Beta Sigma Phi
Beta Sigma Phi is a Greek letter name meaning “Life, Learning, and Friendship.”
Walter W. Ross founded Bets Sigma Phi in 1931. The organization celebrates Founders Day the end of April.
Beta Sigma Phi is a non-profit organization group of women which holds two meetings a month with a program after each meeting, which can be learning, crafting, games, or guest speakers. The only fundraiser is our Christmas Craft Auction which happens in November.
The group sponsors a graduate every year with a bursary and helps people in need plus as well as donating to the food bank. They currently have 16 members in the North Thompson Valley.
Member Joan Slingsby shared, “It is a wonderful organization to belong to, a few years ago we decided to treat Ever Green Acres residencies Easter treats which feels so good to see the smiles on their faces.” If you are interested in knowing more about our group, you may contact Val at 250-674-1543 or contact Beta Sigma Phi you can inquire via email to Val at: blindsandmore.ca@gmail.com
North Thompson Arts Council
The goal of the North Thompson Arts Council (NTAC) is to achieve an artistically vibrant community that is inclusive and inventive. It is the vision of NTAC that each member of, or visitor to the community of Clearwater and the North Thompson district will have the opportunity to engage in the arts.
Involvement can be either as participant/artist or as viewer/audience, and they will be able to enjoy the creative process of the arts in a meaningful way.
Currently the NTAC has approximately 30 members. The key events are shows in the gallery in the Seniors Centre of Evergreen Acres monthly. Teresa Selbee-Baker will be showing her work in May and a show also in May with Cleo Rust Green. In August the NTAC is planning a Children’s Arts Festival to be announced.
If you are interested in joining the NTAC or have any questions about events or activities, please visit the website at: https://norththompsonartscouncil.ca/ or email: arts.ntac@gmail.com
Blackpool (BPFD) and Little Fort Volunteer Fire Department
Blackpool Fire Rescue is one of ten fire departments, within the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD).
Blackpool Fire provides fire protection services for the residents of Blackpool and directly supports Little Fort Fire which includes, training, admin, and Automatic Aid in the event of a structure fire, vehicle fire or wildfire.
Little Fort Fire provides the same support to Blackpool for structure fires. Automatic Aid meaning as the call comes in, both departments respond.
Blackpool provides Mutual Aid to Clearwater Fire upon request from Clearwater.
Apparatus, Water
Storage and
Suppression
Blackpool Fire has two structural Type 1 engines, Type 1 tactical tender, bush truck, rescue truck, Type 2 SPU trailer l and Type3 SPU trailer.
The Little Fort Fire team has two structural Type 1 engines, Type 1 tactical tender and a soon to arrive a bush truck. The BPFD has two 10,000-gallon water storage tanks, one at each fire hall, six 6000-gallon water storage tanks strategically located around the two fire protection areas to reduce tender reload times. There are now three dry hydrants at Little Fort, Wolfes Corner Flats at the area boundaries and one at Blackpool Road to support fire suppression efforts for the two fire halls.
Services:
Blackpool Fire Rescue services provided include Structural Firefighting, Wildfire Response, Structure Protection Units (SPU), Medical First Responders, Road Rescue for both Highway 5 and 24 as well as the Forest Service Roads as required and Medivac Landing Zone for BCEHS next to our firehall when requested, including nighttime landing.
Training
Firefighters receive training in both Office of the Fire Commissioner of B.C., the playbook for Exterior and Interior firefighting operations, including safety officer and fire officer training, and HazMat operations training. They also receive training in the following:
Wildland Firefighting, Structure Protection, BC Emergency Health Services training for medivac landings, FR3 First Responder Level 3 and licensing, Road Rescue as well as Electric Vehicles Response and Ropes Livestock Emergency Response Training for cattle and horses involved in accidents. Also, FireSmart LFR for FireSmart home and neighbourhood assessments, eight LFRs is Blackpool and two LFRs in Little Fort Swift Water Awareness and shore-based rescue training.
There are currently 26 Blackpool Fire Department volunteer firefighters and 16 volunteer firefighters with Little Fort Fire Department. Both departments host a number of events during the year which include Emergency Preparedness Week in May, Fire halls Open Houses, October Fire Prevention Week, Remembrance Day Parade, December Breakfast with Santa and the FireSmart public education events.
