I live rural for a reason.
It’s not just the fresh air or the mountain views; though let’s be honest, those don’t hurt. It’s the rhythm of small-town life. It’s walking into the Wild Flour Cafe and having your coffee already waiting. It’s the nods, the waves, the simple acknowledgements from familiar faces who see you, know you, and say hello.
That’s what I came to Clearwater for. Not the rush of the big city. Not anonymity. But connection. Community.
And that’s what’s at stake.
There’s talk now, serious talk, about a mine. A big one. If the proposed Taseko copper mine goes ahead, it will be the second largest in the country, just behind Highland Valley near Kamloops. Hundreds of high-paying jobs, on average $130,000 a year and even more created indirectly in the community. The economic impact would be massive, stretching across our entire valley, and I get it. That kind of opportunity doesn’t come knocking every day.
But here’s the challenge: how do we embrace growth without losing our soul?
Because growth, unchecked, can bulldoze identity. Communities don’t just evolve, they can be overwhelmed. I’ve seen it happen. Big money moves in, and before you know it, the corner cafe is a franchise, the small-town feel is a memory, and no one knows your name when you walk down the street.
It’s not just about atmosphere. A sudden population boom stresses everything; our local hospital, already overburdened medical professionals, our policing resources, transportation corridors, and public infrastructure. Institutions that are already stretched thin can buckle under the pressure. And once they fall behind, it’s hard to catch up.
So, what do we do? We plan.
Right now, the District of Clearwater is starting the process of updating our Official Community Plan (OCP) which is a blueprint for how our town grows over the next couple of decades. But we’re flying blind. The mine hasn’t broken ground. The environmental and socio-economic studies are just beginning. We don’t yet know what’s coming or when.
But here’s my suggestion: we don’t wait.
We plan as if the mine isn’t coming. We focus on what we already know we want: a vibrant, welcoming downtown core. A place with a vibe. A place that keeps that small-town sense of community alive, no matter how big the opportunities get.
When the mine’s impact becomes clearer, when the studies are done, and the funding opportunities emerge, we’ll already have a plan in motion. One rooted in who we are.
Because here’s what we can’t do: sit back and let outside forces dictate our future.
Now is the time to get involved. So, here’s what I’m proposing:
You. Me. All of us, we become the town planners.
Grab a pencil, a crayon, a keyboard - whatever floats your boat and sketch out your vision for Clearwater. Not just a wish list of businesses like a pool or a bowling alley (though hey, nothing wrong with that), but a real picture of what our town could look like.
What would a true town centre look like to you? Where should we build? How should we design our spaces, so they encourage connection and belonging?
Write it down. Draw it out. Dream big. Dream freely.
Here’s the fun part, these visions, these community portfolios, may be displayed during our upcoming community engagement events. You’ll get to see what your neighbours are dreaming about too, and who knows, some of the best ideas come scribbled on the back of a napkin at the coffee shop.
We want to hear from everyone.
Children in kindergarten, students in elementary and high school, business owners, entrepreneurs, community members of all ages, seniors, retirees, even visitors and tourists passing through. If Clearwater has touched your heart, we want to hear your voice.
Draw your vision. Write it out. Sketch it on the back of a receipt or build a model from Lego - whatever works for you.
Send your town vision portfolio to:
Councillor Ken Matheson
P.O. Box 157
209 Dutch Lake Road
Clearwater, BC
V0E 1N0
Let’s dream big, dream local and make sure this town still feels like home for everyone.
Let’s shape the future before it shapes us.
