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Serving the South Country, Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford since 1898
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First Place
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JAFFRAY
A lungbusting Saturday at FAR Katie Anderson joins BC snowboard cross team - Page 2 ELKFORD
Spirit bear seen by fishermen - Page 5 FERNIE
Fund-raising for Brenda - Page 8
ARTS
Ben Scott pushes over the final bend at the Fernie Alpine Resort Lost Boys Lungbuster on Saturday, with Ed Shipowick hot on his heels. Turn to page 7 for the results and more pictures or visit www.thefreepress.ca. Photo by A. Treharne
Sparwood to look at snow policies By Jenna Jensen Contributor
No Island rock Fernie - Page 21
RCMP
Crime Reports - Pages 20 and 22
T
he District of Sparwood is reconsidering its snow and ice removal policies and procedures following a lot of community pressure to address the windrows issue. Many residents have voiced the opinion that it should be the District’s responsibility to remove windrows, the heaps of snow created by snow plowing. Other issues that
have came forward have been ice, weekend plowing and impeded sightlines by tall heaps of snow at the end of some residents’ driveways. In a special meeting, held on August 16, more than 25 concerned residents attended and a public discussion was held on the current policies and what can be done to better serve the public. Councillor Sonny Saad was concerned over the possible revamping of the procedures. The Director of Public Services, Mel Bohmer
said that what Public Works does during heavy snowfalls changes daily or hourly depending on snowfall, and that they are always looking for the best way to get the job done for residents of Sparwood. He also said the biggest problem is with vehicles parking on the streets, which in turn creates bigger windrows, and more snow and ice issues. There is also the issue of where to put all the snow being hauled away. Sparwood resident, Bev Bellina, agreed that something needs to be
done, but did not want to see her taxes increase to do so. "There needs to be some time for community input," she said. Dave Wilks, MP was also in attendance at the meeting and reminded Council that it was their decision on what needs to be done. "You have to make the choices on the best information you have, seeking all of the community input that you can," he commented. During the meeting it was voted in favour by all attending Council
members to establish a select committee, consisting of Mayor Lois Halko and all of the Council members, as well as two members of the public, and possibly contractors, to go over all of the District's snow and ice removal policies to see what can be done to better serve the issues Sparwood residents are facing. The select committee will gather in depth public input on issues, concerns and possible solutions.