The District of Sparwood Council has released its council facts for November.
Sparwood authorized a five year recreational land use permit to the Sunset Ridge Ski Society for the development of more cross-country skiing trails south of the Sparwood Golf Course.
“The permit will allow the Society to remove fallen trees and brush and make improvements to road surfaces,” the District said in its publication. “Sparwood Trails Alliance (STA) council authorized issuance of a five year recreation land use permit to the Sparwood Trails Alliance for development of trails around the Disc Golf Course, Westwood, Cypress Trail and powerline areas in Sparwood Heights.”
“The STA will be creating trail beds, and developing additional permanent trails. They will also be limbing and brushing,” said the District.
The District of Sparwood also endorsed a donations in Lieu of Christmas Cards Policy by increasing donations to the Sparwood Food Bank and Sparwood Toys for Tots from $250 to $500, effective in 2020.
“In 2003, Council adopted a policy that in lieu of the $500 expended on purchasing and mailing Christmas cards to various provincial ministries and municipalities in the Kootenay region that a donation be made to a local charitable group, organization, family or individual,” they said. “The policy was amended in 2011 to split this donation between the Sparwood Food Bank and Sparwood Toys for Tots.” The District said the donation amount has remained static since 2003.
In education, the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History council (CBIRH) authorized Mayor David Wilks to support the CBIRH for funding to support the digitization of Sparwood, Fernie and Elkford school yearbooks.
In emergency services, “Deputy Emergency Support Services (ESS) Director Council appointed Traci Allen as the Deputy Emergency Support Services Director and authorized the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute the agreement for Ms. Allen’s volunteer services.”
ESS is a municipal emergency response program that provides short-term needs for evacuees and response workers disaster situation.”
The District of Sparwood has also undertaken The Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
“Input from the community is the foundation of the Plan,” said the District. “Without you we cannot make this project successful. Please take a few minutes and complete an on-line survey.”
Sparwood also wants to remind residents about parking regulations from October 1 – March 31. “The District’s Off-Street Parking Regulations came into effect on October 1,” they explained. “The Sparwood Traffic, Parking and Highway Regulation Bylaw No. 472, 1987 prohibits on-street parking between 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from October 1 to March 31 inclusive.”
Residents should not park on the street during snow plowing, snow removal, snow hauling, or sanding operations.
“No advance warning is required under the bylaw and section 189 (1) (n) of the Motor Vehicle Act and offending vehicles will be towed,” the District said. “It is an offense under the Community Standards Bylaw to push, place or throw or allow to be pushed, placed or thrown any snow or ice upon a highway or lane. Please make appropriate arrangements for parking your vehicles.”
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is coming to Sparwood December 11, 2019 3:10 p.m., behind the Leisure Centre. “More Canadians than ever are turning to food banks for support,” said the District. “Help make a difference in our community by bringing a cash or food donation to this year’s Holiday Train. This year the train features CP Holiday Train favourite, Terri Clark.
The Sparwood Food Drive 2019 is on Sunday, December 8, 2019 – 5:30 pm.
“Sparwood’s emergency responders will be going door-to-door collecting donations of food, new unwrapped toys, and cash to make sure our Food Bank and Toys for Tots programs are very well stocked for the holiday season,” said the District. “If you are not at home donations can be dropped off at Fire Hall #1, 479 Pine Avenue, or just leave them on your front doorstep in a bag or box for pickup.”
The District is offering tips for winter driving.
“Drivers are required to obey winter tire and chain up signs throughout the province,” they said. “Certain designated routes require that vehicles are either equipped with winter tires or carry chains from October 1 to March 31.”
Get your car winter ready with a maintenance check-up.
“Watch for black ice,” reminds the District. “Slow down when approaching shaded areas, bridges and overpasses as these freeze sooner than others in cold weather.”
The District recommends that you drop your speed to match road conditions.
“No matter how much driving experience you have, the way your vehicle will move on snow or ice is unpredictable.”
“Always check weather and travel conditions before heading out on the road and if they are bad, avoid traveling. Keep at least four seconds distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. This will allow plenty of room in situations where you may need to brake suddenly on a slippery surface.”
Carry an emergency survival kit in your vehicle, said the District of Sparwood.
“If you get stuck in a storm, stay calm,” they explained. “Stay in your vehicle and open your window slightly to make sure you have a supply of fresh air. Set out a warning light or flares. Plan your route ahead of time. Avoid any roads that may become dangerous during bad weather. Learn winter road skills.
For road and weather conditions, visit www.drivebc.ca.”