Skip to content

Striking a Balance - Economic Development taking place in Clinton

Susan Swan's weekly column of community news and events in Clinton.
36873ashcroftCOMMclinton13Nov14
Clinton’s Economic Development Society executive: Back (l-r) treasurer Andy May; directors Christine Rivett and John White; president Robin Fennell; and director Wayne Roraph. Front (l-r) directors Jane Wang and Judy Hamption; treasurer Yvette May and director Dorthy Winfrey.

Ec. Dev. Society AGM

The Clinton & District Economic Development Society held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 5 in the Clinton Memorial Hall.

The Society President Robin Fennell welcomed everyone and gave an over view of Society accomplishments to date. These include the formation of an Assisted Living Committee that has become a separate society; representation on the Gold Rush Trail initiative; participation in the Lytton to Clinton Economic Development Project; participation in the School District 74 workshop; representation on Gold Country Communities Society and Community Futures.

They hosted an All Candidates meeting for provincial candidates; brought in guest speakers to inform the public on current issues; provided a venue for ABC Communications to inform the public on upcoming changes to wireless internet services in the Clinton area.

The Society also sponsored and ran the Clinton Heritage Week dress up contest; operated the concession at two of the Music in the Park events, enhancing the events and raising funds for the society. They maintain the Economic Development Society website promoting Clinton and the area.

The Society has been working for the past three years to entice foreign investment to Clinton. They have been successful in attracting a manufacturing facility that is planning to open in 2014/15 and employ six local residents.

Fennell then invited Marc Imus to speak to the audience. He gave a little background on the Lytton to Clinton Project that sees several communities working together to increase economic development in the area.

Steve Law then outlined the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail initiative. This is a movement to have a snowmobile trail run all the way from Clinton to Wells-Barkerville to provide snowmobiling as an economic driver for the Cariboo.

Jason Quigley of Constantia Resources Ltd. gave an update on the Maggie Mine project near 16 Mile. They have one exploration drill site set up and working so far. It could take two to three years of exploration before it is determined if there is enough concentration to warrant putting in a mine. He said the company is very environmentally cautious and goes above and beyond the requirements in order to make sure there are no problems with water contamination, etc.

After all questions were asked and answered the attendees enjoyed some delightful treats provided by the Cordial Restaurant.

Ec. Dev. Society Elections

Following the public portion of the Economic Development Society AGM, the election of officers was held. Mayor Jim Rivett conducted the election.

The following were all acclaimed: President Robin Fennell (after some persuasion to take the position again); vice president Yvette May; treasurer Andy May and directors Dorthy Winfrey, Judy Hampton, Jane Wang, Christine Rivett, John White and Wayne Roraph.

Congratulations to one and all.

Variety – The Children’s Charity

A dedicated group of volunteers organized, ran and participated in a delightful variety show on Friday, Nov. 8 in the Clinton Memorial Hall.

In the spring of this year Fran White addressed the Village of Clinton Council with a proposal to hold a variety show to raise funds for Variety – the Children’s Charity. She wanted Clinton to show that we are a ‘small town with a big heart’. Councillor Wayne Marchant jumped at the chance to help. June Bourgo was recruited and became the chair of the group. Alice Crosson, Tracy Fallstrom and Susan Schienbein rounded out the group who did such a fantastic job of organizing this event.

Who knew there was such amazing talent in this community? The six students, Echo Wilson, Alysa Belisario, Krystal L’Heureux, Shyla McColl, Abby McIlravey and Libby McIlravey were nothing short of fantastic. The confidence, attitude and talent of these girls, whether they were dancing singing duets, as a group or alone was amazing. I know I never had that much confidence at their ages. Well done girls!

And the adults were also great. Mother and son, Shirley Tresierra and David Arlan Park started off the singing as a duet. As MC Wayne Marchant stated, “It’s not hard to see where David gets his talent.”

Daniela Dyck, June Bourgo, Sammy Jones, Tracy Fallstrom and Jean Dall also entertained with their great voices. Lynn and Lloyd brought their own special singing talent to the show.

Clinton’s own Mill Girl Follies entertained with their lively high kicking numbers and energetic dance moves.

Christine Surakka and Krystal L’Heureux lightened things up a little with their comedy skit to the music track of ‘Rawhide’.

And who can forget the Tall Tales and Big Lies Contestants Alice Crosson (who was the crowd favourite), Roland Higginbottom and Wayne Marchant. They told some whoppers!

The live auction and silent auction were great fundraisers. The Ladies Auxiliary to the RCL #194 provided hot dogs and chili for a nominal fee and then donated all the proceeds to Variety. The Health Care Auxiliary donated all variety of pies for the dessert.

This was truly a community fundraiser with several organizations taking part, the Village of 150/50 committee providing the venue free of charge, use of the community stage and lighting, and attendance by approximately 200 people.

Although this was the major fundraiser for Variety, there are also donation boxes in several locations throughout town so anyone who would still like to donate to the cause can do so. All funds raised will be presented at the Variety telethon in the spring.

After such an enjoyable show there are already requests to ‘do it again’ from several members of the audience. Well done everyone who took part!

Clinton Annual Ball

Tickets to the Clinton Annual Ball to be held in May 2014 are on sale and will be at a discounted price until Dec. 31.

These would make terrific Christmas gifts. If you would like to purchase tickets you can contact Yvette May at 250-459-7725 or drop by Country Squire Gift Shop in Clinton.

Clinton Victorian Christmas

Various groups in Clinton are joining forces to present a Victorian Christmas Weekend on Dec. 7-8.

Already the Annual Merchant Madness Sale is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7 as well as the Legion Craft Sale, Museum decorated and open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Seniors Association Victorian Christmas Tea, and the lighting of the official Clinton Christmas Tree. The Churches Community Dinner will follow in the evening.

On Sunday, Dec. 8, the Annual Legion Children’s Christmas Party is scheduled for the afternoon. There will be more events coming on board soon so stay tuned for more information and plan to spend some time in Clinton celebrating a more genteel time in our history.

This is one of the final events for the 150/50 Anniversary celebration.

Susan Swan