2015Guide

Your guide to everything Sparwood!

Whatto see

What to do

Where to go

Conserving the landTeck is committed to responsible, sustainable resource development. That commitment includes working to enhance biodiversity and to create benefits for the communities in the areas where we operate.

As part of our sustainability efforts, Teck has purchased approximately 7,150 hectares of private lands in the Elk Valley and Flathead River Valley for wildlife and habitat conservation purposes.

SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Sara MoultonART DIRECTOR: Kaitlyn Haarstad

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jenna Jensen and The Free Press file photos

WRITER: Jenna JensenPUBLISHER: Andrea Horton

The Sparwood Guide is published once a year by: The Free Press, 342 2nd Ave,

A Division of Black Press Box 2350, Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0

Phone: 250-423-4666All content is Copyright 2014/15 and may not be reproduced

without prior approval of the publisher.

Sparwood Guide - 3

Custom orthotics. ART and muscle taping. Prenatal and pediatric care. WCB, ICBC, extended health plans.

Seeking the cause, providing necessary treatment and promoting prevention is our priority.

Located in the Greenwood Mall next to ReMax 250-425-6330 • www.sparwoodchiro.com

Dr. Ryan Hoetmer Dr. Eden MacGregor Dr. Amanda Wyss

SPARWOOD CHIROPRACTIC••••

4. Sparwood at a glance5. Calendar of Events6. Where the Water is8. 5 reasons Norma McDougall loves Sparwood10. Golfing in Sparwood11. Camping in Sparwood12. Sparwood Trails13. Recreation14. Coal Miner Days15. Map - Index

What’s inside the guide!

Photo by Jenna Jensen

Front page photo by Jenna Jensen

Sparwood Guide - www.thefreepress.ca

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Our pharmacy staff are able to compound prescriptions.• Widevarietyofherbalandnaturalsupplementsandavarietyofcompressionstockingsandsupportwear.

• Newandchangingseasonalandpromotionalitems.

PeoplesDrugMarthasaloyaltyprogram.Weareproudofourknowledgeablestaff.

This location is easily accessible in Centennial Square

107CentennialSq,Sparwoodph250-425-2015fax250-425-0294

The PrescriPTionFor What Ails You

Store HoursMon-Sat9am-5:30pmSun9am-1pm

DeliveryservicetoElkfordeveryweeknight,from

Monday-Friday

Calendar of EventsNovember Arts & Heritage Council 35th Annual Craft Fair Christmas Tree Lighting in Centennial SquareFebruary Sparwood Curling Club Sweetheart Bonspiel

April Arts and Culture Week A Taste of Sparwood at the Greenwood Mall

June Coal Miner Days Sparwood Classic 5k/8k Run Relay for Life Sparwood Fun Run Sparwood Secondary High School Commencement

July/August Farmer’s Market

August Sparwood Golf Club Championship

September Terry Fox Run Community Registration and Information Night

October Fire Prevention Week Events Sparwood Golf Club Iron Man Sparwood Curling Club Curling Clinic

Population: 4,200Elevation: 1,140mIncorporated: 1966Schools: Frank J Mitchell Elemen-tary School (K-6) and Sparwood Secondary School (7-12)Mayor: Lois Halko

Claim To Fame:The Big Green TruckBehind The Name:Tree’s selected for harvest in the area were used for spar’s 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.

SPARWOODWho's Nearby: Elkford, BC a 30 minute drive northFernie, BC a 20 minute drive west, 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.

www.thefreepress.ca - Sparwood Guide 5Sparwood Guide - www.thefreepress.ca

www.thefreepress.ca - Sparwood Guide6 Photo by Jenna Jensen

Where the Water is

For those looking to take a break near the Elk Valley’s pristine waters, look no further. Many river and lake side locations can be found within a short distance of Sparwood. Whether you are looking for world class fishing, or just a place to get back to nature you will be sure to find it at any one of these locations.

• Elk River & Michel CreekFish are in abundance in the Elk River and Michel Creek in Sparwood. Cast a line below the walking bridge located on Matevic Road or explore many more great fishing spots down the edges of these cool rivers and creeks.

Please remember: Wildlife is abundant, so be aware and use precautions. Always tell someone where you are going and carrying a map & GPS is recommended. Wherever your travels in Sparwood bring you, leave nothing behind but your footprints.

Sparwood Guide - www.thefreepress.ca 7

TAKE THIS TEST:Do you have...

Yellow Teeth?Sensitive Teeth?Crooked Teeth?Broken Teeth?Bad Breath?Unwanted Space?Fear of Dentistry?

