In October of 2019, the Simon Fraser University Community Economic Development team (SFU CED) met with over 70 community members (businesses, organizations and groups) to gather information on how to move forward in the wake of the Canfor closure (downturn in the forest industry). The intention is to explore new economic opportunities to softn the loss of the mill and slow the ripple effect.
Included in this information gathering were Simpcw First Nation leaders, business leaders, dislocated mill workers, social, financial, and representatives from key economic sectors – forestry, agriculture, tourism, and commercial retail. The SFU CED team used the data to create the CED Assessment for Clearwater. Council adopted the CED Assessment which entails a set of high level of recommendations.
The next step is to develop a Community Economic Development / Transitioning Strategy and to form a CED Task Force that will act as the steering committee to support and guide the process to completion. The CED Task Force will be composed of:
- One representative of District Council
- One representative of Simpcw First Nation
- One representative of the Forest Sector
- One representative of Tourism Sector
- One representative of the Retail / Storefront Sector
- One representative of Agriculture Sector
- Three representatives of businesses at large (holding a valid business licence with the District of Clearwater)
- One representative of Yellowhead Community Services
- Chief Administrative Officer (ex-officio)
The Committee will seek input and support from other groups or agencies such as the Thompson Nicola Regional District, Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures, government Ministries related to economic sectors above and pertinent community organizations.