Guide 2016 / 2017
Your Guide to Sparwood What To Do - What To See - Where To Go
What’s Inside the Guide 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Welcome to Sparwood Sparwood at a Glance Calendar of Events History of Sparwood Coal Miner Days Mine Tours
10. 11. 12. 13. 14./15. 16.
Sparwood Chamber Camp Sparwood Sparwood Winter Sparwood Summer 6 Days Trips to Explore Sparwood Map
The Free Press The Sparwood Guide is published once a year by: The Free Press, 342 2nd Avenue A Division of Black Press Box 2350, Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0 Phone: 250-423-4666 All content is Copyright 2016/17 and may not be reproduced without prior approval of the publisher.
Sales Representative: Jennifer Cronin Photography: Free Press files, Teck Contributors: Bryn Catton, Leah Scheitel and submissions Publisher: Andrea Horton Front page photo Free Press files
we repair anything that rolls,
Home of the Elk crawls or just sits and swings. Valleys Most Experienced Mechanics Personal automotive, commercial and industrial rePair services
Sparwood 743 Douglas Fir Road 250-425-6535, Elkford 1 Front Street 250-865-4622 or Cranbrook 701 Industrial Road 1 250-426-7247
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Photo Free Press files
Welcome to Sparwood I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of council to welcome you to Sparwood! We are proud to call Sparwood home and happy to share it with you. We have the pleasure of great mountain outdoor adventure right out our back door. Fishing, hiking, biking, camping to mention a few summer activities and world renowned snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and hunting in the fall and winter. We have wonderful recreational facilities. A Leisure Centre with swimming, curling, squash, racquetball, and weight training. A challenging 9-hole golf course will also keep your
game sharp. Our campground is fully serviced and many check in while enjoying Sparwood and the surrounding area. Five active open pit coal mines provide a stable work environment and offer mine tours in the summer. This is a wonderful place to live and raise our children. Please come visit us and check out all we have to offer. Cal McDougall Sparwood Mayor
Sparwood Dental Clinic All dental services in one location utilizing the latest dental technology!
WE CAN HELP YOU WITH: Family Checkups Broken Teeth Sensitive Teeth Crooked Teeth Unwanted Spaces Loose Dentures Bad Breath Call: 250-425-7081 Toll Free 1-877-325-7081 New Patients Welcome 139 Centennial Square, Spawood www.sparwooddental.com
BALMER NORTH BALMER NORTH 50TH ANNIVERSARY BALMER NORTH & 50TH && MINERS MEMORIAL 50THANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY MINERS MINERSMEMORIAL MEMORIAL
“BLAST, BLACK SMOKE ALERTED THE COMMUNITY” “BLAST, BLACK SMOKE ALERTED THE COMMUNITY” “BLAST, BLACK SMOKE ALERTED THE COMMUNITY”
On April 3,1967 , fifteen men lost their lives in a mine explosion at Balmer North. On the 50th On April 3,1967 fifteenwill menbe lostantheir lives in aofmine explosion at Balmer the 50th anniversary next year, there unveiling a statue to pay tributeNorth. to theOnCoal Miner created On April 3,1967 fifteenwill men their livesofina astatue mine to explosion at Balmer North. On the 50th anniversary year, there be lost anand unveiling payThe tribute to the Miner created for Sparwood bynext renowned sculptor artist Nathan Scott, miner willCoal be placed in Titan Park, anniversary next year there will be an unveiling of a statue to pay tribute to the Coal Miner created
Sparwood of byvisitors renowned sculptor artist Nathan Scott, The minerwall will be placed Titan Park, wherefor thousands stop everyand year. In addition, a memorial with theinnames of all miners for Sparwood renowned andInartist Nathan Scott, Thewall miner placedofinallTitan Park, where thousands by of visitors stopsculptor every year. addition, a memorial withwill thebenames miners who have lost their lives in the coal mines around Sparwood and Elkford will be placed in the same where thousands visitors In addition, a memorial wall with names of same all miners who have lost theirof lives in thestop coalevery minesyear. around Sparwood and Elkford will be the placed in the location. who have lost their lives in the coal mines around Sparwood and Elkford will be placed in the same location.
