SPIN Volume 17 Issue 3 by Sun Peaks Independent News

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VOLUME 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18, 2019

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GIRL GROUP READY TO TAKE SNOWBOMBING STAGE PAGE 16

REDUCING LONG-TERM RESIDENTS IN VILLAGE CORE PAGE 2

Canada Winter Game ignites fire in SPAC trio BRYNN APPLEGATH, BEN JACOBY, AND NOA HOOTON EACH COMPETED FOR TEAM BC AT THE CANADA WINTER GAMES FEB. 15 TO MARCH 3. Photo SPIN

NIKKI FREDRIKSON

RUMOUR HAD IT, IF THEY PLACED FIRST AT THE FIRST U16 TECK OPEN SERIES OF THE SEASON JAN. 10 TO 13 AT SUN PEAKS, ALPINE SKIERS WOULD QUALIFY FOR THE CANADA WINTER GAMES. NOT WANTING TO GET THEIR HOPES UP, THREE OF THE SUN PEAKS ALPINE CLUB U16’S BRYNN APPLEGATH, NOA HOOTON, AND BEN JACOBY, WEREN’T EXPECTING TO TAKE FIRST PLACE FINISHES LET ALONE QUALIFY FOR THE NATIONAL EVENT IN RED DEER, ALTA. FEB. 15 TO MARCH 3. But that’s what happened. “For me, it was in the back of my mind, but I was trying not to focus on that because I knew if that was my main focus I would probably get too nervous and psych myself out,” said Applegath. Having qualified for nationals

the previous season, Applegath and Hooton knew what to expect heading into the Games, however the event was Jacoby’s debut on the national stage. “I didn’t really think I was going to be going... and the first run of the first day I was in third and that was pretty unexpected for me even at third. In the second run, I had a very good run, one of my best runs ever and I ended up first,” said Jacoby. “I was told by my dad afterward that it qualified me to the Canada Games which was pretty cool.” The three athletes each prepared for the competition differently. Applegath headed to Whistler to train with a Team BC coach while Jacoby and Hooton were busy with other sports and acknowledged they didn’t get as much training as they would have liked. “I wasn’t very confident going in. I barely skied, and the skiing I had done wasn’t very good. I didn’t change

anything I was going into it just skiing how I ski and to try my best,” said Hooton. Alpine competitors were based two hours out of Red Deer at Nakiska Ski Resort which meant the skiers were away from the festivities. “It just felt like a race for us. It didn’t feel like Canada Games. Obviously, it did a little bit because there were girls from Quebec and girls from Ontario, so it wasn’t a normal race, but it didn’t give the vibe of a super huge event because it was only ski racers there,” explained Hooton. Applegath added it was nice to be isolated so they could focus on what they were there to do with little outside distraction. Competing in four events, Super-G, GS, Slalom and Ski Cross, the course changed each day. The terrain was similar to Sun Peaks with a few more flat sections. “I didn’t find them (the courses) that difficult, for Slalom 24 girls finished out of 61 so a lot of girls did find the

courses difficult. I found B.C. handled it pretty well, a lot of us finished,” said Hooton. In the Slalom competition Applegath had her best finish of the Games placing eighth overall. She said SPAC coaches prepared the team by setting more difficult courses so she felt prepared. “Usually we go into races prepared, and then we go into the course and (find) this is so much easier than what we’re used to,” she said. Agreeing with his teammates they were over-prepared for the Slalom course, Jacoby said he liked the GS course most and had his best finish of the Games in the event placing 13th overall. “A lot of people were falling. It was a tough course, and I got course support from my coach on this one pretty crucial section, and he told me exactly what to do, and I felt like I knew exactly what to do in my head. I went down, and I felt I nailed it pretty well,”

said Jacoby. Hooton found her flow in the Ski Cross event with her best finish of the Games coming in at 9th overall. She said the new-to-her event was her favourite moment of the games. “You’re in the gate you have to hold on, and then you push yourself out, and there’s three other girls beside you. Having the other girls beside you and feeling the pressure right on you as you go down was a lot more exciting, I found, than a normal race,” she stated. Taking away newfound friendships, confidence, and skills, the three athletes returned with a determination to keep building on their own race day management and preparation. “I just feel part of something, and that it was all these kids who were doing the same thing as me that was really cool to me, to know there’s people just like me all around Canada that love sports just as much as I do,” said Applegath.

VOL 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18

LOCAL NEWS

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Reducing residential use in village core Council addresses impacts of long-term use JEAN STRONG

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CONTRIBUTORS Ron Betts Emily Perrins Each issue reaches thousands of readers and one copy is available FREE to residents and visitors. Anyone taking papers in bulk will be prosecuted. The opinions expressed in the articles do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, owners or writers. This publication may not be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from the publisher.

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ONE SUN PEAKS BUSINESSPERSON HAS CALLED ON MUNICIPAL COUNCIL TO STOP RESIDENTIAL USE OF UNITS IN THE VILLAGE CORE. Reiner Brecht, president of Bear Country Property Management, penned a letter to Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) in November 2018 which went before council in January. In the letter he outlined concerns with what he believes is an increase in residential use of village core units. “The development of Sun Peaks Village was based on the principles that the village would be hotel properties or condo hotels aimed at servicing tourist visitors,” he wrote. Brecht told SPIN it comes down to what the village should be to give tourists the best experience, including easy access to amenities and the main lift area. “Going back to the master plan I totally agree the village should be hotel or short-term accommodation, not condos,” he said. “We have a master plan for a reason, to build the community.” He added he’s seen a negative impact from people living in the core full time. “It’s not just that we’re losing hotel beds in the village...we’re not just losing beds we’re losing the customers. Customers want hotel style beds in the village, not a condo, but now we’re full (in the village) from December to March. We don’t want to send people away. We want to continue to grow businesses, coffee shops, restaurants and long-term residents don’t go out every night (like nightly guests do).”

During a council meeting on Feb. 28 councillor Darcy Alexander agreed with Brecht’s concerns. “We’ve been seeing this problem over the years,” he said. “I think it’s a long-term issue as a community to address that.” Alexander said there are almost 900 rooms in the village core. “If we lose a significant number of those over time we will significantly impair our resort development.” A report from Alex Krause, manager of planning services for the Thompson Nicola Regional District, was presented to council during the meeting which outlined zoning in the core. Currently, as set out in the Official Community Plan (OCP), the village core is zoned commercial core one. This means residential uses are not permitted but for two exceptions. The first exception is an auxiliary residential dwelling unit which is a unit meant to provide business owners or staff the ability to live and work at the same location and is interpreted as one unit per business. The second exception is tourist accommodation which allows tourist use with some owner use but prohibits residential use by anyone but the owner, meaning owners may not rent out the unit for more than four weeks consecutively. Krause made a number of suggestions which could limit residential use in the core including prohibiting residential use by owners which would require council to redefine tourist accommodation and removing or restricting the auxiliary use for businesses. Should council chose to make any of the suggested changes, some strata bylaws may be

impacted and strata councils could need to change their bylaws to align with municipal bylaws. Sun Peaks’ unique resort and municipality combination raises another issue with residential use in some buildings. Krause’s report discussed the role of rental management covenants which sometimes restrict or prohibit owner use on some properties in the core. “The terms and restrictions of the covenants vary,” he wrote. “With some explicitly limiting the amount of time an owner is permitted to use a unit for personal occupancy, while others more generally require that some units are available for rent, with no strict restrictions on owners.” Because the covenantee is the province and not Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) or SPMRM, the local organizations have no ability to enforce the covenants. Alexander stated SPR has been told the covenants will be switched from the province but no changes have been made and SPR is still unlisted on new covenants. Krause continued, writing even if SPMRM were able to take over the covenants enforcement would be a challenge. Other enforcement challenges for residential use include costs and staff time, he wrote, as it’s difficult to identify which units are being used as a permanent residence or rented. Additionally, should council amend the zoning bylaw to prohibit any year-round residential use, owners currently living in their units would be grandfathered. Should a unit sell the grandfathering follows the use and not the owner, meaning if new purchasers live in the unit within six months of buying the residential use would continue to be allowed.

