The Village of Valemount recently hosted a Community to Community forum, bringing together leadership from Simpcw First Nation, the communities of Barriere, Clearwater, McBride and Valemount, as well as representatives from the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. The forum focused on strengthening relationships, sharing perspectives, and identifying opportunities for continued collaboration.
“I was pleased to be at the table for this important event,” shared George Lampreau, Chief of Simpcw First Nation. “We walk together for the betterment of every person in this valley.”
This Community to Community forum was designed to foster open dialogue between Simpcw First Nation and local governments, with a focus on economic development, tourism, and emergency management. The sessions created space to build mutual understanding, address shared challenges, and explore opportunities for joint action on priorities such as infrastructure, investment, and community well-being.
“This year’s forum highlighted what is essential for our region’s growth, strength and emergency preparedness,” said Owen Torgerson, Mayor of the Village of Valemount. “Strong relationships and open dialogue create the conditions for initiatives that reflect shared priorities, respect and stewardship.”
Throughout the forum, discussions focused on strengthening long-term relationships, advancing shared advocacy, and identifying practical ways to work more closely together across communities. The gathering emphasized the importance of aligning efforts while respecting the unique identities and priorities of each community.
“What impressed me most about this gathering was the transition from discussing alignment to actively demonstrating it through our actions,” shared Rob Kerslake, Mayor of the District of Barriere. “The collective commitment of communities throughout the Simpcw corridor to act as one, while honouring individual identities, reflects a strong sense of unity rooted in cooperation and respect. This is what creates the foundation for meaningful, lasting progress.”
Discussions also highlighted the importance of maintaining ongoing dialogue beyond the forum itself. Participants identified several shared interests and areas for continued collaboration, including coordinated advocacy, information sharing, and the potential development of formal agreements to guide future work.
“Our organization is pleased to be walking together with Simpcw First Nation and the local governments of the North Thompson and Robson valleys,” said Lara Beckett, Chair of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George. “Together, we are committed to supporting the land and the people of our region. Real progress happens when we are united in creating lasting, positive change.”
The forum reinforced that sustained engagement is essential to building trust and achieving long-term outcomes. It represents an important step toward a more coordinated and collaborative approach to regional priorities.
The Village of Valemount thanks the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness for its financial support, and Strategies North for facilitation and reporting that helped guide the discussions and outcomes.
