The District of Sparwood issued a number of updates following their most recent council meeting on June 2.
Council approved the submission of a grant application sent to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for the Municipal Asset Management Program. The grant of up to $62,500 would be used to create an asset management plan for the district’s infrastructure assets.
According to the FCM website, asset management assists communities in managing municipal infrastructure assets and making stronger investment decisions, while supplying affordable and consistent services to residents.
In October 2019, the District of Sparwood received $15,000 from the Union of BC Municipalities’ Asset Management Planning grant program for the creation of an asset management plan. The district would match the contribution at $15,000. Staff hope to complete the plan in two phases, to make use of both grant opportunities, applying this grant to Phase 1. At the council meeting, staff recommended that the district apply for the funding for Phase 2 of their plan, with a maximum of $50,000 (80 per cent of the $62,500 total).
The District of Sparwood also reminded residents that the bylaw education and enforcement program will be focusing on unsightly properties as the summer ensues. This means that properties with uncut grass and noxious weeds, accumulated garbage, old machinery and furniture, dilapidated vehicles, or vegetation interfering with the visibility of public utilities, signs or walkways will be investigated following complaint. Reports of unsightly properties can be sent to bleo@sparwood.ca, called into bylaw enforcement at 250-425-5367, or submitted via a service request form available on the Sparwood website.
Furthermore, the district’s annual mosquito control program proceeds with larval monitoring and surveying. Biologists continue to control developing larvae in ponds, marshes and ditches using biological larvicides. To prevent larvae development, property owners are reminded to dispose of standing water and water holding containers. To prevent annoyance with mosquitoes, the district also implores residents to dress in light and loose fitting clothing, use repellent, drain mosquito sources, and minimize outdoor activities during dawn and dusk.
The District of Sparwood is also seeking proposals for the installation and supply of an outdoor digital sign. The project’s goal is to communicate community based information in an attention grabbing way, noticeable by walking, parked, and vehicle traffic. The project includes the fabrication, supply, design, and installation of the sign. .
Those interested and qualified to provide this service are asked to submit a proposal to the district, as outlined in the Request for Proposal Information Package. The packages can be found in hard copy at the District of Sparwood Municipal Office, or electronically by contacting Lyle Hannan, director of corporate services, at lhannan@sparwood.ca. Deadline for proposals is June 29 at 4 p.m.
Lastly, following 84 days of operation, the District of Sparwood deactivated their Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on June 11 at 10 a.m. The decision was made in light of the reduced need for COVID-19 responding.
“We thank residents of the District of Sparwood for a responsible approach to COVID-19,” said Sparwood mayor, David Wilks. “Overall, residents complied with restrictions and recommendations and did all they could to stay safe and supportive of one another. While the response level is not as heightened as it initially was, it is very important for everyone to respect social distancing, sanitizing and health and safety protocols put in place by the provincial health officer.”
The district will release ongoing regular pandemic updates, including a list of all facility and amenity closures and openings on their website at Sparwood.ca.