Councillor Ines Popig and Mayor Al Raine each agreed it was necessary to limit the amount of people residing full time. “Today it’s not a mega issue but if it got to 20 or 30 per cent it changes the whole nature of the village,” Raine told SPIN. “It could have a negative impact on business and I’m glad he’s (Brecht’s) raised it. “We don’t want to bring the hammer down but we’re trying to straighten it out.” He added other properties outside of the core with rental covenants were also becoming a challenge as owners decide not to rent despite the covenants and the provincial government has not enforced any. “I estimate 60 per cent of people are not renting in the renting pool as required,” he said. “We need to enforce this too for more beds. “I’m uncomfortable putting tourist zoning on all properties and not enforcing those who don’t want to rent out,” he said. “Some (residential) owners don’t want tourist accommodation or are rude to tourists (staying near them) and that makes a difference to those who are renting...I’ve asked SPR to address the issue.” He said his personal opinion is the village isn’t the place for year round accomodation and the problem needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. “If we already have a problem why not fix the problem while it’s little. We don’t want the subtle ramifications on businesses. We had it right in the first place, that’s where tourists are supposed to be.” Raine and SPMRM’s councillors have directed staff to meet with the planning department on the zoning issues first before addressing the other’s raised by Krause and Brecht.

greater diversion and waste reduction targets.” Now accepted are crinkly wrappers and bags such as chip, pasta and cereal bags, zipper lock and stand up pouches, non-food protective packaging such as bubble wrap, flexible packaging with seals like pre-sliced meat and

cheese packages and woven plastic bags like those used for onions or avocados. Changes made to the recycling program over the past months can be confusing to learn. More information can be found at recyclebc.ca or by using the My Waste app.

TNRD ADDS RECYCLING CATEGORY The Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is continuing to improve their recycling program by accepting another kind of material. “Other flexible plastic packaging” is now being taken at depots throughout the region. The category includes materials like chip bags and net bags.

VOL 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18

“Other flexible plastic packaging is one of the fastest growing packaging types on the market and the largest category of packaging that was previously not collected,” read a statement from the TNRD. “This is an opportunity for residents to reduce the waste in their garbage bags and will help the TNRD achieve

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VOL 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18

LOCAL NEWS

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Uncertainty around funding for Search and Rescue EMILY PERRINS RECENT BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENTS HAVE LEFT B.C. SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR) GROUPS UNSURE WHETHER THEY WILL RECEIVE FUNDING THIS YEAR. LEFT UNRESOLVED, A CUT TO FUNDING COULD AFFECT HOW THE VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION RESPONDS TO EMERGENCIES. The B.C. Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) represents 80 recognized ground search and rescue groups across the province, consisting of 2,500 volunteers in total. In 2015 it was approved a budget of $15 million to spend over three years. This year the BCSARA board hoped for $6 million in annual funding. The push for an increase to funds was necessary, according to Kamloops Search and Rescue (KSAR) media spokesperson, Jennifer Stahn. “Everybody’s heating costs are more, our fuel costs are more, our teams are growing because we’re getting busier,” she said. “There’s a lot of costs involved in search and rescue and they just seem to increase.” But when the provincial government announced its proposed budget on Feb. 19, BCSARA was not mentioned, sparking concerns that no funds at all have been set aside for the organization. At time of print, no separate announcement had been made regarding funds for BCSARA for the upcoming fiscal year. The organization’s current funding will cease on March 31. Without an update to the

current situation, basic funding for SAR incident response will remain guaranteed by the province. However, everyday operational costs, like equipment and facilities maintenance, as well as specialized training and certification of volunteers, will no longer be covered. This means the KSAR canine, swift water, ice and rope rescue teams could be in jeopardy. “It wouldn’t take that long for the costs to start mounting so that our team just isn’t able to keep up with the level of training that we require in order to do our jobs,” Stahn said. A reduction in specialized training will affect the efficiency of SAR response in the local area, as well as across the province, in which SAR groups are tasked with over 1,700 events each year. It could also impact SAR membership, with specialty training often a draw for new applicants, according to Stahn. Provincial funds also currently cover the costs of running the public education program, AdventureSmart, and the peer support Critical Incident Stress Management program for SAR volunteers. Without provincial funding, alternative sources of financial support are limited. Grants and donations are helpful, Stahn said, but they cannot be guaranteed, and at best only offset some training costs. Fundraising is not viable on a large-enough scale either, she added. “Our volunteers are putting so much into training and tasks alone…so that to fundraise as

KAMLOOPS SEARCH AND RESCUE COMPLETE A TRACKING EXERCISE. Photo Supplied

well would be really difficult.” Despite this, BCSARA maintains it won’t charge individuals who are rescued, on the premise this could deter people from calling when they need help. BCSARA is hoping the government comes to a solution before March 31, one with a stable, long-term outlook. “The funding would help alleviate a lot of pressures off the volunteer-driven associations and would allow all of us to focus on what really needs to be focused on, which is the training in order to be able to search and rescue,” Stahn said.

ROTARY CLUB STARTS FOOD DRIVE As seasonal workers leave for their next adventure and year-rounders head off for post-season vacations food can get left behind or thrown out. The Rotary Club of Sun Peaks wants to lessen some of that waste by hosting a food drive at the end of March. Michele Santos, club member, said they decided on the idea because they wanted to support the larger community around them in a

way that wasn’t fundraising for cash. “We try to do community projects and try to bring awareness. It’s not always about fundraising. It’s such a small community though... we try to think of things we can do in the Sun Peaks community that are not fundraiser driven.” Bins will be set out from March 29 to 31 to collect non-perishable food items which will be donated to the Kamloops Food Bank.

VOL 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18

Through Michele Santos and Associates Wealth Management at CIBC, Santos donated a $100 Visa prepaid gift card and each person who donates will be entered into a draw to win the card which can be mailed anywhere in the world. Food can be dropped off at the Sundance Coast Hotel, Sotheby ’s Realty or in the staff accommodation buildings. Barrels to collect the food have been donated by The Salvation Army.

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VOL 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18

LOCAL NEWS

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Developers work with municipality and resort for West Village growth JEAN STRONG

THE WEST VILLAGE WILL RECEIVE MORE ENHANCEMENTS AS PROJECTS LIKE PEAKS WEST CONTINUE AND BURFIELD WEST BREAKS GROUND. Peaks West’ developers Darcy Franklin and Mo O’Kelly confirmed a number of leases are being signed for commercial spaces on the ground floor of phase one of the project. O’Kelly said a pharmacy, taphouse style restaurant, take out food, a market, an office space and a health and wellness business space will fill the approximately 12,000 square feet. He said he carefully selected tenants to ensure a good mix of businesses he believes will succeed and provide convenient one stop shopping. O’Kelly and Franklin added this was especially important

as the affordability of the units led to many being purchased by local residents. Just down the road at Burfield West, more than 2,500 square feet of commercial space and 11 residential units will be added when the project is complete. Because of the growth, developers are working with Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) and Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) to improve surrounding infrastructure. This spring work will begin on a parking lot for 100 to 150 cars at the base of the Burfield Chairlift, accessed by Alpine Road. Darcy Alexander, general manager for SPR, said the lot is about one acre on the east side of the chairlift and should provide parking for day skiers, those accessing commercial space and staff accommodation. With Black Bear Lodge staff housing complete and another building planned to be ready for next winter, more staff parking

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was needed, he said. Peaks West will also add more than 60 parking spots to service commercial spaces. Alexander added the timing works well as they can use fill from various projects around the resort to create the lot. Pedestrians are another focus, with a valley trail extension in the works connecting the trail on both sides of Sun Peaks Road. It will create a loop which will follow the creek behind The Burfield and Burfield West, and cross Sun Peaks Road at the skier crossing at the base of the Burfield Chairlift before heading back up the mountain along Alpine Road in front of Peaks West and connecting with the valley trail in front of Sun Peaks Fire Rescue. Alexander confirmed the single lane bridge on Alpine Road will likely stay as is until at least next year. The Burfield and Burfield West developer Ash Hanna said he’s pleased to do his part in constructing the trail and believes it shows the resort is

more than just the village core. “A network of walkways expands so the whole of the West Village can start to see the first real elements of infrastructure.” With expectations of increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the area, especially should a proposal for a gas station and cannabis retail move ahead at the intersection of Alpine Road and Sun Peaks Road, SPMRM is also considering traffic calming measures. A traffic light or roundabout are the top choices for the intersection, but SPMRM Mayor Al Raine said he leans heavily toward the roundabout despite an estimated cost of over $1 million due to the slope of the road. “I hope council will look at what is the arrival experience when you come to Sun Peaks,” Raine said. “I suspect we need a traffic circle...I hope to avoid lights. Big city people come here to visit and those people appreciate not having lights.” Either way, emergency lights

will likely be added to indicate when emergency vehicles leave Sun Peaks Fire Rescue. Both developers currently dominating the West Village were supportive of the parking, trail and road upgrades. “I think what they’re proposing is great,” Franklin said. “To tie everything together with the valley trail, I think it’s an excellent idea...Traffic control needs to happen, Peaks West won’t generate an increase in traffic it will just change traffic patterns.” Hanna added in addition to things like the traffic circle he’d like to see SPMRM and SPR address items like adding more shuttle stops in the area and making the entrance to the resort visually appealing and welcoming. “I’ve invested a lot of money and it’s nice to think the community supports that,” Hanna said. “Everybody in that area has invested, anyone who buys has a vested interest in making it work.”

