And I won't try to try to pinpoint any resolution to that

[20:33] or, or causes for that beyond the fact that two persons,

[20:37] um, passed in that thing.

[20:38] I think the highway crew that day, et cetera,

[20:40] road conditions were pretty normal for our area,

[20:42] and it's just something that happened.

[20:44] Um, similar to obviously the,

[20:46] the major crimes investigation,

[20:48] that's a completely entire different thing.

[20:50] Um, similar to comments though, where it's just

[20:52] that there's just an event that occurred, um, similar really

[20:55] to the, the other two.

[20:57] I mean, those are just situations that happened,

[20:59] and unfortunately they happened within a very small time.

[21:01] Um, so I don't, I don't believe there's anything

[21:05] to really pinpoint for council to do.

[21:07] I know, obviously, uh,

[21:08] mayor Wilkes is very active within the traffic portfolio,

[21:11] um, provincially and, uh, so I know he has our, our voice

[21:16] and, uh, in parts the concerns we have, uh, into that area.

[21:19] And of course, we're, we're tied into the, um,

[21:21] the East Ney Road Safety Committee stuff too,

[21:24] as well, that is done locally.

[21:25] And, um, we're, we're actively

[21:27] involved with that group too as well.

[21:28] So I think we're, we're trying to do as much as we can,

[21:31] but I appreciate the ask. Thank you.

[21:33] Yeah. And just a follow up,

[21:35] thank you again for everything.

[21:36] I know that, uh, um, at least from the,

[21:39] also from the youth perspective, uh,

[21:40] the work you guys are doing at the schools is, uh,

[21:42] is definitely well appreciated.

[21:44] And, uh, I know it goes a long way. So thank you again.

[21:46] Thank you, Councilor.

[21:48] Well, I feel like, uh, I heard that there was a vacancy,

[21:51] so if you're really keen, um, there's another opportunity

[21:55] for a deputy at, well, that's, uh, sounds fantastic.

[21:58] They'd be constable. Um, Yes, I be constable.

[22:00] I just want the giant hat.

[22:02] It's gotta be bigger brim than anybody's ever seen. Yeah.

[22:04] Although I understand the sheriffs are hiring too,

[22:06] as well, so that's, that's a good choice too.

[22:10] Okay. I see nothing further.

[22:11] I appreciate your, your time,

[22:12] and we, we look, uh, look forward to,

[22:14] to chatting with you again next quarter. Thank you

[22:16] Very much. Thanks.

[22:17]

[22:23] Even when I try to make jokes, the, uh,

[22:25] the authority figures me out.

[22:28] Wrong terminology. Our next delegation is at Laurel Lowell

[22:33] and Steven Dovey representing Spar Public Library

[22:36] with an update and funding information.

[22:39] Uh, welcome. Laurel, are you, are you by yourself tonight?

[22:42] No, no seat. Uh, Steven.

[22:48] No problem.

[22:49] It's here. Steven couldn't make it tonight.

[22:52] Um, I have Carly, Yvonne here with me.

[22:54] She's the, um,

[22:57] trustee co co-chair, vice chair.

[22:59] Vice chair. Vice Chair. Well,

[23:01] Vice chair, you're more than welcome to come

[23:02] and stand with your, your partner, if you like,

[23:05] or support from the back.

[23:06] Uh, either way, it's fine.

[23:07] She can support me from there. Okay.

[23:08] If I fall over, she'll come get me joining

[23:10] Hand. Fantastic.

[23:12] Um, yes. Good evening, Mr. Mayor and counsel.

[23:15] Um, first on behalf of the Sparwood Public Library Board

[23:18] of Trustees, I really, truly want to thank you

[23:20] for your continued support.

[23:22] While the public library has always been an important part

[23:25] of any community, I believe we're rapidly becoming a much

[23:27] more vital resource, um, due in part to economic,

[23:30] the economic situation, but also I think

[23:33] because there seems to be a growing trend for people

[23:35] to return back to more tangible holdable real things,

[23:39] partly I think because of devices and social media

[23:43] and disinformation.

[23:45] And so we seem to be seeing a real trend in that area,

[23:47] and I think it's a healthy trend

[23:49] and we're here to support it.

[23:51] So, um,

[23:52] I am the current library director at the Spar Public

[23:54] Library, and I'm pleased to be here to update you on

[23:57] what we've done in the past year.

[23:59] So in 2025,

[24:01] the Spar Public Library welcomed over

[24:02] 15,000 visitors through our doors.

[24:06] A significant number of those visitors came

[24:08] to use the computers and use the internet

[24:10] or, um, to do paperwork, access their email,

[24:13] or to use the faxing and photocopying

[24:15] and scanning services that we provide at a really

[24:17] non nominal cost.

[24:19] Um, but we've also seen a, an increasing usage

[24:22] of traditional library services.

[24:25] So in 2025, our membership increased by 240 patrons.

[24:30] We loaned out close to 17,000 items,

[24:34] most of which were books.

[24:35] But we also do audio books and movies and board games

[24:37] and educational toys,

[24:39] and we loan out laptops for people who are taking courses.

[24:43] Uh, we also loaned out an additional 3,300

[24:46] eBooks through the online library.

[24:47] So that brought our, our loan circulation up

[24:52] to 20,000 items in one year in Sparwood

[24:55] in little old Sparwood.

[24:57] So that's pretty impressive use of a library.

[25:00] Um, we expanded our hours of operation this year

[25:02] to include Friday evenings and Saturdays.

[25:05] And the visitor numbers on Saturdays have been crazy.

[25:08] There's quite often not parking available on Saturdays.

[25:11] So it's been, it was welcome in the

[25:14] community and it's being used.

[25:16] Um, we've been offering programs to all age groups

[25:19] and we've learning which ones are working

[25:21] as we go and making changes.

[25:22] We've got some more coming up

[25:24] to include some more kids art workshops

[25:26] and drop in Lego nights,

[25:27] 'cause we've had lots of requests for that.

[25:29] So that kind of stuff is getting used.

[25:32] We offer, um, a service through subscription.

[25:35] We pay the subscription,

[25:37] it's free courses online called Gale Courses,

[25:40] and we've doubled the number of people

[25:41] that used them this year.

[25:43] Um, almost 375 hours of course training went on for free

[25:47] through the library subscription

[25:49] to people from the community.

[25:50] So they were taking things like QuickBooks, Excel,

[25:52] real Estate law, and second languages.

[25:56] So that's a pretty good service for free

[25:58] that people can have too.

[26:00] Um, we will, again,

[26:02] do the community volunteer income tax preparation

[26:04] with our volunteers through the Revenue Canada

[26:07] program that's offered.

[26:09] We, um, our volunteer process

[26:11] at least 137 tax returns last year

[26:14] for free for people in town.

[26:17] And, um, lastly, we, we've had a lot

[26:20] of really generous donations from community groups

[26:22] and we've done some improvements to the building

[26:25] and we've got a bunch more exciting stuff coming next

[26:28] year to watch for that.

[26:31] That's kind of bringing you up to date

[26:33] and how busy we've been this year.

[26:35] It's been busy, so I don't know

[26:38] If I know, we appreciate you coming

[26:39] to, to see us Miss Slope.

[26:40] Yeah, thank you. Um, 15,000 visitors in 2025

[26:44] if we were open every day of the week,

[26:48] that's 41 per day on average, which is

[26:51] We average, we figure about 70 a day.

[26:54] That's amazing. Yeah. Yeah.

[26:57] And we don't just stand

[26:58] there and go in and out the counter.

[26:59] I I don't send staff there.

[27:02] It's, it's real visitors, not just us. Yeah.

[27:05] So, no, it's, it's steady usage all day, every day.

[27:08] Fantastic news. Uh, any questions?

[27:11] Feedback, uh, thoughts from, from council

[27:13] or, or mayor online?

[27:16] Councilor Atwell.

[27:19] Yeah. Uh, thank you.

[27:20] Just a huge shout to the, uh, the library

[27:23] and, uh, everything that's kind of, uh,

[27:25] come forward in the past year or so.

[27:27] Um, I know I presented, um, at UVCM, um, on, uh, kind of

[27:31] where we're at and, uh, where libraries are provincially

[27:34] and kind of what, uh, we're looking

[27:35] after funding model to see what kind

[27:37] of allocation we can see from the provincial government

[27:40] to expand beyond it just being, um,

[27:42] municipal funded at this point.

[27:44] Um, but great point that, uh,

[27:47] libraries are more than just books.

[27:48] You know, this isn't the live same libraries that we,

[27:51] we had in the eighties and nineties,

[27:52] uh, you know, when I was growing up.

[27:54] Um, libraries do so much more

[27:56] and are so key, especially in forward,

[27:58] and we definitely saw that, um, during the span of, uh,

[28:01] of not having the library in town.

[28:03] So, um, huge shout out to, to that group

[28:06] and getting that library up and running

[28:07] and, uh, you're definitely seeing the fruit to that labor.

[28:09] So, um, uh, big hearty applause for me. Good job.

[28:14] Thanks. Anything further?

[28:18] Nope. Okay, crystal, thank you.

[28:20] Well, thank you again and the utmost gratitude from,

[28:23] from council on the great work. You and your team are doing

[28:25] Grand. Thank you very

[28:26] much.

[28:29] Alright, the next agenda item will be bylaws,

[28:32] which we need to go through three of them.

[28:34] Our first bylaw report is from the Director of Planning

[28:37] and Development regarding the zoning amendment bylaw

[28:40] for the neighborhood commercial zone.

[28:42] Mr. Solit, the floor is yours.

[28:44] Thank you, Mr. Chair. So,

[28:49] uh, this is zoning bylaw amendment 13 59 20 25.

[28:53] It's a proposed amendment to the C3 zone.

[28:57] My computer will catch up shortly.

[29:11] So a proposed amendment to the C3 neighborhood commercial

[29:13] zone, uh, for reference, that's, uh, 1290 Ponderosa,

[29:17] the Sparwood Heights store and six 14 Douglas

[29:19] Fir, the Silver Fox.

[29:20] Those are the only two C3 zone properties in town.

[29:23] So the application is to add a number of uses, offices,

[29:27] restaurant, institutional services, uh,

[29:28] and services to buildings

[29:29] and dwellings to the permitted uses, adding recreation

[29:33] to the permitted uses that are allowed outside of a building

[29:36] and deleting the maximum gross gross floor area, uh,

[29:39] restriction for each primary use.

[29:41] Um, so neighborhood commercial is typically more restrictive

[29:44] than general commercial zoning.

[29:45] You'll see that in our highway commercial

[29:48] and downtown commercial zones.

[29:49] They're more permissive than than, uh,

[29:51] neighborhood commercial.

[29:53] Um, so adding the allowable use of office,

[29:55] there's no definition in our bylaws.

[29:57] So we default to the dictionary.

[29:59] Um, generally they have less foot traffic.

[30:01] They can reduce vibrancy in character as in trip generation.

[30:05] But, uh, it depends on what kind of office.

[30:07] They do produce Minimal noise, odors or traffic.

[30:10] Um, and they can be common in neighborhood commercial areas

[30:13] in other communities, institutional is a broad use.

[30:18] Um, it can be government uses, religious uses,

[30:21] educational uses, hospital, and so on.

[30:23] Um, it is a broad category, uh,

[30:25] so it could have unforeseen impacts.

[30:27] Um, but the nature of the space

[30:30] and the size of the space is more likely to see religious

[30:33] or government buildings like service BC

[30:35] counters and things like that.

[30:38] Uh, adding allowable uses the restaurant.

[30:40] Uh, currently neighborhood pubs are

[30:41] permitted in the C3 zone.

[30:43] Uh, restaurant is just a broader term than neighborhood pub.

[30:45] It includes more things,

[30:47] and that is a very common use

[30:48] in neighborhood commercial areas.

[30:51] The, uh, services to buildings

[30:52] and dwellings, uh, that is

[30:58] a use

[30:59] that we pull from the standard industrial classification

[31:01] of 1980, uh, for our industrial uses.

[31:04] And it is, uh, more light industrial use as defined.

[31:09] Um, that can have, depending on,

[31:13] I should back up and say any use

[31:15] that's permitted in the bylaw is permitted.

[31:17] It's not the user or the type of business, it's anything

[31:20] that falls within the defined use.

[31:23] So if a restaurant were there,

[31:25] that would be any restaurant from a McDonald's

[31:28] to a Michelin Star restaurant.

[31:31] Um, so same thing with, um, with cleaning.

[31:35] If it meets the definition, that's what's allowed, uh,

[31:39] adding allowable uses to the exterior.

[31:41] Uh, the C3 zone ex limits exterior use.

[31:44] Um, the applicant's requested that recreation be added

[31:47] to allow the, the mini golf course that occurs seasonally.

[31:51] Um, other uses could be added,

[31:52] and that's something that district staff are considering.

[31:55] As part of the zoning bylaw rerate, it's common

[31:57] for restaurants and whatnot to have patios and, um, patios

[32:00] and for retail shops

[32:02] or other shops to put their wears out into the, um,

[32:04] out into the parking area For reference, any changes

[32:08] to the exterior of the building still fall under the form

[32:10] and character development permit area in place for this,

[32:13] uh, these two locations.

[32:14] So, um, that isn't impacted.

[32:16] There can be potential impacts from noise,

[32:18] depending on the nature of the recreational

[32:20] use outside of the building.

[32:21] Um, but again, that, uh, the

[32:27] restriction of uses is less common

[32:29] to see in neighborhood use or neighborhood commercial.

[32:32] Um, so take that as you will

[32:35] Maximum gross floor area,

[32:37] the maximum gross floor area generally is put in place

[32:41] to restrict the use of neighborhood commercial

[32:44] to smaller businesses

[32:45] and to avoid larger premises like your grocery

[32:49] stores or your box stores.

[32:51] Um, so in this case, the, uh,

[32:53] the Sparwood Heights stores received a number

[32:55] of permits over the years.

[32:56] Sparwood Heights, uh, store location has received a number

[33:00] of permits over the years that have varied that requirement.

[33:04] Um, the units appear to largely meet the maximum floor area,

[33:08] um, however, the applicant is asking for this to be removed.

[33:11] Um, removing this regulation could allow the entire building

[33:14] to be consolidated into a single use.

[33:17] Um, and it will affect the other C3 zone property in terms

[33:21] of legislative requirements.

[33:22] A public hearing was held this evening.

