Clearwater public meetings in 2025
33 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Council - Regular
The District of Clearwater Council will hold a public hearing on Application ALC-25-01 to exclude PID 009-303-570 (290 Road 2A Forest Service Road) from the Agricultural Land Reserve. The council will also vote on transferring unrestricted surplus from the general fund to the sewer fund, adopt Cemetery Management Bylaw No. 305 (2025) and Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 329 (2025), and approve the proposed 2026 council and committee meeting schedule.
- Public hearing on ALR exclusion application ALC-25-01 for PID 009-303-570 (290 Road 2A Forest Service Road)
- Transfer of unrestricted accumulated surplus from the general fund to the sewer fund
- Adoption of Cemetery Management Bylaw No. 305, 2025
- Adoption of Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 329, 2025
- Adoption of the 2026 Council and Standing Committee meeting schedule
Council - Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will review engineering project updates and a financial report. Staff will present information on Development Cost Charges, Dutch Lake Corridor improvements, and the Clearwater River Bridge erosion mitigation project.
- Review of Development Cost Charge Bylaw 327-2025 proposed rates
- Dutch Lake Corridor improvements schematic and Class D cost estimate of $563,000
- Clearwater River Bridge erosion mitigation project budget of $3,550,000
- 2025 Roads Assessment data and pavement condition analysis
- Financial Update to September 30, 2025
Council - Regular
The council will adopt the meeting agenda and minutes, and will vote to authorize the purchase of two properties on Clearwater Station Road for a combined $150,000. It will also consider a $35,000 budget allocation for 2026–2030 mural projects and adopt two bylaws related to cemetery management and fees. Additionally, the council will adopt the proposed 2026 council and standing‑committee meeting schedule.
- Authorize purchase of 7 Clearwater Station Road and 480 Clearwater Station Road for $150,000
- Allocate $35,000 in the 2026–2030 Five‑Year Financial Plan for public‑art mural projects
- Introduce and read Cemetery Management Bylaw No. 305, 2025 (first, second, and third readings)
- Introduce and read Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 329, 2025 (first, second, and third readings)
- Adopt the proposed 2026 Council and Standing Committee meeting schedule
Select Committee - Public Art Advisory Committee
The District of Clearwater Public Art Advisory Committee will adopt its agenda and the minutes from the November 5 meeting. It will then discuss timelines and budget for a proposed mural project. The committee will also review its Terms of Reference before adjourning.
- Adopt agenda for November 26, 2025 meeting
- Adopt minutes from November 5, 2025 meeting
- Discuss timelines and budget for a mural project
- Review Terms of Reference document
- Adjourn the meeting
Council - Regular
The Clearwater Council will consider several financial decisions, including a 1‑percentage‑point increase in the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) rate and a 10% rise in water and sewer fees for 2026. It will also vote on a fire‑truck shelter purchase and related budget reallocation, a $28,138.86 amendment for a brine‑header repair, and funding for a wayfinding signage project. Additional items include direction on reviving the Clearwater Regatta and a letter supporting the MRDT renewal with Tourism Wells Gray.
- Increase 2026 water fees by 10%, sewer fees by 10%, and septage receiving fees by 2.6%
- Approve purchase of a covered fire‑truck shelter up to $14,000 and reallocate $30,000 to the initial attack capital budget
- Raise the MRDT rate from 2% to 3% and support the MRDT renewal with Tourism Wells Gray
- Provide a $28,138.86 budget amendment for the Brine Header Repair funded from the North Thompson Sportsplex reserve
- Approve $69,500 for the Connecting Clearwater Community Wayfinding & Signage Project via REDIP funding
Council - Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole adopted its agenda and approved the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting. It recommended that staff draft schedules C, D and L and bring forward an amended Fees and Charges Bylaw for council approval. It also recommended that council direct staff to raise 2026 water fees by 10%, sewer fees by 10% and septage receiving fees by 2.6%. The meeting was then adjourned.
- Adopt agenda as presented
- Adopt minutes of the August 19, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting
- Recommend drafting schedules C, D and L and advancing the amended Fees and Charges Bylaw
- Recommend increasing 2026 water fees by 10%
- Recommend increasing 2026 sewer fees by 10% and septage receiving fees by 2.6%
Select Committee - Public Art Advisory Committee
The Public Art Advisory Committee will discuss concepts to recommend to council and review the committee's terms of reference. The meeting agenda is for November 5, 2025.