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Electric vehicle charging stations spark interest JEAN STRONG

ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EV) ARE BECOMING A MORE COMMON SIGHT IN SUN PEAKS WITH BOTH HOMEOWNERS AND VISITORS CHOOSING TO MAKE THE SWITCH. According to FleetCarma, sales of EVs in Canada in the first half of 2018 were triple the entire amount of EV sales in all of 2017. Nationally EV sales increased 158 per cent between 2017 and 2018. With this increase Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) is joining forces with 37 other communities in six regional districts in an effort to obtain funding for charging stations in the community. With the help of the Community Energy Association (CEA) the communities have been in discussions for over a year.

Janice Keyes, senior manager for Community Energy Engagement for the CEA, said the program, called Charge North, will build infrastructure across Central and Northern B.C. where travelling by EV is more challenging than in the Lower Mainland where more charging stations are available. The community led program is being modeled after a previous CEA project, Accelerate Kootenays, a three year initiative which installed more than 50 stations across the Kootenay region in communities such as Revelstoke, Kaslo and Creston. Keyes said the work is important to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and align with the provincial goal of every new car sold in B.C. being a zero-emissions vehicle by 2040. The stations, she added, can also provide an economic benefit to communities by putting them on the map for EV tourism.

So far Charge North has completed outreach to local governments, staff, regional districts and other stakeholders as well as completed workshops for government staff on how municipalities can embrace the changes. Modelling was also completed to learn how much of an impact on energy use the EV network could have including the reduction in GHG emissions. While in the planning phase the provincial government announced a new funding program, CleanBC, which aligns with the goals of Charge North. The funding will be awarded to capital projects related to green infrastructure, including transportation, with a focus on GHG emission reductions. An application was submitted at the end of March and Keyes said she expects to hear back within a few months. Plans include a mix of what are called level two and level

three stations. Level two stations can charge most cars’ batteries to 80 per cent in four to six hours of charging, while level three stations are fast chargers which are complete in around 30 minutes. Level three stations are costly to install but necessary for travellers planning longer trips, Keyes said, so both will be used and placed in strategic locations in communities to encourage drivers to spend money in towns they stop in as there is little money to be made by municipalities or businesses for the use of the stations themselves. Keyes added most communities are happy not to charge money for charging because of the economic impact from those waiting for their vehicles. As stations are installed the CEA will arrange education in communities with things like ride and drive events which connect early EV adopters with those considering making the switch and provide education and test drives to those interested. “The real life local input is important,” she said. “We work in partnership with individual communities and local EV drivers to promote EV options in rural areas.” She said support from local electric drivers is important and more effective than someone from the Lower Mainland telling rural drivers they should switch, especially with certain misconceptions around the cars’ usefulness in mountainous terrain and inclement weather. “We want to make it more mainstream and tangible.” SPMRM chief administrative officer Rob Bremner said they have signed on and committed to two stations. Should funding be approved, he said, they will contribute up to $10,000 from the municipal budget and find a location. Currently no charging stations are available publicly in Sun Peaks though there are at least four private charging stations. Sun Peaks homeowner and EV advocate Brock Nanson has been pushing the municipality to install stations since 2015. He said he is supportive of the

Charge North plan but would like to see more chargers and is disappointed SPMRM hasn’t installed any yet. In 2016 Nanson prompted Tesla to offer SPMRM three stations for free with SPMRM paying the cost of installation. He said despite the offer going in front of council, Sun Peaks Resort LLP and Sun Peaks Utilities nothing happened. Nanson said during a 2017 Tourism Sun Peaks AGM Mayor Al Raine told him he would soon be very happy. “It’s now 2019 and I’ve given up hope for the municipality to walk their green talk,” Nanson wrote to SPIN in an email. “The municipality is very late to the game...especially given the ‘destination’ and ‘rental’ nature of the community. It disappoints me that council is not able to think in future tense.” He added he books hotels based on where he can charge his Tesla and thinks installing at least two level three stations would provide a good solution. Nanson also pointed out other grant programs from Tesla and elsewhere which are available for level two and three stations. Bremner responded SPMRM considered working with Tesla to install stations in 2016 but was only to be supplied the components and was responsible for the installation cost. He said quotes came back expensive and around the same time talks began for CEA program. If Charge North doesn’t receive funding, he said, the municipality will put the $10,000 already committed towards stations. “One way or another we’ll have an electric charging station or two by the fall.”

VOL 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18

LOCAL NEWS

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Abandoned gear helps Adaptive Sports JEAN STRONG

ADAPTIVE SPORTS AT SUN PEAKS (ASSP) HAS RECEIVED A FINANCIAL BOOST FROM SUN PEAKS RESORT LLP (SPR) THANKS TO GUESTS WHO FORGOT THEIR GEAR ON THE MOUNTAIN. In 2018 SPR hosted a silent auction for ASSP, selling equipment that had been left behind for at least two years. They also donated tips made by volunteer Sun Hosts. AnneMarie Dill, guest services and ticketing manager, said they’re happy to show their support of ASSP. “They’re an important part of the community and we’re happy to pass the proceeds on,” Dill said. ASSP program manager Jenny Hawes said the funds will be used for operational

costs and volunteer training. “We are appreciative,” she said. “It’s just another way Sun Peaks Resort has continued to support organizations in the community.” Hawes added ASSP is accepting donations of used equipment they can sell at Consignor Sports in Kamloops as another fundraising effort. They are also beginning to reach out for volunteers for the 2019-20 season. “Seeing kids and their parents after a lesson is so rewarding,” she said. “Our volunteers say they’ve never got so much reward from volunteering.” Levels of commitment for volunteers vary from a few lessons to 10 or more lessons with the same student.

JENNY HAWES ACCEPTS A CHEQUE FROM ANNEMARIE DILL. Photo SPIN.

PLEASE HELP! Donate your used Skis, Boards, and Boots to help fund our program. Contact us and we will arrange pick up. Phone: 250.572.0616 Email: adaptivesportsatsunpeaks@ gmail.com

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VOL 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18

COMMUNITY

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COLUMNIST VIEWS RON BETTS RESIDENT SKI WRITER ron@sunpeaksnews.com

A native of Cape Breton Island, Ron Betts has called Sun Peaks his home mountain since 2008. Ron splits his winter between guiding heliskiers in the central Monashees and working with the Sun Peaks Ski School, he is a frequent contributor to Ski Canada Magazine.

BEING A SKIER ON CAPE BRETON IN THE 1980’S MEANT BEING CREATIVE WITH HOW WE LEARNED ABOUT SKIING OUTSIDE OF OUR LITTLE ISLAND IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC. THERE WERE BASICALLY TWO OPTIONS, SKI MAGAZINES OR SKI MOVIES. When I think of ski movies, the iconic voiceovers of Warren Miller are the first things that come to mind. That voice, and the images on the big screen,

filled auditoriums since he started making movies in 1950. In those early days, Warren would load up his projector and film canisters for some epic road trips. He’d do his narration live, to packed houses of ski crazy fans all over the U.S. Later, that same voice would be recorded in a studio, as Warren narrated the films he shot each winter at exotic locations around the world. His films became a rite of passage for skiers everywhere. They also stoked the fire for generations of skiers to go out and explore new places. To say that Warren was one of the most influential people in our sport wouldn’t be hyperbole, it’s a fact. When Warren passed away in January 2018, the ski world lost one of its greatest ambassadors.

Antiques in The Annex Group reunited with pieces of history after renovations EMILY PERRINS THE SUN PEAKS ANTIQUES AND THE ANNEX SHARE A CLOSE CONNECTION. NOT ONLY HAS THE ANNEX BEEN THE SKIING CLUB’S MEETING PLACE FROM ITS EARLIEST INCARNATION, IT HAS ALSO HISTORICALLY SHOWCASED MEMORABILIA OF THE MOUNTAIN AND ANTIQUES’ SHARED HISTORIES. THIS SEASON THE GROUP WAS REUNITED WITH OBJECTS THEY FEARED LOST AFTER RENOVATIONS LAST YEAR. Despite having only brandished their name and logo since 2005, the Antiques first started as a group of friends skiing together in the 1970s, before The Annex existed. Sigi White, an original member, recalled after the Burfield Lodge became too small a supposedly temporary lodge at the base of the Sunburst Chairlift was built and this became the new meeting place for the group. “It was a day lodge where the roof leaked and there were buckets all over to catch the water drops…we would take off our outer pants and dry them by the wood stove, and then go out and ski some more,” White said. The advent of GORE-TEX discontinued much of this practice, but little else has changed with the Antiques. The group continues to ski and meet together in the same building for lunch on Mondays, Wednesdays

and Fridays, and periodically offmountain too. The group became a Sun Peaks’ stalwart early on and have seen the lodges and resort evolve over time. Notably the leaky daylodge became Bento’s cafeteria and, after renovations in 2017, The Annex. But a large glass-encased display of Tod Mountain and Sun Peaks Antiques memorabilia mounted on the back wall of Bento’s went missing during the latest renovations. Among the lost items was a pair of 80-year-old skis that belonged to Bill Thomson, one of the group’s founders. After the memorabilia failed to reappear once the building reopened, the Antiques made it their mission to track down the items and restore them to the walls of the eatery. “It was a journey of many phone calls, requests and legwork,” said White. Flo Thomson recalled having her formal enquiries to find her late husband, Bill’s, wooden skis, ignored, only to find success after completing a guest satisfaction comment card and being contacted by Guest Services. Peter Nixon, real estate manager for Sun Peaks Resort LLP, said he was pleased to help the Antiques get their quilt reframed and mounted. “When we did the renovation we gathered up all of the memorabilia in the display case and on the wall and placed

