Sparwood funds league and rink upgrades

Sparwood council approved two recreation related items during its May 26 special meeting, including field rental support for the Sparwood Mixed Slow Pitch League and a contract for structural upgrades at the curling rink.

Council approved up to $3,000 in in kind support for the slow pitch league’s field rental fees through Category 2 community funding and support.

Facility Project Manager Travis Leeden told council the league had received Category 2 funding in 2023, 2024 and 2025 for field rental support. He said staff were not making a recommendation because the request was not for a local community event, charitable event or startup funding.

Chief Administrative Officer Michéle Schalekamp said the fields are already subsidized by taxpayers.

“I think we are already waiving fees in the sense that fields already subsidized 85% by taxpayers. I would see that as a fee waiver. So this is just of the 15% that field users contribute. This is just asking for an additional reduction in that contribution,” Schalekamp said.

Councillor Sam Atwal supported the request but said he would like to see a better process for recurring field use support.

“I’d rather have the fields being used than sit empty,” Atwal said.

Councillor Jason Christensen also supported the request, saying the district should look for another way to handle the cost so it does not reduce Category 2 funding available to other groups.

Councillor Steve Kallies said recurring requests should be reviewed for whether they belong in Category 1 funding instead. 

Council also awarded a $204,675 contract, plus applicable taxes, to Tyee Log Homes Ltd. for the 2026 Curling Rink Primary Structural Beams Upgrade Project.

Leeden said a 2019 structural roof report found the curling rink roof no longer met current Environment Canada snow load requirements for Sparwood’s geographic area. The structural upgrades were originally proposed in the 2025 capital budget, but bids came in over budget.

Leeden said four proposals were received after the request for proposals was issued on April 2, 2026. Staff recommended Tyee Log Homes Ltd. of Kimberley because it provided the best overall value to the district.

Council approved the contract award.