[33:24] Uh, should counsel decide to give this third reading,

[33:26] the bylaw must be referred to the Ministry

[33:28] of Transportation in Transit,

[33:29] which staff will do afterwards.

[33:31] Uh, and then once approved

[33:33] or if approved by the MOTT,

[33:35] it'll come back to Council for Adoption.

[33:38] Uh, so next steps, again, if council provides third reading,

[33:41] this will go to MOTT for approval.

[33:43] And it's our recommendation

[33:45] that council adopt the zoning amendment as presented.

[33:47] If there's any questions, I'm happy to answer them.

[33:49] Thank you, Mr. Flt. Any questions from counsel to Mr.

[33:53] Flt Before we move on? Councillor Christensen.

[33:59] Thank you. Uh, Steve.

[34:02] Um, Patrick, can we, um, say for example,

[34:07] a cleaning service does go there.

[34:10] Do we have restrictions in place for hazardous materials

[34:13] that, that supersede even though the buildings are used

[34:17] for janitorial, um, something that's hazardous

[34:21] or may be hazardous to the residents

[34:24] or may, um, uh,

[34:29] have a strong odor of some sort?

[34:31] Do we have, uh, something of, of a measure within the bylaw

[34:35] that we can also still address that if need be?

[34:39] And, and maybe even, I guess I would go for as, as far

[34:42] as noise from maybe some kind of recreation that occurs,

[34:47] uh, e even if we allow for recreation,

[34:50] do we still have something in place to help monitor those

[34:55] Through the chair? I'll

[34:56] take the first question first and the second.

[34:58] One second. Um, there is no zoning regulation

[35:02] or restriction on the materials

[35:04] or products stored within a building.

[35:05] However, I expect fire code, what wouldn't restrict

[35:10] what could be stored, but would dictate how it's stored.

[35:13] Um, building code may also have some implications on that.

[35:16] Um, but that falls outside of our jurisdiction.

[35:19] Um, in terms of olfactory, I'm not aware of any regulation

[35:23] of the district aspar wood with respect to smells and noise.

[35:27] I'm gonna have to actually ask my, uh,

[35:29] my colleague about the noise

[35:32] regulations in the community standards bylaw.

[35:34] I know they apply to residential and to some development,

[35:36] but I cannot remember, um,

[35:39] how they applied to commercial properties.

[35:40] If you give me about 30 seconds, I can look it up.

[35:44] Thank you.

[35:48] Any other questions?

[35:50] Well, the clock is ticking on Mr. So fleet's 30 seconds.

[35:55] We're probably closer to 20 now. Councilor Atwell.

[36:02] Uh, just a, I think just a discussion piece for rest

[36:05] of council, if anybody's heard, uh, I know that, uh,

[36:07] George Campton spoke for Mr. Anderson earlier about, uh,

[36:11] potential to use it as office, um, from a potential,

[36:16] um, tenant and storage.

[36:18] Um, so I think with that, would the definition existing

[36:23] as offices cover that need beyond it?

[36:28] Uh, um, needing the storage for,

[36:31] for cleaning supplies and the whole bit?

[36:33] Um, because I think my big concern with that is what

[36:37] that can extend out to, to include, um,

[36:41] as potentially the business expands and needs space

[36:44] and parking for vehicles.

[36:45] We have, uh, seen a lot of that,

[36:47] and there is the industrial space available for that.

[36:50] Um, but then also the services to buildings.

[36:54] I think with the, the fact that it can be, um, included

[36:58] to have somebody who has, um,

[37:02] does pest control, pest control.

[37:04] Um, but doing the daycare is right there and stuff too.

[37:07] And I understand that the, um, there will be controls.

[37:12] I just, I don't like the idea of kids being around something

[37:15] that potentially has that hazard to it, um,

[37:18] in the same vicinity.

[37:20] Um, so I think those are my, my two big pieces.

[37:22] Unless somebody's heard from, uh, the applicant

[37:24] or had a conversation like, uh, I'd love to hear.

[37:26] But, uh, I think that is my biggest issue with the services,

[37:30] the building and dwellings, um, potential.

[37:35] Thank you. Uh, councilor Atwell, back to

[37:39] Thank you, Mr. Chair.

[37:40] Uh, so our community standards by law, uh,

[37:43] prohibits an owner or occupier of a property to cause, allow

[37:46] or allow to be made or continue any noise which emanates

[37:49] from that property, that causes a nuisance between 10:00 PM

[37:52] and 7:00 AM And that is waived in the M two

[37:55] and M three zones, but not in C3 zones.

[37:58] So that would apply in this case.

[38:01] I had a feeling that's, I didn't wanna speak outta turn.

[38:04] I'm glad you researched it and that's great.

[38:07] Anything else to, uh, any other further questions

[38:10] or, alright, well, the motion

[38:14] before you is that counsel, give third reading to zoning,

[38:17] amendment bylaw 1 3 5 9 20 25 as presented.

[38:21] Do I have a mover? Moved, moved, seconded.

[38:25] Any discussion, mayor Wilkes.

[38:32] Thanks. Uh, acting there.

[38:35] Uh, I'm, uh, fully in support of this.

[38:38] Um, it's a long time coming.

[38:41] Uh, I remember when, uh, my wife

[38:44] and I were in there for 14 years

[38:45] and I didn't realize that the maximum square footage was,

[38:48] uh, 2200 square feet,

[38:51] considering we were using about 8,000 of it.

[38:53] Um, so, um, the other, uh, thing I heard earlier was, uh,

[38:58] with regards to, uh, chemicals, uh, storage and such.

[39:02] Um, there were chemicals

[39:05] and such that we utilized in the bowling alley as well.

[39:07] What we safely put them in the back

[39:09] and, uh, we needed them, uh, for cleaning lanes

[39:13] and, uh, those types of things.

[39:15] So they were utilized, but they were safely stored.

[39:18] Um, so I think this, uh, is a long time coming. Uh, Mr.

[39:23] Anderson's gone it about the right way,

[39:24] and, uh, I look forward to, uh, voting,

[39:27] casting my vote in favor.

[39:28] Thank you.

[39:31] Thanks, mayor Wilkes. O over to you. Councilor Atwell.

[39:35] Yeah, thank you, chair.

[39:36] Um, yeah, I think that my concern that I raised earlier,

[39:41] um, still sits.

[39:43] I, I understand that there was, uh,

[39:45] chemicals in place earlier for the bowling alley,

[39:47] but that was prior to there being at daycare, um, adjacent

[39:50] to the building, sharing a wall.

[39:52] Um, I think that that's a big piece of it.

[39:55] Um, I would've liked to just see an amendment.

[39:58] I do agree with the majority of this change.

[40:02] Um, but at the same time, this affects two properties.

[40:04] So in reading through this in the last, uh,

[40:07] last couple days here especially, it does have an effect on,

[40:10] um, the SRO Fox as well.

[40:12] So, um, having a car blanche for just, uh, everything within

[40:17] the same zoning, um, you know, putting

[40:21] that into consideration of what effects not only up top

[40:24] for the store, but also for the sfl.

[40:26] Um, I would've liked to see some amendments.

[40:28] So I, I hope people against

[40:29] to at least see something within voting amendments.

[40:34] Anything further? Councilor? Uh, I'll be voting in favor.

[40:39] We have a business that's coming to our community

[40:41] that's ready to set up shop.

[40:42] We need to remove the red tape to allow them

[40:45] to provide a service in our community.

[40:47] Thank you. Councillor Christiansen?

[40:52] Yeah, uh, uh, I'm supportive of all,

[40:55] all the recommendations, uh, given by, uh, Patrick on here.

[41:00] Uh, except for the, oh, sorry. Uh, except for the cleaning.

[41:04] I think that should be allowed.

[41:05] But I, I do still have concerns about the opportunity

[41:08] for a big single entity to eventually someday, uh,

[41:13] maybe put a box store or supersized grocery store up there.

[41:18] Um, it might be a long time coming,

[41:21] but I would like to see that

[41:25] amended into the, um, to the bylaw.

[41:30] So

[41:33] I'll see how good a vote.

[41:37] And I have nothing to add. Um,

[41:39] if there's nothing further, we'll call the question.

[41:42] All those in favor? Opposed?

[41:48] Councilor? Atwells. Opposed? Uh, carried.

[41:54] Our next bylaw report is from the Manager

[41:56] of Corporate Services regarding amendment

[41:58] bylaws for Admiral Control.

[42:00] Ms. Uh, Rawles floor is reserves.

[42:02] Thank you, Mr. Chair. This report is being brought forward

[42:05] for counsel to consider updates to both the animal control

[42:08] and the fees in charge bylaws during committee of the whole.

[42:11] On August 16th, 2025, the committee

[42:14] provided the following direction

[42:15] regarding the animal control bylaw,

[42:17] including updating definitions related to poultry,

[42:21] removing sections related to skunks,

[42:23] allowing domestic ferrets and relocating all fees

[42:25] and charges into the fees and charges bylaw.

[42:28] You'll see in your, um, on the animal control bylaw,

[42:31] the amendments include adding poultry to the definition

[42:35] of farm animals to incorporate poultry such as ducks,

[42:38] peacocks, and turkeys,

[42:39] which were previously omitted from the bylaw.

[42:42] Removing the sections related to skunks to better align

[42:44] with the BC Wildlife Act, provincial standards

[42:47] and promoting coexistence with urban wildlife,

[42:50] allowing domestic ferrets by adding them to schedule A

[42:54] and removal of the fees to the fees

[42:55] and charges bylaw amendments to the fees and charges.

[42:59] Bylaw includes the addition of a schedule

[43:01] for animal control fees

[43:02] and the incorporation of future fee increases.

[43:06] Fees within the animal control bylaw have not been adjusted

[43:09] in five years, while service demands

[43:11] and costs of caring for animals have increased.

[43:14] The proposed adjustments are in 2027, fees would increase

[43:18] by $2 with the exception of CAT

[43:20] and urban hen boarding, which will increase by five in 2030.

[43:24] Fees would increase by $3, again, with the exception of CAT

[43:27] and hen boarding, which would increase by $5.

[43:31] These small increases in fees will help the department keep

[43:34] pace with rising operational demands,

[43:36] maintain effective enforcement,

[43:37] and continue to meet community expectations.

[43:40] Staff is recommending three readings

[43:42] of the both bylaws as presented.

[43:46] Any questions from counsel? Mayor Wilkes, counsel?

[43:54] Okay, seeing none, we have two motions

[43:56] here, so we'll do them separately.

[43:58] Uh, the first motion is that the council give first, second,

[44:00] and third reading to the Animal control amendment bylaw

[44:03] 1 3 5 3 20 26 as presented.

[44:06] Do I have a mover? Moved. Seconded. Any discussion?

[44:12] Call question. All those in favor? Carried.

[44:17] Second. Motion that counsel give first, second,

[44:21] and third reading to fees and charges.

[44:23] Amendment bylaw 1 3 6 0 20 26 As presented.

[44:27] Do have a mover moved? Seconded. Any discussion?

[44:34] Sign None will call the question. All those in favor?

[44:39] Carried. Thank you.

[44:44] Our next bylaw report is from the Director of Planning

[44:46] and Development regarding this zoning amendment bylaw

[44:50] for low density residential agriculture.

[44:53] Mr. So fleet, the floor is yours.

[44:55] Thank you, Mr. Chair. So this is zoning amendment

[44:57] bylaw 1362.

[44:58] A slightly different number than the last one.

[45:00] Um, the purpose of this application is for counsel

[45:03] to consider a zoning amendment to alter the zoning

[45:05] for the lease properties along Michelle Creek Road from R

[45:09] one to a brand new zone called R Ag, uh,

[45:12] to allow limited agricultural uses

[45:14] and also to amend the heavy industrial mining industrial

[45:18] and agricultural zones.

[45:19] To add pasture misspelt that pardon me,

[45:22] and range as a permitted use.

[45:24] I'm gonna go through the application in detail.

[45:26] Uh, so historically there's been unlawful keeping

[45:29] of farm animals along Michelle Creek Road.

[45:31] Uh, it seems like since time immemorial until recently,

[45:35] this has been unenforced.

[45:36] However, the same rules apply on Michelle Creek Road is

[45:38] apply in lower Sparwood.

[45:39] It's the same zone, same rules, same requirements.

[45:43] The landowner has been also leasing lands within the M two

[45:46] and M three zones for pasture and range.

[45:48] Uh, and that's a use that's not permitted in those zones.

[45:52] Uh, the landowner, which is Elk Valley Resources,

[45:54] has applied to amend the zoning

[45:56] of the Michelle Creek Road area to add a new zone,

[45:59] which would specifically provide a legal avenue

[46:01] for keeping a farm animals in a limited fashion.

[46:04] So what are they asking for?

[46:06] Um, the first thing is the R ag zone.

[46:09] So the R ag zone is based off of the R one zone

[46:12] with some tweaks, and I'll go into those in detail.

[46:15] This zone would permit, uh,

[46:16] limited non-commercial agricultural uses.

[46:18] So horses, poultry,

[46:19] or chickens alongside single family dwellings.

[46:23] An addition of definitions for animal units,

[46:26] farm animal limited to agriculture and pasture

[46:29] and range would be added to the zoning bylaw so

[46:31] that we have definitions associated

[46:32] with those uses adding pasture and range to the M two

[46:36] and M three zones.

[46:37] Um, if it is added to those zones, it should also be added

[46:40] to the A one zone because if you add a use to one zone

[46:44] and you don't list it in another,

[46:46] it's explicitly prohibited.

[46:47] And the ag zone already includes a broader use than that.

[46:50] So, um, it would be currently permitted in

[46:54] the A one zone today.

[46:55] If we added this only to M two

[46:57] and M three, it would become prohibited in the A one zone

[47:00] without adding it there too.

[47:02] So staff have included that in the proposed bylaw.

[47:05] Uh, change the zone for a section

[47:07] of Michelle Creek Road from, uh,

[47:10] and industrial road two from low density residential

[47:12] to low density residential agricultural.

[47:15] So what are the differences

[47:16] between the RA and the R one zone?

[47:19] Um, so the new use limited agriculture,

[47:21] keeping a farm animals excluding swine sheep, goats

[47:24] and cames, that's the request from the applicant.

[47:27] There's references to, uh, to lot have been changed to site

[47:31] because for all of these properties, there are no lots.

[47:34] It's all one lot with leasehold areas there.

[47:37] They would be considered sites under our, um,

[47:40] our zoning bylaw, reducing the site area

[47:44] for sites without municipal services from two

[47:46] hectares to 0.36.

