Catching up with Beverly MacNaughton, executive director of the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce

“Lots of construction and new companies coming to town.” — Beverly MacNaughton

“Some of the challenges for Sparwood is the small retail sector we have. Sparwood is more of an industrial town with many businesses focused on and working for the mines.” — Beverly MacNaughton — Photo courtesy Beverly MacNaughton

As far as business is concerned in Sparwood, as Teck goes, so goes the rest of the community. The coal mined at Teck’s Elkview operation is estimated to be 120 million years old. And there’s enough of the material there to keep the mine in operation for another 40 years, even with the mine running 24/7. It’s no wonder that Teck has 1,000 permanent employees and that approximately 40 per cent of all jobs in Elkford, Sparwood, Cranbrook and Fernie are created or sustained by Teck’s activities.

While Teck continues its steady tread into the future, the Sparwood Museum focuses on the past. The Museum recently updated their interior with a dinosaur exhibit, teaching about some of the giant lizards that used to roam Sparwood long before dump trucks came into existence. Dinosaur footprints from multiple species have been found in the area. Some are available to see on the Elkview coal mine tour, and one piece is held in the museum. A dino diorama is one of the recent additions to the museum and gives a nice illustration to what the area may have looked like when dinosaurs ruled the Earth.

To inform us about everything else going on within Sparwood, we caught up with Beverly MacNaughton, executive director of the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce.

What accomplishments has Sparwood seen in the past year?

Sparwood has been working on the revitalization of Centennial Square. It will be completed at the end of the summer. Also, a 30-unit low income housing will be completed in the fall. Teck has started excavating their land for their new building. McDonald’s has started their build and a Circle K will be built in 2024. All three of those are in the new Middletown subdivision off Highway 3. Lots of construction and new companies coming to town.

What challenges has Sparwood had to overcome in the past year? How did you adapt?

I think like everywhere, housing is such a struggle in Sparwood. Not enough houses or rentals to house people to work and play in Sparwood. It is difficult to overcome. In the housing development in Cherrywood (Heights), all lots have been sold and houses are being built. Finding contractors is difficult, too. I think Westwood, with their phases, will help. Sparwood isn’t alone in this crisis.

What's on the horizon for Sparwood in the coming year?

Westwood, a new housing development, is going in the Heights. Phase 1 out of 3 will be starting soon. A dollar store is opening soon. It is in the mall with a vape store. CIBC is closing their branch in Sparwood this month.

What are some challenges unique to Sparwood?

I believe some of the challenges for Sparwood is the small retail sector we have. Sparwood is more of an industrial town with many businesses focused on and working for the mines.

What do you love most about working and living in Sparwood?

I love the central location, the many trails and the scenery. The community support at events.

What do you do in your free time to enjoy Sparwood?

I enjoy attending the local events, spending time with friends and family in our great outdoors.