|
An elected Council comprised of a Mayor and six Councillors governs the District of Clearwater. Councillors are elected for three-year terms and each member of Council represents the municipality at large. The Community Charter gives Council the authority to set budgets, levy taxes, and establish policies to guide the growth, development and operation of the municipality for the benefit and protection of its citizens.
The powers of the Mayor and Council are exercised through the adoption of resolutions or the enacting of bylaws at regularly scheduled Council meetings. See our calendar of events for meeting schedules. Open Council meetings are on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Municipal Hall, 132 Clearwater Station Road. The rules governing the conduct of the meeting are outlined in the Council Procedure Bylaw and Robert's Rules of Order. Members of the public are welcome to attend the open meetings of Council. Delegations are welcome however this application to do so is required. Need to have a link to the application form here!!
|
|
Mayor John Harwood:
I was born Plymouth England, became a resident of Clearwater for over forty years ago. My previous experience as a principal and teacher (thirty four years) with School District’s No. 26 and No. 73 brought me a full life and commitment to the community my family and I reside in. I currently serve as Mayor of Clearwater, Trustee for School District No. 73, and Vice-Chair of the Thompson Nicola Regional District, these positions have given me a holistic view of what it takes to live, work and play in our community. Clearwater strives to be the best place to live, work and play. The Adventure starts here!!
|
|
|
Brent Buck: I was born in Kamloops and raised in a logging camp near Coldscar Lake until the age of 5 at which time my family moved into Clearwater. I am happily married to my high school sweet heart, for almost 33 years, with two married children and two grandchildren, Storm and Symphony. I received my Bachelor of Education from BCIT and UBC and I teach Technology and Mathematics at Clearwater Secondary School. I have also achieved nidan level in Shito Ryu Karate. I bring an educational perspective and an understanding of the importance of youth involvement to the Council table.
|
|
|
Candus Graffunder: I was born and raised in Clearwater, leaving only to pursue studies in the Tourism Industry after which I quickly returned to the place that always felt like home. I have two beautiful children, Isabella and Jackson, and I am excited to raise them here in Clearwater. Owning and operating an event planning and rental business, allows me to pursue my passions. The ability to live, work and play in the outdoors (horseback riding, hiking, fishing, kayaking, biking, etc.), as well as playing hockey, I coach and referee high school sports, and I am involved in many other programs and projects in our Community. I am committed engaging our youth and have been the leader in developing a Junior Council which works with the District’s council to keep the needs or our youth at the forefront. My position on Council has become a fulfilling part of my life, and I look forward to working as your voice for the community of Clearwater.
|
|
|
Christy Dobi: Christy Dobi was elected into the position of councilor in the Clearwater's first municipal election. Her 15+ year career within the financial industry has provided her with a solid financial background as well as human resources management experience in the areas of recruitment, conflict resolution, succession planning, training, facilitation and compensation. In addition, Christy has worked with many youth as the local Skate Canada figure skating coach. The Dobi family sees Clearwater as a great place to raise a family and a community that offers many or our favorite recreational opportunities right at our back door. Christy's focus for involvement in the council is to ensure Clearwater, and the surrounding area, provides the amenities and lifestyle needed to retain and attract businesses, travelers and residents alike – she strives to make this community the ‘Best place to live, work and play”.
|
|
|
Ken Kjenstad: Ken is a retired businessman who has lived in Clearwater since 1972, married to Sydney and has 3 children and 6 grandchildren. He is the previous owner/manager of the local supermarket; Ken has also been involved in the other local business ventures over the years. Ken's involvement in community work has included Chair of the local and Regional Health Board as well as the Clearwater and District Chamber of Commerce. He is very involved in minor sports as an executive and official and is the Convener for many of the community events initiated by Council such as the Olympic Torch Relay for Clearwater, the Rural Health Symposium and more. Ken faces the challenge of being a councilor each and every day with a smile and optimism; he would like to thank everyone for their support. With his enthusiasm and good nature Ken strives to build Clearwater as the “Best place to live, work and play”.
|
|
|
Stephanie Teare: My name is Stephanie Teare and I believe that we need to build a strong foundation for Clearwater with resources for the young and old. As your councillor I am working towards attracting health professional to keep our hospital and elder care vital. I’ve made it my priority to safeguard your taxpayer dollar while making the best use of all financial resources available. I love living in Clearwater with all its space and freedoms and it is important to keep our parks and trail systems maintained and expanded. I am a hard worker with a positive attitude and a strong commitment to getting things done and advancing Clearwater’s future to be the “Best place to live, work and Play.”
|
|
|
Bert Walker: Bert has been a resident of Clearwater since 1975. He has been married to Joyce for 40+ years and together they raised two children (Jeff and Bonnie) and have one grandson (Liam).
Since Bert’s arrival in the area he has been active in community organizations and initiatives including President of Minor Hockey, Upper Clearwater CCF Hall preservations, TNRD Area Parks, Cemetery and TV Committee as well as the North Thompson Sportsplex Committee.
Bert served 3 years as a School District Trustee (2000 to 2002), Chair of the Human Resources Committee, CUPE Liaison Board member and Finance Committee member. He was a Director for the North Thompson Communities Foundation as well as Chair of the Community Resource Centre for North Thompson and Chair of Wells Gray Country Services Committee plus 5 years on North Thompson Economic Development Society serving the North Thompson Valley.
Bert was first elected to the TNRD Board of Directors in 1996 and served 4 terms (2 years as Vice-Chair) before moving to municipal council.
During the 12 years as TNRD Director Bert was instrumental in the establishment of several new community parks, major upgrades to the ice plant and structure as well as the addition of a new lobby at the Sportsplex, and the establishment of the Wells Gray Country Services Committee - a model now being duplicated in several other Regional Districts. Bert’s perseverance and leadership as Director was a vital key in the incorporation of Clearwater as a District Municipality.
Bert's experiences as well as a diversified employment history, spanning over 40 years, serve him well in understanding the challenges and needs faced by both urban and rural citizens.
|
|