If you are interested in joining the Blackpool or Little Fort Fire departments please contact Mike Savage. Fire Chief Blackpool Fire / Admin. Chief Little Fort Fire at: 250-587-6252 or stop by any Wednesday night at 7 p.m. during the regular training night or message them on Facebook.
Vavenby Volunteer Fire Dept
Apparatus
2- type 1 structure fire engines
2- water tenders
1-Rescue truck
1-Widlfire truck
1-Compressed Air Foam system truck that is used for road rescue and is wildfire capable as well
1-Wildfire UTV with water/foam system
1-Widlfire trailer with pumps, bladder tanks and sprinklers
1-Command Vehicle
Services we provide
Structural fire response
Wildfire Response
Hazmat response to Operations Level
Road rescue from birch island to Albreda on hwy 5 as well as FSR's in between
Rope rescue
Medical First Responders
Training
We have four fire, one medical and one rescue practice per month
We are currently looking for new members.
More info at vavenbyvfd@tnrd.ca
Vavenby Volunteer Fire Department Open house/pancake breakfast this year is May 17 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Clearwater Ski Hill & Clearwater Ski Club
Our board has almost fully changed since last year. Our new board of directors is as follows:
Aaron Murray (president)
Ben Minci (vice president)
Maverick Northcott (secretary)
Jessa Tantrum (treasurer)
Matthew Sych
Matthew Henry
Ben Lachapelle
Ben Louwerse
Angus Brims
Jordan Scott
Paul Schon
The Clearwater Ski Hill and Clearwater Ski Club started as a tow rope operation in 1965. Over the years, it grew to a cozy, family resort that includes a fast T-bar, runs for all abilities, and a spacious lodge. The operations of the hill are directed by a board of volunteers whose objectives are to make local skiing accessible and affordable.
Clearwater Ski Lodge has become a beloved venue for graduation, conferences, weddings, and private events over the years. The rustic charm and available amenities have made the Clearwater Ski Lodge a great choice for gatherings that leave a lasting impression. Ski shop, full-service kitchen, music venue, and banquet facility.
The hill is enjoyed by the surrounding community in winter for skiing and winter activities and during the summer becomes a fantastic Disc Golf course attracting players locally, nationally, and internationally.
If you are interested in joining as a volunteer member or would like to inquire about rental opportunities for an event, please contact the Clearwater Ski Hill / Club board at:
Clearwater Ski Club, Box 12 , Clearwater, B.C. V0E 1N1
Email: info@clearwaterskihill.com Website: https://clearwaterskihill.com/
Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department
The mission statement of the Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department is committed to ensuring firefighter safety, protecting the citizens, property, and environment within our community.
We will accomplish our mission through training, prevention activities, fire suppression, hazard mitigation and other related emergency and non-emergency services.
There are currently 25 members serving in the CVFD. The department organizes several events throughout the year including the annual Easter egg hunt, Halloween Fireworks, and open houses at our hall.
The CVFD is always looking for dedicated individuals to join our group. Please email: Firechief@docbc.ca or call 250.674.1278 for more information.
Valley Pride
Valley Pride is thankful for many North Thompson Valley friends who have supported our non-profit. People like Tom and Sandy Coles who have contributed so much volunteer time in running and organizing the Community and Unity Coffee House sponsored by Valley Pride. Throughout the year Valley Pride also sponsors drop in painting and table top board game nights thanks to Kawiria Creed in collaboration with the District of Clearwater and Yellowhead Community Services.
Kawiria Creed runs those last to programs with a collaboration with the district of Clearwater and YCS.
Valley Pride is a group of Clearwater residents that have a common interest in seeing Clearwater become a more socially inclusive community for both the residents of Clearwater and the visitors that come to the area.
Their mission is to ensure the community continues its support of Indigenous cultural recognition and multiculturalism. Valley Pride meets bi-monthly to discuss personal experiences with social inclusion or lack thereof, in the community and collaborate on ways to make change for the positive.
The group is comprised of members of the LGBTQ2S+ community and allies to the community offering a safe and open place for people to have their voices heard and be a part of the solution.