Warren’s Way Luckily, his legacy lives on in his body of work. The 69th film bearing his name, Warren Miller’s Face of Winter, was a fitting tribute to his life’s work. In reality, Warren directed his last ski film in 1987, after that he sold the company to his son Kurt Miller. His primary role became that of narrator. The company has since changed hands a couple more times but the Warren Miller name is still one of the most recognized in skiing. When Warren celebrated his 50th year of filmmaking in 2000, he threw an epic anniversary party in Blue River, at Mike Wiegele Heli-Skiing. The guest list was a who’s who of the ski world, including many of the athletes who had appeared in

it in secure storage,” he said. “Unfortunately due to the new design of the restaurant and the need for cubbies along the back wall we are pretty limited on wall space to place things. I think the location of the Antiques’ logo, skis and quilt works pretty well. “I am not sure who Flo initially tried to contact but she and Nick contacted me in the spring of 2018 about the quilt and plaques and I was happy to co-ordinate it...I thought the little ceremony Flo organized for the unveiling was very nice and appreciated.” After a year’s efforts, all the memorabilia was recovered and is now on display in The Annex with new commemorative plaques. White encouraged visitors and locals to check out the items, especially Bill’s skis. “The bindings alone required a mastery of skiing that would simply not be contemplated now…they used to be called ankle breakers,” she said. The display also features the original Antiques logo, designed

his movies. I was lucky enough to be one of the guides during that special week of skiing. The thrill of hearing him speak to a small group of people, and the opportunity to sit and chat with him, are two of the fondest memories in my career. Warren and Mike Wiegele had a relationship that went back to the early 60s, when they first met in Sugar Bowl, Calif. Warren filmed his first segments in Blue River in 1973 and returned many times in the following years to film in the legendary deep, dry snow there. It’s no wonder, after his death in 2018, his family choose to honour that special relationship by scattering some of his ashes in Blue River. The site chosen was on Saddle Mountain, just east of the

townsite, on a newly developed ski run named Warren’s Way. A small group of people, including Warren’s son Kurt, Mike and some other long-time friends and guides who have appeared in his films, gathered on the mountainside to remember Warren. I spoke with Mike many times over the years about his memories of Warren, but the one quote he was quick to offer when contacted about this piece was the one that became iconic as the final scene in many Warren Miller films. “If you don’t do it this year, you’ll be one year older when you do.” The next time you’re skiing or riding on a perfect day, take a minute to honour the memory of a true pioneer of winter, and think of his connection to a part of the world we get to call home.

THE TWO OLDEST ACTIVE AND STILL SKIING MEMBERS OF THE GROUP, AUDREY SAIGON AND NICK MAIKA, BOTH 89. Photo SPIN

by Thomson, and an embroidered quilt, created by master quilter Victoria Gray, which is adorned with a collection of old Tod Mountain pins and encased in a new glass box. A dedication of the restored showcase took place on Jan. 21. White said the group was pleased with the celebration. “(We were) happy and proud

again with a few of our precious memorabilia back up on the wall, where they belong.” The group now boasts 150 members from all over the world, and has few requirements on who can join. “You can have grey hair, white hair, or no hair, so long as you admit that you’re a senior,” White said with a laugh.

VOL 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18

COMMUNITY

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LGBTQ2+ health services now accessible in Sun Peaks EMILY PERRINS MARCH’S INAUGURAL PEAK PRIDE WAS NOT THE ONLY RECENT ADVANCEMENT IN LGBTQ2+ SUPPORT IN SUN PEAKS. A NEW PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN SUN PEAKS HEALTH ASSOCIATION AND A KAMLOOPS NON-PROFIT PROGRAM HAS MADE LGBTQ2+ FOCUSED PRIMARY HEALTH CARE ACCESSIBLE IN SUN PEAKS FOR THE FIRST TIME. The Sun Peaks Health Association first teamed up with Kamloops-based Supporting Team Excellence with Patients Society (STEPS) for the initiative in late 2018. STEPS is based out of Orchards Walk Medical Clinic in Kamloops, and headed by physician Dr. Lisa Harvey. According to its website the goal of STEPS is to “provide specific gender-affirming care for patients who are part of the LGBTQ2+ population and/or needing access to transgender

care.” Together with Sun Peaks Health Association, the intention is to expand the reach of this goal to Sun Peaks through the sharing of resources. A statement from the Sun Peaks Health Association detailed that patients can be referred to Harvey and the STEPS team for their specific care that is then shared between the Sun Peaks clinic and STEPS to meet the patients’ care needs. Harvey will be working at the Sun Peaks Clinic occasionally as part of this initiative to extend access to the Sun Peaks community, read the statement. Beyond Harvey, the interdisciplinary team behind the collaborative effort includes family physicians, nurses, pharmacists, clinical counsellors and office support staff. The move will help break

down some of the barriers that have historically faced individuals identifying as LGBTQ2+ when accessing health services in the area. Harvey conducted a study into the experiences of people who are transgender when accessing healthcare in Kamloops in 2016, prior to the initiation of STEPS. She found at the time that people who are transgender often did not feel comfortable identifying themselves as such to physicians, due to a feeling of being marginalized by “society at large” and the lack of focused services. The statement from the Sun Peaks Health Association also stated the program enables more access to care in the community and allows patients to stay close to home. The initiative was made possible through funding from The Stollery Charitable Foundation, which supports charitable

agencies in Kamloops which work to reduce barriers to participation, achieve equality, and foster healthy individuals families and communities. It’s a positive development for the Sun Peaks’ clinic and surrounding community as it joins other clinics in the broader area that offer similarly holistic, LGBTQ2+ focused care. Specific services offered by these nearby sites include hormone and surgical readiness assessments, hormone replacement therapy, counselling services, and access to Changing Keys, an intensive speech and voice training program. STEPS did not respond to requests for comment on its specific LGBTQ2+ focused services. “Both organisations are very excited with the resulting partnership, collaboration, and outcomes we have been able to achieve, and look forward

to future opportunities to provide more services for our communities,” concluded the statement from the Sun Peaks Health Association. If you are interested in arranging a consultation with Harvey, contact STEPS at 250 828 8080, or Sun Peaks Health Centre at 778 644 0635.

MAJOR SPONSORS: SUN PEAKS RESORT CORPORATION TELUS SUN PEAKS GRAND HOTEL

On behalf of the Sun Peaks Education Society, the Organizing Committee of the TELUS Nancy Greene Alpine Classic extends a huge THANK YOU to all event sponsors, donors and participants. Over $34,000 was raised to support the Sun Peaks Education Society, along with donations to the Royal Inland Hospital Emergency Department and the Sun Peaks Alpine Club. The TELUS Cup was won by Sun Peaks Resort Team 2 (Ron Betts, Carina Waldhor, Tom Hampton & Duncan Currie. Second place went to the McSporties Warriors (Matthias Schmid, Chase Wamboldt, Peter Wilson & Alice Muirhead) and third place went to the Newport Mountain Maniacs (Graham Simson, Scott Simson, Kristi Moyls & Stuart Funk). The Platinum Cup (over 50s) was won by the Re/Max Tod Mountain Torpedoes (Kenny Dale, Ian McLaren, Neil Otsig & Anne Terweil). Second place went to the Free Fall team (Roby Palmer, Barb Kupferschmidt, John Ash & Greg Sissons), and third place went to the Newport Holy Shutes (Garry Simson, Bill Kals, Roy Zumino & Tammy Ulmer). This year an optional head to head elimination challenge was sponsored by McSporties and the winners were Duncan Currie and Anne Terweil. Again, we sincerely thank our sponsors, suppliers and donors. Without the generosity of these organizations and individuals we would not be able to provide our beneficiaries with much needed funding.

