Communities
Clearwater
Clearwater, the "Gateway to Wells Gray Park", is situated in the North Thompson Valley, 134 kilometres north of Kamloops on the Yellowhead Highway #5.As a gateway to the Wells Gray Park, Clearwater serves as a centre providing to both its own residents and the travelling public. Clearwater is a thriving community with an economy based in forestry and tourism; tourism experiencing significant growth as travellers from around the world flock to enjoy the wilderness that surrounds the community.
Clearwater features residential, commercial and industrial properties available for development, and more importantly, features a community prepared to attract new business enterprise. The community is self-sustaining and offers a successful retail and service industry that is capable of providing for the entire region.
Clearwater's relaxing lifestyle and low cost of living is well suited for seniors and young working families. The community offers a safe and peaceful environment that includes all the amenities of a sustainable community including education, health care and recreational opportunities. Education is available from kindergarten to grade 12 with post-secondary opportunities also available. The community has its own hospital and medical clinic that services the surrounding area. Emergency services include a fire department, police detachment and search and rescue operation. Recreational opportunities abound in the area with up to date facilities and some of the most spectacular scenery and wilderness in the world. Other services include financial, legal and realty offices, and over 300 other businesses.
Blackpool
The present Community of Blackpool, located approximately 5 km south of Clearwater, is divided into two areas by the North Thompson River. The eastern section, East Blackpool is located along the CN Railway and historically owes its existence to the railway and the old Queen Bess Mine. East Blackpool, at one time, had its own post office located in the Fairbrother home. The western half, and referred to as Star Lake, is located along Highway #5 and historically was a farming and logging community. The two communities were joined by a ferry across the North Thompson River, which was discontinued in the 1960's.Vavenby
The Community of Vavenby is located 27 kilometers northeast of Clearwater on Yellowhead Highway #5. Forestry is the primary industry with a large portion of its approximately 600 residents working for Slocan Lumber Mill located in the community. Many residents also commute to Clearwater for work. The community is host to a post office, general store, thrift shop, and a Petro Canada Bulk Plant. A multitude of home based businesses can also be found throughout the area. There is one elementary school in Vavenby.Birch Island
Birch Island is located eight kilometers north of Clearwater. Originally, it was the largest community on the northern stretch of the Yellowhead Highway and was home to a railway station and a large hotel. Today, Birch Island is a small farming and logging community. With most of its residents commuting to Clearwater and Vavenby for work, the community's principal role is as a residential satellite.For more information email info@wellsgray.ca