What Happening in Clearwater – September 23, 2025

What Happening in Clearwater – September 23, 2025

Council Advocacy Update – UBCM 2025

Mayor Blackwell and Council are attending the UBCM Convention this week, meeting with provincial ministers, ministry staff, and BC Hydro. Mayor Blackwell will also be one of three speakers at a special session with Health Minister Josie Osborne. Key advocacy topics will include BC Hydro power supply, public safety and RCMP staffing, housing and infrastructure needs, the Taseko Project, and healthcare.

Council Highlights from Tuesday September 16, 2025:

• Council adopted a new Commissioner for Taking Affidavits Policy. This policy updates the service level for members of the public looking to have affidavits commissioned by the Corporate Officer and other staff. While the new policy limits some items, it will be mostly business as usual for the next year. Keep an eye out for more posts and additional information coming up about the changes.
• Council adopted an amended Financial Plan Policy which added new formulas for distributing funds for the Community Grant Program.
• Council appointed Councillor Haring to the Wells Gray Community Forest Society as the District Representative.
• Council awarded a contract to Arrow Transport for the final stage of the desludging project for the sewer lagoon in the amount of $178,880.

Public Notice – Community Updates

The District of Clearwater would like to inform residents of the following updates:

Public Works & Infrastructure

• Beach Speed Limit Signs:
  Public Works has removed the 30 km/h signs from the beach as of September 18th, along with the remaining delineators, as we prepare for the winter season.
• Dike Maintenance:
  The annual dike inspection and maintenance was completed this week.
• Murtle Crescent Repaving Project:
  We’re pleased to share that the Murtle Crescent repaving project has been successfully completed!
  This project was part of the District’s commitment to improving local infrastructure and ensuring safer, smoother roads for residents and visitors. The newly paved surface will make driving and walking in the area more comfortable, reduce wear and tear on vehicles, and improve overall accessibility.
  We thank the community for their patience and cooperation during the construction period. Your understanding helped make the project run smoothly.

Security Fencing Project

A request for quotes has been completed, and the security fencing project will move forward this fall. Areas scheduled for fencing include:

• Small Park Generator & Wellheads
• Dutch Lake Community Center Generator
• Archibald Reservoir

Water System Update

We are pleased to share that our recent efforts to improve the community water system have been successful. During a recent extended power outage, the reservoir maintained adequate water levels, ensuring that residents continued to have access to water without interruption. This is a direct result of the infrastructure upgrades and planning work completed earlier this year, and we thank the community for its support throughout the process.

We have been monitoring the Russell Creek intake and have had to shut it down for the season due to low flow, a water restriction update will be released soon on the District’s Facebook page and website — please stay tuned for details.

Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department & FireSmart Program Update

Fire Department Activities

• Callouts:
  It has been a quiet month overall, with just a couple of medical calls earlier on.
• BC Wildfire Collaboration:
  The department recently assisted BC Wildfire by performing a reconnaissance for a possible fire. Using the District’s new drone, the fire was located successfully. This tool is proving to be a game-changer for wildfire detection, and BC Wildfire expressed their appreciation for the support.
• Training:
  One member attended a Live Fire Instructor course in Abbotsford, enhancing the department’s training capacity.
• Community Engagement:
  Two members supported the Clearwater Speedway by helping with their fundraising carwash last weekend.

Clearwater FireSmart Program Activities

• Education & Outreach:
  The program continues to provide FireSmart education and free home assessments for residents.
• Fuel Mitigation & Chipping:
  The crew has been actively working on fuel reduction and chipping projects around the community, both on public and private land.
• School Visits:
  Plans are in place to visit local schools soon to promote FireSmart education among students.

Parks Update

Washrooms: Open until October 13, then closed for the season.
Parks will Remain open as long as weather permits — enjoy the trails and fresh air while you can!

Sportsplex News

The Sportsplex is open for the season and ice is available for private rentals.

Free Family Skating

Come skate with us — no charge thanks to our generous sponsors!

• Fridays: 4:30 PM
• Sundays: 3:00 PM
• Wednesdays: 8:30 PM

This season’s sponsors so far include Jim Zsednai Enterprises, BJC HVAC, KDC Forestry, Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department

Parents & Preschool / Home School Skating

• Starts September 23 at 9:30 AM — Free!

Adult Hockey Schedule

💲 Cost: All adult drop-in sessions are $15.00 per session.

Coming Up at the DLCC & Community!

🥋 Aikido

• Returning Students: Classes started the first week of September.
• Fall Session: October–December registration is open now online!
• Official Start: October — stay tuned for registration updates.

🧘 Yoga with Sylvia

• When: Mondays starting September 29th
• Where: DLCC
• Details: Evening sessions, open to all levels.

🏓 Pickleball

• Evening Drop-In: Returned to DLCC September 17th
  • Schedule: Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays | 6:30–8:30 PM
  • Cost: $2 drop-in OR punch cards (available at DOC front desk)
• Daytime Drop-In: Begins in October — exact start date TBA.

Culture Days

September 19 – October 12
More activities to be announced — mark your calendars!

• Cultural Food Workshop
  October 3 | 3:30–5:00 PM | DLCC
  Free event, registration required.
  Email rce@docbc.ca to sign up!
• Community & Unity Coffee House
  October 4 | 6:30–9:00 PM | Elks Hall
  By donation, hosted by Tom Coles.
• Multicultural Food Day
  October 10 | 4:00–7:30 PM | DLCC
  Free community event!
  Email rce@docbc.ca if you’d like to host a table.