The group is an open membership group, if you have something you want to share, want to help with positive change or just be around a really great group of people the door is always open at Valley Pride meetings. You can contact Valley Pride via their Facebook page at: https://bit.ly/3Ugfoul
Dr Helmcken Memorial Hospital Auxiliary
The Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital Auxiliary raises funds to add to the comfort and welfare of patients receiving services at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital. The hospital auxiliary continues to provide TV and cable service free of charge to all patient rooms in Acute Care and to the common area in Forest View Extended Care.
The Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital Auxiliary operates the Thrift Shop in Vavenby, B.C. and this contributes the majority of the income generated by the auxiliary. The auxiliary also operations the Gift Corner inside the hospital in Clearwater with the majority of the inventory donated by talented members as well as donations from the community. Funds are raised by selling tickets for the 50/50 raffle, with a with a projected prize of $10,000, as well as a Christmas Craft Sale and a Spring Garden Party. All proceeds are used to purchase new and replacement equipment for our local hospital.
The primary purpose of the Auxiliary shall be to raise funds, and to add to the comfort and welfare of patients receiving the services of the Clearwater Health-Site. To assist the administration of the Hospital and to foster good relations between the hospital and the public.
There are currently 55 active members with the DHMHA. They host many events including an annual Garden Party the first Sunday in May featuring both live and silent auctions as well as an ‘In house’ raffle. The annual AGM is held in May.
If you are interested in joining the DHMHA please visit their website: dhmha.weebley.com or email the membership chair, Penny Christenson at:penchristen@gmail.com
NT Aboriginal Cultural Centre Society
The North Thompson Aboriginal Cultural Centre Society (NTACCS) is located in the North Thompson Valley in Clearwater, British Columbia. The centre operates within Simpcw First Nation traditional territory.
The centre provides experiences of the spiritual, cultural and traditional way of life of all Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island, First Nations, Metis, Inuit, through educational workshops, Elder led traditional teachings, an extensive museum and gift shop, many cultural celebrations and events and a drop-in centre.
Mission
To promote and build relationships and raise cultural awareness between all peoples and cultures providing opportunities to share traditional, cultural, and spiritual values.
For more info: ntaboriginal.ccs@gmail.com Phone (250) 674-3703
www.aboriginalculture.ca
Clearwater Men’s Shed
The Men’s Shed is a group of retired volunteer guys who get together every Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in a shop sponsored by the District of Clearwater in the former district building in the Clearwater Flats.
Every Tuesday they meet for “Fix-it Tuesdays” when people bring in things to repair. For example, lamps, rocking chairs and mostly smaller items. We also do some larger projects for different organizations in Clearwater. All of our projects are done for donations. That is our main source of income along with memberships, which is $20 a year.
This is the third year of Men’s Shed and the group has 33 paid members at this time. They currently don’t have a Facebook page or a website. If one of our groups needs help fixing something, we get together and deal with it. The members feel that Men’s Sheds should be in every community, town and city as it’s a great way to socialize and contribute.
If you are interested in visiting the Men’s Shed or joining the group, please contact Ray Harms rbharms11@gmail.com for more information.
Photo: The Clearwater Men’s Shed is a group of retired men who meet twice a week to voluntarily fix and build projects in the community. They operate by donation only. The group welcomes new members and meets on Tues. and Thurs. to work and socialize. (From left to right): Phil Hadford, Neil Bromwich, Chuck Neathway, Ron Colburn, Bob Foulks and John Wilcox
The Royal Purple of Canada Branch #302
The Clearwater Royal Purple is now only operating with five members and although we still love ‘your cause is our cause’ as a motto and abide by that locally, the Canadian Royal Purple supports those who deal with ‘brain injury’ and it’s impacts on their daily lives. Our small team also supports women going through domestic violence, those who have suffered brain injury through sports and other types of brain injuries as just part of what we do in our organization including fundraising initiatives. Our branch will be supporting Purple Thursday this year. Purple Thursday in October 2025 will be observed on October 23rd. It is a national day of action during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, encouraging people to wear purple to raise awareness and show support for victims and survivors.
