We are celebrating Local Government Awareness Week from May 17-23, 2021. This annual initiative is aimed at building public awareness of local government roles and encouraging participation in local government processes. Visit our website or Facebook page daily to learn a bit more about your local government and how we conduct business.
“What services does your local government the District of Clearwater provide?”
The District of Clearwater provided the following services:
Corporate Services – Administration/Corporate Services
Administration provides a wide variety of internal services to Council and all departments of the District. Some of these include:
- Access to Information
- Human Resources
- Labour Relations
- Occupational Health & Safety
- Law Enforcement
- Records Management
- Property Management
- Elections
- Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA)
- Administer and execute District events
- Commissioner for Oaths for the District
- Grant writing
- Business Licensing
- Presentation of Briefs to Provincial Government Ministers at Union of BC Municipalities Convention and inter-governmental advocacy re Clearwater River Road, internet/cell service capacity and quality, economic recovery measures re COVID-19
Economic Development Council continues to focus on the sustainability of the District programs and infrastructure in the face of increasing demands and uncertain funding, recognizing it is NOT prudent to rely solely on grant dollars to maintain growth. Clearwater has the foundation of a diversified economy which includes the following sectors: forestry, tourism, retail, agriculture and more. This diversity gives our community a distinct advantage compared to a single sectored economy of similar sized communities.
Planning and Development Planning and Development services are provided under contract by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.
Development Planning
- Rezoning (including Official Community Plan amendments)
- Development Variance Permits
- Development Permits (form and character)
- Temporary Use Permits
- Agricultural Land Reserve applications
Long Range Planning
- Official Community Plan
- Growth Projections
- Policy Development
Other Responsibilities
- Provide Council with advice on planning matters
- Advise on bylaws and policies pertaining to land use
- Process applications for Development Permits, Development Variance Permits, Rezoning and Official Community Plan amendments, Temporary Use Permits, Agricultural Land use changes and Subdivision applications
- Implementation of Official Community Plan policies
Volunteer Firehall which provides protection of lives and property from fire hazards; comprehensive fire prevention and suppression service and engages in mutual aid agreements with Blackpool and Vavenby Fire Departments and reciprocal agreement with the BC Wildfire Service. The department also performs fire safety inspections on all public buildings, issues burning permits, provides fire prevention public education and trains firefighters in first aid, Interior Firefighter Operations along with emergency vehicle driver training programs. More info here.
Public Works Department provides technical support, upgrades and maintenance for infrastructure and capital projects. The Department is responsible for the community’s water and sewer systems, water conservation, fire hydrants, road maintenance, streetlights, cemetery, and District Facilities. More info here. Clearwater has one Cemetery named Riverview Cemetery which is located on Grant Road. The cemetery is open to the public at any time for visitation and burials are conducted on weekends. Administration and maintenance is managed by the District of Clearwater.
Financial Services Department is responsible for property tax and utility preparation and collection, budgeting and long term financial planning, financial management, reporting, planning and analysis, processing accounts payable and receivable, financial statement preparation and reporting, payroll and benefit administration, administration of the District’s assets and liabilities and information technology services. More info here.
The North Thompson Sportsplex provides local athletes and visitors alike a covered regulation-sized ice rink and associated locker room facilities and viewing platforms to practice and play upon wither covered in ice or dry floor (off-season). It is home to the Clearwater Minor Hockey Association, Raft Mountain Skating Club, Wells Gray Curling Club and a number of recreational adult hockey leagues and open from September to March. More info here.
The role of the Bylaw Enforcement Officer is to obtain compliance with municipal bylaws through effective enforcement based on consistency, education and fairness. We respond to questions and to written complaints; anonymous complaints are not investigated. More info here.
The District of Clearwater is an appointed ICBC/ Motor Vehicle agency. The agency provides auto plan quotes and payments, Off-road Vehicle registrations, driver road and knowledge testing, driver’s licences and renewals as well as plate transfers, permits and more. Contact information here.
Our Community Recreation Healthy Living Program offers a wide range of leisure activities, recreational opportunities, programming and age-friendly services to promote healthy lifestyles and thus allow residents to both grow and flourish within our community. Due to COVID our program is running a little bit different but we are happy to be offering online fitness classes to keep you healthy and active during this time. Check out our live streaming of programs on Facebook. More info here.
Public Transportation: The District of Clearwater has four interconnecting bus routes provided by BC Transit allowing residents and visitors seamless ease of travel throughout the community. More info here.
Tomorrow’s topic: “What does the Mayor do?”