VOL 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18

GOLD SPONSORS: Newport Construction Sotheby’s International Realty Superior Gas Liquids Urban Systems Limited SILVER SPONSORS: EcoFluid Re/Max Alpine Resort Realty BROZE SPONSORS: A&T Developments McSporties MJB Law Corporation Northern Lights Estate Winery SUPPLIERS: Cahilty Creek Bar & Grill Masa’s Bar & Grill Solo Energy Bars

Visual storytelling on a local level ONE OF WALTER’S WINTER PHOTOS. Photo Supplied

JEAN STRONG

MORGAN WALTER SPENDS A LOT OF TIME SKIING IN THE PARK WITH FRIENDS. IN FACT IT’S HOW HE MET MANY OF THEM. NOW HE FINDS YOUNGER SUN PEAKS’ SHREDDERS CALL HIS NAME FROM THE CHAIR AND ASK TO BE INCLUDED IN HIS PROJECTS. Twenty-eight-year-old Walter moved from Ladner a few years ago, having always wanted to live in a ski resort. Close friends with Sun Peaks’ Coleman family, he left behind his home mountain, Mount Seymour, and his job at a hay and feed store. He began working in snow removal, but it wasn’t until he got out on the mountain he really delved into the community. “Most people up here become friends with people they work with,” he said. “When I moved up I just wanted to take pictures and would just hang out in the park taking photos and people would find them on social media or

whatever...Now I’ve made genuine friends from that.” Making a name for himself as a photographer in the terrain park, he began to build his reputation and his hobby blossomed into more of a job. Walter applied his action photography experience from the Lower Mainland to snow sports. “It was just a hobby for years,” he said. “But everybody said I should make money from it. People started asking me to take their photo last year...I’m really trying to work on ski photo shooting, working on getting out there with good riders and weather.” While learning the ins and outs of shooting in the snow, Walter has picked up jobs for Tourism Sun Peaks and Alpine Images. This season he also started a new project of his own in a different medium, video. His YouTube series, BeachSideSki, features local skiers from the backcountry to the park and has received a variety of reactions, from school kids asking to be involved to parents asking him to keep it PG because their

MORGAN WALTER IN A RARE MOMENT IN FRONT OF THE LENS IN SUN PEAKS. Photo Supplied

children love to watch. “I have to set a good example,” he said. “I watch a lot of YouTube... It’s a lot of work, two seconds of video can take five minutes to get. You can spend a whole day filming with someone and get 30 seconds. A day’s worth of filming takes four to five hours of editing.” Walter said he would like to grow the storytelling aspect of the videos and sees their potential. “The original idea is to focus

on the community and highlight people in video format. But there’s a difference between filming people riding and telling their story.” The series was named after an inside joke born on sunny spring days skiing in the park. “We said ‘we’re not sitting on a chair, this is a beach.’” This summer he might be found on actual beaches, capturing more iconic photos of life on Heffley

Lake, and wants to continue shooting mountain biking. Long term he’s hopeful the practice in Sun Peaks can land him a job shooting for a helicopter or cat skiing operation. “Getting paid for my work is stressful, people are counting on me,” he said. “Before it was fun and a hobby...I don’t want to put my name on a bad product.” It’s all something he might never have found such a passion for without living on the mountain, but the opportunities and community have kept him here. “Everybody’s super friendly, everybody says hello, everybody smiles. I love that you can show up at any establishment in Sun Peaks and find someone you know or stand at the bottom of the lift and find someone to ski with. At bigger places you don’t get that experience. “In all honesty I just like going on adventures and telling stories. I’m not good with words, I’m better with visuals.” Walter can be found on Instagram at @captainmoephoto and on YouTube at Morgan Walter.

VOL 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18

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Developing the next generation of naturalists NIKKI FREDRIKSON

A GROUP OF 35 YOUNG ADULTS RANGING IN AGES FROM 17 TO 22 HAVE EMBARKED ON A THREEYEAR JOURNEY TO RECEIVE THEIR MASTER NATURALIST CERTIFICATIONS AND A GREATER APPRECIATION OF NATURE. THE NEXT GENERATION NATURALIST PROGRAM IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN BRITISH COLUMBIA AND THE THIRD PROGRAM ESTABLISHED IN CANADA. Naturalism is a field of science which studies the natural world as a whole and the relationships and interactions between species as well as genetic diversity within species. “The idea of getting young people involved was a big thing and wanting to pass on some of the knowledge of the older generation and older naturalist club

members,” said Jesse Ritcey, program manager for the Kamloops Naturalist Club. “Then there was this master naturalist idea.” The idea was developed into a formal educational program after the Kamloops Naturalist Club received a grant of $227,500 from the Lawson Youth Foundation. “They study the environment and its effects on health and youth development. They’re looking for projects and groups to work with under that umbrella,” explained Ritcey. Working in conjunction with Thompson Rivers University faculty, students will receive 40 hours of nature education, hands-on experience in environmental restoration, as well as community engagement. “It’s a very involved project in terms of a long term time commitment, but it’s not a huge commitment it says six to 10 hours a month. It’s

meant to be something you can balance on top of work and school.” Ritcey explained the program is meant to be empowering, educational and stress-free while working through eight modules. “A lot of the program is going to be determined by the background of the students in terms of how much education they already have and then what are their goals, what do they want to get out of the program and what do they want to learn about,” he said. Students were selected for the program by meeting two requirements: they’ll be in Kamloops for three years and they have a keen interest in the environment. “What our aim is, is to have the most diversity of skills and backgrounds so that the group has a lot of skills and knowledge to draw upon,” said Ritcey. Developing the program

GETOUTTHERE with the understanding it will only run for three years, the club is hoping to see a long term positive gain for the participants and community and plans to share their programming with other naturalist clubs

across the province. “We hope for their (the participants) whole lifetime they’ll be environmental leaders or care about the environment and pass that on to others have a positive ripple effect.”

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VOL 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18

EVENTS

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Going the extra mile Snowbombing introduces more festival activities NIKKI FREDRIKSON

WITH SNOWBOMBING CANADA 2019 FAST APPROACHING, ORGANIZERS ARE WORKING HARD TO BRING A BIGGER AND BETTER EXPERIENCE TO THE MOUNTAINS. COMBINING OLD FAVOURITES AND UP AND COMING ARTISTS, THE LINEUP IS SURE TO KEEP THE PARTY GOING ALL WEEKEND.

Recognizing some Snowbombers may be looking for activities during the day while recovering from the night before, Nate Sabine, director of business development at Blueprint which organizes the Canadian event, said they’ve planned events and performances to have something interesting happening everywhere you look. “We wanted to go the extra mile to better the atmosphere,” he said. This year’s daytime activities

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY MARCH 22 & 23 HUB NANCY GREENE FESTIVAL

SATURDAY MARCH 30 LIVE MUSIC

hubngfestival@gmail.com

events@sunpeakstourism.com

FRIDAY MARCH 22 LIVE MUSIC AT MORRISEY’S

SATURDAY MARCH 30 ROTARY POKER RIDE

More than 2500 people are expected in the resort for a weekend of fun events for skiing families.

Morrisey’s Public House hosts two sets by the Kris Ruston Duo. 4 to 5 p.m. and 9 to 11 p.m.

Johnny Leroux takes the stage at Morrisey’s public house from 9 to 11 p.m.

FRIDAY MARCH 22 RED AND WHITE PARTY

treasurer@rotaryclubofsunpeaks.org

Support Sun Peaks Ski Patrol and the Sun Peaks Mountain Rescue Society at their annual bash. Dress in your best red and white costume for a chance to win prizes. $10 tickets available from patrol dispatch, patrollers or at the door. Doors open 9 p.m. dispatch@sunpeaksresort.com

DON’T FORGET TO WEAR YOUR BEST ONSIE FOR THIS YEAR’S ONESIE PARTY THEME DAY. Photo SPIN

year’s event as organizers will introduce themed days throughout the weekend. “This is something they do in Austria for Snowbombing that we haven’t done to date and we want to.” The three themes of the weekend are dynamic duos, vintage ski day, and onesie funsie, with prizes up for grabs during the dynamic duos day. Returning Snowbombers will notice a few changes at this year’s event including a relocation of the mainstage to P3 behind the Village Day

SATURDAY APRIL 13 TOD MOUNTAIN DAYS

Aprés and Ales kicks off the Tod Mountain Days Spring Fetival with a free beer or freezie for pass holders on the Masa’s patio from 1 to 5 p.m. That night time travel to the 80’s with the Delorean Band at Masa’s from 10 p.m. to late.

SUNDAY APIL 14 TOD MOUNTAIN DAYS

The fun continues into sunday with the traditional Slush Cup at 12:30 p.m. and Top to Bottom’s Run at 3:30 p.m. from the Top of the World. events@sunpeaksresort.com

SUNDAY MARCH 31 THE GARDEN RAIL JAM

One of the season’s most popular park events returns with 30 minute jam sessions for different categories and lots of prizes. events@sunpeaksresort.com

SATURDAY & SUNDAY APRIL 19 & 21 SNOWMOBILE HILL CLIMB

Lodge, and a more chill ’70s apres vibe at Base Camp. They will step away from the games and giant video screens and adding more lounge areas with fire pits to hang out and watch people come down the mountain. “I have always felt it was a little cold, no pun intended, we’re just trying to bring the warmth up,” said Sabine. Snowbombing Canada returns to Sun Peaks April 5 to 7 but keep your eyes on social media for pre-festival activities happening around the resort.