- Discussion on concepts to recommend to council
- Review of committee terms of reference
- Adoption of October 9, 2025 meeting minutes
- Review of unfinished business
Council - Budget Workshop
The Clearwater Council held a Budget Workshop to review the preliminary 2026‑2030 financial plan. Council will accept the staff report for information and direct staff to adjust council initiatives and projects. The discussion included projected tax increases, reserve balances, debt capacity and a draft list of capital and special projects for the next five years.
- Recommendation to accept the Financial Plan 2026‑2030 report for information
- Proposed $3,818,235 tax increase for 2026 (≈5.7% rise over 2025)
- Calculated debt‑service limit of $1,727,838 and debt use threshold of $750,000
- Draft list includes 21 capital projects and 19 special projects for 2026‑2030
- Total reserve and unrestricted surplus balances estimated at about $13.5 million
Council - Regular
The Council will discuss a bylaw to provide a tax exemption for Evergreen Acres Senior Housing Society. Staff reports on grant applications for water infrastructure are also on the agenda.
- Bylaw 328, 2025: Permissive Tax Exemption for Evergreen Acres Senior Housing Society
- Grant application for Park Drive Lift Station (up to $2.474M)
- Grant application for Clearwater Valley Supply Main (up to $3.238M)
- Grant application for Yellowhead Mine Readiness study (up to $300K)
- Adoption of minutes from the October 7, 2025 Council meeting
Select Committee - Public Art Advisory Committee
The Public Art Advisory Committee will review potential projects and discuss governance. The group is also reviewing its Terms of Reference.
- Review and select 2-5 priority public art projects
- Review Terms of Reference and governance procedures
- Discussion on public art examples from other communities
- Committee introductions and vision for public art
- Next meeting date is TBD
Council - Regular
Council will discuss grant applications for the Park Drive Lift Station, Clearwater Valley Supply Main, and an Infrastructure Master Plan update. The meeting includes decisions on a tax exemption for senior housing and a reserve funds amendment.
- Grant application for Park Drive Lift Station up to $2,474,400 (District commit: $1,237,200)
- Grant application for Clearwater Valley Supply Main up to $3,238,000 (District commit: $320,562)
- Grant application for Infrastructure Master Plan Update – Yellowhead Mine Readiness up to $300,000
- Permissive Tax Exemption for Evergreen Acres Senior Housing Society (Bylaw No. 328, 2025)
- Reserve Funds Amendment Bylaw 326, 2025
Council - Regular
The District of Clearwater Council will discuss adopting a new Commissioner for Taking Affidavits Policy and a communication plan for the public. The body is also considering amendments to the Financial Plan policy and the Reserve Funds Bylaw.
- Proposed adoption of the Commissioner for Taking Affidavits Policy
- Amendment to Financial Plan Policy No. 2204 regarding Community Grant funding formulas
- Introduction of Reserve Funds Amendment Bylaw 326, 2025
- Strategic Plan Update/Review report from the CAO
Council - Regular
Council will review a new long-term financial plan and a transit service expansion memorandum of understanding for the 2026/2027 fiscal year. The meeting includes presentations on a proposed bike park design and seniors housing.
- Approval of the 2026-2030 Financial Plan schedule
- Valley Connector Transit Service Expansion MOU for 2026/2027
- Appointment of six members to the Public Art Advisory Committee
- Approval of Community Grant Policy No. 2502
- Amendment to Policy 2201 regarding Procurement and Disposition of Asset
Council - Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is discussing a new Commissioner for Taking Affidavits Policy to manage staff workload and liability. The body is also reviewing the 2026-2030 Financial Plan schedule for recommendation to Council.
- Proposed Commissioner for Taking Affidavits Policy to limit scope and eligibility of services
- Review of the 2026-2030 Financial Plan schedule
- Discussion on staff time costs for oath services estimated at $10,000-12,000 annually
Council - Regular
The District of Clearwater is deciding on a capital paving project award and seeking direction on dog and bike park proposals for Weyerhaeuser Park. Council will also review the 2024 Annual Report and receive initial Dutch Lake test results.
- Awarding the 2025 Capital Paving Project to Dawson Paving for $180,958.53 + GST
- Direction on Dog Park and Bike Park proposals for Weyerhaeuser Park
- Adoption of the 2024 Annual Report
- Project budget update for the Clearwater River Bridge
- Review of initial Dutch Lake test results
Council - Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a proposed three-tiered Community Grant Policy to align funding with strategic priorities. The body is discussing specific criteria and funding mechanisms for large-value Community Project Grants.