The Royal Purple of Canada Branch #302 is a non-profit service group in the North Thompson Valley based out of the Elks Hall in Clearwater. If you would like more information about the Clearwater Royal Purple please contact them:
Mailing Address: Box 417 Clearwater, BC V0E 1N0 Meets: 1st Mon @ 7 pm at the Elks Hall PRESIDENT: Debbie Bailey P: 250-674-7203 E: debra.anne.bailey@gmail.com Sec: Cheryl Thomas P: 250-674-3260 E: cheryl.thomas24@gmail.com
Website:https://www.canadianroyalpurplesociety.org/
Or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/royalpurple302
North Thompson Communities Foundation
The North Thompson Communities Foundation (NTCF) is a group of volunteers working to connect caring communities from Blue River to McLure. The foundation uses donated funds to create permanent income, earning endowments that are given back to a variety of community groups. The NTCF strives to improve the quality of life for those community members living in the North Thompson Valley. The NTCF awards grants
through local charitable organizations generated from responsibly managed donations and legacies which promote community capacity building and unity throughout the North Thompson Valley. The NTCF AGM is May 12 at 7 p.m. at the Lions Hall. Everyone is welcome to come and learn more about the foundation.
The NTCF will be participating at the Barriere Block Party on June 21, at Fadear Park. The NTCF is currently accepting applications for Environmental Grants. More information can be found on the website for the North Thompson Communities Foundation: http://www.ntcommunitiesfoundation.com/.
Email:ntcommunitiesfoundation@gmail.com.
Upper Clearwater Fire Brigade
The Upper Clearwater Volunteer Fire Brigade is a non-profit organization, with the goal of providing fire protection to the residents and businesses in Upper Clearwater.
The brigade has been building slowly, working closely with Clearwater and Blackpool Fire Departments, as well as BC Wildfire Service. The main objective of the UCVFB is to protect structures in the event of a fire and to assist BC Wildfire Service.
There are currently 11 UCVFB volunteer members and some additional volunteer support members.
There will be a fundraising event coming up on May 25 at the Upper Clearwater Community Hall.
If you are interested in joining the brigade, please contact UCVFB president Chris Nowak 250-674-3686. Brigade email is UpperClearwaterFireBrigade@hotmail.com
Wells Gray Community Forest
Wells Gray Community Forest Corporation Board
- Brent Buck, President
- Sabine Cooperman, Vice President
- Kim Muddiman, Treasurer
- Sylvain Menard, Secretary
- Chief George Lampreau, Simpcw First Nation Rep
- Ron Hadley, Director
- Andrew Lavigne, Director
- Todd Dixon, Director
The Corporation manages the tenure licence for the Community Forest License in Wells Gray Country (Thompson Nicola Region District Electoral Area A & District of Clearwater). The Corporation holds a public information and input session in the fall. The Corporation participates in the local career fair with the goal of building capacity in forestry.
Wells Gray Community Forest (2010) Society (shareholder)
- Heather MacLennan, President (Community at Large Rep)
- Vice-President Vacant (Community at Large Rep)
- Leslie Groulx Secretary (Community at large rep)
- Sheila Thiessen Treasurer (Community at Large rep)
- Mitch Miller Director (TNRD Rep)
- Mayor Merlin Blackwell (District of Clearwater Rep)
- Vacant (Community at large rep)
The Society sole shareholder of the Corporation primary purposes are to:
- to promote the economic and social welfare of the residents of Wells Gray Country (TNRD Area A & District of Clearwater) as the recipient of the profits of the Community Forest Corporation which are distributed in two grant application cycles per year, one in the spring for $100,000 and one in the fall for $50,000; and
- to hold the shares, and receive all the benefits of the shareholdings, of the Wells Gray Community Forest Corporation. The Society receives the profits of the Corporation and in turn distributes the profits to the community through a granting process.
Contact: https://wgcfc.ca/
The society is currently looking for two trustees to join our board.
Wells Gray Search & Rescue
For 49 years Wells Gray Search and Rescue has been providing wilderness search and rescue services to the North Thompson Region. As part of the emergency service family, they respond 365 days a year – 24 hours a day. The SAR team is trained in wilderness-based search and technical rescue. These rescue disciplines include rope rescue, tracking, swift water and ice rescue and winter avalanche response. WGSAR has a strong volunteer core of 25 members. If you are interested in joining or would like to contact Wells Gray Search and Rescue please visit the website at: www.wellsgraysar. ca or email: info@wellsgraysar.ca
The mission statement of Wells Gray Search and Rescue is to provide a timely, safe, well-trained and well-equipped search and rescue response at the request of our tasking agencies. WGSAR has 25 members. SAR activities can happen 24/7 - 365 days a year.