EVENT LISTINGS

events@sunpeaksresort.com

The Sun Peaks Rotary Club is hosting their first ever Rotary Poker Ski Run to fundraise for the Sun Peaks Skate Park Foundation. $20 gets a map and route to pick up five cards around the resort. Enter them by 3 p.m. for entry for prizes.

250.578.538

FRIDAY MARCH 29 LIVE MUSIC

will include fan favourites like karaoke, morning yoga, slush cup, and a rail jam, as well as new additions such as mountain wide bingo, a hot chocolate social, three-legged race, snowman building competition and a possible DJ workshop. “I also think the snowman building contest is going to be hilarious because obviously, we’re going to be providing props for people to dress up their designs,” said Sabine. The snowmen won’t be the only ones dressing up at this

PLANNING A COMMUNITY EVENT? ADD IT TO OUR EVENT LISTINGS AT SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM

Sledders get the chance to take over the mountain during the snowmobile hill climb this weekend. An exciting event for particpants and spectators alike. info@wchahillclimb.ca

APRIL 5 TO 7 SNOWBOMBING CANADA

Take a seat at Mantles Restaurant between 4 and 5 p.m. and listen to the Kris Ruston Duo or have a late night music party at Morrisey’s Public House with Foucs Your Radio from 9 to 11 p.m.

Sun Peaks’ favourite festival takes over the mountain for three days of live music, parties, events and, of course, some skiing. events@sunpeaksresort.com

events@sunpeakstourism.com

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MONTH IN PHOTOS

The only two dutch members of the Flying Dutchman all smiles after taking the championship title in the SPHL. SPIN PHOTO

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS TO EDITOR@SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM TO BE FEATURED IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS

The Flying Dutchman pose with the championship plaque after winning the Sun Peaks Hockey League Novice Division. SPIN PHOTO

The Tops pre-parade party got the Peak Pride events started on March 2. SPIN PHOTO

Darby O’Toole of Sun Peaks’ Interac club presents the Health Centre with a cheque for $2,000 raised for a new Larynogoscope. SPIN PHOTO

The eigth annual Bluebird Day Banked Slalom took place on March 9 and 10. Check out the SPIN Facebook page for a video recap. SPIN PHOTOS

VOL 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18

ARTS

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From underground to mountain top Vancouver girl group takes to the mountains for Snowbombing NIKKI FREDRIKSON

THROUGHOUT UNIVERSITY ALLISON WOOD, BETTER KNOWN AS VANCOUVERBASED DJ AWOOD, STARTED GOING TO MORE AND MORE MUSIC FESTIVALS INCLUDING EVENTS SUCH AS COACHELLA, ULTRA AND SHAMBHALA. FINDING HERSELF DRAWN TO THE ELECTRONIC MUSIC PERFORMANCES, SHE THOUGHT IF SHE LOVED IT SO MUCH WHY NOT TRY AND DO IT HERSELF? “I just disregarded any selfdoubt, went out and bought a little DJ set up for myself to practise and from there it just really grew,” she explained. Nearly five years later she is a member of a “girl gang” of DJs known as Femme Fatale, a group of three female-identifying DJs who perform both together and separately. Currently the trio is preparing to perform at Snowbombing Canada. The festival will be AWood’s largest event performance to date. “I think we have a few hours set

and we’ll probably read the vibes of the mountain and tradeoff and all play together which is called back-to-back, or b2b, DJing,” said Wood. Explaining her personal style as strictly house music she said her fellow DJ’s, MYNXY and Sheevs, both have a heavier bass music style. While many DJs like to plan their sets out beforehand, Wood said she feels confined doing that and plans to bring her favourite songs and a few of her own creations to debut at this year’s event. “That gives me more freedom to be creative and also relieves my stress because I know I can take it any direction it needs to go.” Having created her first EP last year, the event will be one of the first times she debuts her own songs. She said it’s nerve wracking to play them because it feels like a big deal each time, despite the crowd not knowing they’re her originals. “I’m definitely going to put those tracks that I made in my playlist, and hopefully there will be a right moment to let

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them out,” she said. “The tracks I made, they are house they’ve got a pretty strong bassline, sort of minimal. If anyone’s familiar with Kyle Watson, it’s very much Kyle Watson-y.” With DJing being a more solo industry she said it’s nice to have a group to go to performances with rather than travelling alone. “It’s really cool because all of us are pretty versatile so we don’t only play every show ourselves, we also invite other DJs that fit with us from around Vancouver to play. We feel it’s not just our tight group but we’ve built a community around it.” This year’s Snowbombing lineup features many Vancouverbased performers, many of which are female-identifying DJs. “They’re not even seeing it as male and female, they’re just booking the best talent which just so happens to a lot of the time be women,” said Wood. Wood and Femme Fatale will perform slopeside at Base Camp during the upcoming festival. Snowbombing Canada returns to Sun Peaks April 5 to 7 with festival headliners Illenium and Cypress Hill.

AWOOD DJING AT MIA NIGHTCLUB, VANCOUVER, BC. Photo Geo Bourcier

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VOL 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18

MOUNTAIN TOWN NEWS Mountain Town News ALLEN BEST mountaintownnews.net allen.best@comcast.net

WHISTLER WANTS AUTHORITY TO ADOPT A CLOSED-DOOR POLICY WHISTLER, B.C. – It annoys some people to the point of anger, all the shop doors in Whistler that remain open even during the coldest days of winter. Global temperatures continue to rise. The Iditarod, a dog-sled race, has become more of an obstacle course because of Alaska’s melted snow and unfrozen rivers. But during Christmas week, a survey by AWARE, a local environmental group, found 30 per cent of doors in Whistler Village, the primary commercial area, were propped open in an effort to draw in customers. Arthur De Jong, a member of Whistler’s municipal council responsible for environmental matters, admits that the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the wasteful use of heat pales when compared to emissions from transportation and other sectors. It’s the symbolism that matters, he said. “It’s discouraging when we are dealing with the enormity of the climate change challenge,” says De Jong. “If we can’t start with the little things, then…” Conversations between climate advocates and merchants since Christmas have reduced the amount of open doors to seven per cent. But De Jong wants a municipal bylaw that addresses the doors more directly. Whistler cannot adopt such a bylaw, however, unless it gets authority from the provincial government in British Columbia, which says Whistler must provide an economic argument for such a law. De Jong has lobbied provincial officials for greater latitude for municipalities, and not just for the ability to regulate open doors. He’d like Whistler to take action on plastic straws, as some jurisdictions around the world have already done. “We need an overarching authority that gives us the ability to move on waste reduction too,” he said. British Columbia has adopted an aggressive

climate change goal of 80 per cent fewer emissions by mid-century. To achieve such dramatic reductions, he said, the province needs to give local governments the authority to take the actions they believe necessary. “They must empower us to be able to follow through to do everything we can at the local level to achieve these goals,” said De Jong.

EVEN AMID THE DEEP SNOWS, THOUGHTS OF WILDFIRE SEASON TRUCKEE, Calif. – From California to Colorado, people are already talking about fire season even as snow banks still tower over roads. “It’s hard for people to imagine that there will be a wildfire this summer,” said Bill Seline, chief of the Truckee Fire Protection District at a recent meeting. At the meeting, covered by the Sierra Sun, he advised people to start thinking about defensible space around homes, including taking fire away from the home by pruning branches up to six feet from the ground, and keeping roofs and gutters clear of debris. In Oregon, new state rules governing how much smoke from prescribed burns can enter nearby communities have been adopted, and fire managers welcome them as they plan prescribed burns. “Having no fire is not an option here,” Deschutes County Forester Ed Keith told the Bend Bulletin. Bend, the city nearest to the Mt. Bachelor ski area, lies along the Deschutes River, and smoke from prescribed burns tends to hang there at night before dissipating in the heat of day. The rules specifically give forest managers flexibility in setting fires near Bend, but are not expected to increase the acreage burned. In Colorado, a movement has been building for much of the 21st century to allow land managers to manipulate forested ecosystems. But there’s also the question of appropriating money to do the work. The Denver Post reported a near-record 524,282 acres burned last year, five times the average. Rising temperatures have at least something to do with the increase in wildfires. Last year the warmest

temperatures in 124 years were recorded. A new report from state and federal foresters concluded tree-thinning designed to mimic the effects of wildfires saved subdivisions threatened by fires last summer at Silverthorne, Grand Lake, and La Veta. But this selective thinning can cost $1,500 to $3,000 USD an acre. Also at issue is expanding home building within forested areas. The so-called wildland-urban interface, also called the red zone, has increased in area 50 per cent since 2012, the report said. Colorado legislators have balked at dictating where homebuilding can occur, leaving that largely to local governments to decide.

