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Sparwood moves forward with Michel Creek water extension

Sparwood council has adopted two bylaws, approving an extension of the Sparwood water system to include Michel Creek Road.

By Adam R. MacDonald

 

Sparwood council has adopted two bylaws, approving an extension of the Sparwood water system to include Michel Creek Road.

Both the Inspector of Municipalities and the electors of the District of Sparwood gave their assent to the Michel Creek Water Extension Project earlier this month, allowing for this final stage of approval to take place. The bylaws permit the borrowing of up to five million dollars, which is to be repaid over a 25 year period, and which will cover the three parts of this project.

Council awarded part one of the project to Hebditch Holdings Ltd. of Cranbrook, for approximately three million dollars, and approved the cancellation of parts two and three of the project, which would have included service to 6000 Highway 43, as that work is not yet ready to proceed.

The cost of the water system extension will be recovered by way of a parcel tax, applicable to the local service area of Michel Creek Road. Although Teck property is included in the parcel, Councillor Baytaluke said, “We're pretty confident at this point in time that the mine isn't going to access the water, that it is simply for the residents’ properties along Michel Creek Road.”

Overall, the project will supply water to residents, as well as provide fire service for the residential areas along the road.

“There has been a tremendous amount of support for this project,” said Mayor Lois Halko. “Council is delighted to be working with Teck and the community to provide a better service to the residents of Sparwood. We want to thank Teck on behalf of the community for their partnership and investment in Sparwood,” said Halko.

Teck is contributing 92.5 per cent of the $5 million dollar Michel Creek Water Extension project. Nic Milligan, Manager, Community and Governmental Affairs commented that, “Teck is focused on working cooperatively to support the communities in the areas where we operate. We want to help create a positive legacy for communities and the environment.”