Candidates

Merlin first came to Clearwater in 1989 to take a summer job in Wells Gray Provincial Park, a place where he worked summers until 2002, then year round as Manager/Park Operator from 2003 until 2019. In addition to work in Wells Gray, Merlin has had jobs in broadcasting, restaurant management, as a writer and associate editor of a magazine.

2003 was also the year Merlin moved to Clearwater full time. He was Chamber of Commerce President for a couple years, served on the original Clearwater Official Community Plan committee, and the original Tourism Wells Gray Board.

Merlin has served 4 terms on Clearwater council, the last 2 as Mayor, and two terms on the TNRD board, with one term as Vice Chair of the Thompson Regional Hospital Board.

Shelley Sim is a passionate community volunteer, experienced municipal leader and advocate for building a connected and thriving community.

Currently serving her fourth term as Councillor and third term as a School Board Trustee, Shelley brings extensive experience in local government, education and community leadership. She is Past President of the Southern Interior Local Government Association and Past Vice President of the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce. She holds SFU certification in Community Economic Development and Community Capacity Building.

As the former owner of Original Holidays, Shelley understands firsthand the opportunities and challenges faced by local business owners and the importance of a strong local economy.

Shelley has organized beloved community events including the Clearwater Canoe Regatta, Harvest Feast and Community Christmas Eve Dinner, and at Clearwater Ski Hill. She is also active in healthcare recruitment.

Shelley believes our community’s VIBE comes from its people, passion, connections and shared commitment to creating a positive future.

Email: shelleysim@telus.net

Website: https://www.shelleysim.com/

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Abiye is a mother of two young children passionate about sustainable community development and building a resilient future. Originally from Nigeria, she came to Canada at age 18 to pursue a degree in Environmental Science at Simon Fraser University and has called Canada home for nearly fourteen years.

After spending almost twelve years in the Lower Mainland, Abiye and her husband Franklin relocated to Clearwater to build their future in a community where their children could grow up connected to nature. Abiye often says that Clearwater chose them through the unusual kindness they experienced upon arrival.

Abiye holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, a GIS Certificate, a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Sustainability. Anchored by her faith in Jesus, she believes in servant leadership, and inclusive collaboration that strengthens families and supports growth. She enjoys kayaking, exploring the outdoors, and trying new recipes with her family.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/vote-abiye-amabeoku/home

Email: neneadoki@gmail.com

If you don’t already know me, I’m Theresa Braaten, and I’m asking for your support for a second term on District of Clearwater Council.

I’ve called Clearwater home for 41 years, and this community has always been very important to me. I care deeply about the people who live here and the future we are creating together.

Serving our community is something I genuinely value. During my first term, my focus was on listening to residents, understanding their concerns and challenges, and doing what I could to support them.

I’ve also learned a great deal about local government and the responsibilities that come with serving on Council and I’m happy to say I truly enjoyed the experience!

If you found me to be a supportive and approachable voice during my first term, I would greatly appreciate your vote and the opportunity to continue serving Clearwater.

Email: tbraaten@gmail.com

My parents met in Clearwater, so I have lived here for almost my entire life. My first home was in a logging bush camp in the TFL where my father was the camp foreman and my mother was the camp cook. Our family moved into Clearwater for my grade 1 year so that I and my older siblings could attend school.

After graduating from Clearwater Secondary School (CSS), I worked at various jobs: falling for a logging company, home construction, operation of the Clearwater Ski Hill, forest fire fighting until I became the in-the-field instructor for the forestry/logging program at CSS. That led to me returning to university to get my Bachelor of Education specializing in Technology Education so I could work full time as a shop teacher at CSS. Since retirement, I still return to CSS as a TTOC for the shop teachers when needed.

My wife and I love Clearwater. We grew up and raised our family here. We are proud of our community and the many people who contribute to make it a great place to live.

Phone: 250-674-3643

My name is Taylor Drescher, and I've called Clearwater home for four years. My fiancée and I moved here from Kelowna to help support her family who have lived in Clearwater for generations. What began as helping family quickly became something more, and we decided to make Clearwater home for good.

Professionally, I work as a Senior Cyber/Information Security Specialist. Outside of work, you'll find me curling in the winter and playing softball in the summer. Two years ago, I joined the Clearwater Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter, training up to my Interior Firefighter qualification which is one of the most rewarding commitments I've made since moving here.

This town has given my family so much, and I'm hoping for the chance to give back by serving as your next Councillor.

Email: Taylor@dresec.com

I’m Bill Haring — proud dad, outdoor enthusiast, sitting councillor, and, at the end of the day, just some guy you bump into around town.