ASPEN SEPTUAGENARIAN SURVIVES MOOSE TRAMPLING ASPEN, Colo. – Alfred Braun has developed quite a reputation in Aspen. The 78-year-old man was walking on the snow-covered highway east of Aspen, which is closed during winter, when a moose bolted down the road and repeatedly tried to stomp him with its front hooves. A witness told the Aspen Daily News that several people were on the road, now covered with six feet of snow, some to go backcountry snowboarding and others, like Braun, just out for a stroll. Suddenly, the moose barreled past them and seemed to single out Braun with its annoyance. He tried to hit the moose in the face with a ski pole, but the undeterred moose then knocked the man down and appeared to be stomping him. What the observers didn’t see was that the moose missed Braun, who then poked the moose in the belly. The animal then galloped off. In Breckenridge, a moose fell into a window well of a home and crashed into the basement. It was tranquilized and moved elsewhere.

MOLYBDENUM MINE NOW GOOD FOR ANOTHER 20 YEARS

GEORGETOWN, Colo. – In 2015, executives from one of the world’s largest mining companies stood on the stage of Clear Creek High School and assured local leaders they needed to assume that the local molybdenum mine,

called Henderson, would be closing. Not tomorrow, they said, but soon enough, within just a few years. Well, not so fast. In 2017, the market for molybdenum— which is used to strengthen steel and for other uses— has strengthened. And apparently, exploration work at the mine has panned out, revealing a new deposit to be exploited. The mine is located under the Continental Divide, just a few miles away from U.S. 40, the highway that forks from Interstate 70 and crosses Berthoud Pass before descending into Winter Park and Fraser. The narrowness of the valleys on the east side of the Great Divide caused the mine developers in the early 1970s to bore a tunnel to the west side in the Williams Fork Valley. There, the molybdenite ore gets pulverized with giant steel balls, then the molybdenum is extracted chemically. The spent ore gets dumped in a giant tailings reservoir. The Sky-Hi News reported the mine operator, Freeport-McMoRan, last week confirmed ongoing development of a new section of the Henderson Mine. “Based on current production and development plans, Henderson is expected to operate for roughly the next 20 years,” said Ruthanne Van Dyke, director of corporate communications for the company. Freeport-McMoRan has 245 employees working at the mine and 130 at the mill, and it could use more. The price of molybdenum as of early March was 150 per cent higher than in 2015, when the price reached its nadir and the company talked about closing the mine, the

Sky-Hi News reported, citing a commodity price tracking website called Trading Economics. Phoenix-based FreeportMcMoRan also operates the Climax Mine between Frisco and Leadville. In Crested Butte FreeportMcMoRan also owns the mineral rights to a molybdenum deposit in Mt. Emmons, popularly called the Red Lady. The mountain overlooks Crested Butte, and since the 1970s the community has worried about the potential for mine development. “I don’t know of any ski town that has gone back to being a mining town, and we don’t want to be the first,” said Jim Schmidt, the mayor of Crested Butte. Briefly, as a young man new to Crested Butte, Schmidt worked at the Keystone Mine on Mt. Emmons. Just about the time that Amax, a mining company that is now part of Freeport-McMoRan, had plans to mine the molybdenum. That prospect receded two years ago when FreeportMcMoRan regained title to the mining deposits but indicated it has no interest in mining the deposit. Still, an agreement between the mining company, Crested Butte, and Gunnison County has not been fully consummated. The mining company can’t just walk away from the claims, because that will leave the mineral deposits for somebody else to claim. Federal action, either a presidential proclamation or congressional law, will be required to remove this possibility. Efforts to achieve one or the other are at a standstill, he said.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC PRESENTATION Friday, March 29, 2019, 7pm.

Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipal Council gives notice that it will hold a Public meeting in the Hearthstone Lodge at 3160 Creekside Way, Sun Peaks, BC, to review the 2019 5 Year Financial Plan. An update of the Sun Peaks Centre construction plans will also be provided. Questions, comments and feedback can be forwarded to Parissa Bhullar at

dof@sunpeaksmunicipality.ca www.sunpeaksmunicipality.ca VOL 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18

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Paralympic spark for Kamloops skier ASSP student shoots for Beijing JEAN STRONG

ON MARCH 15 KAMLOOPS SKIER DAYLIN LEVIN GOT UP HALF AN HOUR EARLIER THAN USUAL TO STRETCH. DESPITE LOVING HIS SLEEP, LEVIN WANTED TO MAKE SURE HE WAS IN GOOD SHAPE FOR HIS FIRST TIME COMPETING IN THE FRIDAY RACE SERIES AT SUN PEAKS. IT WAS THE FIRST TIME A VISUALLY IMPAIRED SKIER TOOK PART IN THE EVENT. Levin has been a student of Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks (ASSP) for seven years, learning how to ski from the ground up with the program. “My grandma convinced me to try skiing,” he said. “She said ‘if you don’t like it after the first year you don’t have to do it.’” But Levin learned he liked the sport and continued working with ASSP guides and instructors over the years. As a visually impaired skier this year he and guide Johnny Sharun

practised, worked on drills and skied all kinds of runs. They also practised with new equipment purchased by ASSP which allows for clearer communication between guides and skiers. The UCLEAR system was designed for helmetto-helmet communication for sports such as snowmobiling or biking but works well for ASSP because of its clear audio, said ASSP instructor Rachael Chubb-Higgins. The equipment was purchased with a $2.000 donation from the Kamloops Brock Lions Club. She added it allows skiers more independence as it gives instant feedback and the student can lead the guide down the mountain. Levin said his first ever race went well, that the snow was nice and his legs felt strong. “Today went really well,” he said. “The guide (Sharun) communicated really well.” The duo have worked well together, they said. Levin said he appreciates Sharun pushing him to do better. “I won’t push him unless I know I’m comfortable doing it with him,”

Sharun said. “But I know he can do it.” Levin is the first visually impaired skier he’s partnered with but he said it’s working out well. “I’ve had other guides in the past but Johnny has good speed and drills,” Levin said. “I wasn’t sure if I wanted to race but people in and out of the program were telling me that I was really good and should try and I found that I quite enjoy it.” With the chance to try other, smaller courses previously, Levin was noticed by the provincial adaptive skiing team and told he has potential to compete at the paralympics in Beijing, China, in 2022. Sharun, who has volunteered with ASSP for four years, said he would like to get to at least one provincial race before the end of the season to start collecting points and that Levin will need to start more dryland training over the summer for them to seriously pursue racing next season. “If he commits, we commit and we’re all in this together.”

Cross training leads to series success NIKKI FREDRIKSON

PRACTISING HIS SKILLS ON A MOTORIZED SNOW BIKE RATHER THAN A DIRTBIKE LIKE HIS FELLOW COMPETITORS, 10-YEAR-OLD TAVIN KRUTOP DIDN’T LET IT STOP HIM FROM EXCELLING IN THE CANADIAN ARENACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES IN CHILLIWACK, B.C. Krutop finished the early February series second overall in his age class and fifth overall in the 65cc Open category. “For Tavin it’s hard, he goes from snow and minus whatever to hop on your dirtbike and race,” said his dad, Jeremy Krutop. The young competitor travelled to the Lower Mainland for eight series races. Going two days early to get training in, he and his dad battled mechanical issues due to changing climates and the bikes freezing. “We thought we had his bike running good when it was here. It’s so cold I’d take it for a rip up and down the road just

Tavin Krutop prevails in arenacross series to try it out, and we’d get down there, and it just wouldn’t run because of the temperature change,” he said. Already sponsored by RTR Performance and Powder Ventures Excavating, Tavin’s success in the arenacross series didn’t go unnoticed and he signed a sponsorship deal with Parts Canada and Alpinestars. Now they’re preparing for the summer’s outdoor series competitions as Jeremy recognized if Tavin weren’t racing in the arenacross events, he would be off for six months. The upcoming Future West Moto Spring Championships and outdoor series are Tavin’s preferred race series. He said he finds them easier and he feels more prepared than the arenacross series. The Krutops will continue his snow bike training, heading out into the backcountry as much possible before his first outdoor series competition April 13.