location. While thethe District ofofSparwood committed sufficient funds to commission the statue, the While District Sparwood has has committed sufficient funds to commission the statue, the While interpretive theinterpretive District of plaques, Sparwood has committed sufficient funds to commission statue, the landscaping, wall,video, video, related works arethe being fundraised. landscaping, plaques, memorial memorial wall, andand related works are being fundraised. landscaping, interpretive plaques, memorial wall,Any video, and related areorbeing fundraised. All donations, large and smallare are gratefully accepted. donation of $30.00 or more will generate a All donations, large and small gratefully accepted. Any donation ofworks $30.00 more will generate a All donations, large and small tax are accepted. Any donation of $30.00 or more will generate a taxgratefully receipt for income tax purposes. receipt for income tax purposes. tax receipt for income tax purposes. Cheques made outtotothe theDistrict District of and mailed to Box BC, V0B2G0 Cheques cancan be be made out ofSparwood Sparwood and mailed to 520, Box Sparwood, 520, Sparwood, BC, V0B2G0 Cheques can Online be made out to the District of Sparwood and mailed to Box 520, Sparwood, BC, V0B2G0 donations can be made at: www.gofundme.com/balmernorth Online donations can be made at: www.gofundme.com/balmernorth Online donations can be made at: www.gofundme.com/balmernorth
www.gofundme.com/balmernorth www.gofundme.com/balmernorth www.gofundme.com/balmernorth District of Sparwood, Box 520, 136 Spruce Ave, Sparwood BC, V0B 2G0 District of Sparwood, Box Ave,Sparwood Sparwood District of Sparwood, Box520, 520,136 136Spruce Spruce Ave, BC,BC, V0BV0B 2G02G0
Guide Sparwood Guide 2016/2017Sparwood - Thefreepress.ca
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SPARWOOD Population: 3,927 Elevation: 1,140m Incorporated: 1966 Schools: Frank J Mitchell Elementary School (K-6) and Sparwood Secondary School (7-12) Mayor: Cal McDougall
Claim To Fame: Terex Titan - The Big Green Truck Behind The Name: Trees selected for harvest in the area were used for spars on ships. A railway stop to collect the logs onto railway cars was known as Sparwood, before even a dream of the town was born.
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Primary Economy: Coal Extraction Forestry Whos Nearby: Elkford, BC a 30 minute drive north Fernie, BC a 20 minute drive south, Cranbrook, BC a 1.5 hr. drive west, Pincher Creek, AB a 1.0 hr. drive east, Lethbridge, AB a 2.0 hr. drive east and Calgary, AB 2.5 hr. drive northeast.