My family has deep roots in the valley. I spent my summers here visiting my grandparents, enjoying the rural lifestyle and community that make Clearwater special. Eleven years ago I was able to move here, and I’ve been living the dream since.

My education is in political science and project management. My career has included roles in emergency management, paramedicine, construction and health administration.

I bring a practical, critical-thinking approach to council, and a talent for generating creative solutions to difficult problems. I believe local government should solve problems, and stop creating unnecessary barriers. That means reducing red tape, removing obstacles to growth, and making it easier for people to build, innovate, invest, and succeed in our community. Your local government should be behind you, not in your way.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/bill-haring-for-council/home

Email: williamharing@gmail.com

My name is Michael Krish-Penny, I support my family as a remote worker in the non-profit sector, but I've lived, worked and studied in communities across Canada. I originally trained as a lawyer then returned to graduate school for a Master’s Degree of Public Administration. For 10 years I lived in our nation’s capital broadening my communications and organizing experience.

In January of 2021 I accepted a job with the District of Clearwater, where I learned about local government, taking the minutes for Council for two years and was appointed as Chief Election Officer for the 2022 Municipal Election. In 2023 I took a year-long contract with the Centre for Family Equity to assist with their transition to a new website and launching a campaign for transit equity for youth, Transit for Teens.

Today I reside in Clearwater, BC with my wife, two children and the goodest of dogs, Disco.

Website: iloveclearwater.ca

Email: michaelkrishpenny@gmail.com

Facebook: facebook.com/MichaelJPenny

BlueSky: michaeljpenny.bsky.social

Ben Louwerse was born and raised in Clearwater, where forestry, the outdoors, and rural community life have always been a big part of who he is. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan and establishing his career, Ben moved back to Clearwater to raise his family. He and his wife, Dr. Claudia Louwerse, own the Clearwater Veterinary Clinic.

Ben’s career has included serving as an Incident Commander and Crew Leader with the BC Wildfire Service, working as a Research Engineer at the University of Lethbridge, and consulting with Deloitte. He also brings lifelong experience across many aspects of the forestry industry. These roles have shaped a practical, hands-on approach to problem solving and a strong interest in how people, systems, and organizations work.

Outside of work, Ben enjoys skiing, mountain biking, boating, running, and exploring the backcountry around Clearwater. He also enjoys building, fixing, volunteering, experimenting with new ideas, and learning how things work.

Email: J.Ben.Louwerse@gmail.com

Website: https://theclearwaterguy.ca/

My name is Lyle Mackenzie. I am a 46-year-old hardworking family man with deep roots stretching beyond the last century in the North Thompson Valley, having spent almost 40 years establishing myself in Clearwater—a slice of paradise I have no intentions of leaving.

I have a beautiful family, including two daughters aged 13 and 11, and care deeply about the future of this community for generations to come. A graduate of Clearwater Secondary School, I hold a welding trade ticket from Thompson Rivers University and served two terms (2018–2026) as a Councillor for the District of Clearwater.

Employed locally with CN Rail since 2011 and serving as Foreman, I manage core mainline track between Blue River and Kamloops. I offer a practical, blue-collar approach grounded in asset management, fiscal accountability, and workplace safety, combined with an open mind and the ability to find solutions with all walks of life.

Email: lymack80@gmail.com

Ken Matheson has spent a lifetime drawn to service, people, storytelling and the outdoors. His background includes service in the Canadian Armed Forces and a 20-year career with the RCMP, along with work as an outdoor guide, instructor, filmmaker, small business owner and community volunteer.

At the heart of who Ken is are the values of integrity, honesty, compassion, inclusion and respect. He believes in treating people with dignity, listening well and learning from the experiences and perspectives of others.

Ken has a deep appreciation for community and for the natural beauty that surrounds Clearwater. Most days, he can be found walking the local trails with his little red retrieving machine, Skye, often accompanied by his wife, Margot Venema, a well-known and respected volunteer in the community.

For Ken, Clearwater is more than where he lives. It is home, and a community he cares deeply about.

Email:  kmatheson007@gmail.com

I grew up in Montreal but left as soon as I could to travel across the country in pursuit of study and work opportunities. I moved to Clearwater in 1994 to raise a family and establish a base for a reforestation business—The Travelling Bushmen. As opportunities in the forest sector declined in the late nineties, I chose to make a career switch rather than move away, and I obtained a teaching position at CSS, where I worked until my retirement in 2025.

Over the years, I have been actively involved in the community, volunteering with various sports organizations, the ski hill, and the community forest. I truly love where I live, and now that I have more free time—and knowing that Clearwater is about to undergo some important changes—I am ready to dedicate more of my time to serve the community that has given our family so much over the years.

Website: www.menardforcouncil.com