VOL 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18

JOHNNY SHARUN AND DAYLIN LEVIN POSE TOGETHER AFTER THEIR FIRST RACE IN THE FRIDAY RACE SERIES. Photo SPIN

Levin said he’s excited about the idea. “I’m excited and nervous. I’m pretty sure as long as I train hard I can get there.” Chubb-Higgins, mother of

Canadian Paralympic athlete Mel Pemble, was excited at the idea of an ASSP student attending the games her daughter did in 2018. “Now we fundraise, for race equipment, skis boots, poles…”

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10-YEAR-OLD TAVIN KRUTOP POSES WITH HIS DIRT BIKE. Photo Supplied

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Palmer drops into strong line and podium finish NIKKI FREDRIKSON

“IT COMES AT A REALLY GOOD TIME FOR ME. I THINK RIGHT TOWARDS THE END OF THE SEASON A LOT OF PEOPLE MIGHT LOSE THE STOKE AND AN EVENT LIKE THIS REALLY BRINGS BACK THE ENERGY INTO SKIING AND THE BACKCOUNTRY,” SAID SOULINES BACKCOUNTRY COMPETITOR BRY PALMER. Competing for the first time in the three day event March 1 to 3 at White Lady Lake in Nelson, B.C., Palmer admitted she wasn’t able to get as much preparation time as she would have liked, having spent this winter season as a U14 coach with the Sun Peaks Alpine Club. But heading into the North Thompson backcountry when she could seemed to pay off as she earned herself a bronze medal finish in the Soulines Big Line competition. “It was quite gratifying. I was slightly surprised. I didn’t feel I skied as aggressively as I could but I knew I made a clean line down, I was quite pleased with that.” Palmer was the eighth competitor out of 39 athletes to drop in after being one of the fastest to recover her transceiver during a mandatory timed beacon search the day before. Due to her start position, she was unable to watch any other competitors lines before dropping in on her own. “There was a lot less snow than there was last year so some of the drops that...we were able to look at with photos of the ridge from the year prior were a lot larger than expected. So that really changed where I had chosen to ski, which of course I decided right at the top,” she said. Heading into her first line she decided to ski solid and clean going from top to bottom without stopping, wanting to be aggressive but not overly confident. “It’s really easy to psych yourself out on the top of the ridge. You just have to be confident in your ability and know that no matter what you’re feeling up at the top you’re good at what you do,” said Palmer. “The moment you start moving is the moment that all your worries go away.” Reflecting on her runs, Palmer said it was nice to know despite not having a lot of time on skis this season she’s still got it.

PALMER COMPETING AT SOULINES. Photo by Lauren Powers

She went to the competition which focuses on building the community of backcountry alone, which she admitted was a bit intimidating, but quickly fell into the camaraderie of basecamp. “It wasn’t really a large worry because of the commonalities between groups and friends that attend these kinds of events, it’s instantaneous friends no matter where you are.” Soulines was created by Jason Gretzinger three years ago with the hope riders could learn about the backcountry, feel safe riding without the worry of avalanches and create a sense of community. “You could see they had done cuts they had people snow cut certain areas to make sure nothing was going to slide. They had safety rangers up at the top and at the bottom. They had an evacuation protocol, almost anything and everything you could think of. Jason and the crew had covered the bases,” said Palmer. Already looking forward to next year Palmer has plans to apply to compete at the event again, recommending anyone who has lost their stoke to check out the event. VOL 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18

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Record numbers attend Nordic Festival JEAN STRONG

MORE COMPETITORS THAN EVER CAME OUT MARCH 16 AND 17 FOR THE ANNUAL SUN PEAKS NORDIC FESTIVAL. Fifty five racers, double 2018’s numbers, took part in Saturday’s TECK Sun Peaks Nordic Sprint Challenge in front of the Village Day Lodge. Competitors from all over

CARMEN MACARTHUR OF KAMLOOPS CAME 6TH IN THE BANTAM GIRLS 10-11 300M SPRINT.

the southern Interior raced on what nordic co-ordinator Phil Youwe called a great course. The next day 130 skiers set out on loppet courses, two, five, 15 and 30 kilometres long. Participation was up 30 per cent from last year. Youwe said the 30 km race was popular with 36 skiers split between skate and classic skiing. The two and five km courses welcomed 45 skiers, mostly between the ages of six and 13. “We had excellent turnout,” he said. “Really great volunteers helped with the event alongside the Nordic club and events group. It was an exemplary effort from all involved for the success of the event. “We have to thank our great sponsors Bula, Swix, Solomon, the Sun Peaks Lodge and Bear Country.” Youwe said they were happy to see the growth over last year. “We’re super excited about the participation of skiers from local skiers to Revelstoke,

THE LOPPET STARTING GATE. Photos Gabe Ostapchuk

Williams Lake, Vancouver, Washington and more. Sun Peaks is getting better known for its Nordic program.” A new timing system also provided state of the art live times for all. In the 30 km skates husband and wife Tim and Ingrid Musselman Bell claimed first in their respective categories. In the 15 km male Sun Peaks’ Ivor McMahen took 8th and in the 5 km male Sun Peaks’ Theo Taylor took 9th and Johannes Campsall took 10th. READY FOR THE START OF THE RACE.

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ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED THIS SEASON, THE SUN PEAKS HOCKEY LEAGUE WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE THOSE THAT HELPED MAKE OUR 10TH SEASON A SUCCESS

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1379 BURFIELD DRIVE | $619,000 BRAND NEW ski-in half duplex under construction with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, located in the family friendly neighbourhood of ‘Burfield’. Basement entry with an over height garage plus additional living area that can be developed. Timber posts and gable accents with front stone detail will accent this mountain home with timeless finishing. Open concept main floor living area with 9 foot ceiling, engineered hardwood flooring, and so much more! 2/5/10 New Home Warranty. GST applies.

NEW LISTING

#65 SETTLER’S CROSSING | $432,000 Adjacent to the new Orient Ridge chairlift, enjoy easy access to 4 season mountain recreation! Pride of ownership is apparent in this never rented, tastefully decorated and well-appointed 1 bed + den condo, offered fully furnished and ready to occupy! Features a cozy gas fireplace, 3 person hot tub on a private deck overlooking greenspace, bright open floor plan, granite countertops, in suite laundry, abundant owner storage. Zoning allows for short term rentals, and Village amenities are a short walk away via the Valley Trail. GST is not applicable.

#8 SNOW CREEK VILLAGE |

$239,500

Exceptional top floor studio in one of the best ski-in, ski-out village locations in Sun Peaks with a spacious covered sundeck and private hot tub with views overlooking the valley and mountains. This comfortable south facing condo features an open living area with full kitchen, heated tile floors, jetted tub in bathroom and is offered furnished. Low monthly strata fees and costs associated with ownership. New hot water tank 2016. GST paid.

NEW LISTING

#458 CAHILTY HOTEL & SUITES | $209,900 Extremely spacious deluxe studio with vaulted ceilings, corner fireplace, full kitchen and separate dining area. Elegantly appointed with one of the best views in the village. Watch panoramic sunsets or the bright morning sun on the face of Tod Mountain. Storage can be a premium, but this property features three different lockable storage areas. The Cahilty has a great slope side location, with true ski-in/ ski-out access. Short walk to all village amenities. Enjoy unlimited owner use plus the benefit of a professional in house rental management team. GST is paid.

#325/327 CAHILTY HOTEL & SUITES | $199,000 Slopeside one bedroom lock-off on the third level in the Cahilty Lodge offers unlimited owner’s use with experienced management in place to rent the property when not being used by the owner. Prime ski-in, ski-out location with views of the ski hill that sleeps up to a family of eight. Efficiency kitchen with new queen size Murphy bed, pullout sofa and full bath on one side that connects to the adjacent room with two double beds, with bar fridge and microwave, plus additional bathroom; GST applicable.

#405 SUNDANCE LODGE | $45,900 Coast Sundance Lodge is full ownership-with the ultimate ski-in, ski-out location! Adjacent studio (#407) is available for sale and has easy access with connecting door. Owners have 180 days per year personal use. This studio suite features 2 beds to accommodate a family of 4, kitchenette with fridge and stove top and covered sundeck with views of Mt. Morrisey. Custom pine furniture and cabinetry compliment this south facing suite. Great lifestyle investment. GST applies.

NEW LISTING

#323 SUNDANCE LODGE | $49,900 Spacious 3rd floor studio suite in centrally located Coast Sundance Lodge. Prime ski-in/ski-out location where skis come on and off right at the ski room door. The property features great south facing views and has its own private sun deck. There is a more than generous kitchen compared to most studios and a cozy corner gas fireplace. The Sundance shared amenities include an exercise room, an outdoor hot tub and secure underground parking. Includes basement storage locker. Offered furnished. GST applicable.

NEW LISTING

#10 THE CABINS | $649,000 Charming 2 storey cedar cabin features 4 bedrooms plus loft, and partially finished basement with separate family room. Spacious comfort, open kitchen with centre island and heated tile area, living room with vaulted ceiling and rock-faced gas fireplace. Main floor has three bedrooms, exclusive top floor master suite with ensuite and walk-in closet. Level parking and entrance to the main floor, with a covered front and side porch. Designed for ease of living with a welcoming and flexible space for the whole family. Fully furnished; GST not applicable. Bareland strata fee $175/month.

#401 FIRESIDE LODGE | $329,900 The Fireside Lodge offers ski-in, ski-out convenience in the heart of the Sun Peaks Village. This bright top floor, fully furnished apartment features full kitchen and open dining/living area with cozy gas fireplace and separate bedroom with owner’s storage. A private outdoor sundeck provides south facing views to Mt. Morrisey. Shared outdoor hot tub, ski & bike storage facilities, coin laundry, inviting lobby with fireplace, heated underground parking and ground level restaurants and shopping. GST is applicable.

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VOL 17 ISSUE 03 MARCH 22 — APRIL 18