Thefreepress.ca - Sparwood Guide 2016/2017
Calendar of Events November December February March
• Remembrance Day • Arts & Heritage Council Craft Fair • Jersey Day • Christmas Tree Lighting in Centennial Square • Moonlight Madness Craft Fair • Chamber of Commerce Senior’s Light Tour • Community Christmas Party • Sparwood Curling Club Sweetheart Bonspiel • Winterfest • Ghostrider Game • Fish and Wildlife Awards and Fundraiser • Sunset Ridge Ski Society Moonlight Ski • International Women’s Day Market • Skating Carnival
April
• Arts and Culture Week • Spring Registration • Sparwood Superhero Clean Up-Pitch In Week
May
• BC Mining Week Events • Move for Health • Carp Raising (Japanese Children’s Day) • Emergency Preparedness Week
June July
• Sparwood Chamber Golf Tournament • Senior’s Week • Coal Miner Days • Sparwood Secondary High School Commencement • Nagamma Samy Soccer Tournament Fundraiser • Elk Valley Air Cadets Annual Review and Awards Banquet • Canada Day Celebrations
July • Mixed Slo-pitch Wind up Tournament • Sparwood Men’s Open Golf Tournament July/August • Farmer’s Market August • Sparwood Golf Club Championship • Sparwood Ladies Open Golf Tournament September • Terry Fox Run • Parkinson’s Walk • Community Registration and Information Night • BC Rivers Day – Elk River Shoreline Clean-Up October • Fire Prevention Week Events • Pumpkin Walk • Sparwood Golf Club Iron Man
CHECK OUT THE LIBRARY! 110 Pine Ave, Sparwood www.sparwood.bclibrary.ca (250) 425-2299
We are more than books WiFi Internet Copier Scanner Fax and much more! Sparwood Guide 2016/2017 - Thefreepress.ca
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History of Sparwood From humble beginnings The community of Sparwood started from humble beginnings, and now is a pristine and exciting gateway to British Columbia. Before the turn of the century, Sparwood was little more than a railroad stop. While the District celebrated a milestone anniversary in 2016, Sparwood’s roots stretch back farther than that, and have a unique history and story. The area was named for the trees being shipped from the region to the coast, which were then used in the manufacturing of spars for ocean vessels. The coal boom of the early 1900s is what put Sparwood along with a cluster of other small communities on the map: Michel, Natal, a rural settlement on the north side of the Elk River, and a CP Rail settlement near the Alberta border known as Crowsnest. Coal is what kept the communities active, but it was not without impact. REASONABLE RATES IN CLEAN AND COMFORTABLE ROOMS • Best burger in Sparwood • Try our famous seafood chowder • New entrée menu • Massage facilities (info at front desk)
Full banquet and meeting facilities also available
102 Red Cedar Drive, Sparwood • 250 425 2003
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By 1966, the communities of Michel and Natal were so heavily laden with coal dust they were forfeited. With the help of the provincial government, Natal used a program called the Urban Renewal and Land Assembly program, which ultimately led to the elimination of Michel and Natal and the expansion of Sparwood. Developed by the Crows Nest Coal Company as a place to house mine managers, Sparwood officially became a district municipality in 1966, and in 2016, celebrated their 50th anniversary of incorporation. The Sparwood 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee hosted a variety of celebratory events throughout 2016, including a family fun sock hop dance, anniversary dinner, and a commemorative photo of elementary and high school students, as well as community members, in front of the iconic Terex Titan, the World’s Largest Haul truck. Sparwood Secondary School’s graduating class of 1966 also held a 50th reunion, with people coming from as far away as Australia to celebrate with old friends. Having reached a milestone anniversary, the people of Sparwood look excitedly to the future, and yet proudly celebrate their history of the area, which is just as rich as the mountains that surround it.
Coal Miner Days Something to celebrate Early June sees Sparwood’s biggest community celebration of the year! Organized by a team of dedicated volunteers, there’s something for everyone from fireworks to food trucks and all sorts of family fun. The Parade Saturday’s events get jumpstarted with a parade to get the community in the celebration spirit. Each year has a theme and many community members and local businesses enter floats, classic cars, horses and big machinery to entertain crowds. The parade usually starts at 11 a.m. from the Sparwood Chamber, don’t miss this kick off! Soapbox Derby One of the highlights for many is the Soapbox Derby held by the Knights of Columbus. Drivers aged 9 to 14 take to the streets to determine who has the fastest cart in a fun and free event. The unpowered carts start at the top of Red Cedar Drive and approximately 60 racers get at least one heat to show their racing skills to the cheering fans. Pancake Breakfast A pancake breakfast has become
New Patients Welcome
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another staple of Coal Miner Days. The event, hosted by the Lions Club, is held in the Overwaitea parking lot on the Saturday morning before the parade. A portion of proceeds goes toward community initiatives and support. The four days of fun include golf, ball hockey & Slo-pitch for the athletes; face painting, bouncy houses and the Teck bike rodeo for the children; a cabaret, poker tournament and beer garden for the adults; and much much more! With events and activities happening at various venues in and around Sparwood, you are sure to find something perfect for you!
