Clearwater is at a crossroads. No major industry. No clear road ahead and a world spinning faster than ever. The question is simple: will we shape our future, or let it shape us?
The upcoming refresh of the Official Community Plan (OCP) is an opportunity to set the course for Clearwater’s growth over the next few decades. This is a significant process, one that requires community input to ensure we make informed decisions that reflect the values and needs of our residents. However, community engagement has been a longstanding challenge, and if we don’t find ways to improve participation, we risk shaping a future for Clearwater based on limited perspectives.
We have no major industry, and the world is a confusing mess. How can we break away from the resource extraction boom-bust cycle and create a community that is independent, attractive, welcoming, and stable? This is the key to attracting investment in our town, by building a future that is sustainable, innovative, and forward-thinking. But this cannot be achieved without active involvement from the people who call this place home.
In Barriere, newly elected mayor Rob Kerslake and council are focusing on their own strategic plan for 2025, with Kerslake saying he intends to “stay the course” and follow goals outlined for the area as laid out in their plan. Planning is key in the North Thompson Valley for all valley partners, including Simpcw First Nation, Barriere, and Clearwater, who will be collaborating in support of valley sustainability.
I’ve never been a big fan of community surveys, especially given the low participation rates in the past. The last survey had a dismal 48 responses from a community of approximately 2,500 residents. That’s a shockingly low level of engagement for something as important as our town’s future. That’s like asking the entire town what kind of pizza we should order and only hearing back from a handful of pineapple enthusiasts. While our recent open house was a bright spot, with a significant turnout and valuable input, it still represented only a small segment of our community. If we want to make decisions that truly reflect the majority, we need more voices at the table.
The role of the municipal council is to provide leadership, make tough decisions, and steer Clearwater in a direction that aligns with our mission and vision. But to do that effectively, we need participation. We need the public to attend meetings, engage in discussions, and provide thoughtful input before decisions are made, not just criticism after the fact. Too often, we hear complaints that the public was not consulted, despite efforts such as surveys, open houses, and public forums. This lack of engagement, followed by later opposition, is frustrating and counterproductive, and stifles creativity, collaboration, and the community-driven decision-making we aim for. We’re not mind readers, folks. If you don’t tell us what you think, we have to guess, and nobody wants their future built on a lucky guess.
It’s no wonder municipal government struggles to attract strong candidates. The pressure of decision-making is immense, and when controversial issues arise, council members are often left to face the storm alone. We need community members to be vocal throughout the valley, to support decisions they believe in, and to stand against misinformation and divisiveness. This is especially critical in an era where the rise of far-right extremism, homophobia, racism, and disregard for the rule of law threatens the very fabric of inclusive, welcoming communities like ours.
We have seen firsthand the challenges that come when silence replaces engagement. When questionable practices or operations emerge, the quiet support council receives behind closed doors means little if no one is willing to stand publicly for fairness, legality, and community values. If we want to uphold the standards of a lawful, ethical, and responsible town, we need residents who will not only talk the talk but walk the walk, supporting good governance, lawful business, and community well-being.
A council needs public backing, not just during celebrations, but during the hard calls too. When that support is visible, collaboration thrives, possibilities expand, and great things happen. But we can do nothing alone. We’re not wizards, and we don’t have magic wands, but with community support we can at least work a little magic.
As we move forward with the OCP refresh, I urge residents to take an active role. Attend council meetings, participate in discussions, share your vision for the community, and encourage others to do the same. If you can’t attend in person, watch the meetings online and submit your thoughts. A strong, engaged community is one that listens, learns, and collaborates to create a future that benefits everyone.
The way our communities are perceived — by tourists, businesses, investors, and potential new residents — depends on the standards we set. Clearwater should be a place where everyone feels they belong and are safe. But we can’t achieve that alone. Your input, your participation, and your support are essential. Let’s work together to shape a Clearwater that reflects the best of what our community can be.
So, let’s hear your thoughts! Where should this community be headed? What can you do to support your council in making these important decisions? It’s time to step up, get involved, and be part of the change. Be present. Be heard. Be a builder of the future, and if all else fails, at least let’s agree on the pizza toppings next time.
