August
Upper Clearwater naturalist Trevor Goward announced he was auctioning off the naming rights to two species of lichen he had discovered. Money raised from one auction would go to The Land Conservancy of B.C. to help purchase land for a wildlife corridor that would connect two lobes of Wells Gray Park. The second auction's proceeds would go to Ancient Rainforest Alliance.
Provincial Environment Minister Terry Lake announced that Clearwater now had a FrontCounter BC desk at the Headwaters Forest District office on Highway 5. The Kamloops-North Thompson MLA also presented a $400,000 cheque to District of Clearwater for improvements to the Russell Creek water system.
TNRD board of directors agreed to allow the installation of wireless broadband equipment on the Blue River Library property in exchange for free wireless broadband in the library.
Blackwell Park Operations hosted a treasure hunt in Wells Gray Park on B.C. Day, Aug. 1.
A total of 11 teams took part in the second annual Lolly Fehr Memorial slow pitch tournament. Blue River Blues, the host team, took third place.
Members of Neskonlith Indian Band staged a small demonstration next to the Community Resource Center to protest the planned signing of a cooperation agreement between Simpcw First Nation and Imperial Metals. "Chief Nathan Matthew and the Simpcw First Nation Council are interested in knowing more details of the Adams Lake Indian Band's interest in the Ruddock Creek project," said a media release from Simpcw First Nation.
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency allocated just over $20,000 to MiningWatch Canada and Upper Clearwater resident Trevor Goward to support their participation in the environmental assessment of the proposed Harper Creek copper-gold-silver mine near Clearwater. Simpcw First Nation was getting $70,000.
The first printing of a children's book by Vavenby author June Moilliet was nearly sold out. "Jingle's Adventures: A Lamb's Story" told about the life of a lamb born on the Moilliet family's historic sheep ranch.
A recent mini-demonstration by members of Neskonlith Indian Band and a roadblock by Adams Lake Indian Band members were the result of overlapping territorial claims, according to Simpcw First Nation councilor Fred Fortier. The other bands had been unhappy that the Simpcw had been planning to sign a cooperation agreement with Imperial Metals regarding its proposed lead-zinc mine at Ruddock Creek near Tum Tum Lake.
Master chocolatier Philippe Vancayseele of Belgium was offering two chocolate-making classes at the Community Resource Center.
Log hauling out of Tree Farm License 18 began in preparation for Canfor's planned reopening of its Vavenby sawmill. "It's nice to be back to work," said truck owner Alex Dodd.
Kamloops-North Thompson residents voted 55 per cent in favor of ending the Harmonized Sales Tax, closely mirroring the provincial results.
A heart-shaped rock lost by local resident Shauna Tourand in Wells Gray Park was mysteriously returned. A photo album that came with it showed the rock in exotic locations around the world.
September
A large crane was at work at Canfor-Vavenby. The company was spending $24 million for a new canter line plus sorter and edger modifications at the sawmill, plus auto-grading and sorting capacity in the planer mill.
Kirsten Whitford was on a cross-Canada tour to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis and the need for organ donations. Her husband Joey Whitford, who grew up in Clearwater, had passed away from CF the previous February.
Japanese cyclist Ryo Ambe visited Clearwater during a cross-Canada trip to thank this country for the help extended his country received following the earthquake and tsunami the previous spring.
Canfor resumed operations at its Vavenby sawmill. On hand for the ribbon-cutting were Canfor senior VP Alistair Cook, MLA Terry Lake, Mayor John Harwood, councilor Candus Graffunder and Canfor regional manager Keith McGregor.
A delegation of residents asked Clearwater council to extend the sewer to the Flats. "A septic system is expensive and the floodplain restrictions exacerbate this," said spokesperson Doug Richardson.
A consultant's report put the cost of applying for UNESCO World Heritage status for Wells Gray Park and its volcanoes at up to $1.2 million. Councilor Ken Kjenstad suggested the matter be on the agenda of items to be discussed during the upcoming Union of BC Municipalities convention.
Clearwater's Jordie Akers received the Jack Koteles Memorial Award for strong commitment to community service from OMAHA (Okangan-Mainline Amateur Hockey Association).
Tug-of-wars and face-painting were just two of the activities during Clearwater's Canoe Regatta at Dutch Lake.
Judge Sheri Donegan found Clearwater bus driver Bill Dowds not guilty of touching a 17-year-old girl for sexual purposes. The trial was held in Clearwater.
TRU Dean of Science Dr. Tom Dickenson unveiled a scale model of a proposed new research and education for Wells Gray Park. The facility would be located near the old Upper Clearwater schoolhouse.
Work started around the foundations of the old Camp Two sawmill on a new eco-depot for Clearwater. However, TNRD was still waiting for $9.4 million from the federal government for this and related projects.
TNRD approved $20,000 from federal gas tax funds for upgrades to the Blue River and Avola School community halls. "This money is going to great use as it will help make both of these community halls more functional and also more energy efficient," said Max Lentz, Thompson Headwaters (Area B) director.