New Patients Welcome139 Centennial Square, Sparwood

PO Box 1330 V0B 2G0www.sparwooddental.com

Sparwood Dental Clinic

We can help you with all your dental needs.

Call: 250-425-7081, 1-877-325-7081

• Grave LakeA popular location with the locals, Grave Lake is the perfect spot for those who like cool water and the best mountain view. Families swim, friends float and boaters fish on this stunning body of water. Depending on the day, you are bound to see a vast array of wildlife, and people lounging on the beach enjoying the summer sun. Campsites are available at Grave Lake. • Sulpher SpringsThis spring may be tricky to find but is well worth the effort. Totally secluded in the midst of the mountain peaks and forests Sulpher Springs are naturally warm springs of water. The sulpher smell is unmistakable, but if you don’t mind the scent many soak away all of life’s stresses in this water that is said to have many healing and health benefits.

Photo by Jenna Jensen

Sparwood Guide - www.thefreepress.ca 9www.thefreepress.ca - Sparwood Guide8 Photos from The Free Press files

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Clean and Welcoming CommunitySparwood is very clean and well maintained. From the snow removal in the winter to the perfectly groomed parks, hanging flower baskets and the lights on the trees during the summer, it is a very welcoming community. The recreation center, outdoor sports fields and extensive walking trails are second to none. Anyone will tell you they are proud to call Sparwood home.

2Location to the OutdoorsOur location in the Rocky Mountains makes it easy access to the great outdoors. From your backyard, you can be fly fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and mountain biking or camping along the river within 10 minutes. Wildlife is abundant in the Elk Valley and you can easily see deer wandering our streets. Whatever your outdoor pleasure, it is here to enjoy. People of Sparwood work hard and they like to play hard.

CampgroundMountain Shadow Campground is one of the best campgrounds you will find along Highway 3. With full hook-up sites to tent sites, it has something to offer every camper. New playground equipment, hot showers, free firewood, small store, easy access to walking trails, and golf course, it is all here. Our campground is very busy from May to September, and with many returning guests every year, you may want to call ahead to reserve a spot.

Titan Truck, Park and Visitor CenterThe Titan is the center and heart of our community. It has put Sparwood on the map and stops over 90,000 folks a year. Our beautiful visitor center is a busy hub with brochures, retail sales and summer mine tours. Titan Park is always full with visitors and locals having lunch or relaxing. Enjoy the Farmer’s Market in the park on summer Friday evenings. Everyone in town is very proud of “our” truck.

People of SparwoodThe people of Sparwood make this town what it is. Our June festival, Coal Miner Days, is organized almost exclusively with volunteers. From the many organizations and service clubs, to the amount raised for charities, to the pride folks put into their yards, the generosity and time that is given by folks is amazing. Sparwood truly is a great place to live, raise a family or retire.

5 reasons Norma loves Sparwood

Norma McDougall

Photos by Jenna Jensen, Sara Moulton and from The Free Press files

www.thefreepress.ca - Sparwood Guide10 Photo by Jenna Jensen Sparwood Guide - www.thefreepress.ca 11

Sparwood Golf Club is B.C.’s eastern most golf course and a

key attraction in the community. The course is always perfectly manicured and is set in a backdrop of beautiful mountain scenery. Sparwood Golf Course will offer hours of challenging fun for all experience levels. The fairways are surrounded by tall pine and spruce forests and the signature hole # 7, par 3 offers an elevated tee, well bunkered green and a putting surface shaped with undulation from front to back.

At the Clubhouse you will find Putters Grill, a restaurant with timeless, fresh, homemade classics and a great atmosphere. The Pro Shop at the

course houses high quality clothing, gear and gifts.

With numerous events and challenges throughout the year the Sparwood Golf Club will bring golf enthusiasts many challenges or simply, a relaxing day in the mountains.

For those who want even more of a workout - a well defined 4.5 km trail system winds around the course presenting bikers, hikers and runners with even more of the beauty that borders the course.

For more information please call 250.425.2612 or visit www.sparwoodgolf.com

Sparwood Golf

ELK VALLEY THRIFT SHOP

SOCIETY

Thrifting at its � nest!Donate your gently used items

and help your community!

Volunteers welcome

250-425-0853127 Centennial SquareSparwood, BC

Hours of Operation:Monday - Friday: 10am - 4pm

Saturday: 10am - 2pmSunday: Closed

Mountain Shadows Campground is

nestled in a forest just minutes from downtown Sparwood. The campground runs during the summer months and is known for its true camping atmosphere, great scenery and plenty of amenities. Mountain Shadows Campground is operated and maintained by the Sparwood Futures Society and was established in 1986. Tent’s, RV’s and Trailers are welcome.