- Proposed Community Regular Grants of up to $5,000 (2025 budget: $33,000)
- Proposed Community Project Grants (2025 budget: approximately $374,000)
- Discussion of a funding cap for project grants based on the Wells Gray Community Forest reserve
- Proposed funding cap example: 5% of uncommitted reserve plus 3% interest (approx. $256,000)
- Proposed requirement for project grant applicants to provide proof of BC Registrar registration and financial statements
Council - Regular
The council will adopt the agenda and minutes from the June 3 meeting, move into and out of a Committee of the Whole, and receive several staff reports. Items include a community grants policy workshop, a strategic and operational update, a proposal to implement a four‑stage water‑conservation approach, and a financial update with approval of the 2024 Statement of Financial Information. Presentations will be given on Taseko Mines' Yellowhead Project and TRUE Consulting's Official Community Plan communications and engagement plan.
- Water Use – approve implementing a new four‑stage water‑conservation approach
- Approve the 2024 Statement of Financial Information and authorize signatures
- Community Grants Policy – staff report on workshop
- Taseko Mines – presentation on the Yellowhead Project
- TRUE Consulting – OCP Communications and Engagement Plan presentation
Council - Regular
The council will consider two staff recommendations. It will award the detailed hydraulic design for the Clearwater River Bridge erosion protection project to Northwest Hydraulics for $125,000, and approve a direct award to TRUE Consulting Ltd. for the Water Meter Pilot Project at $150,000. The council will also appoint members to the Public Art Advisory Committee and adopt the meeting agenda and previous minutes.
- Award $125,000 detailed hydraulic design for Clearwater River Bridge erosion protection to Northwest Hydraulics
- Direct award of $150,000 Water Meter Pilot Project to TRUE Consulting Ltd.
- Appointment of five community members and a youth liaison to the Public Art Advisory Committee
- Adoption of the agenda for the June 3, 2025 regular council meeting
- Adoption of minutes from the May 20, 2025 regular council meeting
Council - Regular
The Clearwater Council will consider several staff reports, including a budget amendment for the Water Meter Pilot Project that adds $230,460 for 2025 and larger amounts for 2026 and 2027. It will also decide on purchasing a new Fire Department duty truck for up to $70,000 and appoint members to the Public Art Advisory Committee. Additional items include adopting a Fire Department Regulations Bylaw amendment and approving the Clearwater Transit Annual Operating Agreements.
- Water Meter Pilot Project budget amendment: $230,460 (2025), $1,843,680 (2026), $230,460 (2027)
- Fire Department duty truck purchase: up to $70,000 for a 2024 Ford F‑150
- Appointment of five community members and a youth liaison to the Public Art Advisory Committee
- Adoption of Fire Department Regulations Bylaw No. 233, Amendment Bylaw No. 325, 2025
- Approval of Clearwater Transit Annual Operating Agreements for 2024‑2025 and 2025‑2026
Council - Special
Council will decide whether to award the Official Community Plan update contract to True Consulting for $124,850 and authorize up to $148,000 in provincial grant funds to complete the project. The meeting will also adopt the 2025 Annual Tax Rate Bylaw No. 324. Additional agenda items include adopting the meeting agenda, minutes, and handling unfinished business.
- Award Official Community Plan update contract to True Consulting for $124,850
- Authorize up to $148,000 from provincial grant to complete the OCP
- Adopt District of Clearwater 2025 Annual Tax Rate Bylaw No. 324
- Adopt agenda for the May 9, 2025 regular council meeting
- Adopt minutes of prior council and committee meetings
Council - Regular
Council will review the 2024 audited financial statements and discuss the 2025 annual tax rate. The meeting includes decisions on a five-year financial plan and transit operating agreements for 2024-2026.
- Adoption of 2025-2029 Financial Plan Bylaw (No. 323, 2025)
- Introduction and reading of 2025 Annual Tax Rate Bylaw (No. 324, 2025)
- Approval of 2024-25 and 2025-26 BC Transit Annual Operating Agreements
- Amendment to Fire Department Regulations Bylaw No. 233 (Bylaw No. 325, 2025)
- Presentation of 2024 audited Financial Statements by BDO Canada LLP
Council - Regular
The council will vote on the 2025‑2029 Financial Plan Bylaw, authorizing the five‑year budget framework. It will also consider purchasing a Type 3 Bush Truck, appoint Mayor Merlin Blackwell to the Wells Gray Community Forest Society board, direct staff to begin community engagement for a proposed dog park at Weyerhaeuser Park, and adopt the updated Strategic Plan.
