Key Findings
- Effective communication between residents and the District of Sparwood about current or future events and issues should make better use of all media forms in the future (newspaper, mail, email, radio and internet).
- More work in required to educate the public about the information that is available online. Many people who commented about wanting certain information on the web page did not know it was already available online, for example the pool schedule and council minutes.
- 72% of respondents knew Council meetings were broadcast Wednesday nights on channel 10 while only 25 % watch. 81% knew meetings were open to the public. 29% would watch the meetings if they were available online.
- 37% of respondents would support modifying the hours of the Recreation Centre. Twenty-four percent would include earlier mornings, 28% would support staying open later in the evenings and 34% would like more weekend hours.
- Snow Plowing – while 80% are pleased with the current system, 71% believe that windrows should be removed for seniors and handicapped, regardless of the cost.
- Over 90% of respondents know about the bear and deer issues in Sparwood.
- Recycling – is very active in Sparwood and used by 97% or the respondents. 70% are please with the current system with only 13% wanting the door-to-door blue box system.
- 83% of respondents were aware of the ongoing Pine Beetle Program while only 51% were aware of the Wildfire Protection Plan and 38% had knowledge of a future Landscape Plan.
- Creating a Spruce Avenue Residential/Commercial zone is supported by 49% of respondents but there is misinformation about the type of businesses that would be allowed. More information to the public is necessary.
- Centennial Square is important however the majority do not favour tax dollars going to fix up buildings.
- Over 77% favour creation of a 55 + community.
- Support for paving trails was not demonstrated and nearly half indicated that it should not be done however there was some support for paving the major trails only.
- No section was provided for commenting on water metering however there were some concerns expressed in the general comments area suggesting that an information and education program is warranted.
