District of Clearwater saw a variety of economic development initiatives during 2013, according to a report from chief administrative officer Leslie Groulx.
The CAO also serves as the District's economic development officer.
Dave Dubois of the Wood Waste to Rural Heat project completed a business case study into bio-energy. Council is to review the project as part of its 2014 strategic planning.
Clearwater has been successful with outcomes of the McBride to Barriere economic corridor pilot.
These outcomes include funding for the Clearwater River and Trophy Mt. backcountry roads, a facelift for Wells Gray Infocenter, funding for an agriculture land use inventory, support for converting the former Dutch Lake School into a community center, and upgrades to Telus cell service.
Clearwater is to promote a workshop for the forest industry and community residents in February in connection with the Bridges II project.
Members of a committee looking into getting UNESCO GeoPark status for Wells Gray Park will meet later this month to develop and initiate actions.
Background information is being prepared for mountain biking product development in the corridor. This will look at existing trails and trail system development in each community, identified gaps and opportunities, and risks for moving forward.
Groulx noted that the January, 2014 issue of Municipal World magazine featured Clearwater along with other municipalities as a leader in green energy planning.
There was also mention in Exchange magazine as a unique economic development model.
The District has partnered with Healthy Forests/Healthy Communities regarding input on forestry-related issues to the provincial government.
A representative of Dualsport BC has been scoping out the route from Grizzly Peak to 100 Mile for a dual bike track.
The District has been working with the provincial government on attracting foreign investments. Staff has also been working with a Harley Davidson group in Kamloops about hosting their annual bike rally in Clearwater.
The economic development officer noted that in 2013 District of Clearwater had four active rezoning applications, one active official community plan application, two active development variance permit applications, plus 13 active subdivision applications (creating 44 lots and 32 strata properties).
The official community plan was adopted in February of last year. It outlines the policy statements with regards to economic development and addresses the importance of a diversified economy.
Groulx said that the quality of life is key component in economic development. The municipality offers a wide range of programs, such as community recreation/healthy living, plus there is a variety of outdoor and wilderness opportunities that enhance life style.
The District works with various industry stakeholders to provide information and assistance where and when required. This includes liaising with Kinder Morgan and Yellowhead Mining on such things as socio-economic impact studies, community open houses and so on.
A welcome folder contains an extensive investment information for new businesses and residents. The District provides various other promotional materials as well.
Projects moving forward or waiting for funding include a new assisted living complex (working with Interior Health and Evergreen Acres), an agriculture plan (with TNRD Areas A, B and O, plus District of Barriere), a weather station for Clearwater (with Environment Canada and Wells Gray Community Forest), a business retention and expansion program (with Wells Gray Country services committee), a forestry working group workshop (with Bridges II regional pilot project), and a labor market analysis (with the provincial government and the McBride to Barriere corridor pilot).