[47:48] This is to accommodate the existing sites

[47:50] that already have this, uh, reducing the minimum

[47:53] of site widths from one third of the lot length,

[47:55] which is effectively saying that the lot has to be, um,

[47:59] the width of the lot can only be

[48:02] or has to be bigger than one third of its depth.

[48:05] Changing that from one third to one fifth again,

[48:07] to accommodate the morphology

[48:08] of the already existing sites along Michelle Creek Road.

[48:11] Increasing the max site coverage

[48:13] and height for accessory buildings.

[48:15] This would allow for barn type structures, which goes along

[48:17] with allowing the keeping of farm animals.

[48:20] Um, it's important to note as well that I'll,

[48:23] I'll go back a couple slides, uh, lower Michelle Creek Road,

[48:26] um, which you can see down

[48:29] here is agricultural.

[48:32] Mm-hmm. So the homes on lower Michelle Creek Road are

[48:34] already in the Ag zone, not in the R one zone.

[48:39] Uh, so no changes are proposed for that area

[48:42] in terms of lot width.

[48:44] The proposed and sizes,

[48:46] the proposed changes address most

[48:48] existing sites, but not all.

[48:49] Um, there are a couple that are one

[48:51] that may not meet the width

[48:52] and one that may not meet the parcel size,

[48:54] but that doesn't change that it can be used as such today.

[48:58] It just would prohibit new sites from being created of

[49:01] that size are smaller, uh, allowable

[49:06] or animal units and allowable animal units.

[49:08] So the proposal is to to have

[49:13] a count of agricultural units

[49:14] that are permissible on a property.

[49:16] And it's effectively allowed two agricultural units per

[49:19] acre, um, with one cow,

[49:24] one full-sized cow being an agricultural unit.

[49:26] So two cattle on an acre, or a cow and a horse.

[49:29] Um, and then an allowance for calves

[49:31] and FOSS for their first year.

[49:33] Um, donkeys, same thing.

[49:35] Donkeys would be half a horse, uh, rabbits in poultry.

[49:39] Um, it's an odd ratio listed here,

[49:41] and I'll address that on a subsequent slide.

[49:44] Um, effectively the ratio is really small,

[49:46] but the applicant has included a maximum of five animals.

[49:50] Um, that's consistent

[49:51] with the urban hen regulations in our animal control bylaw.

[49:55] However, our urban hen regulations are based on a 0.16

[50:00] acre parcel, which is the typical single family

[50:02] parcel in Sparwood.

[50:04] So in that case,

[50:06] five hens are allowed on 0.16 of an acre.

[50:09] And this would be saying five would be allowed on a,

[50:12] on a, on two acres.

[50:14] Um, 'cause it's up to a maximum of five.

[50:17] So, uh, no animal units have been included for other types

[50:22] of animals that may be permissible.

[50:23] So anything that's not a camelo, uh, swine,

[50:26] uh, sheep or a goat.

[50:27] Um, so there's no calculation for that.

[50:29] And staff are proposing some amendments

[50:32] to address these issues.

[50:34] So specifically, um, the limited exceptions proposed

[50:37] for the types of animals could allow for additional animals

[50:40] that are not contemplated.

[50:41] So rather than having limited exception,

[50:44] staff are suggesting that counsel amend the bylaw

[50:46] to have a limited inclusion for all the species

[50:49] that have been listed for animal units.

[50:52] So, uh, the reason for this is

[50:54] that it is still a residential area.

[50:56] These are not truly agricultural parcels.

[50:58] They're not that big. Um,

[51:00] so recommendation would be still cattle, horses, donkeys,

[51:04] rabbits, and chickens.

[51:05] So restricting from chi from poultry, which includes

[51:10] Guinea fowl, PE hens, duck geese, the whole gamut

[51:14] to chickens and changing the ratio to 0.2 au,

[51:18] which would allow for five per acre

[51:21] or 10 on a two acre site.

[51:24] And again, um, our interpretation is

[51:27] that urban hen regulations wouldn't apply here

[51:29] because keeping of farm animals is a permitted use.

[51:32] Um, similarly, it seems odd to, in,

[51:37] in our urban hen policy, your neighbors have

[51:41] essentially veto over whether or not you have them.

[51:44] Um, but to have that requirement for chickens,

[51:46] but not for rabbits, horses, cattle,

[51:48] or donkeys, um, seems odd.

[51:51] So the interpretation here is that, uh, with this use,

[51:53] it wouldn't have to follow our urban hen policy.

[51:56] So the proposal is to alter the au the animal unit ratio

[52:00] for rabbits and chickens,

[52:02] and to limit the use in the R ag zone to cattle, horses,

[52:06] donkeys, chickens, rabbits,

[52:07] and bees, which are the animals listed in

[52:10] the applicant's application.

[52:12] In terms of pasture and range land, the M two

[52:15] and M three zones are the fuchsia

[52:17] and deep purple ones on this picture.

[52:19] So effectively their sites controlled by, um,

[52:23] elk Valley resources and are largely used

[52:25] for mining or mine operations.

[52:27] Um, pasture

[52:28] and range land in this,

[52:29] these areas appears less impactful than the already

[52:32] permitted uses, um, and would be common with the crown land.

[52:36] Um, wild range land, uh, that we see off

[52:39] of logging roads in the valleys.

[52:41] So irrespective of municipal permission, it's important

[52:44] to note that any uses within the mine permit area need

[52:46] to follow provincial approvals.

[52:48] Um, so council can allow range land in these areas,

[52:51] but that still has to fall in line with provincial permits.

[52:54] Um, and we're again proposing to add the use

[52:58] to the A one zone to ensure

[52:59] that it remains permissible in the a one zone.

[53:03] In terms of legislative requirements, uh,

[53:05] a public hearing is required for this, uh, as the nature

[53:08] of the amendments are agricultural, not residential.

[53:11] So it wouldn't fall under the bill 44 ban on public hearings

[53:14] for residential zones.

[53:16] Um, after third reading of the bylaw, it would need to go

[53:19] to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit for approval.

[53:22] And, uh, next steps would be to schedule a public hearing

[53:25] and present the, um, present the application to council

[53:28] for further consideration for third reading if it proceeds.

[53:32] So staff's recommendation is,

[53:34] I'll back up before the recommendation.

[53:36] We're in favor, uh,

[53:37] or supportive of the proposed amendment

[53:39] with some slight tweaks.

[53:40] Um, so that recommendation is

[53:43] that council give first reading to the bylaw

[53:44] and then to amend the bylaw to alter the animal units

[53:47] for rabbits and chickens to 0.2.

[53:49] And then to change the limited agriculture

[53:52] and keeping of farm animals to be limited to horses, cattle,

[53:54] donkeys, chickens, rabbits and bees only.

[53:56] Uh, and then to provide second reading to that

[53:59] and schedule a public hearing.

[54:00] If there's any questions, I'm happy to answer them.

[54:03] Thank you. Mr. Questions. Councilor Christensen?

[54:07] Uh, thank you Steve.

[54:09] Uh, thanks Patrick for that, uh, good report.

[54:12] Um, uh, two or three questions here quickly.

[54:15] Hope I remember 'em all, but, uh, first one.

[54:18] Um, so I get the, just that, um,

[54:23] we're just making those who have it already existing, uh,

[54:28] um, number of animals or,

[54:30] or whatnot up there on their properties.

[54:32] We're just making illegal forms,

[54:33] so we're not gonna have any, uh, effect of

[54:39] restrictions or,

[54:40] or, um, downsizing of current, um,

[54:45] uh, numbers that are, uh, horses

[54:49] or whatever chickens.

[54:51] Uh, this, this bylaw won't be requiring them to change

[54:54] what they've already got in place

[54:58] Through the chair. The

[54:59] current law doesn't allow them

[55:00] to have them in the first place. That's

[55:01] Right.

[55:02] So, uh, I can't speak to whether

[55:04] or not someone has more than the

[55:06] provided animal units that EEVR has applied for.

[55:10] If they have more than that, they would be inconsistent

[55:12] with the bylaw and they would need to remove them.

[55:13] Okay. But they would be allowed to have some units, uh,

[55:18] based on the ratios that, um, that EVR is applying for.

[55:21] Sure. Do we know that EVR consulted with the,

[55:24] the local residents?

[55:27] My understanding is that's the case, but I have no Okay.

[55:30] Direct knowledge of that. I only have hearsay. Okay.

[55:33] Uh, the second, uh, question will, will our changes

[55:36] to the zoning here to to from industrial to agriculture, um,

[55:42] useful that have any effect on on, on the current, um,

[55:46] entities, uh, along Michelle Creek Road as far

[55:50] as businesses go, as far as traffic to

[55:52] and from, uh, the businesses.

[55:55] Will that lead to any, uh, changes in, uh,

[55:59] road allowances

[56:01] Through the chair?

[56:02] My understanding is the areas along Michelle Creek Road, uh,

[56:05] that are M two zoned already are already used

[56:07] as pasture and range land.

[56:09] So I don't expect there would be changes,

[56:12] uh, resulting from that.

[56:13] Um, and then further out on the

[56:16] mine side, I can't speak to that.

[56:17] Um, I, I don't know what the level of traffic would be,

[56:20] but ultimately the landowner would still control whether

[56:23] or not they give permission

[56:24] for people to go up there. Yeah.

[56:26] Uh, I'm speaking more to like Michelle Creek itself,

[56:30] if we change some of that area to agriculture use, does

[56:33] that, uh, would that, do you foresee

[56:36] that making any restrictions on the, on

[56:39] Michelle Creek road itself?

[56:41] Uh, as far as industrial uses,

[56:44] Uh, through the chair, I don't anticipate changes

[56:47] because a lot of this is happening unlawfully already.

[56:51] Um, so that's why I don't anticipate significant changes.

[56:54] Okay. We have some pasture land below.

[56:57] Um, uh,

[57:02] why am I gapping on the name?

[57:04] Um, below the big pond. Yeah. Um, there's Lagoon.

[57:08] Lagoon, thank you. Below the lagoon.

[57:10] There's already a pasture going on there.

[57:12] There's also, I believe some pasture going up on, up

[57:15] behind the Michelle Creek Road properties.

[57:18] Um, so up slope from there.

[57:20] But this would allow range land in, in most

[57:25] of the EVR lands.

[57:27] Yeah. Yeah. And, and I'm fine with that.

[57:29] And maybe this part more of discussion.

[57:31] I just don't want it to ever be used as a tool

[57:34] to argue that all.

[57:36] Also we can't haul fuel down.

[57:38] That, to me, it's a separate issue. And

[57:41] That would be a council decision.

[57:42] Yeah. Uh, you know, by designated as an agriculture, uh,

[57:47] zone, um, uh, you know, I can't foresee it.

[57:52] I don't see any examples of it anywhere

[57:55] in the areas that I know.

[57:57] And so I just wanna make sure that we aren't gonna help

[58:01] and I use that as a tool to say now we can't ship

[58:06] whatever to industries on that road. So Sure.

[58:10] Through the chair, that would be a separate council

[58:12] decision on designation of truck route

[58:14] and hazardous good handling.

[58:15] Perfect. And I can't speak to what council would

[58:18] or what a future council would decide to do

[58:20] with roads. Okay.

[58:21] Thank you. Thank

[58:22] You. Councillor Christensen, over

[58:23] to you.

[58:24] Councillor Atal and then Mayor Wilkes.

[58:26] Uh, he had his hand up before you, mayor Wilkes.

[58:28] See you're keen, but

[58:31] Pass hands. No.

[58:32] Um, do yourself to, um, Patrick,

[58:37] what is the difference in tax implication

[58:40] for swapping over from R one

[58:43] to RAG, um, for the district?

[58:45] If this was, uh, to kind of go forward

[58:50] To the chair, I do not know.

[58:51] Um, the assessed value

[58:54] of the buildings is unlikely to change.

[58:56] Um, I believe a lot

[58:58] of the ones along Michelle Creek Road are an odd version

[59:01] of class one, where the home is class one,

[59:03] but the land is assessed differently.

[59:05] It's a weird beast because it's all leased land.

[59:08] Um, so I don't foresee the homes changing,

[59:11] but that would be up to BC assessment to make those changes.

[59:15] So apologies, I don't have a better answer.

[59:18] Nope, that works for me. Uh,

[59:19] I'll hold my other question then, um, over to,

[59:22] uh, back of the chair. Thank you.

[59:24] Thanks. You're up.

[59:26] Thanks. Uh, through you to, uh, Patrick Patrick

[59:30] with regards to, uh, chickens.

[59:32] So laying hens or versus, uh, roosting he

[59:36] or roosting roosters or roosting?

[59:38] He, um, we, I think in our bylaw now,

[59:42] we restrict it to, correct me if I'm wrong, someone five,

[59:46] uh, within residential area.

[59:49] Um, I do know that uh, there are some people along, um, uh,

[59:54] Michelle Creek Road that historically have had

[59:57] anywhere from eight to 10.

[59:59] Uh, don't seem to be an issue at all, um, that I know of.

[1:00:03] Um, so this will restrict them to go back down

[1:00:06] to, I'm gonna say five.

[1:00:08] Is that correct?

[1:00:10] Through the chair. Uh,

[1:00:11] the applicant's proposal would restrict them

[1:00:13] to five staff's.

[1:00:14] Recommendation would allow, uh, would allow 10 per acre.

[1:00:20] Okay, that makes more sense. Okay. Thank you very much.

[1:00:24] Does follow up?

[1:00:28] Alright, so we have four motions to walk through here.

[1:00:31] Uh, team, um, first motion

[1:00:33] before you is that council give first reading to zoning

[1:00:36] of amendment bylaw 1 3 6 2 20 26 as presented.

[1:00:41] Mover, moved, seconded. Any discussion?

[1:00:47] Call question. All in favor carried.

[1:00:52] Next we have that council amend zoning

[1:00:57] amendment bylaw 1 3 6 2 20 26

[1:01:01] as follows, A amend section two point A

[1:01:06] to change the animal units for rabbits

[1:01:09] and chickens to 0.2 B.

[1:01:12] Amend schedule a section 3.2,

[1:01:17] c1 B uh,

[1:01:20] VII to read.

[1:01:23] Limited agricultural keeping of farm animals limited

[1:01:27] to horses, cattle, donkeys, chickens,

[1:01:30] rabbits, and bees only.

[1:01:32] Do I have a mover? Moved. Seconded. Discussion.

[1:01:40] That's a very long sub clause.

