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Committees, Commissions & Boards


Youth Advisory Commission

The Youth Advisory Commission’s mandate is to engage and empower local youth in the development and oversight of a local Youth Network, with the goal of providing relevant programs, projects, and events for Sparwood youth.

The Commission was established September 19, 2016 by Youth Advisory Commission Bylaw 1191 and meets on the second Tuesday of February, June, September and November at 11:30 am in Room 117 at Sparwood Secondary School, located at 101 Pine Spur Drive.

The Commission shall consist of a minimum of five members which are comprised of:

  • a member of Council;
  • a minimum of two high school students;
  • the Director of Community Services; and
  • community stakeholders who reside within the municipality or Electoral Area A.

Commission Objectives

Funded through the Columbia Basin Trust’s Basin Youth Network, the Commission’s role is to facilitate the development and oversee the operations of a Youth Network within the District with respect to:

  • Planning, organizing and hosting of recreational opportunities, park amenities, student activities, volunteer opportunities and other youth orientated community events;
  • Develop and propose plans that support or improve the above programs; Oversee the activities of the Youth Network, including monitoring and evaluation; Support youth initiatives in Sparwood;
  • Hire and oversee the activities of a Youth Network Coordinator;
  • Identify and apply to outside funding sources, including grant opportunities, to achieve the Commission’s goals and objectives, provided any requirement for matching funds are available within the Commission’s operational budget; and
  • Other appropriate actions to further the purpose of the Commission.

Check out what our Youth Action Sparwood is doing by visiting them on Facebook or Instagram page

Get Involved

youth@sparwood.ca


Socio-Community & Economic Effects Advisory Committee

The Socio-Community and Economic Effects Advisory Committee (SCEEAC) is a Select Committee of Council that performs an advisory role, focused on making recommendations to Council and Teck for consideration with respect to the Baldy Ridge Expansion. The SCEEAC reviews and comments on the management plans as outlined in the SCEEMP. The Terms of Reference outlines the mandate and guiding principles for this Committee.

Meetings of the SCEEAC shall be held quarterly (and on an as-needed basis) and shall be
open to all members of the public. A special meeting of the SCEEAC may also be called at the
discretion of the Chair. In addition to meetings, the SCEEAC will be consulted via email, online poll,
or telephone if and as the need arises. Notice of meetings shall be in accordance with the Council
Procedure Bylaw. Meetings are open to the public and recorded and posted on the District of Sparwood Vimeo page.

This Committee is administered by the SCEEAC Coordinator. The District of Sparwood and Teck each have an Adaptive Management Lead (AML) to coordinate activities for their respective organizations.

The Committee includes 3 Members of Council, the General Manager of Teck’s Elkview Operations, Teck’s Manager of Social Responsibility, one of Elkview’s Superintendents (Engineering or Environmental) and 5 to 7 members of the community as outlined in the Terms of Reference.

Committee Members:

We are actively recruiting for a SCEEAC Volunteer. Find the full posting here: https://sparwood.ca/sceeac-seeking-volunteer/.

Livability Report Card

Assessing the Quality of Life in Sparwood

We are currently conducting our annual survey to acquire information on quality of life in Sparwood. Our goal is to measure, understand, and keep track of quality of life (aka livability) as the expansion of mining in Baldy Ridge at Elkview Operations progresses.

Complete online by scanning the QR code or go to https://bit.ly/47vOZwb. You can also pick up a paper copy at the Municipal Office or Leisure Centre Office.

Don’t Forget: Complete the survey by March 1, 2024 for a chance to win a gift certificate to a local business of your choice.

This report card is updated annually to track the effects of the Baldy Ridge Extension and other changes occurring in our community. This information will guide the District, Teck, local organizations, and community members on action needed to maintain and enhance the livability of Sparwood.

See below for more information on Livability and SCEEAC.

Link for Report Card: 2023 Livability Report Card

Link for Data Appendix for 2018-2022: 2018-2022 Livability Report Card Appendix

What do we mean by livability?

Livability is another word for quality of life. In Sparwood, our quality of life results from a lot of factors. One of the biggest factors is mining; it is the biggest part of our economy, and is directly or indirectly the reason why most people choose to live in Sparwood. Mining also brings noise, dust, visual impacts, and other effects which need to be monitored and managed to ensure that our quality of life stays high.

Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) #M16-01 was issued by the Province to Teck’s Elkview Operations (EVO) Baldy Ridge Extension Project under the Provincial Environmental Assessment Act on September 19, 2016. Under Condition 21 of this permit, Teck was required to prepare the Socio-Community and Economic Effects Management Plan (SCEEMP). The SCEEMP contains the framework for Teck’s participation in the Socio-Community and Economic Effects Advisory Committee (SCEEAC), which is a Select Committee of Council.

Click on a tab below to find out more about each of these topics.

Baldy Ridge Extension

Teck is currently in the operations/construction stage of the Environmental Assessment process for the Baldy Ridge Extension project to Elkview Operations (“BRE”). BRE will increase the disturbance area of this operation by 862 hectares and bring mining closer to Sparwood than ever before. It will contribute to sustaining mine activities and jobs in this region for an additional 25 years.

