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August 19th – Council Update

2025-08-22 – August 19th – Council Update

The purpose of this new feature is to provide the community an update of the previous Council Meeting, in this case the one held on August 19th. The goal is to provide a brief plain-language summary of key items discussed, as well as any resulting resolutions. If more information about any topics is wanted, the actual Council agenda, and any attachments are available on the District website at https://districtofclearwater.civicweb.net/document/100451. These notes do not replace the official minutes of the meeting which can also be viewed on the District website, once approved by Council.

Presentations to Council

  • Bike park:
    • Cameron Sorenson of Contour Trails made a presentation regarding a preliminary Bike Park design. The design shows how the various element could fit into the site at Weyerhaeuser Pioneer Park, this includes a multi use trail, a skills trail, a junior pump track and a main pump track, also included for future considerations was a jump zone. Click here for the report.
    • The next steps are to determine which elements to include in the final design, to determine the project funding, and to consider operational costs, before a decision to proceed is made.
  • Expansion of Valley Connector bus service:
    • Daynika White, from BC Transit, made a presentation regarding a potential expansion to the Valley Connector bus service which provides a connection from Kamloops through to Blue River, currently operating on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This bus route is operating near capacity, with frequent instances of riders being turned away due to a lack of space. Funding for this service is paid by the Province (BC Transit), the Districts of Clearwater and Barriere, and TRND electoral areas A, B & O. An expansion will also lead to increased fare revenues to offset costs.
    • Council determined it would like to see an increase to a 5 day per week schedule, running from Tuesday to Saturday. Transit changes take a long time to implement, If the proposal for increased service is accepted by the Province, the enhanced schedule will not be implemented until September 2026. The next steps are to engage the TNRD and the District of Barriere in the discussion about an improved service.
  • Thompson Nicola Film Commission update:
    • Terri Hadwin of the Thompson Nicola Film Commision provided an update of the activities of the film commission, whose mandate is to attract and encourage motion pictures and digital media productions in the region. It is estimated the motion picture industry contributed $9.75 million to the regional economy in 2024. Click here for the report.
  • Taseko Yellowhead Project
    • Korah De Walt-Gagnon and Ursula Johnston from the Takeko Yellowhead Project team attended Council to provide a project update. Currently the project is in the environmental assessment process with the Simpcw First Nation as well as in the Provincial and Federal environmental assessment processes. The next public open house in Clearwater is planned for September 10th at the Dutch Lake Community Centre from 4 to 7 pm. Click here for the presentation.
  • Evergreen Acres Senior Housing Society
    • Representatives from the Evergreen Acres Senior Housing Society provided an update to Council. Evergreen’s goal is to provide affordable independent housing for seniors and other residents facing health challenges. Evergreen operates 72 residential units, spread over 5 separate buildings, with another building currently under construction. Click here for the presentation.

Other Council business

  • Council appointed six community members to the Public Art Advisory Committee. Thank you to Elizabeth Shook. Lindsey Langwood, Michelle Sturley, Hannah Horn, Beth Northcott and Ellyse Williams for volunteering!
  • Council approved a new Community Grant Policy which will be used moving forward to determine how community grants from the District are awarded. This new policy is in effect for regular community grants, large community grants and in-kind grants. It replaces the old Grants-In-Aid policy. The deadline for applying for community grants is November 30th of each year, for the following budget year. Click here for the report.
  • Council approved a new Procurement and Disposition of Assets Policy. This policy regulates the purchasing process used by District staff. Click here for the report.
  • Council approved a Grant-in-Aid request from the North Thompson Aboriginal Society for $3000 to provide support for the 5th Annual Clearwater Truth and Reconciliation Day / Orange Shirt Day events.