Operations (Public Works)

The department provides a range of public works services, including water supply, drainage systems, sewer collection, fleet maintenance, parks maintenance, streets and sidewalks, and solid waste removal

The Operations Department is managed by the Director of Operations who supervises a staff of 27, which consists of a working foreman (lead hand), Clerk II, 10 full time and 2 casual labourers, 1 co-op student and 12 seasonal summer students, making it the largest department within the District.

Cemetery Operations

• Operation and grounds maintenance of the Rivercrest and Elk Valley (Michel) cemeteries;
• Operation and maintenance of the 2 Columbarium’s and Memorial Wall; and
• Interment services for full burials, cremations, Columbarium plots (Niche) and installation of Memorial Wall plaques.

Community Services

• Provide assistance during Coal Miner Days and CPR Holiday Train festivities, including pickup and delivery of bleachers, garbage and recycle bins, and road closures and snow removal;
• Maintain the District’s float for use during the Coal Miner Days’ parade; and
• Installing Christmas lights and decorations, or helping the Sparwood & District Arts And Heritage Council with their Tree Light Up event.

Environmental Services

• Ensure protection of public health and the environment by meeting or exceeding all regulatory requirements;
• Manage weed control, Mountain Pine Beetle, Wildfire Interface and Mosquito Control programs;
• Assess and monitor dangerous trees;
• Monitor the use of pesticides within the District; and
• Implement the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan.

Fleet & Building Maintenance

• Manage maintenance, repair and replacement of Sparwood’s fleet, equipment and Public Works buildings; and
• Prepare any vehicles for auction.

Parks and Greenbelts

• Provide landscape maintenance throughout District parks and green spaces (including trail systems);
• Oversee turf and weed management programs; and
• Inspect and repair (as needed) the ornamental fountain in Centennial Square on a weekly basis.

Solid Waste (Garbage & Recycling)

• Manage solid waste which includes garbage, recycling, yard waste and spring cleanup; and
• Maintenance of designated depot locations.

Transportation (Roads & Sidewalks)

• Maintain roads (in excess of 40km), sidewalks, streetscapes, curbs and gutters, boulevards, windrow and snow/ice removal;
• Roadway line painting and delineation;
• Maintain and operate street lighting and traffic signals and install and replace all municipal signs;
• Manage long range planning for the overall transportation network;
• Respond to traffic issues, dust control and traffic calming requests;
• Review development and land use applications for transportation impacts; and
• Manage infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, bridges, street lighting, traffic signals, cycle network, sign and road marking, road safety and street beautification).

Utility Installation & Maintenance

• Install, maintain and manage the underground potable water, storm and sanitary sewer infrastructure;
• Provide construction services for select projects including watermains, sidewalks and certain road paving; and
• Inspect and approve external utilities construction (As-Built collection).

Water Supply, Distribution & Wastewater Treatment

• Ensure safe and cost effective supply of water meeting all Ministry of Health and Environment Standards;
• Manage long range planning and replacement programs for water, sanitary sewer, drainage, irrigation and dike system;
• Operate and maintain the District’s water, storm and trunk sewer system, Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), and collection systems which include the related valves, manholes, catch basins, meters, hydrants, pump stations and reservoir, drainage, irrigation and dike system; and
• Ensure that operation meets or exceeds all regulatory requirements, is cost effective and results in minimal public concerns.

Contact Information

General Email: publicworks@sparwood.ca

Director of Operations
Darrell Kaisner - dkaisner@sparwood.ca

Frank Pan - fpan@sparwood.ca

Clerk II
Bonnie Willett: publicworks@sparwood.ca