As part of the environmental approval for BRE, the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) has included many conditions for Teck to prepare Management Plans for concerns such as Biodiversity, Air Quality and Reclamation and Closure. Under Condition 21 of this permit, Teck was required to prepare the Socio-Community and Economic Effects Management Plan (SCEEMP). This condition also outlines which of these plans should be prepared in consultion with the District of Sparwood, through the SCEEAC.

For more information on BRE, including inspection and compliance reports, please visit the EAO’s dedicated website.

The following resources are available on our Document Centre:

SCEEMP

The Socio-Community and Economic Effects Management Plan (SCEEMP) provides a comprehensive adaptive management framework not only to ensure compliance with the BRE EA Certificate but also to be the foundation for a long-lasting and effective partnership between Teck’s Elkview Operations and the District of Sparwood.

This plan is a living document and with versions that evolve with time as engagement occurs, knowledge is generated, and experience is gained. Each year an Annual Report is drafted and presented to the community at the Annual SCEEMP Meeting.

The Annual Meeting is held every June. Teck is the host of this meeting and they prepare the Meeting Minutes.

The other plans that Teck has or will prepare in consultation with the SCEEAC are listed here.

PlanStatusDate presented to SCEEACLink
Fugitive Dust (name changed from Air Quality and Dust Control)This plan was endorsed by Council on November 17, 2020. The plan was updated in March 2022.Wednesday, October 21, 2020Fugitive Dust Management Plan
Blasting and VibrationThis plan was endorsed by Council on September 17, 2019Monday, September 16, 2019Blasting and Vibrations MP
Presentation to SCEEAC
Noise ControlThis plan was endorsed by Council on August 21, 2019Monday, August 12, 2019Noise Management Plan
Presentation to SCEEAC
Visual QualityThis plan was endorsed by Council on August 21, 2019Monday, August 12, 2019Visual Quality MP
Presentation to SCEEAC
Reclamation and ClosureOriginal MP included in Application covers 2017 – 2022. The plan was updated in June 2022.TBDReclamation Management Plan

Livability Study

The Sparwood Livability Study was completed in 2019. The report card gives a snapshot of the quality of life in our community. The data represented in this document will be updated each year. A new survey is released annually to gather the subjective results for the report card. The survey will be available in the first quarter of the year and the Report Card is published in April/May.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I provide my input to the SCEEAC?

A Feedback Form is available here to provide input directly to the SCEEAC. These forms are received and then become information items on the next SCEEAC meeting agenda.

SCEEAC meetings include a question period where members of the public can ask questions pertaining to items on that meeting’s agenda. Questions, concerns, or comments for the SCEEAC can also be submitted to livable@sparwood.ca.

SCEEAC meetings are open to the public (unless portions of the meetings are closed for reasons consistent with the Community Charter) and follow the reporting procedures required for Council meetings.

Residents can always submit any concerns related to mining operations directly to Teck through their feedback mechanism:
Elk Valley Feedback Mechanism
Phone: 1-855-806-6854
Email: feedbackteckcoal@teck.com
Online submission form: www.teck.com/contact

How will the SCEEAC provide advice for management/mitigation?

The SCEEAC will review and provide recommendations for management and mitigation options for various impacts that BRE may create. Once the SCEEAC understands the issues and options, they will make recommendations on preferred approach to mitigation. Those recommendations will go to District of Sparwood Council and/or Teck, and decision makers in those organizations will make the final decisions on how to proceed.

It is important to remember that the SCEEAC is meant to be a conduit between the residents of Sparwood and the District and Teck. Therefore, individual opinions of SCEEAC members should be tempered by the information provided and broad public feedback that the SCEEAC receives.

The hypothetical example below demonstrates how the Committee might make a recommendation related to noise:

A combination of factors leads to an increase in noise events in Sparwood in one year. The Committee has already been provided an overview of the issue of noise and how it is addressed by Teck. At their November meeting, the Committee gets the following input:

  • A summarized record of public feedback about noise grievances received during that year
  • Presentation by Teck on their noise mitigation measures during that year
  • Data on actual recorded noise levels
  • A list of mitigation alternatives to consider

The SCEEAC receives all of that information, and then deliberates on the issue at hand. The SCEEAC is aware of existing options for mitigation, but also discusses some new ideas. The SCEEAC determines that their recommended approach is:

  • For Teck to install a temporary wall around the noise source

The SCEEAC agrees on this recommendation and shares it with Council and Teck. In this case, the recommendation pertains to Teck’s operations, so Teck would ultimately decide on how they will proceed. The recommendations, and subsequent actions of Teck and/or the District, would be tracked, recorded and reported, to understand how, when, and why recommendations of the SCEEAC are, or are not, being followed. This process is part of the adaptive management cycle and would be monitored (i.e. the following year) to ensure progress is made over the long term. New management/mitigation options may be selected in a future adaptive management cycle as needed. The SCEEAC would be involved in each subsequent cycle.

Why are we doing this now?