- Authorization to purchase a Type 3 Bush Truck up to the amount budgeted in the 2025‑2029 Financial Plan
- Adoption of Bylaw No. 323, 2025‑2029 Five‑Year Financial Plan (first, second, and third readings)
- Appointment of Mayor Merlin Blackwell as the District’s representative to the Wells Gray Community Forest Society Board (term ends Oct 31 2026)
- Directive to staff to start community engagement within 100 m of proposed Dog Park Site #3 (Weyerhaeuser Park) and prepare cost estimates for Rotary Club fundraising
- Approval and adoption of the updated Clearwater Strategic Plan
Council - Regular
The District of Clearwater Council will adopt Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 317 for RZ-24-04 at 205E Old North Thompson Highway and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 312 for RZ-24-03 at 343 Clearwater Valley Road. Council will also direct staff to draft the 2025‑2029 Financial Plan bylaw adjusting tax distribution ratios. A fire department regulations amendment (Bylaw No. 322) will be considered for adoption.
- Adoption of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 317 (RZ-24-04) for 205E Old North Thompson Hwy
- Adoption of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 312 (RZ-24-03) for 343 Clearwater Valley Rd (cannabis retail)
- Directive to draft the 2025‑2029 Financial Plan bylaw adjusting tax ratios (option 2)
- Adoption of Fire Department Regulations Bylaw No. 322 amendment
- North Thompson Arts Council delegation request for Children’s Art Festival support
Council - Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will adopt its agenda and the minutes from the March 4 meeting. Council will receive an update on the Q1 Strategic and Operational Plan and provide direction for its revision. Staff will present a draft Financial Plan for 2025‑2029 and recommend that the district begin preparing the plan. The committee will also recommend early approval of the Sewer Security Project for $45,608 and the Water Security Project for $171,708.
- Adopt agenda as presented
- Adopt minutes of the March 4 Committee of the Whole meeting
- Receive Q1 Strategic and Operational Plan update and provide direction
- Recommend staff commence preparation of the 2025‑2029 Financial Plan
- Recommend early approval of Sewer Security Project ($45,608) and Water Security Project ($171,708)
Council - Regular
The District of Clearwater Council will conduct a public hearing and consider a third reading for a zoning amendment at 205E Old North Thompson Hwy for a vet clinic. The body is also reviewing a pilot program for a FireSmart mitigation crew and early approvals for water and sewer projects.
- Public hearing and third reading of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 317 for 205E Old North Thompson Hwy (Vet Clinic)
- Proposed $55,000 allocation from LGCAP reserves for a wood chipper and a FireSmart Mitigation Crew pilot program through 2027
- Early approval for Sewer Security Project ($45,608) and Water Security Project ($171,708)
- Proposed 2025-2029 Financial Plan based on a 7.9% taxation revenue increase over 2024
- Adoption of Officers and Delegation of Authority Amendment Bylaw No. 321 and Fire Department Regulations Amendment Bylaw No. 322
Council - Regular
The council will adopt the meeting agenda and minutes, receive the 2025 financial plan survey results and confirm that public consultation on the 2025‑2029 Financial Plan was sufficient, consider Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 312 for a cannabis retail store at 343 Clearwater Valley Rd, approve the venue for the Cruisin’ Clearwater Car Show pending a road‑closure permit, and adopt two bylaws – one amending the Reserve Funds Bylaw and another adopting the amended five‑year financial plan.
- Consideration of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 312 (RZ‑24‑03) for a cannabis retail store at 343 Clearwater Valley Rd, with public hearing input and staff report
- Approval of the proposed venue for the Cruisin’ Clearwater Car Show, pending final road‑closure permit approval
- Adoption of Amendment Bylaw 320, 2025 to amend the District of Clearwater Reserve Funds Bylaw No. 2016, 2019
- Adoption of District of Clearwater Bylaw No. 319, 2025 – 2024‑2028 Amended Five Year Financial Plan
- Adoption of minutes from the February 18, 2025 council meeting and confirmation of public consultation on the 2025‑2029 Financial Plan
Council - Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will receive survey results from the 2025-2029 Financial Plan public consultation and consider whether the consultation was sufficient. The report details three public engagement events and survey demographics.