[1:01:42] That's my, that's, that's my, that's my discussion point.

[1:01:46] No discussion. I'll call the question. All those in favor.

[1:01:52] Carried. Third motion

[1:01:54] before you the council gives second reading to zoning,

[1:01:57] amendment bylaw.

[1:01:58] 1 3 6 2 20 26 as amended, moved.

[1:02:04] Seconded. Discussion. Call the question.

[1:02:08] All those in favor carried.

[1:02:12] Fourth motion on this topic.

[1:02:14] The council direct staff to schedule a public hearing

[1:02:17] for February 17th, 2026.

[1:02:19] Do I have a mover? Moved. Seconded. Any discussion?

[1:02:24] Call question. All those in favor? Carried.

[1:02:31] Alright. That moves us into the business portion

[1:02:34] of our meeting, which we have six items to go through.

[1:02:37] Our first report is from the Director of Community Services

[1:02:40] regarding a community funding

[1:02:41] and support request from Ferney Women's Resource Center.

[1:02:45] Ms. Jensen Floor is yours.

[1:02:47] Thank you, chair. This report is coming

[1:02:50] before you this evening to consider the community funding

[1:02:53] and support category two request from the Ferney Women's

[1:02:56] Resource Center, seeking in kind support

[1:02:59] with facility rental fees to host a parent

[1:03:02] and taught program in Sparwood.

[1:03:04] The Ferney Women's Resource Center has been a proud part

[1:03:07] of the valley since 1979.

[1:03:10] They aim to raise the status of women, act as a referral

[1:03:13] and drop in center, offer support, support to women

[1:03:17] and their families, and inform

[1:03:19] and educate the public around issues concerning women.

[1:03:22] For a number of years, the ferney Women's Resource Society

[1:03:25] has offered a free parent

[1:03:27] and taught program for families in Sparwood.

[1:03:30] In previous years since 2023,

[1:03:33] the Verney Womens Resource Center has applied for

[1:03:35] and received category one community funding

[1:03:38] and support for this program.

[1:03:40] Also for in kind for facility rentals this year.

[1:03:44] Instead, they have chosen to apply for category two funding.

[1:03:48] They're seeking a total of $1,816

[1:03:53] for in-kind support.

[1:03:54] And as the requested funds are not

[1:03:57] for hosting a local community event, charitable event

[1:04:00] or startup funding

[1:04:02] for eligibility must be determined by council.

[1:04:05] Therefore, staff will not be making a recommendation.

[1:04:08] Currently, there is $22,000 within the category two

[1:04:12] community funding and support budget.

[1:04:14] Should council approve this request,

[1:04:16] $20,184 would be left available.

[1:04:23] Any questions? Councilor Christensen?

[1:04:25] Uh, thank you Council.

[1:04:27] Uh, so are, are they saying

[1:04:32] that they're not using the in kind

[1:04:34] with the workshop within Spar with this year?

[1:04:37] Is that, or will they be doing, is that

[1:04:39] where the $1,800 is specifically going to

[1:04:45] Through you chair?

[1:04:46] Yes. The, um,

[1:04:47] funding is specifically going towards running

[1:04:50] the parent and taught program.

[1:04:51] This is, um, an ongoing program throughout the year.

[1:04:54] I think it occurs once a week in Sparwood.

[1:04:57] Okay. Thank you. Anything further?

[1:05:05] Okay. Seeing no more questions, the motion

[1:05:07] before you is the council approve the community funding

[1:05:11] and support category two requests from the Ferny Women's

[1:05:15] Resource Center for up to 1,816 of in-Kind support

[1:05:20] for the cost of facility rental fees.

[1:05:22] Have a mover moved, seconded. Discussion.

[1:05:28] I do just want to make note that if this is ongoing

[1:05:32] and it's a, a yearly thing, that

[1:05:35] to me it feels like category one is the right place for it.

[1:05:38] Uh, category two is these one-offs.

[1:05:40] Uh, that doesn't mean I'm not gonna support it,

[1:05:42] but the, the feedback would be, um,

[1:05:46] let's understand why we went from one to two

[1:05:49] and, um, uh, keep it in

[1:05:52] and if it's an ongoing 'cause.

[1:05:54] Category two is a little bit more

[1:05:55] of the event related there.

[1:05:57] So, so my thoughts. Any other Seeing none call the question.

[1:06:02] All those in favor, that's carried.

[1:06:09] Our next report is from the Director of Community Services,

[1:06:13] again regarding the infrastructure

[1:06:16] planning grant program application.

[1:06:17] Ms. Jensen, the floor is again yours.

[1:06:20] Thank you. This report is

[1:06:22] before council to consider an application to the province

[1:06:25] of BC Infrastructure Planning grant program for the purpose

[1:06:28] of assisting in a building condition assessment

[1:06:31] for the district's lease buildings.

[1:06:33] These are 1 41 a Aspen Drive, which is known

[1:06:37] as the Visitor Information Center, 1 41 B Aspen Drive, known

[1:06:41] as the Museum, 1 56 Spruce Avenue, known as a place

[1:06:46] to play daycare and 7 0 5 DoubleX Fur Road,

[1:06:50] where Sparwood Search

[1:06:52] and Rescue currently is since 2024,

[1:06:56] the district has focused on undertaking buildin building

[1:06:59] condition assessments to develop a clear understanding

[1:07:02] of the condition of district buildings to provide costing

[1:07:05] for accurate long-term capital planning

[1:07:08] for necessary repairs, upgrades

[1:07:10] and replacements completed in 24 were the recreation center

[1:07:14] and municipal office in 2025 was the Public works buildings

[1:07:19] and both fire halls

[1:07:20] and planned for 2026 is the district's

[1:07:23] lease buildings I just mentioned.

[1:07:26] Staff is recommending that the district apply for this grant

[1:07:29] to offset the cost up

[1:07:31] to $10,000 in grant funding is available.

[1:07:34] Staff estimate that the combined assessments will be

[1:07:36] approximately $30,000.

[1:07:39] If the grant is approved,

[1:07:40] the funding will then reduce the

[1:07:42] total cost for this project.

[1:07:44] Great. How have any questions counsel

[1:07:46] to Ms. Jensen on her report?

[1:07:49] Councilor Atwell?

[1:07:51] Um, yeah, just a question to Ms. Jensen to the chair.

[1:07:55] So the infrastructure planning grant from the province, um,

[1:08:00] is there a way for us to use this

[1:08:02] with the Green Municipal Fund, um, the GMF

[1:08:06] for future projects as well?

[1:08:08] Does this assessment fall within that?

[1:08:10] Um, I know that the grant opportunity that we had for

[1:08:13] that one, um, was hired to do an assessment for,

[1:08:18] um, upgrading all of the, the municipalities, um,

[1:08:24] essentially properties at that point.

[1:08:26] And so building, so for asset piece, um,

[1:08:29] would this work in hand with that?

[1:08:31] Do you know? Or is that something

[1:08:33] that we will essentially have to find out

[1:08:35] after the assessment is completed?

[1:08:36] The GMF will accept that for future, um,

[1:08:39] granting applications with this, um, assessment.

[1:08:46] Thank you. Through you chair that,

[1:08:47] that's something I'd have to do more research

[1:08:49] and then get back to council on.

[1:08:51] Okay. Uh, just to follow up there, um, just

[1:08:55] for information, and I remember from FCM, um,

[1:08:58] with the community our size, um, from the GMF,

[1:09:02] we were allowed one implementation project

[1:09:04] and one feasibility study.

[1:09:06] Um, I think that the only thing I would like to follow up

[1:09:09] with that on is if we are allowed to use this assessment

[1:09:13] to do one of those implementation projects.

[1:09:16] Um, if you can kind of follow within that, that'd be,

[1:09:18] that'd be great if that's something

[1:09:19] that future council will wanna

[1:09:20] do, because this will take some time.

[1:09:24] I just duly noted. Thank you Councilor o Anything further?

[1:09:30] All right. The motion

[1:09:31] before you is that council authorizes the submission

[1:09:34] of an application to the province

[1:09:35] of British Columbia 2026 local government infrastructure

[1:09:39] planning grant program for up

[1:09:40] to $10,000 towards the 2026 Building Condition assessment

[1:09:44] project to fund assessments of district lease buildings.

[1:09:47] Do I have a mover? Moved and seconded.

[1:09:50] Any further discussion? Call question.

[1:09:55] All those in favor carried.

[1:10:01] Our next report is from the Director of Planning

[1:10:02] and Development regarding a mobile home park permit.

[1:10:05] Mr. So fleet floor zeros.

[1:10:07] Thank you, Mr. Chair. So this is mobile home park permit

[1:10:10] 20 25 0 0 1.

[1:10:13] This is a new mobile home park permit

[1:10:16] for 9 55 Highway three,

[1:10:18] otherwise known as the Lodge Pole Mobile Home Park.

[1:10:20] Um, the OCP future land use

[1:10:22] for this area is mobile home park,

[1:10:24] and the intent of this application is not

[1:10:26] to expand the park, but to legalize the existing 37 spaces

[1:10:30] in the park, uh, with the standards as they are today,

[1:10:34] not the standards as required in the bylaw.

[1:10:36] So this doesn't include, uh, of note,

[1:10:38] this does not include any of the mobile home spaces

[1:10:41] in the unapproved lease area on the parcel west of this.

[1:10:45] So I believe there's three or four, uh, mobile homes

[1:10:47] that are not included in this permit.

[1:10:50] So the application is step two of a two step process.

[1:10:53] Step one was the variance approved by council last August.

[1:10:56] Um, the, this approval

[1:10:59] of this permit will allow the park operator

[1:11:01] and staff to work with an approved plan to allow

[1:11:04] for more simple replacement of mobile homes within

[1:11:07] and renovations within the park.

[1:11:08] It's important to note that the various approvals over the

[1:11:11] years do not match what's on the ground.

[1:11:14] Uh, and units have been replaced.

[1:11:15] So it is, um, it is very difficult

[1:11:18] to approve new mobile homes in the park

[1:11:21] because we don't know where the pad boundaries are.

[1:11:23] So this permit would establish pad boundaries

[1:11:25] and make that relatively straightforward.

[1:11:28] So here's the application, um,

[1:11:30] with the new pad boundary layout, which is excellent.

[1:11:34] Um, uh, excellent to have.

[1:11:37] The application does include, uh, storage area.

[1:11:40] It also includes recreation spaces as required in the bylaw.

[1:11:44] So the mobile home park's been operational for decades.

[1:11:46] Uh, some spaces having received approval,

[1:11:48] some spaces there's no record of approval.

[1:11:51] Um, the situation has resulted in many unclear mobile home

[1:11:55] park, mobile home pad lines.

[1:11:57] And again, as mentioned, it makes it difficult

[1:11:59] to issue permits, um, particularly

[1:12:02] as newer mobile homes tend to be bigger than the old ones.

[1:12:04] So it's not as simple as put it where the old one is.

[1:12:07] Um, the approved DVP last year reduced the space widths

[1:12:11] for some areas for some of the spaces,

[1:12:12] reduced the buffer area to zero along Highway 43

[1:12:15] for space 19, allowed the upper axis road

[1:12:18] to be in the buffer area, kept the two axis along the top

[1:12:21] portion of the park, and, uh, permit the design

[1:12:24] of the infrastructure to remain as it is, uh,

[1:12:27] without curb gutter sidewalk, drainage,

[1:12:28] street lighting, fire hydrants.

[1:12:31] Importantly, uh, lodgepole is not on municipal water.

[1:12:33] It's on its own. Well, uh, one of the conditions of

[1:12:37] that development variance permit was

[1:12:39] that structures be removed from the highway right of way

[1:12:41] by May 1st, 2026.

[1:12:43] Uh, the Ministry of Transportation has granted Lodgepole

[1:12:46] Mobile Home Park, an encroachment

[1:12:47] permit for those structures.

[1:12:49] Uh, and counsel therefore could deem the condition

[1:12:51] of the DVP to be met, um, subject to the terms

[1:12:54] of their encroachment permit.

[1:12:56] Um, effectively, MOT has said you're good for now.

[1:13:00] So the mobile home park permit itself, I'll go over some

[1:13:03] of the requirements of a mobile home park permit.

[1:13:05] The park is well below the maximum density allowed of, uh,

[1:13:09] um, at 6.0 homes per hectare,

[1:13:12] where 19.77 homes are permitted.

[1:13:15] The layout of the pa of the spaces meets the minimum size

[1:13:18] and width requirements,

[1:13:20] or those have been altered

[1:13:21] through the development variance permits.

[1:13:23] So they would be conforming to the permits issued.

[1:13:26] There's 9.02% of the site dedicated to recreation.

[1:13:30] 5% is the minimum requirement.

[1:13:32] There are three areas with amenities with playground garden,

[1:13:35] fire pit type amenities, and walking trails.

[1:13:38] The roadway, uh, standards have already been varied

[1:13:40] through the development variance permit,

[1:13:42] and the park uses a private water system licensed

[1:13:45] by Interior Health and a copy

[1:13:46] of their operating permits included in the operation,

[1:13:48] uh, in the application.

[1:13:49] Similarly, it has its own wastewater treatment system

[1:13:53] and their, uh, approvals are included

[1:13:55] in the application itself.

[1:13:56] Drainage requirements for the site have been removed

[1:13:59] through DVP 20 25, 0 0 4,

[1:14:02] and standard curbside pickup services provided.

[1:14:04] Fire hydrants, there aren't any on site

[1:14:06] and that requirement was varied through the DVP.

[1:14:08] Similarly, street lighting was varied.

[1:14:11] Um, staff are recommending effectively one condition.

[1:14:15] The other is an implied condition anyways,

[1:14:17] but compliance with the conditions

[1:14:18] of the development variance permit

[1:14:20] and, uh, as is common in Mobile Home Park permits

[1:14:22] that the recreation areas be maintained

[1:14:24] and clean in a usable condition.

[1:14:28] Uh, next step, if, uh, if this permit is issued,

[1:14:30] it'll be signed and the applicant will be notified.

[1:14:33] Uh, there's no hearings. This is a one stop shop.

[1:14:35] If the permit's approved, the permit is approved.

[1:14:37] So the recommendation is

[1:14:39] that counsel issue mobile home park permit MHP 20 25 0 0 1,

[1:14:43] uh, to permit the existing sites

[1:14:45] as shown on Schedule A at 9 5 5 5 highway 43.

[1:14:48] If there's any questions, I'm happy to answer them

[1:14:51] Over to Mayor Counsel.