If you are interested in joining or would like to contact Wells Gray Search and Rescue, please visit the website at: http://www.wellsgraysar.ca/ or email: info@wellsgraysar.ca
CNT Rod & Gun Club
The Central North Thompson Rod and Gun Club is a non-profit society. The club has been running since 1974.
We have 8 volunteer Directors and Officers who make up the club executive.
There are over 200 members who register every year. You must be a member of the club to use the gun range.
Our constitution states - The purposes of the society:
1) To cultivate the conservation of all wildlife and to promote good sportsmanship
2) To educate youth in the art of handling all sports equipment on the range and in the field.
The Club host a 3D Archery shoot in May, a Fishing Derby in June, and a Trap Shoot on Boxing Day.
We are currently planning a Trap Shoot on April 19, and are planning an open house event near the end of May.
All of these events are open to the public to attend. Small fees to participate are required.
We have a private Facebook group (CNT Rod and Gun Club) and our email is cntrodandgun@gmail.com.
Safe Space
The Safe Space Clearwater community support group is a sharing circle that meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. We have tea and light snacks, taking turns listening to each other’s stories and validating the emotions that come up. Racist abuse, much like grief, is a trauma that can heal while sharing with others. And similarly, to how a grief support group helps those experiencing grief feel less alone, the group’s purpose is to give minorities a safe environment to be heard. Our mission is to create a space where those who have experienced racism, race-based oppression, or are dealing with ancestral trauma can safely air their feelings of pain, resentment, fear, and anger without being judged or silenced. It’s also a space we want to keep open for allies--we’ve had a couple of allies join us for meetings and it’s been a very beneficial experience. We realize it’s not the easiest group to show up for, but we encourage anyone interested to join us, whether it’s to share or just listen. It can only benefit our community if we all become more willing to have difficult conversations.
Including the facilitators, Sita and Kawiria—who also share—there have been 5 members so far.
No key events yet, as our group is quite new. Our first meeting was in January of this year.
We don’t currently have plans for a website or Facebook page. For the sake of confidentiality, we maintain a low profile and keep promotion to what’s necessary to get the word out.
Email Kawiria.Creed@gmail.com or sita@iamsita.com for any questions, or drop in to the North Thompson Aboriginal Cultural Centre to join our next meeting.
Clearwater & District Hospice
The Clearwater & District Hospice Society was established in 2007. We are a small group of 12 volunteers who offer physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support to the terminally ill and their family & friends. We can be there for those who need us - not just in their final days but from when they are first diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
We have all had Criminal Record Check and receive training each month to broaden our knowledge and skills so that we can better serve our community.
We maintain the Hospice Room at the Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital, which has a specialized bed and a few of the “comforts of home”. We hope that these provide some love and warmth to both the patient and their families.
We have an annual fundraising event each November, where we offer memory cards for purchase, which then hold the name of a loved one. The cards are hung on our Memory Tree, displayed in the lobby of the Quality Inn hotel during the month of December. All the money raised goes to the maintenance and the supplies for our Hospice Room.
This year, we were blessed with support from our wonderful community, who helped us make our dream come true to have an outside tree in memory of our loved ones lit up by the Highway.
If you like to be part of our group who offers family-centred care - where needed - treating the person NOT the illness so that they may die with dignity and love, surrounded by their loved ones, or would like to make a donation in support of our hospice, please email us at clearwaterhospice91@gmail.com.
For further information, please visit our website at www.clearwaterhospicesociety.ca or go to our Facebook page.
Or even better, come to our AGM at 11:30 a.m. on Monday May 12, 2025, at the Dutch Lake Community Centre.
Clearwater Curiosity Thrift Store
Our goal is to provide quality goods at affordable prices to the public. We support Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital by purchasing Much needed equipment, we also support the Clearwater Food Bank.
This May we are excited to be making a donation to Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital for an ultrasound machine for the ER department.
We operate with the donations from the public we sort display and sell most of the clean used products dropped at our front door. We receive donations daily till 4:30 p.m. and open to the public Tuesday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Friday 10 to 4:00 p.m.
Thank you to the community of Clearwater for continuing to keep our thrift store operating and able to support our two much needed charities in the community.
We currently have a full house of volunteers, but if you are interested, please stop in drop your name and number off and when we need help we can give you a call.
