We regret to announce that our 2025 Mine Tours have been cancelled due to operational changes at Elk Valley Resources (EVR). After a thorough review and collaboration with EVR, it has become clear that the route we traditionally use no longer meets our safety standards.

EVR has recently undergone significant operational adjustments that impact the accessibility and stability of the tour route. While these changes are part of their broader modernization efforts, they have resulted in conditions that pose safety challenges for guided visits.

At the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce, the safety and well-being of our visitors is our top priority. We are committed to offering memorable experiences that are both educational and secure. Unfortunately, until alternative safe routes are identified and approved, we cannot proceed with the tours.

We understand the disappointment this may cause for those who planned to visit, and we sincerely thank you for your understanding and continued support. Our team is actively exploring other tourism experiences in and around Sparwood to ensure your time in the Elk Valley remains unforgettable.

Please stay tuned for updates, and feel free to reach out to us with any questions.

Back in October 2024, we hit the streets with our Business Walk—connecting with over 100 local businesses to better understand your challenges, successes, and priorities. It’s taken some time to get our advocacy group organized and aligned on key areas of focus, but please know we’ve been actively working behind the scenes to represent and support the needs of our business community.

We’re now pleased to share a summary PowerPoint of the findings with you. While this may feel a little delayed, your input has not sat idle. The feedback we gathered has already started to guide our advocacy work and will continue to shape our conversations with local leaders, stakeholders, and partners.

A quick overview from the report:
The 2024 Sparwood Business Walk was a clear reminder of the strength, resilience, and innovation of our local business community. With over 100 businesses engaged, we’ve gained valuable insight into what’s working, what’s challenging, and—most importantly—how we can grow together.

To every business owner who opened their doors and shared their time: thank you. Your voice is making a difference.

We’ll be reaching out again soon with follow-up questions to keep this momentum going. Your continued feedback is critical in shaping our future efforts.

Sparwood Business Walk Summary Power Point

Please join us on February 19th at the Causeway Bay for Lunch and AGM! Seats are limited, so please RSVP by phoning Andrea @ 250-425-2423 or email administrator@sparwoochamber.bc.ca

Invoices for your 2025 Sparwood Chamber Membership went out this week! Be sure to pay early to get entered to win some prizes!

Join StellerVista for their open house.

We Look Forward to Seeing You!

In our continued effort to maintain open, two-way communication with our member-owners, we’re excited to invite you to join us for our upcoming open house meetings this December. These meetings are an opportunity for us to come together as a community to:

• Reflect on 2024: We’ll take a look back on this past year, sharing key highlights, achievements, and challenges that have shaped StellerVista.
• Discuss Our Future: Our leadership team will be presenting our strategic direction and initiatives for 2025 and beyond, giving you a glimpse of what’s to come and gathering your insights to guide our efforts.

We greatly value your feedback, which plays a crucial role in shaping our credit union’s direction. Thank you for being an integral part of StellerVista’s journey, and we look forward to these upcoming discussions.

Open House Schedule

We are excited to hold our December open house meetings in the following branches. Mark your calendar and join us for a meaningful discussion about the future of StellerVista!

Join Us for our Annual Small Business Christmas Party: A Celebration of Community, Growth, and Togetherness!

The holiday season is fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate than by coming together with your fellow small business owners in Sparwood to share in the joy of the season? We are thrilled to invite all Chamber businesses to our Annual Small Business Christmas Party—a festive event designed to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our local businesses and to show our appreciation for everything you do to support the community.

Event Details:

• Date: December 14, 2024
• Time: 6 PM – 1 AM
• Location: Causeway Bay Hotel – Emerald Room

This is a wonderful opportunity to relax, network, and unwind with fellow Chamber members in a fun and festive atmosphere. The night will feature delicious food and drinks, exciting holiday-themed activities, and the chance to build stronger connections with other business owners and professionals. Whether you’re new to the Chamber or a longtime member, this event promises to be a memorable way to kick off the holiday season.

