Thompson-Nicola Regional District wants to see cellphone service and broadband extended to Upper Clearwater, but that should include Greer Subdivision, according to District of Clearwater.

During their Nov. 10 meeting TNRD directors voted to send letters to Telus and MLA Terry Lake requesting that Upper Clearwater be considered as a location for inclusion in the Strategic Telecommunications Contract between Telus and the province of British Columbia.

During discussion of the letters at a Clearwater town council meeting held Nov. 22, Mayor John Harwood pointed out that Greer resident Susan Campany had written to council earlier, requesting help in getting high speed Internet for Greer.

The mayor, who also serves as school trustee for the Clearwater-Blue River area, said that he had already discussed the matter with School District 73. So much learning these days is done electronically that students who do not have access to high speed Internet at home could have a disadvantage, he felt.

Harwood said he expected staff at Clearwater Secondary School would send a letter in support of expanding broadband coverage.

Councilor Candus Graffunder pointed out that cellphone coverage is an important safety issue. Thousands of people go hiking in the south end of Wells Gray Park every year and being able to use a cellphone to call for help could be critical if someone becomes lost or injured. She gave as an example one visitor last summer who became lost while hiking in the park, even though not that far from civilization.