Notes taken by Allison Capron
RCMP Quarterly Update (January–March 2026)
Staff Sgt. Svend Nielsen presented the RCMP quarterly report for the first quarter of 2026.
Highlights included:
- Two business break-and-enters were reported during the quarter, an unusually high number for Sparwood.
- Two vehicle thefts occurred, including one incident involving unauthorized use of a vehicle.
- Officers assisted with patrols and collision response when Highway 3 was closed between Sparwood and the Alberta border in February.
- Elk Valley RCMP began using the HealthIM mobile app during mental health calls. The app, developed in partnership with Interior Health, helps officers assess people experiencing mental health crises and securely share assessment information with hospital staff.
- Officers delivered a fraud prevention presentation at the Sparwood Seniors Centre.
- RCMP members visited local schools five times during the quarter.
- Ongoing policing priorities include traffic enforcement, impaired driving, community visibility, prolific offender management and South Country patrols.
- Increased traffic enforcement is planned for Michel Creek Road during the summer.
Community Services Organizational Excellence Update
Staff provided an overview of accomplishments across Community Services.
Highlights included:
- Recreation Centre improvements, including an elevator project, new front desk flooring, expanded summer camp collaboration and a new fitness instructor.
- Youth Action Sparwood celebrated its 10th anniversary, delivering 25 programs with 753 youth registrations. Funding from Columbia Basin Trust will continue supporting programming.
- Repairs were completed to pool and hot tub leaks, while staff continue to manage ongoing lifeguard shortages.
- Maintenance staff completed upgrades to the Community Hall and kitchen.
- Facilities improvements included upgraded security access, improved lighting in the pool foyer, covered shade at the dog pound and new office space at the Municipal Office.
Election and Assent Voting Bylaw
Council adopted the 2026 Election and Assent Voting Bylaw, which consolidates and modernizes Sparwood’s election framework.
Development Cost Charges Bylaw
Council considered first and second readings of a proposed Development Cost Charges (DCC) Bylaw, intended to help recover infrastructure costs associated with community growth.
The accompanying background report identified approximately:
- $1.5 million in water infrastructure costs
- $6.7 million in sanitary sewer infrastructure costs
- $1.7 million in protective services infrastructure costs
The proposed charges include a development cost of $15,536 for a new low-density residential home.
Council discussed how the proposed rates compare with neighbouring communities and agreed that developers, realtors and industry representatives should have an opportunity to provide feedback.
An open house was scheduled for June 24 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers.
The bylaw received first and second readings.
Community Funding Request
Council approved a $1,500 Category 2 Community Funding and Support grant for the Sparwood Minor Ball Association to offset field rental costs.
Councillors also discussed reviewing field rental fees before next season to ensure they remain affordable for local user groups.
The motion passed, with two councillors opposed.
2025 Annual Report
Council approved the District’s 2025 Annual Report.
Draft Cross Connection Control Bylaw
Council reviewed a draft Cross Connection Control Bylaw intended to protect Sparwood’s drinking water system from contamination caused by backflow.
The proposed bylaw would establish requirements for:
- installation of backflow prevention devices
- ongoing maintenance
- annual testing
Council raised several questions, including:
- whether residential irrigation systems would require check valves
- potential costs to homeowners
- whether existing homes would be affected
- which systems would require annual testing
- inspection and reporting fees
- implementation and administration of the program
- the extent of the public health risk posed by backflow
Council requested additional information on anticipated homeowner costs and clarification of the proposed fine schedule before moving forward.
Internal Reports
Council received:
- April 2026 Payment Expenditures Report
- May 2026 Bylaw Enforcement Report
No discussion was recorded on either report.