• Affidavits • Wills • Contracts • Leases • Real Estate • Business Transfers • Mobile Homes • Mortgages
Business:(250) 425-2114 Fax:(250) 425-2204 Toll Free:1-800-668-7729 Email:marian@gravellenotary.com Fernie Office: 78 Ridgemont Drive,
Fernie, BC by appointment only.
P.O. Box 1886 | 114 Centennial Square | Sparwood | BC | V0B 2G0
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Mine Tours
Behind the Seams -
Discover more about mining on a mine tour this summer Every July and August, Sparwood Chamber of Commerce and Teck host tours of Elkview Operations near Sparwood. It is an opportunity to visit one of the Elk Valley’s five open pit steelmaking coal mines, which drive the local economy and provide jobs for local communities and businesses. Buses stop at specially-placed lookout areas so you can safely watch giant mechanical shovels that mine the coal seams that run diagonally across the mountain. Coal is carried by giant haul trucks to the processing plant, where it is sorted, washed and dried before being loaded onto the CP Rail train and transported through B.C. to be shipped around the
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world to make steel. Teck is committed to responsible, sustainable mining and has been named one of Canada’s most sustainable companies. On the tour you will see areas where mined land is being reclaimed and replanted with native species, and find out about water and air quality management work. You may also see some of the elk, deer and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep herds that live on the mine properties. Tours of Elkview Operations run every July and August Call Sparwood Chamber of Commerce 250-425-2423 for information and to reserve a seat. Photo: Teck
Further is: Shrinking our carbon footprint At Teck, we have set ambitious carbon reduction targets as part of our commitment to climate action. To date, we have reduced emissions by 200,000 tonnes per year. That’s a good start—and by improving energy efficiency and using innovative technology, we will go even further. Learn more about how we are going further at www.teck.com
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Sparwood Chamber The Sparwood Chamber of Commerce is an important link between visitors, residents, and local businesses. Working together with its members, the Chamber is all about connections. Whether it’s guiding tourists towards exciting events and attractions, helping a visitor pick a hotel or restaurant, introducing a new resident to the community, or helping small and large businesses market themselves, the Chamber does a little bit of everything. The Sparwood Chamber’s goal is to sustain existing business, enhance business opportunities and improve the economic, social, ecological, and cultural well-being of the community through demonstrated leadership in the
promotion of economic development and diversification and support for community events. The Sparwood Chamber of Commerce works out of the Sparwood Visitor Centre located at 141 Aspen Drive. Their friendly staff are always happy to give suggestions on all that Sparwood has to offer. They also have brochures and information on just about everything there is to do in town, including mine tours, world class fly fishing on the Elk River, Grave Lake, and a full range of community recreational amenities. Stop into the Visitor Centre for more information, or contact the Chamber of Commerce at 250-425-2423.
Sparwood Rec Centre
Home of the Sparwood Titan Please stop at our visitor center for souvenirs, clothing and info on Sparwood and the Elk Valley
141 Aspen Drive ~ 250-425-2423
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Fall, winter, spring, or summer, the Sparwood Recreation Centre is a bustling centre of activity. Head inside on a rainy day and enjoy a dip in the pool or a soak in the whirlpool hottub. Check out the gym, climbing wall, raquet ball, squash, and wallyball courts. Stop into the arena next door for hockey, skating, and curling. When the sun is shining, take advantage of the outdoor fun found just outside the Rec Centre: tennis courts, horseshoe pits, a bike jump park, plus a play and water spray park to keep the kids cool and happy. The Sparwood Recreation Department also offers an endless variety of classes throughout the year. For a full list of programs offered and an up-to-date schedule, visit www.sparwood.ca/recreation.
Camp Sparwood Mountain Shadows Forested Paradise Nestled in the forest just off Highway 3 is Mountain Shadows Campground. The cozy spot boasts 63 serviced sites with all the amenities you could ask for; including water, power, firewood, hot showers, hiking trails, free wi-fi, and handicapped access. The kids will have a blast on the playground and the adults will love direct access to the neighbouring golf course. Located just minutes from town, Mountains Shadows books up every summer, so make sure to reserve your spot in this forested paradise. For reservations and more information, call 250-425-7815.