[1:14:53] Any questions? Council Christensen.

[1:14:57] Thank you. Uh, council Kelly Patrick.

[1:15:00] So, um, did we lead the initiation

[1:15:03] of this change to this permit?

[1:15:05] Did they sort of do it or did they do it in teamwork?

[1:15:09] And, and then I have one second question,

[1:15:12] Uh, through the chair.

[1:15:13] The applicants have applied for it on their own.

[1:15:16] Um, but the difficulty of locating new, uh,

[1:15:20] new units on pads

[1:15:21] that are unknown has effectively

[1:15:23] necessitated this application.

[1:15:25] Um, staff couldn't

[1:15:29] or had difficulty issuing a permit when it's not conforming

[1:15:32] with the mobile home park permits

[1:15:33] that council issued back in the eighties.

[1:15:35] So this effectively would reset the board

[1:15:37] and allow us to work with a

[1:15:39] commonly understood map on where things can go.

[1:15:42] Okay. And second question, follow up.

[1:15:45] So you you can confirm.

[1:15:46] So all existing locations right now, um,

[1:15:50] do you see any foreseeable, um, major changes to, um,

[1:15:56] where the lots are right now, uh, designed

[1:16:00] like, are we gonna be, do you see any changes

[1:16:04] where they might have to move their trailer that exists?

[1:16:08] Uh, if you bear with me for a moment,

[1:16:10] I'm gonna pull back up the map.

[1:16:14] Um, the map handily includes, um,

[1:16:18] includes outlines of the units themselves on the property.

[1:16:21] In orange, it's a little difficult

[1:16:23] to see on the screen in front of you.

[1:16:24] Um, there are some sheds

[1:16:26] and outbuildings that fall outside of the pad boundaries.

[1:16:29] Uh, those could need to be moved.

[1:16:31] Um, that's effectively putting something on property

[1:16:33] you don't own or you don't lease.

[1:16:35] Um, but that would depend on whether

[1:16:37] or not they were permitted in the past.

[1:16:40] So if something had a valid

[1:16:41] and subsisting permit, it would be lawfully non-conforming.

[1:16:43] If it was built on the sly, it would not be,

[1:16:46] and this permit would not legalize those.

[1:16:50] And, and, and sorry to follow up with that.

[1:16:53] So then you don't see a need for us to take this

[1:16:55] to a public hearing, like if we approve it, they,

[1:16:59] they've got no say, uh, virtually do they

[1:17:04] Through the chair. There's

[1:17:05] no mechanism for a public hearing in the

[1:17:07] mobile Home parks bylaw.

[1:17:08] Uh, it's a permit issued by counsel.

[1:17:11] Thank you. Any other feedback questions?

[1:17:16] I just, I, I want to paraphrase what I think I just heard in

[1:17:20] that, because legislation and,

[1:17:23] and we approach things since, uh, some of the buildings

[1:17:28] that had happened in the 1980s is even if

[1:17:30] we were like, everything's fine.

[1:17:31] Go ahead. We can't lawfully allow for, for new units.

[1:17:35] So it's, it's necessitating this so that we can say, this is

[1:17:38] where you can put your new units.

[1:17:40] Uh, and, and, uh, this actually solves

[1:17:42] and makes it more, I guess, easy

[1:17:47] for the, for the owners to add more units

[1:17:49] and make changes as needed.

[1:17:51] Whereas because this doesn't exist, it's, um,

[1:17:54] it's prohibitive for, for approvals.

[1:17:57] Is that what I'm understanding?

[1:17:58] Uh, Mr. Chair? Partially.

[1:18:00] Um, this doesn't make adding new units easier.

[1:18:04] It adds, uh, it does make replacement units easier.

[1:18:08] So new pads would be a separate mobile home

[1:18:10] park permit to council.

[1:18:12] Um, so yes, it certainly would make replacement

[1:18:16] of units much more straightforward.

[1:18:17] Mm-hmm. We have established lines, commonly understood lines

[1:18:20] and roads where roads are not

[1:18:22] where roads were planned to be.

[1:18:24] So yes, it would make it much easier to do that.

[1:18:28] Fantastic. Anything further?

[1:18:32] Oh, Councillor Barr. Thank you.

[1:18:34] Thank you. Um, Patrick, I was pleased to see that MOT um,

[1:18:39] allowed the, um, exception I guess, of removing the, uh,

[1:18:43] sheds on number 17

[1:18:44] and number 19, uh, right close to the highway and such.

[1:18:47] Would that be something that they could, um,

[1:18:49] later on then change their mind about?

[1:18:52] Um, and those folks would still have to move that stuff?

[1:18:55] Or would that stuff now become quote unquote legally

[1:18:57] non-conforming, um,

[1:18:59] for the duration of the, uh, life of the park

[1:19:02] Through the chair? My

[1:19:03] understanding of property law is MOTT still owns that

[1:19:06] and they are there at Mott's pleasure.

[1:19:09] So they would be able to change their mind.

[1:19:11] I'm not sure how their permits specifically work.

[1:19:13] Um, but saying yes for now doesn't mean saying yes forever.

[1:19:17] They are still the owners of the land.

[1:19:19] Okay. Thank you for that.

[1:19:25] Alright. Seeing nothing further,

[1:19:27] I'll move on.

[1:19:30] The motion before you is that council issue, mobile Home

[1:19:34] Park ate MHP 2025

[1:19:39] dash 0 0 1 to permit the existing sites

[1:19:42] as shown in Schedule A at 9 5 5 highway 43.

[1:19:47] Have a mover. Second.

[1:19:50] Second it any, uh, further discussion call question.

[1:19:56] All those in favor? Carried.

[1:20:12] All right. If there are no objections,

[1:20:14] counsel will go into committee of the whole at

[1:20:18] 7:21 PM to discuss item five on the agenda.

[1:20:28] Our report is from the Director of Community Services

[1:20:30] regarding the 2026 time capsule.

[1:20:34] Ms. Jensen floor is yours.

[1:20:43] Thank you, chair.

[1:20:49] So, this report is coming

[1:20:50] before council as staff is seeking feedback on the community

[1:20:54] engagement and content regarding the development

[1:20:57] of a new time capsule, as well

[1:20:59] as the event commemorating its closing and placement.

[1:21:05] A bit of a background on the time capsule.

[1:21:08] Uh, in March, 1984, time capsule was sealed in the wall

[1:21:11] of Greenwood Mall by the Spar Mayor Toto Miller.

[1:21:15] The time capsule contained letters, drawings, photos,

[1:21:18] newspaper articles among other things from council

[1:21:21] and residents of the time.

[1:21:24] This time capsule was opened on March 19th, 2024,

[1:21:29] 40 years after it was placed.

[1:21:32] The event was highly anticipated

[1:21:34] and very well attended by the public.

[1:21:37] Following this event,

[1:21:38] council expressed interest in the creation

[1:21:40] of another time capsule.

[1:21:42] At the regular meeting of council held in October, 2024.

[1:21:46] The committee of the HOA

[1:21:47] provided direction on the following,

[1:21:49] to create another time capsule to plan to have it open

[1:21:53] in 100 years.

[1:21:56] Explore the options of placing the time capsule outside

[1:21:58] of the Titan or on the Titan Park grounds,

[1:22:03] broaden the scope of the contents

[1:22:05] and engage businesses, organizations,

[1:22:08] and schools to participate.

[1:22:15] This may we'll mark the district

[1:22:16] of Sparwood 60th anniversary

[1:22:19] and the year in which a new time capsule could be developed

[1:22:22] in place for opening in 20 66, 40 years later,

[1:22:27] which would also land on the district's

[1:22:29] hundredth anniversary.

[1:22:31] As such, staff is seeking the committee's feedback on theme

[1:22:35] contributors, content placement,

[1:22:37] and the event to commemorate its placement.

[1:22:44] The first item to discuss is theme

[1:22:47] in most community time capsules.

[1:22:49] The theme is focused on messages for the future

[1:22:51] and a snapshot of life in the year it was developed,

[1:22:55] capturing things like significant events, economic data,

[1:23:00] cultural trends, and just general community spirit.

[1:23:03] The theme of the previous time capsule had a, a theme

[1:23:07] that was very similar to that listed above.

[1:23:12] Does the committee support the following themes

[1:23:15] for inclusion in the development of the 2026 time capsule,

[1:23:19] significant events, economic data, cultural trends,

[1:23:23] and community spirit.

[1:23:26] So as regular practice, we'll just go

[1:23:28] around the horn, uh, start online.

[1:23:29] Councillor Atal.

[1:23:32] Uh, no, that, uh, sounds fairly inclusive for everything

[1:23:35] that we'd wanna see, so I'm happy with that.

[1:23:37] Councillor Barr, Happy with that. Thank you,

[1:23:40] Mayor Wilkes.

[1:23:41] Looks good. Yep. Thanks.

[1:23:43] Councillor Nan? Oh, it looks good to me.

[1:23:47] Councillor Corzo? Yep. Looks good.

[1:23:49] Councillor Christians good. And I'm happy with that as well.

[1:23:54] Thank you. Is there any other feedback the committee would

[1:23:57] like to provide regarding the theme of the time capsule?

[1:24:01] I'm not gonna go around the horn raise hand or jump in

[1:24:06] Seeing none. I'll

[1:24:07] move on. Yeah, thank you. Next is Contributors.

[1:24:12] In the previous time capsule, along with the District

[1:24:14] of Sparwood businesses, churches, organizations,

[1:24:18] service groups and schools, uh, focused on classrooms

[1:24:22] were contributed contributors

[1:24:24] to the time capsule of content.

[1:24:27] Previous direction from the committee was

[1:24:29] to include only businesses, organizations, and schools.

[1:24:36] Question number three is, would the committee like

[1:24:38] to define the list of contributors?

[1:24:41] And if so, what contributors would the

[1:24:43] committee like to allow?

[1:24:45] Let's go in reverse order,

[1:24:46] starting with Councilor Christensen.

[1:24:47] Yeah, I'm not sure why we excluded some of those, uh,

[1:24:50] contributors that we had in the past.

[1:24:52] So I, I think the contributors should be

[1:24:55] exactly what we had in the past.

[1:24:57] Uh, put back churches.

[1:24:59] Why, why wouldn't we wanna hear from, uh, those groups?

[1:25:04] So yeah, so that list

[1:25:06] that we had in the past is, is good for me.

[1:25:08] I don't think we need to change that.

[1:25:11] You Councilor Cardoza?

[1:25:13] Um, no, I don't wanna define the list. I'm good with it.

[1:25:15] As is Councilor Nun?

[1:25:17] Yeah, I'm good with, with Councilor Christiansen.

[1:25:19] Just, uh, mayor Wilkes.

[1:25:24] I'd like to add George Clack if he, George is there.

[1:25:27] He's got more stuff. He's got more stuff than all this far.

[1:25:30] We've combined just no. Well, I'm good for the way it is.

[1:25:34] Thanks. Councillor Barr.

[1:25:36] Yeah, I, I believe if we're gonna open this in, you know,

[1:25:38] in 60 years or a hundred years,

[1:25:41] whenever we're going to do it, I

[1:25:41] think it should be all inclusive.

[1:25:43] So anybody that wants to, uh, add something to it, um,

[1:25:46] let's not purposely leave somebody out.

[1:25:51] Very good. Councilor? Uh, yeah, I agree

[1:25:54] with, uh, councilor Barr.

[1:25:56] Um, I find that, uh, some

[1:25:58] of the most compelling ones are letters to future self

[1:26:01] or letters to, uh, the future community.

[1:26:03] So, um, if individuals want to add that in, as long

[1:26:07] as it's within reason, someone's maybe checking

[1:26:10] that it's not something, um, uh,

[1:26:12] I'm gonna go ahead out and limit, just say crazy.

[1:26:14] But, um, yeah, I think that if it's within reason, um,

[1:26:17] letters to future sales

[1:26:19] and letters to the community from, um, community members,

[1:26:22] um, I think would be great.

[1:26:24] Um, let's just say if Mayor Wilkes wanted to drop in

[1:26:27] and write a letter to the future community

[1:26:28] and his great grandkids,

[1:26:30] then crack it open and, uh, and read it.

[1:26:32] That, you know, I think that, uh, that goes a long way.

[1:26:34] So, um, I think I'd, uh, I'd like something that as well.

[1:26:39] Thanks. I was gonna suggest the same.

[1:26:41] And I know that there was,

[1:26:43] for recollection, sir, is correct.

[1:26:44] There was a, a message from the mayor of the time when we,

[1:26:48] when we opened it, uh, addressing and,

[1:26:50] and, and talking about it.

[1:26:51] Uh, regardless of, there would be that suggestion.

[1:26:53] Um, and I suspect Mayor Wilkes,

[1:26:55] you can't open your own time capsule in four years there.

[1:26:59] So, uh, if the letter's just gonna be open by you,

[1:27:02] that's maybe not a good go.

[1:27:04] The other piece that you're

[1:27:06] Ready to, it's gonna be seven even

[1:27:08] soon. I'm not gonna be there.

[1:27:10] Innovations, healthcare Innovations, Merri Oaks.

[1:27:13] Um, the only other suggestion would be a message from

[1:27:15] current staff to future staff.

[1:27:18] I didn't remember hearing that

[1:27:19] or seeing that on the last one,

[1:27:20] but that might be, uh, a good in inclusion as well as, uh,

[1:27:25] maybe if Mayor Wilkes is still there, here's what you need

[1:27:27] to watch out for, um, be the topic.

[1:27:32] Thanks. Next question.

[1:27:34] If I may, chair, may I just clarify?

[1:27:37] So the direction that I'm, I'm thinking,

[1:27:40] I'm hearing from the committee is to allow businesses,

[1:27:43] churches, organizations, service groups

[1:27:45] and schools, individuals was not in that list.

[1:27:48] Would the committee like to attend individuals?

[1:27:51] I heard that, um, maybe from a couple of members.

[1:27:56] I appreciate that. Uh, and I didn't ask for clarification.

[1:27:59] Um, I think consensus was open too.

[1:28:02] Uh, we could invite and if we end up with 10,000 things

[1:28:05] that won't fit, then maybe we we have to, uh, pare it back.

[1:28:08] But to begin with, uh, I feel like that's fair.

[1:28:13] Yeah. No objections. Yeah.

[1:28:15] Thank you. Is there any other feedback the committee would

[1:28:19] like to provide regarding contributors?