- Review of 2025-2029 Financial Plan survey results
- Confirmation of public consultation sufficiency
- Three public engagement events held (Dec 6, Jan 22, Feb 11)
- 65 survey participants (2.7% of population)
- Public input on water, sewer, and road maintenance priorities
Council - Regular
The council will hold a public hearing on Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 312, 2025, which would permit cannabis retail in the C‑2 Service Commercial zone at 343 Clearwater Valley Road. After hearing public input and reviewing the staff report, the council may read the bylaw a third time if no changes are proposed. The meeting also includes adoption of minutes, a decision on a minor setback variance for 1485 Davy Road, and consideration of other zoning and bylaw amendments.
- Public hearing on Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 312, 2025 – cannabis retail at 343 Clearwater Valley Rd
- Approval of Development Variance Permit DVP-24-02 – minor setback at 1485 Davy Road
- First and second readings of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 317 – vet clinic at 205E Old North Thompson Hwy
- Amendment Bylaw 320, 2025 – changes to the District of Clearwater Reserve Funds Bylaw (first, second, and third readings)
- District of Clearwater Bylaw No. 319, 2025 – amended 2024‑2028 Five‑Year Financial Plan (first, second, and third readings)
Council - Regular
The District of Clearwater is reviewing amendments to the Animal Control and Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw. Council is also considering several one-time grant-in-aid contributions from the 2025 budget for local organizations and events.
- Animal Control and Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 318, 2025
- $5,000 grant for Clearwater Secondary School PAC Core Competency Week
- $4,800 in-kind contribution for Wells Gray Country Seniors Society rental space
- $1,000 grant for Clearwater Fire Department Association Halloween fireworks
- $1,000 grant for Dunn Folkin' Around Arts Society
Council - Budget Workshop
Council is reviewing a five-year financial plan that includes $13.2 million in capital projects and $2.6 million in special projects. The body is considering early approval for the Official Community Plan and a part-time Administrative and Communication Assistant position.
- Proposed $75,000 allocation from unrestricted surplus for a medivac helipad Class B estimate and design at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital
- Draft 2025 capital plan totaling $2.8 million across 16 projects
- Draft 2025 operating revenue plan of $7.4 million with expenditures of $6.1 million
- Proposed 6.8% increase in revenue generated from taxation over 2024 ($227 thousand)
- Early approval request for the grant-funded Official Community Plan project
Council - Special
The District of Clearwater Council is meeting to discuss a response to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch. The body is considering a resolution to call on the Province of British Columbia to uphold the rule of law and enforce liquor licensing and health regulations within the district.
- Proposed letter to the Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General, Ministry of Health, Ministry of the Attorney General, and local MLA regarding regulation enforcement
Council - Regular
The District of Clearwater Council will discuss a zoning amendment for 343 Clearwater Valley Road, a development variance permit for 1485 Davy Road, and approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the Simpcw First Nation. The meeting also includes a public art policy and a water meter pilot project.
- Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 312 for 343 Clearwater Valley Rd
- Development Variance Permit DVP-24-02 for 1485 Davy Road
- MOU with Simpcw First Nation
- Public Art Policy Terms of Reference
- Water Meter Pilot Project grant application
Council - Budget Workshop
The Clearwater Council workshop will consider the 2025 Grant‑In‑Aid report, which recommends distributing up to $27,200 in cash or in‑kind contributions to community groups and events. Nine new applications—including a half‑marathon, slo‑pitch league, arts society, first‑responders dinner, and Halloween fireworks—are summarized. The workshop also includes presentations from local delegations such as the Rotary Club Christmas Lightup and Valley Pride Mayday 2024.
- Grant‑In‑Aid 2025 recommendation: allocate $27,200 within the $33,000 budget limit
- Nine new applications: $12,000 cash grants and $7,200 in‑kind grants
- Prior resolution for Wells Gray Lively Arts Society ($10,000, $8,000, $5,000 over three years)
- Delegations/presentations: Clearwater Slo‑Pitch, Dunn Folkin' Around?, Rotary Club Christmas Lightup, Royal Canadian Legion First Responders Dinner, Clearwater Volunteer Firefighter Association Halloween Fireworks, Candle Creek Half Marathon, Valley Pride Mayday 2024
- Discussion of Grant‑In‑Aid policy and application criteria