AIN SHADO NT
WS.ca
MOU
Full service tent/RV site in Sparwood, BC 606 Sparwood Drive - East side of Hwy 3 near Kal Tire stay@mountainshadows.ca 250-425-7815 www.mountainshadows.ca
Campground
Come visit us nestled in the embrace of the Rocky Mountains and create memories to last a lifetime . Photos: Free Press files
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Sparwood Winter Just because the temperature dips below zero doesn’t mean that the people of Sparwood hide indoors for the winter. The world renowned mountains and champagne powder keep many people busy throughout the shorter days of winter. If snow is not your thing don’t worry, there is still lots to do in Sparwood with many activities like curling, swimming, and skating offered weekly. Snowmobiling Sparwood is home to some seriously deep, dry snow. Snowmobile groups work throughout the winter to maintain the well-groomed trails. Whether you’re a casual trail rider, backcountry boondocker, or long track
hill climber, areas throughout the Elk Valley offer prime trails and powder for any rider. Cross Country Skiing Sparwood is home to the Sunset Ridge Ski Trails, a Nordic skiing area at the end of Arbutus Rd at the base of the old ski hill. The area has three trail difficulties with four sections. The Deer segment is predominantly easy. The Elk segment is mostly intermediate with a one kilometre easy section. Lower Goat offers an almost one kilometre intermediate trail that provides access to Upper Goat and Yeti, two sections which are considered difficult terrain. More information at Skisparwood.com
Fernie Ford offers a great selection of new & used cars, trucks, vans and SUVs
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Where Quality & Service Meet Without Compromise www.fernieford.ca
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Locations to Serve You Better!
Fernie Ford 6165 Brenner Road, FERNIE 250-423-9211
Legacy Fleet Services 641 Sparwood Drive, SPARWOOD 778-518-5006
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Fernie Ford 15 Bear Paw Crescent, ELKFORD 250-423-9211
Sparwood Summer Sparwood is a bustling community in the summer with many events and activities to keep both visitors and locals busy. Sparwood Market From July to September Sparwood’s iconic big green truck, Titan, welcomes people to the market. Titan Park sees 20,000 visitors every month, and is easily visible from Highway 3. The park is home to the market, which spotlights Sparwood and area’s artisans, butchers, bakers, crafters, farmers, food trucks and wellness purveyors. It produces more than just fresh produce with live music often entertaining marketgoers. The Sparwood Market also has a variety of youth vendors who are honing their business skills while selling unique items. Fishing Sparwood sits on the Elk River, a world-renowned fly-fishing destination that is famed for its bountiful bug hatches and pristine dry fly fishing opportunities. The river’s many tributaries allow anglers to explore and find their own slice of fishing gold. The Elk River drainage closes from the end of March to mid June. Run off depends on the winter’s snowfall, but typically the best months to fish the Elk are from June to October. Photo: Free Press files
Aside from the Elk there are many fishing opportunities within easy driving distance from Sparwood. With over 50 productive lakes in the Kootenays, at the end of an easy day of fishing, Sparwood is the ideal place to meet for dinner and discuss the day’s catch! Golf Teeing off on the continental divide is something anyone can appreciate, from the skilled golfer who reads the hole and plays tight to the pin, to the casual golfer who may take a few more shots to enjoy their surroundings, Sparwood Golf Club’s nine hole course is the place to be. If irons aren’t your thing but you still want to make some shots why not try disc golf? The Parwood Disc Golf Course offers nine holes with an additional back nine that makes a full loop to the starting parking lot. Disc golf is relatively inexpensive and is a great sport for all abilities and ages. Maps, discs and instructions for the Parwood course can be found at Sparwood’s Recreation Centre. Sparwood Guide 2016/2017 - Thefreepress.ca 13
6 Day Trips to Explore
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Grave Lake
Approximately mid-way between Sparwood and Elkford is the very popular Grave Lake. A favourite of both swimmers and boating enthusiasts; even camera buffs will be awestruck by its beauty. Take Highway 43 towards Elkford until you reach the Line Creek Mine Road on the right. After the bridge, take your first right on a gravel road. Approximately four kilometres on this road, turn left. Follow this road two kilometres and then turn left to the lake.