[1:28:26] Silence can move on. Thank you. Thank you. Oh,

[1:28:30] Sorry. There,

[1:28:31] the hat went on.

[1:28:32] No, um, just that the early engagement piece

[1:28:35] with the, with the schools.

[1:28:36] Um, you know, if, uh, we're gonna put this thing in,

[1:28:39] if we're getting engaged this year versus next year,

[1:28:42] you'd miss a grad class.

[1:28:43] Um, so if there is something that the,

[1:28:45] the current grad class would wanna include, um, uh,

[1:28:49] you don't want anybody to feel luck out,

[1:28:50] so that'd be my only thing.

[1:28:53] Thank you.

[1:28:58] Okay. Next is content.

[1:29:03] Due to space constraints,

[1:29:04] the most common content would be anything paper based

[1:29:07] and easily stackable.

[1:29:09] For example, drawings, letters, brochures, photos,

[1:29:13] newspaper clippings.

[1:29:15] A general rule of thumb could be acid free paper.

[1:29:17] No more than 10 sheets per total submission.

[1:29:21] We would discourage anything with batteries

[1:29:23] or computer media as a device needed

[1:29:25] to read such a file may no longer be available in 40 years.

[1:29:30] As the committee also wanted

[1:29:31] to broaden the allowable content,

[1:29:33] other items could be included.

[1:29:35] However, parameters for size should be considered

[1:29:38] corporate content to be included.

[1:29:40] Could be letters from mayor, council, newspaper, clippings

[1:29:44] of significant municipal projects, events

[1:29:46] or milestones, community maps, um, and things like that.

[1:29:51] Staff will clearly communicate expectations

[1:29:53] during public engagement

[1:29:55] and review content

[1:29:56] to ensure it meets the district standards.

[1:30:00] The committee may wish to undertake a final review

[1:30:02] of all submitted content to ensure it meets the vision

[1:30:05] of the time capsule before it is placed.

[1:30:11] So question number five is, would the committee like

[1:30:13] to establish any parameters on content

[1:30:17] Councilor?

[1:30:20] Uh, I think yes. I think, uh, some of the things

[1:30:23] that came up are valid.

[1:30:25] Um, I like the parameters of no batteries

[1:30:27] or any computer specific media.

[1:30:30] Um, I'm fairly on board with that.

[1:30:32] Um, and then I think size makes sense, um,

[1:30:36] if we're gonna put individual items in there, um,

[1:30:41] I think we can put in toys.

[1:30:42] I, I really don't think that we should put

[1:30:44] too restrictive on that.

[1:30:45] We just get a bigger capsule if needed, I suppose.

[1:30:47] But, uh, yeah, I think, uh, majority of

[1:30:50] what was listed there sounded pretty good.

[1:30:53] Thank you. Uh, Councillor Barr,

[1:30:57] Um, yeah, I would agree.

[1:30:58] Let's, uh, let's try to keep it as open as we possibly can.

[1:31:02] Um, obviously we don't want to create a tomb, um,

[1:31:06] or something the size of a tomb that we need to, uh,

[1:31:08] um, seal up.

[1:31:10] But, um, I would like to try to keep it as open as possible

[1:31:14] to, uh, uh, to get a variety of,

[1:31:16] of good items in there for, uh, for the future.

[1:31:21] Fantastic. Mayor Wilkes?

[1:31:23] Yeah, when we opened up the, uh, the last, uh, capsule,

[1:31:27] the majority of everything was paper-based.

[1:31:30] Uh, and, uh, it made it quite, uh,

[1:31:33] good from that perspective.

[1:31:35] Um, I wouldn't wanna see, see a lot of clutter.

[1:31:38] Uh, I don't, uh, I'm not, not opposed

[1:31:41] to if we wanna have other things in there,

[1:31:44] I would bear in mind as, uh, uh, Ms. Jensen mentioned

[1:31:48] that anything, uh, that is, whether it's a phone

[1:31:52] or stuff like that, probably not

[1:31:54] because in 40 years we won't be able to do anything with it.

[1:31:59] So I would, I would lean to work paper-based, uh, uh,

[1:32:02] counselor at mentioned a toy

[1:32:04] or something, as long as it's, uh,

[1:32:06] gonna last 40 years and stuff like that.

[1:32:08] Not too big, that kind of thing.

[1:32:10] Yeah, that's what I would like to see. Thanks.

[1:32:12] Thanks, councilor. Nat?

[1:32:18] Uh, I was at the opening of the last, uh, k time capsule

[1:32:22] and everything looked good to me.

[1:32:23] I mean, we don't wanna put batteries in there,

[1:32:25] we don't wanna put radios and transistors

[1:32:27] and, you know, whatever, papers

[1:32:29] and newspaper type things, pictures

[1:32:31] of little kids from elementary school, high school.

[1:32:34] I mean, everything looked fine to me.

[1:32:37] So that's all I have to say. Cons, za.

[1:32:42] Yeah, I'm good with what you suggested. Makes sense.

[1:32:46] Yeah, I have a couple pairs of old shoes

[1:32:49] and some undershirts I was hoping to put in there.

[1:32:52] And, uh, I'm fine with those things.

[1:32:54] But, uh, other than that, uh, yeah, we should keep it

[1:32:58] to papers, pictures.

[1:33:00] Fantastic. And I'm certain that there's,

[1:33:02] I know we had some correspondence, uh, recently from a,

[1:33:05] a society that specialized in,

[1:33:07] there's gotta be suggestions out there of do's and don'ts.

[1:33:10] So, uh, and I agree.

[1:33:12] What, what came outta the last one

[1:33:13] That was, that was wonderful.

[1:33:14] Um, let's protect it.

[1:33:16] We don't want anything to, to be ruined by unintentional,

[1:33:20] uh, acid leaching or whatnot.

[1:33:22] Uh, I am curious, so what is a transistor? Uh, counciland?

[1:33:29] Do you have a transistor radio? Fantastic.

[1:33:33] Uh, we clear on that? Yes. Thank you. Same process. Thanks.

[1:33:36] Thank you. Yeah. Question number six,

[1:33:40] would the committee like the opportunity

[1:33:42] to review all submissions

[1:33:43] before approved for final placement in the time capsule?

[1:33:50] Councilor Christensen? Uh, sure.

[1:33:54] We want to go through, through every piece of paper.

[1:33:56] Uh, you know, I would like to know, think

[1:33:58] that it's all gonna be g rated if

[1:34:00] that's the stuff that goes in there.

[1:34:02] So some way to make sure that that's gonna be good and, and,

[1:34:06] and, uh, appropriate.

[1:34:08] Uh, other than that, no.

[1:34:10] I would trust that each of the groups being told to

[1:34:14] fit certain parameters or whatever, being uplifted or,

[1:34:18] or positive would be a good, good enough for me,

[1:34:22] that they would probably follow that.

[1:34:24] So I don't know if we need to go through every paper.

[1:34:30] Yeah, I don't need to review them all. Councilor Na, no.

[1:34:34] Mayor Wilkes?

[1:34:39] Um, I, I guess the only question, I, I don't know

[1:34:43] what happened, uh, when they sealed the last one,

[1:34:46] and I don't, there's no one here.

[1:34:48] Um, the only one that I could remember might be, uh,

[1:34:52] Maureen, Josiah maybe, um, um, Dory,

[1:34:57] uh, might, uh, might know, uh, most everyone else is, uh,

[1:35:03] gone to another place.

[1:35:04] So, um, uh,

[1:35:07] but my concern chair is that, um, when,

[1:35:11] when we say committee, that means committee of the whole,

[1:35:13] which means mayor and council.

[1:35:15] And that's a lot to take on.

[1:35:18] And if we're going, if, if, if it is the will of council to,

[1:35:22] to review it or some of it needs to review it,

[1:35:24] then maybe it should be a, uh, uh, a, uh, committee

[1:35:29] of Council and to, similar to RFA

[1:35:32] and make it very quick.

[1:35:34] It's only gonna be, you know, very quick

[1:35:37] and then just go from there.

[1:35:39] I just find this to be an arduous

[1:35:40] task for Committee of the Forum.

[1:35:44] Okay. Councilor Cordoza, or I already asked you.

[1:35:48] Yep, we've gone that way. Uh, councilor Barr,

[1:35:52] I would agree. I don't think the,

[1:35:53] that the committee would need to, um,

[1:35:56] really evaluate every piece of paper

[1:35:58] or every item that's going in there.

[1:36:00] Um, the only thing I could see would be an exception is if

[1:36:03] we received a, a, a, you know,

[1:36:05] an enormous amount of submissions.

[1:36:07] Um, we might have to try to figure out how we're going to,

[1:36:11] uh, draw back a little bit.

[1:36:13] But, um, I think I, I,

[1:36:15] I think I would feel confident leaving it with the,

[1:36:17] with the staff to decide what's, um,

[1:36:19] what's relevant and what's not relevant.

[1:36:21] And if there was any, you know, anything

[1:36:23] that was up in the air, we could,

[1:36:24] we could take a look at it.

[1:36:25] But I don't think we need to review everything.

[1:36:28] That's all right. Well, Yeah, no, I don't think, uh,

[1:36:33] there's a need to review, but maybe from individuals

[1:36:35] just to kind of vet.

[1:36:36] But I, I, I think we should be okay as long as somebody's at

[1:36:39] that point in vetting, um, that doesn't have

[1:36:42] that profanity and pieces like that.

[1:36:44] But on that, we should be okay.

[1:36:46] And I would agree, um, I do like that

[1:36:49] that mayor well said it would be arduous.

[1:36:51] Uh, and then we're shuffling it over

[1:36:53] to say, staff, you take care of it.

[1:36:55] But, um, really when it comes down to it, the only thing,

[1:36:58] if it ends up being an exorbitant amount, we may have

[1:37:01] to come back to, to talk about parameters.

[1:37:03] But the only caveat would be is, uh, um,

[1:37:06] like Councilor Christensen said, it's, uh, gotta be suitable

[1:37:09] for audience after,

[1:37:11] and that would be the only real if, uh, someone wants

[1:37:13] to submit something that's personal to their family, as long

[1:37:17] as it fits a family, uh, uh, event type thing,

[1:37:20] then I think it all, it all matters.

[1:37:22] Uh, 'cause if it matters to one person,

[1:37:24] that's an important piece.

[1:37:25] Uh, so it wouldn't be a exclude, include type, uh, uh,

[1:37:30] deliberation in my mind.

[1:37:31] If we have the room and it's, it's not exorbitant,

[1:37:34] then it all goes in.

[1:37:36] Um, good on that.

[1:37:38] Thank you. And just for Clarity Chair,

[1:37:40] that would be the intent.

[1:37:41] Staff would review all of the submitted content

[1:37:45] to ensure it was appropriate if it came to, um, the point

[1:37:49] where things had to be, um, selected because of space

[1:37:52] or anything else that would then come back to the committee.

[1:37:55] Yep. Okay. Question number seven.

[1:38:00] Is there any other feedback the committee would like

[1:38:02] to provide regarding content?

[1:38:05] I'm not gonna go around again,

[1:38:06] jump in if you have any other feedback.

[1:38:08] Um, I knew this question was coming, so I was,

[1:38:11] I've been ruminating, sitting here trying to think

[1:38:13] of something clever to say, and I keep landing on like,

[1:38:16] we should put a Furby or a Cabbage Patch doll in it,

[1:38:18] but that really dates me.

[1:38:20] So if there's something a little bit more recent

[1:38:22] that we can say that would, that would be,

[1:38:24] uh, more pertinent.

[1:38:25] Take suggestions. But I don't see anyone jumping in,

[1:38:28] so I think we can move on to the next one.

[1:38:30] Oh, sorry. Oh,

[1:38:32] I think you cannot see in my hand.

[1:38:33] I, I can't before, um, I was saying, uh, I'd like

[1:38:37] to maybe see a favors list from council.

[1:38:40] That'd be, uh, council's, uh, thing on there.

[1:38:42] I know that we are, uh, quite the varying, um,

[1:38:47] age groups within here,

[1:38:48] so I think maybe a favors list from council that goes up

[1:38:51] and down about what it is.

[1:38:52] We, we did see from the Bare Naked ladies conversation

[1:38:54] before that the, it's a very taste that we have, so,

[1:38:58] um, I think that'd be kind of cool.

[1:39:00] Hold on. Are we at a, we are gonna have a problem.

[1:39:03] You don't like the bare naked ladies?

[1:39:04] No, no, we didn't agree on the

[1:39:06] best song from the Bare Naked.

[1:39:07] Oh, okay. Okay, fair enough.

[1:39:15] Thank you. As previously directed by the committee,

[1:39:18] staff are exploring options for placement in

[1:39:21] and around the Titan.

[1:39:23] The selected location will be required to be big enough

[1:39:25] to fit the time capsule safely protected from weather

[1:39:28] and environmental conditions,

[1:39:30] and se securely sealed to prevent theft or vandalism.

[1:39:36] Is there any other direction the committee would like

[1:39:38] to share regarding placement?

[1:39:41] Councillor Christensen?

[1:39:45] I know we talked about, uh, Titan Parker, uh, as a place,

[1:39:50] what, why did we not go just back to the, um, the mall

[1:39:56] with, we've already got a place to,

[1:39:59] to store a capsule in that mall.

[1:40:01] Just have to take the plate off again.

[1:40:04] Why would he we not go back that way?

[1:40:06] Is it restrictive now or

[1:40:11] Go Ahead through your chair.

[1:40:12] I believe the discussion from the committee at the time was,

[1:40:15] the preference would be for the time capsule

[1:40:17] to be located within district property

[1:40:19] or a district facility.

[1:40:21] The Greenwood Mall is a privately owned building, um,

[1:40:25] and we would be unsure what

[1:40:27] that would look like in 40 years.

[1:40:28] So that was the discussion and kind of guidance

[1:40:32] provided from the committee at the time.

[1:40:33] Okay, thanks. Okay.

[1:40:38] You're good with, uh, Titan Park then?

[1:40:40] If we, just for clarity. Thanks.

[1:40:43] I'm good with Titan Park. Councilor Nan flying with it.

[1:40:46] Mayor Wilkes, thumbs up.

[1:40:50] Uh, Councillor Barr, thank Bar Councilor Atwell

[1:40:54] Titan Park.

[1:40:56] Right. Uh, if you flip back just to the previous photo,

[1:40:59] uh, if we do get inundated

[1:41:01] and we have too much content, that fuel tank

[1:41:03] between the front wheel and the back, put it all in there.

