Customers using Sparwood’s new bulk water station will pay for the water they take rather than a fixed daily amount, following council’s adoption of a new rate structure Oct. 20.
Council adopted Utility and Solid Waste Management Amendment Bylaw 1377, 2026, establishing charges for the self-service station and updating related provisions in the district’s utility bylaw.
The change is expected to reduce costs for customers buying smaller quantities of bulk water while reducing the need for public works staff to dispense water from fire hydrants.
Under the existing hydrant system, customers pay $199.91 a day for up to 13,638 litres, even if they need considerably less. Additional water is charged at $1.66 per 1,000 litres.
The station’s rate is set at $14.66 per 1,000 litres in 2026, $15.10 in 2027 and $15.55 in 2028, with purchases billed by the litre. Rates will rise three per cent annually after 2028.
Credit and debit card transactions will carry a three per cent surcharge. Customers approved for monthly invoicing will pay a 15 per cent administration fee on their water charges.
Staff said customers purchasing less than 13,638 litres would pay less at the station, while those purchasing larger volumes would pay more than under the existing hydrant structure. Hydrant service will remain available where station use is not possible or the district otherwise authorizes it.
In its post-meeting council update, the district said the station was expected to be operating by the end of October.
Council also received a report outlining why recruiting instructors or pursuing digital fitness classes will no longer be an operational priority for the district.
Of 128 fitness classes scheduled in 2026, 76 were cancelled because they had zero or one registered participant. Classes that went ahead averaged about 2.4 participants, compared with the six needed to cover direct program costs.
The report said reduced prices for Active Living Pass holders, promotion and a temporary relaxation of registration minimums had not generated enough participation to sustain the program.
The district’s instructor resigned after minimum registration requirements were reinstated. Staff subsequently tried to establish digital classes, but could not secure a reliable delivery system. Other options were too costly or did not offer suitable programming.
Staff said local businesses already provide fitness services and municipal resources would instead focus on core recreation services, pool and arena activities and programs with stronger demand. Fitness classes could be reconsidered if demand changes or a viable proposal meets the district’s cost-recovery requirements.
Council received the report for information without adopting a new fitness-programming motion.
A separate report presented the final results of Sparwood’s FoodCycler pilot, which supplied 100 households with fully subsidized countertop food-waste processing units for a 12-week trial.
An evaluation prepared by supplier Food Cycle Science drew on tracking sheets and a survey of 98 households. Participants reported reducing their garbage from an average of 2.42 bags a week to 1.51, a reduction of about 38 per cent.
The company estimated the 100 units could process about 18.9 tonnes of food waste annually if households maintained their pilot usage. That figure is an annual projection based on the trial.
The supplier proposed expanding the program by another 800 units at an estimated cost of $250,000 to $300,000. Council received the results for information and did not approve an expansion or additional spending.
During his quarterly policing update, Elk Valley RCMP Staff Sgt. Svend Nielsen reported that Sparwood’s five police positions were filled. The detachment’s report listed 401 calls for service in Sparwood from July through September, compared with 352 during the same period in 2025.
Coun. Steve Kallies raised continuing concerns about speeding on Michel Creek Road, particularly around shift changes at Elkview. Nielsen said police were regularly patrolling the road and explained that officers across the regional detachment can respond in Sparwood.
WildSafeBC representative Helena Gillett also outlined summer education work, including visits to 779 homes with information about proper garbage-bin storage. The visits generated 40 conversations with residents. A bear-spray workshop attracted 12 participants.
The meeting included farewells from outgoing council members and thanks from chief administrative officer Michele Schalekamp, who recognized council’s service over the term. Staff presented members with photo books marking the past four years.
Sparwood’s inaugural and regular council meeting is scheduled for Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. at the municipal office, 136 Spruce Ave.