Sparwood
Sparwood, British Columbia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Country |  Canada |
| Province |  British Columbia |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | David Wilks |
| • Governing body | Sparwood council |
| • MP | Jim Abbott |
| • MLA | Bill Bennett |
| Population (2006) | |
• Total | 3,618 |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain Standard (MST)) |
| Area code | 250 |
Sparwood is a district municipality in British Columbia, Canada. It is the second largest community on the Elk River.
Located approximately 30 kilometers from Fernie, the District Municipality of Sparwood has approximately 3618 residents, according to the 2006 census. Sparwood is quite large for its population, taking up an area of 177.71 square kilometers and incorporating the local Coal Mines.
Economy
The local economy is heavily dependent on coal mining, one of British Columbia's primary industries. A large part of the population either works in the mines or as tradesmen and labourers in related support industries, such as trucking or as mechanics. Logging is another important industry.
Sparwood/Elk Valley Airport is the local airport for general aviation; airlines provide service to Cranbrook/Canadian Rockies International Airport.
Infrastructure
Sparwood promotes itself extensively as the home of the Terex Titan, at one time the largest truck in the world. The bright green Titan stands a few yards from the Crowsnest Highway where it can attract the attention of tourists and travelers.
A "Coal Discovery Center" is being built across the highway from the Titan. It will be a museum and information center to promote the district's history with coal mining.
Demographics
Sparwood has a population of approximately 3812 residents, with a population density of approximately 21.5 per square kilometer. The local population is mainly white, blue-collar families, working in or supporting the coal industry. A large percentage of the population has completed education to the high school level, but a much smaller percentage has a college/university degree.
Education
There are three public schools in Sparwood; Frank J Mitchell and Mountain View Elementary Schools and Sparwood Secondary School. There is currently a new Sparwood Secondary School being built. These schools are operated by School District 5 Southeast Kootenay which is based in Cranbrook.
References
- ^ Sparwood. Mayor and council
External links
- District of Sparwood homepage.