[1:41:06] Uh, we're not gonna let it rust. We're gonna paint it.

[1:41:10] It's secure regardless. But yeah, I, I would agree.

[1:41:14] Um, and while we're on the topic, uh, of, of the mall, uh,

[1:41:18] that Tile is still wide open.

[1:41:22] I, I, I feel badly about it every time.

[1:41:24] Um, it was a courtesy, I, as far as I understand,

[1:41:26] for the private owner to, to have our time capsule in there,

[1:41:29] and I think we ought to close it.

[1:41:30] So that would be feedback if we, um, maybe he doesn't care,

[1:41:34] but, uh, I, I, I guess I would be looking for feedback.

[1:41:37] Have we approached it and have offered to, to close the,

[1:41:39] the wall up, uh, for them?

[1:41:42] Um, so that's feedback separately, but on that same

[1:41:45] 'cause we were talking about them all regardless,

[1:41:46] so you, we got clarity there.

[1:41:50] Moving on.

[1:41:52] Okay. Last is regarding the event.

[1:41:56] So the closing of a time capsule is generally commemorated

[1:41:59] by a special community event hosted by Mayor and council.

[1:42:02] This forward chamber has expressed interest in hosting an

[1:42:05] event to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the placement

[1:42:09] of the Titan in its current location

[1:42:11] with a tentative date near the beginning of coal miner days,

[1:42:14] which is from June 7th to 13th.

[1:42:18] The closing and placement

[1:42:20] of the time capsule could be combined with this event,

[1:42:22] or it could be held as a standalone event

[1:42:25] at a different time.

[1:42:29] Would a committee like this to be held in conjunction

[1:42:31] with another community event such as this?

[1:42:34] Or if possible, would the committee like to see this

[1:42:37] as a standalone event?

[1:42:39] And I go around the same way again

[1:42:40] because I messed it up by trying to be clever

[1:42:42] and change directions.

[1:42:43] Councilor Christensen,

[1:42:50] I think, uh, it is hard to get more gatherings and,

[1:42:54] and so I would be fine if we, uh,

[1:42:56] did it in conjunction with another event.

[1:43:01] You've got a lot of people coming out, so then it's easier

[1:43:04] to organize if you already organized it

[1:43:07] for something else. So

[1:43:09] I think I heard there might be an opportunity,

[1:43:11] uh, with coal miner days.

[1:43:12] Would that be, uh,

[1:43:14] That would be fine. Okay.

[1:43:16] Council Za? Yeah, I'm good to combine it.

[1:43:18] Councillor nan, uh, either Coal Miner Days

[1:43:22] or Farmer's Market.

[1:43:23] We got a lot of turnout during Farmer's market, so, uh, oh,

[1:43:27] by the way, Ms. Jensen, if you don't mind, Mr.

[1:43:29] Chair? No, I found something from 1979,

[1:43:33] my high school ID card size of a drive slash

[1:43:38] Can you sneak it in there?

[1:43:41] Just kidding. Just kidding.

[1:43:42] And his transistor

[1:43:43] radio Mayor Wilkes?

[1:43:49] No, I'm good to combine it with the, uh,

[1:43:51] 30th anniversary of the Titan.

[1:43:53] Fantastic. Uh, Councillor Barr.

[1:43:56] Yeah, I, I would consider the,

[1:43:57] or I would, uh, agree with the 30th anniversary of the Titan

[1:44:01] And Councillor Atwell.

[1:44:03] Yeah, that all makes sense you that

[1:44:05] or Canada Day as well, as long as, uh, there's time there.

[1:44:07] Sounds good.

[1:44:10] Uh, I would lean more into the coal miner days, um,

[1:44:13] but if it had to go that way, it'd be fine.

[1:44:15] Uh, we, we get excellent turnouts for those

[1:44:17] and double up, so,

[1:44:19] Yeah.

[1:44:21] Thank you. And last question

[1:44:23] on this topic for the evening.

[1:44:24] Is there any other direction the committee would like

[1:44:26] to share regarding placement of the time capsule?

[1:44:31] Jump in. We won't go around silence. Think we're good?

[1:44:35] Thank you.

[1:44:41] Fantastic. We got through it.

[1:44:43] If there are no objections, I'll close the committee.

[1:44:45] The whole portion of the meeting at 7:46 PM

[1:44:58] We do have one piece of correspondence

[1:45:00] for council's information,

[1:45:01] which was the Aquafit group letter to council

[1:45:03] regarding hot tub closure.

[1:45:04] Does counsel wish to discuss this item?

[1:45:08] Councilor Christensen?

[1:45:10] Uh, no. I'd like to, uh, thank, um, uh,

[1:45:14] the originators of this letter.

[1:45:15] They used to tell us that, uh, one letter

[1:45:18] represented 2000 other people's views.

[1:45:21] So this is, uh, a lot of people's views on this.

[1:45:25] And so, uh, thanks for, for, uh, taking the time to,

[1:45:30] to write this letter and these concerns out.

[1:45:32] That's, um, that's a good way to get our attention

[1:45:35] to something, so thank you.

[1:45:38] Anything further?

[1:45:55] Okay, that brings us to internal reports.

[1:46:00] First internal report presented by Director of Planning

[1:46:02] and Development regarding 2025 Building

[1:46:05] Permit Activity report.

[1:46:06] So Fleet floor reserves.

[1:46:08] Thank you, Mr. Chair. So,

[1:46:10] as is annual tradition at the end of,

[1:46:13] or the beginning of a new year,

[1:46:14] we present the building permit

[1:46:16] statistics for the preceding year.

[1:46:18] Um, so purpose tonight is for you

[1:46:19] to get the 2025 building year stats.

[1:46:22] Um, building permits

[1:46:24] and permit values are good indicators of construction

[1:46:26] and development activity in Sparwood.

[1:46:28] Uh, and we've been collecting these statistics in

[1:46:30] since around 2010.

[1:46:32] So, uh, this first chart you're gonna look at,

[1:46:34] there are 59 permits issued in 2025 with a combined value

[1:46:37] of 30 million, uh, 30 and a half million.

[1:46:41] You'll see that historically our permit values up to 2019,

[1:46:45] were below 10 million.

[1:46:46] 2019 is the Komatsu building.

[1:46:48] Uh, 2020 gets a little higher, 20 ones lower with the start

[1:46:52] of COVID, not surprising.

[1:46:53] 22, we start to see an uptick in 23,

[1:46:56] of course, is the EVR building.

[1:46:58] Um, you'll note, uh, that the trend has been going upwards,

[1:47:03] and that can be a factor of the cost

[1:47:04] of construction also increasing.

[1:47:06] So the value of construction increases.

[1:47:09] So we had new construction permits issued, uh,

[1:47:12] that dropped from 33 to 29.

[1:47:15] The value, however, of our new construction is nearly double

[1:47:18] 2020 fours values.

[1:47:20] Um, this is largely due to the Timbers two projects.

[1:47:22] So when we end up with those larger projects,

[1:47:24] we do get spikes in, in, um, construction value.

[1:47:28] New construction includes new accessory buildings,

[1:47:31] residential buildings, mobile homes, commercial

[1:47:33] and industrial buildings,

[1:47:34] but it doesn't include renovations in terms of permits.

[1:47:39] Uh, 81% or 48 of the 59 permits issued

[1:47:42] or classified as residential.

[1:47:44] And those do include alterations, additions

[1:47:46] and new dwellings themselves.

[1:47:48] Um, so the vast majority of our permit revenues come from,

[1:47:51] uh, I should say permit revenues.

[1:47:53] And our, um, construction value comes from residential,

[1:47:58] uh, 17 of our residential permits.

[1:48:01] Um, there were 17 new residential building permits issued 11

[1:48:05] permits for alterations and 20 for accessory buildings.

[1:48:09] Um, of the new residential buildings that they, uh,

[1:48:13] they increased from 13 in 2024 to 17 with a total

[1:48:16] of 76 dwellings created

[1:48:18] and a construction value of, uh, just under $29 million.

[1:48:22] Um, you'll see a smaller number of permits

[1:48:25] and a larger number of units.

[1:48:26] That's largely, um, as you can see below comprised

[1:48:29] of some single family dwellings.

[1:48:31] Uh, some, a secondary suite nine fourplex units,

[1:48:35] which is 36 dwellings and, uh, some mobile homes.

[1:48:38] And the Timbers 2 32 unit affordable housing project.

[1:48:42] Um, what that does tell us is we're well on our way

[1:48:44] to meeting our housing needs report targets

[1:48:47] for the five year timeframe.

[1:48:50] Um, in terms of commercial, industrial, and institutional.

[1:48:53] This year, only four permits were issued for

[1:48:54] that totaling 1.14 million.

[1:48:57] So that makes up a much smaller portion of our,

[1:48:59] um, of our real growth.

[1:49:01] In terms of next steps, uh,

[1:49:03] this is a report we publish annually, uh,

[1:49:05] and it goes on the district's website,

[1:49:07] and I'm happy to entertain any questions if there are any

[1:49:10] Council questions from Council Councilor Christensen.

[1:49:15] Uh, no questions. Thanks for this report that, um,

[1:49:18] Patrick, um, this is just a personal view.

[1:49:22] I, I encourage all counselors to go

[1:49:23] and take a look at that new garage we allow

[1:49:25] for is a variance permit on cipher sometime,

[1:49:28] and just see how big that stinker is in that residential,

[1:49:32] just to give us an idea of sometimes what our effect may be

[1:49:37] on some of the decisions we make here.

[1:49:39] So, uh, thank you

[1:49:43] Further.

[1:49:46] Thank you. Our second internal report will be presented

[1:49:49] by the Director of Community Services regarding, uh,

[1:49:51] believe it or not, hot tub repairs.

[1:49:53] Uh, Ms. Jensen, the floor is yours.

[1:49:56] Thank you, chair. So the Hot Tub Renovation Project

[1:50:00] was designed by MPE and built by link builders.

[1:50:03] It began in June, 2023

[1:50:05] and was completed in December the same year

[1:50:08] since its reopening, there have been ongoing issues

[1:50:11] with leaking occurring from the interior of the hot tub

[1:50:14] into the open chase that surrounds the full

[1:50:17] exterior of the hot tub.

[1:50:19] The chase was initially intended on being a serviceable

[1:50:22] mechanical chase with operable valves

[1:50:24] for the jet pump system.

[1:50:25] However, during the design phase, these valves were removed

[1:50:29] and the chase was reduced in size,

[1:50:30] rendering it inaccessible other than

[1:50:33] for limited viewing purposes.

[1:50:37] During the course of investigation of the link

[1:50:39] of the leaking MPE link builders

[1:50:42] and the district worked collaboratively together

[1:50:44] and conducted numerous tests

[1:50:46] and monitored the rate of wa the water loss at several

[1:50:50] depths within the tub to try

[1:50:51] and source where the leaks were occurring.

[1:50:54] Several potential sources of water loss were identified,

[1:50:57] and at that time, link builders attended the site

[1:50:59] and undertook the repairs.

[1:51:02] Often the repairs utilized products

[1:51:04] or materials that required curing or drying time.

[1:51:07] So this is why there was a significant period of wait time

[1:51:11] between when those repairs were done

[1:51:12] and when the hot tub could be refilled and tested again.

[1:51:17] Early in 2025, water loss intensified

[1:51:20] and was occurring at a significant rate.

[1:51:22] As you recall, in both the hot tub

[1:51:24] and the main pool in April, both were shut down

[1:51:28] to address the water and prevent

[1:51:30] further infrastructure damage.

[1:51:33] At this time, hot tub leaks were identified

[1:51:34] to be coming from drain boxes, skimmer baskets,

[1:51:38] and ramp in let jets during the shutdown period.

[1:51:41] These items were repaired by link builders.

[1:51:45] Upon refilling the tub in June, the leaking was found

[1:51:48] to have slowed down, but it still continued.

[1:51:52] Following this, the district engaged a third party to assist

[1:51:55] with the complexities of the ongoing water loss

[1:51:57] and evaluation of the required repairs.

[1:52:01] After careful consideration

[1:52:02] and evaluation of options,

[1:52:04] the agreed upon repair approach is to fill the chase in

[1:52:07] with a concrete mix containing Zy PEX concentrate.

[1:52:10] This is an additive that reacts unconsolidated concrete

[1:52:14] to crystallize and seal joints

[1:52:16] and micro cracks, even those which are not

[1:52:18] visible to the naked eye.

[1:52:21] This repair will seal any locations

[1:52:23] that the water is entering the trace

[1:52:25] and remediate any further water loss from occurring.

[1:52:28] This repair is expected to begin, um, as soon as possible,

[1:52:32] and a two day shutdown

[1:52:34] of the pool will be required while the

[1:52:36] concrete mix is poured.

[1:52:38] A cure time of 28 days will then be required

[1:52:41] before the hot tub can be filled.

[1:52:44] During this period of curing, the pool will be operational.

[1:52:47] However, the hot tub will not be filled with water,

[1:52:50] therefore not be operational.

[1:52:53] These repairs are warranty work

[1:52:55] and the district is in the final stages

[1:52:57] of confirming extended warranty on their repairs

[1:53:00] before proceeding.

[1:53:02] It's important to note that through this process, MP

[1:53:05] and Link have both been diligently working

[1:53:07] to address the water loss

[1:53:08] and get the hot tub back into operation.

[1:53:12] I'm happy to answer any questions, um,

[1:53:14] if c Counsel has them.

[1:53:16] Any questions? Uh,

[1:53:21] you mentioned as soon as possible.

[1:53:22] Oh, sorry, go ahead there.

[1:53:24] Uh, Sam, in fact, I just maybe let me, uh, finish

[1:53:27] 'cause I was, uh, jumping ahead, um, as soon as possible.

[1:53:30] WW realistically, what does that mean?

[1:53:32] Is that this week, next week, March, uh,

[1:53:36] and I appreciate that it's, they,

[1:53:37] they likely haven't given you a date,

[1:53:38] but what's your, your sense on when, when it gets to start?

[1:53:41] Because there will be four weeks, 28 days of curing, so, uh,

[1:53:45] we can expect a month after it's, it's done.

[1:53:49] Um, this is just my guess,

[1:53:51] and obviously I can't confirm it will be dependent on when

[1:53:54] Link can secure the concrete, um, to come

[1:53:59] to site, but they have, um,

[1:54:01] suggested they're working in the background.

[1:54:03] Uh, I anticipate it would occur within two, two

[1:54:07] to three weeks that it would be poured.