The SCEEMP, Livability Study and SCEEAC are required as part of the Environmental Certificate issued by the BC Environmental Assessment Office. The Baldy Ridge Extension project is underway and it will increase the size of Elkview Operations and its proximity to the Sparwood community. We want to ensure that any impacts from new mine activity are carefully managed and the community is involved in the process; the SCEEAC is a way to reach the broader community and give this topic the attention it deserves.

What is the purpose of the SCEEAC?

In plain language, the purpose for the SCEEAC is to have an informed group of citizens, Teck, and District appointees, that can consider the impacts of  BRE project on the community of Sparwood and provide recommendations to the District and Teck on how to minimize or mitigate those impacts. From the SCEEAC Terms of Reference:

  • Perform an advisory role, focused on making recommendations to Council and Teck for consideration with respect to implementing Condition 21;
  • Provide a broad community voice;
  • Act as a conduit for Teck Elkview Operations and DOS to reach citizens and for citizens to reach Teck EVO and District of Sparwood – and to build trust;
  • Advise on engaging the broader community of Sparwood;
  • Review results for other Management Plans (Table 4-1) required as per BRE EAC #M16-01; and,
  • Assist in identifying on-going socio-community impacts and possible solutions for adaptive management

Who is paying for this SCEEAC?

The SCEEAC is made of up volunteers from the community, and appointees from the District and Teck. Financial support for administrative aspects of the SCEEAC and expert advice, when required, will be provided by Teck. The District will provide in-kind support, such as time required by staff members to prepare for and attend meetings.

How can I become a member of the SCEEAC?

SCEEAC members have been appointed for the first 3-year term by the District of Sparwood Council.

Calls for new appointments will be advertised widely when necessary. Members of the public are welcome to attend and provide input at all meetings of the SCEEAC. These meetings will be open to the public (unless portions of the meetings are closed for reasons consistent with the Community Charter) and follow the reporting procedures required for Council meetings.

How can I stay informed of the operations and recommendations of the SCEEAC?

  • Review meeting minutes on the Document Center and available in person at the District office
  • Visit this Sparwood.ca/Livable website for any major project updates (i.e. the Livability Study)
  • Follow Council Facts which will reference SCEEAC meetings when minutes are brought to Council

What does the SCEEAC discuss?

The SCEEAC is tasked with providing comments on several of Teck’s management plans. These plans are discussed in the SCEEMP document and include things like air quality and dust control, blasting and vibration, noise control, reclamation, and viewscape.

SCEEAC meeting agendas are posted in our Document Center approximately 5 business days before each meeting.


Board of Variance

The Board of Variance (BOV) considers minor variances in siting, dimensions, or size requirements (side yard, back, front, height and area coverage) where compliance with the District of Sparwood Zoning Bylaw would cause hardship.

A person may apply to the Board of Variance for a minor variance if they feel compliance with the bylaw would cause them a hardship. For example, if a big rock in their yard made it a hardship to site the house in conformity with the normal setbacks, a person could apply for a minor variance.

The BOV cannot vary the permitted uses, densities, or parking under the Zoning Bylaw, nor does it to deal with major variance applications. Major variances require a Development Variance Permit application or in some cases a Zoning Bylaw Amendment.

Board of Variance Membership

Sparwood’s Board of Variance consist of three members. Each member is appointed for a three-year term by the municipal Council. An officer or employee of the local government are prohibited from being appointed to a BOV. An appointment can be rescinded at any time. Review the BOV terms of reference in the Board of Variance Bylaw.

Board of Variance Meetings

Meetings of the BOV are scheduled on an as-needed basis when applications are received. Scheduled meetings are listed on the District’s event calendar and advertised on our public notice board. Meetings of a BOV must be open to the public.

The BOV may grant a variance if they have considered the following factors and are of the opinion that the variance does not:

  • result in inappropriate development of the site
  • adversely affect the natural environment
  • substantially affect the use and enjoyment of the adjacent land
  • vary the permitted uses and densities or defeat the intent of the bylaw

The BOV focuses primarily on hardship relating to matters such as siting, dimensions and size of buildings. They cannot conflict with other matters such as Land Title Act covenants, permits or land use contracts or floodplain bylaw specifications.

A decision of the BOV is final. However, there may be an appeal to the Supreme Court in the specific case where a person alleges that there has been an error by the Building Inspector in the determination of the amount of damage to a non-conforming building above its foundation (75% or more of its value). A decision by a tribunal like a BOV may be assessed by the Courts under the Judicial Review Procedure Act if it alleged that proper procedure was not followed.


Consider a Volunteer Role on a Board or Committee

The District of Sparwood citizen committees provide Council and staff with input about a wide variety of subjects through discussions, presentations and recommendations. Some committees also organize and participate in community events. The District encourages citizens who represent the diverse backgrounds of our community to participate on these committees.

Volunteering on a board or committee is a great way to:

  • meet new people share your talents develop skills
  • address a common interest
  • make a difference in your community

Becoming a member of a committee or board offers residents a unique chance to volunteer their highly valued skills and to strengthen our shared sense of community. Email sparwood@sparwood.ca for more information on how to participate on a committee or board.