Camping in Sparwood

Come visit us nestled in the embrace of the Rocky Mountains and create memories to last a lifetime.

MOU

NTAIN SHADOWS.ca

Campground

Full service tent/RV site in Sparwood, BC

stay@mountainshadows.ca 250-425-7815606 Sparwood Drive - East side of Hwy 3 near Kal Tire

www.mountainshadows.ca

Home of the Elk Valleys Most

Experienced Mechanics

we repair anything that rolls, crawls or just sits and swings.

Free pickup and delivery in the Elk Valley

Sparwood 743 Douglas Fir Road 250-425-6535, Elkford 1 Front Street 250-865-4622 or

Cranbrook 701 Industrial Road 1 250-426-7247

Personal automotive, commercial and industrial

rePair services

Photo by Sara Moulton

www.thefreepress.ca - Sparwood Guide12 Photo by Jenna Jensen Sparwood Guide - www.thefreepress.ca 13

Sparwood Trails

• Cypress Park Loop – A peaceful walk through parks and glades.• Pine Forest – Walk the wood chip trail on this half forested, half

sidewalk route.• Historical Tour – A trip through time featuring historical mining displays

in downtown Sparwood.• Central Park Loop – This sidewalk and park loop is paved and all

within residential Sparwood Heights.• Michel Trail – A beautiful forested trail walk in the Michel Creek Valley,

returning along Pine Avenue sidewalk.• Deer Run – A flat loop in the quiet solitude of the Sparwood Cross

Country Ski area.• Ponderosa – A popular roadside walk with the option of taking the

wood chip trail through the secluded forest of Sparwood Heights.• View Trail – A longer walk with a bit of elevation and an excellent view

of the Elk Valley.• Lower Sparwood Perimeter – Enjoy a social walk around the

perimeter on the friendly streets of lower Sparwood.• Mountain Shadows Trail – One of Sparwood’s real gems, this well

established trail winds through the woods around the Golf Course.• Sparwood Heights Perimeter – A challenging route crossing the

Elk River twice and touring the trails of Sparwood Heights.• Sparwood Classic – Almost entirely on wooded trails, this route is

considered by some to be one of the best running routes in the Elk Valley.

Recreation

Like us on Facebook!

Causeway BaySparwood

102 Red Cedar Drive250 425 2003

Reasonable rates in clean and comfortable rooms

Try our famous Seafood Chowder in our full service restaurant or relax in our cozy lounge. Open to the public

for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Full banquet and meeting facilities also available

CHECK OUTTHE LIBRARY!

110 Pine Ave, Sparwoodwww.sparwood.bclibrary.ca

(250) 425-2299

We are more than booksWiFi Internet

CopierScanner

Faxand much more!

The Sparwood Recreation Department is a hub of activity

within the community of Sparwood offering a vast array of family centered activities, as well as lessons and courses of all types. If you are looking to soak in the whirlpool, relax in the sauna or take the family for a swim, the pool will be a place to enjoy any time of year. For those who want to get active and stay in shape, the full gym, climbing wall, raquetball , squash and wallyball courts are sure to satisfy all sportspersons.

Looking to make new friends or learn a new skill, throughout the year the Sparwood Recreation Department

offers lessons in everything from swimming, spinning, guitar or making authentic homemade perogies. The options are truly endless.

Next to the pool is the arena, with a skating and curling rink and multi-purpose rooms than can be rented for all types of events.

Right outside the building, even more fun can be found with the bike jump park, horseshoe pits, tennis courts and a play and water spray park sure to entertain the kids for hours.

You can also visit the website at www.Sparwood.ca/recreation for more information.

www.thefreepress.ca - Sparwood Guide14 Sparwood Guide - www.thefreepress.ca 15Photo from The Free Press files

Coal Miner Days is Sparwood’s largest and most anticipated

annual event celebrating the community and the coal mining heritage. The festivities draw in crowds from near and far and attract those seeking great family fun. Many events are held throughout the weekend including everything from a Lions Club Pancake Breakfast to a kids festival, tug of war competition and street market.

The community of Sparwood rallies together donating many volunteer hours to make the weekend event a huge success. Children spend

the days enjoying the parade, kids festival and many other unique attractions as adults enjoy barbecues live music, beer gardens and the cabaret.

Coal Miner Days

Sparwood Map113 Red Cedar Dr Sparwood, BC - (250) 425-6489

www.thefreepress.ca - Sparwood Guide16

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