Why Attend?

• Celebrate Local Businesses: This event is all about supporting and celebrating the vibrant small business community we have in our area.
• Networking Opportunities: Strengthen relationships with local business leaders, potential partners, and clients.
• Holiday Fun: Enjoy holiday music, festive decorations, and plenty of cheer.

How to RSVP:

To ensure we have enough space and food for everyone, please RSVP by December 9th via email administrator@sparwoodchamber.bc.ca or call 250-425-2423

We encourage you to bring a colleague or a team member from your business—let’s make this an event to remember!

Let’s end the year on a high note by gathering together as a community of small businesses! We look forward to seeing you at this year’s Small Business Christmas Party, where we’ll celebrate the season of giving, growth, and collaboration.

Happy Holidays!

We’re excited to announce our Shop Sparwood initiative, a fun way to support local businesses and have the chance to win some amazing prizes!

How It Works:

Spend $25 or more at any participating Sparwood store, write your name and number on your receipt and drop if off at the Sparwood Chamber and you’ll be automatically entered into a draw to win awesome prizes! It’s that simple.

Why Participate?

When you shop local, you’re not just picking up great products—you’re supporting the hardworking businesses that make Sparwood unique. Every dollar spent locally helps strengthen our community, and we want to give back by rewarding you for your loyalty!

Prizes:

From gift cards to special surprise bundles from local businesses, there are plenty of exciting rewards up for grabs!

How to Enter:

1. Spend $25 or more at any Sparwood store.
2. Save your receipt and write your name and number on it and drop it off at the Sparwood Chamber
3. Each $25 spent gives you another chance to win!

Deadline:

Make sure to shop and submit your entries by November 18th to qualify.

Let’s all shop local, show our Sparwood pride, and get ready to win! Good luck!

Join the District of Sparwood and the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce for an evening of fall fun! Stop by from 5:00-9:00 pm October 18th at Centennial Plaza.

The Sparwood & District Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an all candidates forum leading up to the October 19, 2024, provincial election.

This forum will provide residents with the opportunity to hear Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) candidates speak on various election topics that matter to the community. Residents are invited to attend in person and to submit proposed questions in advance for their MLA candidates. The participating candidates will answer questions selected from these advance submissions during the forum. Please note that questions will not be taken from the floor during the forum. The Sparwood Chamber will invite all candidates to participate in the forum; however, not all may be able to attend.

When: October 8th, 2024

Where: Causeway Bay Hotel – Emerald Room

Submit your questions here

The Business Awards Survey is officially opening on September 16th, and this is your chance to make a significant impact!

Your participation helps spotlight the businesses that are driving innovation, exceptional service, and community impact. It’s not just about recognizing success; it’s about celebrating the hard work and dedication that makes our local economy thrive.

When you vote, you’re not only endorsing the businesses you believe in but also encouraging them to continue striving for excellence. Plus, your feedback helps ensure that all deserving enterprises get the recognition they’ve earned.

So, mark your calendars for September 16th and get ready to make your voice heard! Stay tuned for more details and let’s come together to honor those who are making a difference in our business community.

Business Awards Survey Link

Calling All Local Businesses!

We are excited to announce our 7th Annual Scarecrow Contest and we want YOU to be a part of the fun! This is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity, attract visitors, and engage with the community. $25 entry fee.

Participation is simple:

1. Sign up with the Chamber and receive a stake and straw to start you on your way!
2. Create a unique scarecrow and display it inside your business or in the Mall.
3. Get your customers to vote for you!
4. Winners will be announced at our Business Awards Night, October 23rd.

Let’s fill the town with creative, spooky, and fun scarecrows for everyone to enjoy! Interested businesses can sign up by emailing the entry form to administrator@sparwoodchamber.bc.ca or stop in to register!

We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Join us on June 6th for our Annual Chamber Golf Tournament! Spots are limited, book today before we sell out!