Sparwood, British Columbia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Location of Sparwood in British Columbia

Sparwood is a town 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 3812 residents, according to the 2001 census. Sparwood is quite large for its population, taking up an area of 177.71 square kilometers and incorporating the local Coal Mines.

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 travellers.

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.

1 Population
2 Economy
3 Schools
4 External link

[edit] Population

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.

[edit] 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.