The District of Small Town. Big Story. Community Overview

ABOUT SPARWOOD with our coal. We’re a coal mining town, but that’s not all we have to do here. We’re situated in the heart of the Sparwood may be the first town in BC, if you’re arriving , surrounded by forests, wildlife, some from the east on Highway 3; or we may be ‘that town with of the purest water on earth, and an incredible array of the big truck.’ Or we might simply be known as that place things to do just out the back door. We’ve got world class on BC’s border in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. skiing only half an hour away, a great little golf course, If there’s one thing we are to everyone, it’s a mining incredible walking, biking and hiking trails, world class community; a collection of hard-working fun-loving people canoeing and kayaking on the Elk River, and exceptional who happily call Sparwood home. We’re proud to share hunting, fishing and off-road adventuring. And don’t forget that with you. Whether you’re passing through, headed our top notch recreational centre, a hit with the kids, west just down the road to Fernie — our neighbouring boasting a salt water pool, gym, fitness centre and more. tourism destination community, or if you’re headed further If you’re interested in good old small town fun stop by our to the land of sushi, traffic jams and killer whales. Perhaps visitor centre and see what adventures Sparwood has in you’re going east to the prairies and big skies, or maybe store for you! you’re just about to stay here and enjoy Rocky Mountain life... either way, we’d like to extend the invitation to stop by here anytime and check out our great little place, share a smile or stay a while. It’s yours and mine. Discover the other side of BC with us, in Sparwood!

THE BIG GREEN TRUCK

If you haven’t already seen our truck, you’ll know when you have. The Titan T-Rex is one of the largest trucks in the world, and is an appropriate symbol of the significance of our mining culture and heritage. It’s situated just next to Highway 3 and is often surrounded by males, ages 2 to MINING 95, who think they may have stumbled on heaven. It’s over If there’s one thing we do really well in Sparwood, its 6.5 metres high (22 ft), 20 metres long (65 ft), and can mining. Our metallurgical coal is some of the best in the fit over two buses in the box. It’s so big, it has to be seen world, and if you’ve seen precision industrial or surgical to be believed. So next time you’re through here, stop by, instruments, or used a stainless appliance, there’s a good and check out the truck. chance its beginnings may have had something to do WHERE WE ARE & HOW TO GET HERE

Sparwood is located in the southeast corner of BC. We’re situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, next to the BC Alberta border. Sparwood is located on the famed #3, and is surrounded by mountains, forests and rivers. And did we mention mines? There are five mines in the immediate area, that have been supplying some of the world’s best coal for nearly 100 years. We also happen to be situated in the Elk Valley, often referred SPARWOOD: YESTERDAY to as the Serengeti of the North. That’s because we have & TOMORROW a huge abundance of wildlife including deer, moose, elk, Sparwood has always been involved in the mining brown bears and grizzly bears, as well as numerous birds, industry, and coal is at the core of our community. But fish and other critters. This is the wilderness, and we’re we’re more than metallurgical ore; we’re a group of wild about it! people who are united in interests, activities and place. Getting here is easy. If you’re on Highway #3, keep on Sparwood was originally a collection of five coal mining trucking until you see a huge green truck on the side communities. During the 1960’s, the communities were of the road. If it happens to be dark out, it’s helpful to consolidated into one area or District, called Sparwood know that we’re located just 30 kms east of Fernie, 200 in homage to the history of trees harvested in the area kms. southwest of Calgary, and the opposite side of the intended for use as masts on ships —Spar Wood. The province from Vancouver. The airport is original logo for the area possessed five stars, one the nearest regional international hub, and Calgary is the for each of the five consolidated communities. Today, nearest metropolitan centre. however, our logo possesses only one star, indicative of a community proud to continue moving forward as one, proud of their past, and intent on their future.

For more information on the District of Sparwood, please contact:

Terry Melcer Chief Administrative Officer District of Sparwood

Box 520, 136 Spruce Avenue Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0

Phone: (250) 425-627 Direct Line: (250) 425-6810 Fax: (250) 425-7277

email: [email protected] website: www.sparwood.bc.ca