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Hillcrest Mine Disaster
Considered to be one of the worst mining disasters in Canadian history, the old Hillcrest cemetery is the resting place of 180 of the 189 men who lost their lives in the Hillcrest mine explosion at the base of Turtle Mountain on June 19, 1914. The cemetery contains a variety of grave markers identifying the final resting places of the miners killed in this tragic event. The old Hillcrest cemetery is situated on 1.45 hectares of land on the eastern slope of Turtle Mountain in the Crowsnest Pass. While in the area be sure to also pay a visit to the nearby Bellevue Mine and take an underground tour to experience a coal mine where over 13,000,000 tons of coal were produced from 1903-1961.
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Elk Lakes Provincial Park
This wilderness park is a hidden secret amongst Elk Valley locals. Traveling north from Sparwood the trip will take approximately two hours but is well worth the bumpy roads. At the trailhead there is a short one-kilometre hike to a secluded campsite overlooking the lake. Once inside the park there are endless opportunities to hike, have a picnic or fish in the lake. The Alpine Club of Canada also operates a cabin here that can be rented if you truly do not want to leave.
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Photos: Free Press files
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Josephine Falls/Lost and Lily Lakes By far the most popular trail in Elkford and just 25 minutes north of Sparwood, the Josephine Falls trail is a well-maintained, moderate 2.5-kilometre hike. The stunning waterfall cascades 25 metres down a rugged canyon carved out by the Fording River.
Take time to enjoy the beauty of the falls and even have a picnic in this picturesque location. At the falls you can choose to continue your hike to the Lost and Lily Lakes. This trail is more difficult but will give you a chance to observe untouched nature and wildlife.
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Fernie Museum
Housed in one of Fernie’s iconic brick heritage buildings, the Fernie Museum is the place to go if you are a history buff. With a wealth of artifacts and information, plan to spend a few hours learning about Fernie’s past, which encompasses everything from devastating fires to the local curse. On the second floor, discover work from local artists. Acting also as a Visitor Information Centre, the knowledgeable staff will even direct you to one of Fernie’s fabulous restaurants for lunch! Located at 491 2nd Avenue.
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Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
Take a scenic drive through the Crowsnest Pass to the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre. The infamous Frank Rockslide of 1903, when 82 million tonnes of rock fell from Turtle Mountain onto the coal mining town of Frank, is Canada’s deadliest rockslide. At the centre learn why the Turtle Mountain fell and experience what it was like to live in the town of Frank before, during and after the slide. Award wining audio-visual presentations are shown throughout the day making it a truly dynamic experience. You may well be left wondering, will this mountain fall again? Sparwood Guide 2016/2017 - Thefreepress.ca 15
Sparwood Map LEISURE CENTRE & HERITAGE PARK Swimming Bike Park
RECREATIONAL AREAS Camping Fishing Access
Baseball
POINTS OF INTEREST Soccer Titan Truck Tennis Historical Boards Running Track Iron Rails Overpass Water Splash Park Elk River Crossing Skate Park High Rocks Bridge Playground Tobogganing
TRAILS Cypress Trail 2.8km
AROUND TOWN Disc Golf Cross Country Skiing Tobogganing Golf Course
BUILDINGS
Elk River Trail 4.4km Mountain Shadows Trail 4.1km Coal Discovery Trail 32km Matevic Draw Trail 4.7km Sparwood Connector 1.6km
Library
Matevic Trail 1.5km
District Office
Juniper Trail 1km
Health Centre Elementary School High School Michel-Natal-Sparwood Heritage Museum * New Location in 2017
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Lions Trail 3.2km