Sparwood, BC, District Municipality, pop 3618 (2006c), 3812 (2001c), inc 1966. Sparwood is located 32 km northeast of FERNIE in the Elk River Valley. Sparwood dates back to the turn of the 20th century when local timber was considered "suitable for spars" for ocean-going ships. Also during this time, coal mining began in the area. Small mining communities developed in the Elk and Michel valleys with Sparwood being built for mine managers (1939). After the historic mining towns of Michel, Natal and Middletown were eliminated in the 1960s, Sparwood experienced rapid growth. It is now a centre for coal mining and processing, as well as for outdoor recreation.