[1:54:09] That's great. And I appreciate, we definitely wanna ensure

[1:54:12] that there's that extended warranty in case, uh,

[1:54:14] anything else goes wrong.

[1:54:16] So we're not on the hook for it.

[1:54:17] Uh, and I hope anyone watching

[1:54:19] or uh, reviewing afterwards appreciates that there is

[1:54:21] that due diligence piece.

[1:54:23] We ran into it.

[1:54:24] Uh, without considering all the downstream effects,

[1:54:26] if we don't do it right, it could end up being much, uh,

[1:54:29] more difficult to fix down the road.

[1:54:31] So, uh, that due diligence piece does definitely take time.

[1:54:33] So appreciate the, the, the work that your team and,

[1:54:37] and our partners have been putting

[1:54:39] into doing this correctly.

[1:54:40] Uh, Councillor Atwell and then Councillor Christensen.

[1:54:44] Uh, thank you. Councillor Callies, um, through you.

[1:54:47] Um, so in early 2025, there was the leak

[1:54:52] that was significantly increased,

[1:54:53] and so we saw from the hot tub

[1:54:55] and apparently from the main pool

[1:54:57] and they were shut down to take care of it with

[1:54:59] what we're looking for existing leaking, then are we finding

[1:55:03] that the leak is not on the pool side

[1:55:07] or are we still finding there is

[1:55:08] minimal leaking on the pool side?

[1:55:09] Is it solely on the hot tub now,

[1:55:12] or is, is that something that, uh,

[1:55:15] has progressed to that point

[1:55:18] Through you chair?

[1:55:19] The repairs that were undertaken on the pool

[1:55:22] during the shutdown period have resolved the leaking

[1:55:25] for the most part.

[1:55:27] It, uh, if it's there's any water loss,

[1:55:29] it's very neg negligible.

[1:55:31] Um, so that has resolved.

[1:55:34] Um, this is purely just the hot tub at this point.

[1:55:38] I think memory serves me correct.

[1:55:40] Counselor Atwell, that was a, a lighting,

[1:55:42] underwater lighting housing that was, uh, leaking.

[1:55:45] So not, not related to the same, um,

[1:55:48] same issues with the, with the hot tub? Correct. Okay.

[1:55:51] And then just to follow up on that, um, with this, uh,

[1:55:56] ongoing repair, now is RJC um, still engaging,

[1:56:01] um, with this process through MPE and Link?

[1:56:05] Um, or did they just do the assessment

[1:56:07] and, uh, now we're kind of putting the onus back on,

[1:56:10] uh, MPE and link

[1:56:14] Through hr? RJC

[1:56:15] has been working, um, along the entire process

[1:56:19] and still are, uh,

[1:56:21] or still have been until the repair has been completed.

[1:56:26] Okay. Um, and then I think just for, um,

[1:56:30] moving forward, uh, post cure time, 28 days,

[1:56:35] we're looking at this, um,

[1:56:37] moving forward in about three weeks.

[1:56:40] Um, so caught about two months or so

[1:56:43] and then water back in potentially, um, end of March,

[1:56:47] early April, if the leak persists.

[1:56:52] And, uh, we see what that is.

[1:56:54] Do we have, uh, a plan of recourse forward

[1:57:00] Through each chair?

[1:57:01] That's, um, currently just our final piece

[1:57:03] of the puzzle we're working on extended warranty, so

[1:57:06] that would then come into place should there be continued

[1:57:08] leaking after this repair.

[1:57:11] Okay. Sounds good. I appreciate, thank you.

[1:57:13] Thanks Councilor Christensen.

[1:57:15] Uh, thank you council. Just some more questions on that.

[1:57:18] Um, that extended warranty, is this a continuation of,

[1:57:22] of the initial warranty, the, like, the, are,

[1:57:26] are these guys, um, expecting, uh, a, a new, um,

[1:57:32] payment of sort to, to, uh,

[1:57:36] to put an additional warranty on, on the previous work?

[1:57:39] I mean, it seems like the work hasn't been done

[1:57:44] to our satisfaction right from the get go,

[1:57:47] and I imagine that's part of your legal, um,

[1:57:51] fight with them right now.

[1:57:52] But, uh, can you explain this extended warranty to us

[1:57:56] a little bit better so we can have some confidence in it?

[1:58:01] Sure. Through you chair. So the extended warranty wouldn't

[1:58:04] be on the entire project itself.

[1:58:05] That was a one year warranty.

[1:58:08] However, at that time there were defects noted.

[1:58:11] So that is what's being warrantied now.

[1:58:13] The extended warranty would be on the leaking of the hot tub

[1:58:16] and the repair, um, done

[1:58:19] and no additional funds would be requested

[1:58:21] for the extended warranty.

[1:58:23] Okay. Thanks Mayor Wilkes,

[1:58:28] As I get my 2 cents worth in, um, first of all, I'd like

[1:58:32] to thank staff on this.

[1:58:33] They've worked exceptionally hard.

[1:58:36] This has been a real challenging, uh, issue

[1:58:41] for, uh, just about a year.

[1:58:43] And, um, I've received,

[1:58:46] as council has countless complaints from the public, um,

[1:58:51] and staff has tried their best to, to, to get that fixed.

[1:58:56] Um, I sure hope that this is, uh, is the answer.

[1:59:00] Uh, I'm quite confident that it will be the answer

[1:59:04] and, uh, then we can move forward.

[1:59:06] Um, but, um, understand that, um,

[1:59:12] you know, uh, this was a, a challenge with, uh,

[1:59:15] multiple partners and that, uh, staff, uh, worked

[1:59:20] as best as they could to ensure

[1:59:22] that everything was still moving forward.

[1:59:24] Although it be for some people too slow,

[1:59:27] but, you know, in, uh, we have

[1:59:30] to make sure we get this right

[1:59:31] and, uh, we will get it right.

[1:59:33] And I have utmost confidence in staff

[1:59:36] to ensure that it does happen.

[1:59:38] So, um, let's hope, um,

[1:59:40] in the near future we can have water in that hot tub

[1:59:43] and, uh, it'll not be a reoccurring issue.

[1:59:46] Thank you.

[1:59:49] Thank you. Anything further? Thank you.

[1:59:54] We have four further internal

[1:59:56] reports for council's information.

[1:59:57] You would've seen the draft minutes for the, uh,

[1:59:59] recreation Facility Advisory Committee held on

[2:00:01] December 18th, 2025.

[2:00:03] Uh, second one being payments extended for November, 2025.

[2:00:08] Bylaw Enforcement month end report December, 2025

[2:00:11] and BC assessment, Southern Interior 2026,

[2:00:15] property assessments announcement.

[2:00:16] Does counsel have any questions on those?

[2:00:27] Okay, hands up.

[2:00:30] It's, it's hard to see here from, from this chair. Me.

[2:00:36] No worries. Um, just a quick talk about the assessments.

[2:00:40] Um, it was presented the R-D-K-R-D-E-K as well.

[2:00:44] Uh, Sparwood had, um, the, the highest, uh, increase in, uh,

[2:00:49] assessments, I think at 9% on average.

[2:00:51] Some were lower, some are higher, but on average about 9%.

[2:00:55] Um, don't know what caused it.

[2:00:58] Um, if you have a concern with your assessment, you have

[2:01:01] until January 31st to appeal

[2:01:04] to the BC Assessment Board in Cranbrook.

[2:01:07] And, uh, it's February 1st doesn't count.

[2:01:10] So, uh, if you have a challenge with your assessment, please

[2:01:14] um, send your grievance

[2:01:16] to the BC assessment no later than 4:00 PM

[2:01:19] January 31st. Thank you.

[2:01:22] Thanks, Mary Wils.

[2:01:23] And on a personal note, um, my,

[2:01:25] my mother had just relocated, uh,

[2:01:27] to Sparwood in the past year.

[2:01:29] Hers went up 45% this year.

[2:01:32] So, um, strange things are afoot.

[2:01:35] Uh, and for complete transparency,

[2:01:38] that's not the district aspar, that's BC assessment.

[2:01:40] So, uh, appreciate the, uh, the, the reminder there.

[2:01:44] Uh, certainly there'll be a, uh, an ask

[2:01:47] for a review on that one.

[2:01:51] Alright, moving on to announcements from council.

[2:01:53] Uh, councilor Christensen.

[2:01:57] Uh, nope, I have no announcements at this time. Thank you.

[2:02:01] You Councilor Cordoza, nothing from me tonight.

[2:02:03] Councilor Nan? Yeah, I got a quick announcement, uh, along

[2:02:07] with the Mayor Wilkes, uh, and our CAO

[2:02:10] and, uh, councilor Christensen on Zoom.

[2:02:13] We met with Ministry of Transportation

[2:02:16] and Transit last week in Ferny.

[2:02:19] I don't know what what's gonna come out of it,

[2:02:21] but, uh, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed.

[2:02:23] We will explain to them what we need

[2:02:25] and why we need it in this town.

[2:02:28] Lights and crossing lights and what have you.

[2:02:31] So that's all I have to say. Thank you.

[2:02:34] Thank you, Councillor Barr.

[2:02:37] Uh, thank you. Uh, first meeting of the year,

[2:02:39] um, for myself.

[2:02:40] Uh, just a quick, um, PSAI guess

[2:02:44] that I'm gonna take a moment to say, uh, 21st of December,

[2:02:48] I, um, I was gratefully, um, gifted a new grandson.

[2:02:53] Uh, my son had a, uh, my son

[2:02:55] and his girlfriend had a little baby boy, um,

[2:02:59] on the 21st December.

[2:03:00] It's, uh, born at 9:10 PM Uh, his name is Bo

[2:03:04] and, uh, he's, um, just absolutely adorable.

[2:03:07] Um, so yeah, we're proud of grandparents again.

[2:03:10] Um, yeah, thank you very much.

[2:03:12] Congratulations, Councillor

[2:03:14] Barr and to you and your family.

[2:03:16] Uh, Councillor Atwell, uh, I get save you for last,

[2:03:19] last, uh, mayor Wil.

[2:03:20] 'cause it doesn't feel right, regardless of the,

[2:03:22] the chair tonight that you gotta close us off.

[2:03:24] So Councillor Atwell.

[2:03:26] Oh, no worries. Uh, congrats to Grandpa Barr.

[2:03:28] Uh, start with that. Uh, happy new to everybody. Um, good.

[2:03:32] Be back. Um, hope everybody had a phenomenal holiday season.

[2:03:36] Everybody's kept out safe.

[2:03:38] Um, beyond that, uh, looking forward to an amazing 2026

[2:03:42] And I have no new announcements for the start of the year.

[2:03:45] Um, so far it's been a rough go.

[2:03:48] I had a medical procedure recently, which has laid me out

[2:03:51] for the last couple weeks, so I've been

[2:03:53] not, uh, not available.

[2:03:55] So next few weeks should be better.

[2:03:58] Uh, over to you, mayor Welks.

[2:04:00] Thanks. Uh, January 9th, I had, uh, RDK meetings,

[2:04:04] uh, in Cranbrook.

[2:04:06] Um, nothing to report to yet.

[2:04:09] Uh, budget for RDK will be next month, uh, for three days,

[2:04:13] so that'll probably be a little clearer picture

[2:04:15] of what's coming down the pipe to Sparwood.

[2:04:18] And, uh, we met with, uh, minister of State for rural,

[2:04:22] rural communities where the, uh, Anderson last week, uh,

[2:04:27] myself, councilor Nan, councilor Christensen,

[2:04:29] and CEO Sheila Camp.

[2:04:32] Uh, we brought up the traffic light at, uh, highway three

[2:04:36] and, uh, what I'll say, Douglas first Barwood Drive.

[2:04:39] We met, we also brought our concerns with regards

[2:04:42] to crosswalk at, uh, 43 and Michelle Creek Road.

[2:04:46] And then we also brought up, um,

[2:04:48] the Elk Valley Mine Property Tax Sharing Agreement

[2:04:50] and some concerns we had there.

[2:04:52] So, uh, she got the message. Um, we'll see.

[2:04:56] And, um, just as note, uh, maybe it's just, um, coincidence,

[2:05:01] uh, but for council's information, uh,

[2:05:05] I'm just looking at my calendar here.

[2:05:07] Um, February 25th, which is a Wednesday, um, ministry

[2:05:12] of Transportation and Transit, has asked for a meeting

[2:05:15] with us at Inspire at, uh,

[2:05:18] one o'clock, one 30, sorry.

[2:05:20] So if you can be around on February 25th,

[2:05:22] which is a Wednesday, I know some of you're working,

[2:05:24] but for those that can make it, that would be a good thing.

[2:05:28] Other than that, happy New Year

[2:05:30] and look forward to this year. Thanks.

[2:05:32] Thanks, mayor Wilkes. Maybe we can meet with them down

[2:05:34] by Cal Tire and Marijuana so they can watch

[2:05:36] that intersection firsthand.

[2:05:40] Great. And, uh, that does conclude our business

[2:05:43] for this evening and brings us

[2:05:44] to the public question period.

[2:05:45] For those on zoom, click on the q

[2:05:47] and a button where you can enter your full name and question

[2:05:50] and staff will read your question.

[2:05:52] Uh, no one's in the gallery.

[2:05:54] So the question would be, uh,

[2:05:57] is there one anyone online this

[2:05:58] evening that, uh, has a question?

[2:06:00] There are some attendees online,

[2:06:02] but no questions have been submitted yet.

[2:06:04] Okay. Um, Councillor Barr,

[2:06:06] I'm not sure if you're prepared on your side for the, uh,

[2:06:09] the regular business here,

[2:06:11] but we'll just give it a few moments then.

[2:06:19] My apologies. I was slacking on,

[2:06:21] uh, getting that ready for tonight.

[2:06:22] Well, we got to hear your silky golden voice, so that,

[2:06:24] that was a good enough there.

[2:06:26] Um, that brings us to the, uh, close

[2:06:28] of the public portion of the meeting.

[2:06:30] Can I get a motion that the remaining

[2:06:31] of the meeting be closed to the public in order that items

[2:06:34] the subject of which fall under section 90, uh, one

[2:06:38] of the community charter be discussed by council,

[2:06:40] which pertain to c, labor relations

[2:06:43] and other employee relations.

[2:06:46] Motion. Second. All in favor?

[2:06:51] Good. Take a quick recess. Oh, carried. Thank you. Carried.

[2:06:55] Yes.

Public Hearing - 20 Jan 2026

Transcript