Clearwater mayor Blackwell to seek re-election

Jun 19, 2026 | 3:02 PM

CLEARWATER, B.C. — The incumbent mayor of Clearwater has announced plans to seek another term in office.

Merlin Blackwell says he’s hoping to guide the community through another period of change, pointing to large upcoming projects like the Yellowhead Copper project in nearby Vavenby. That could mean thousands of new residents in the North Thompson community.

“It’s going to require a lot of work and a lot of dealing with other levels of government and I have been that person who has put my face there in Victoria with ministers,” Blackwell told CFJC Today. “I’m a known commodity with both the BC government and with industry and I think I need to stick in to that role and do that work.”

Prior to being elected mayor in 2018, Blackwell served two terms on council. He admits he has been back and forth on whether he would seek re-election, but decided to throw his hat in the ring, saying he still feels he can advocate for Clearwater’s needs.

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“I’m not a big fan of legacies,” said Blackwell. “I don’t like the idea of big legacy projects that you hang your hat on but I do love the idea of solving problems on a regular basis for human beings and I do that every day. I’m doing it this morning, I’m going to be doing that all day tomorrow. Being able to connect people and solutions or people with solutions – that is the joy of being a small town mayor and that is the thing I really love about this job.”

At this time, it’s not clear if Blackwell will face a challenger when people head to the polls on Saturday, October 17.

by Victor Kaisar

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Clearwater mayor Blackwell to seek re-election

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