Sun Peaks Independent News, Volume 22, Issue 5

A helicopter flies in parts for the West Bowl Chairlift.

Photo by Sam Loxton

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.

IN THIS ISSUE

05

MEET YOUR NEW REPORTER

Sun Peaks Independent News welcomes Nicole Perry as our new community reporter.

06

THIS MONTH AT COUNCIL

For comments, questions and concerns contact us at: brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

Visit us: sunpeaksnews.com editor@sunpeaksnews.com 213 - 1130 Sun Peaks Rd. Sun Peaks, B.C.

BRANDI SCHIER

Publisher brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

ANAM RAHMAN

Partnerships Specialist anam@sunpeaksnews.com

HOLLIE FERGUSON

Community Editor editor@sunpeaksnews.com

NICOLE PERRY

Community Journalist nicole@sunpeaksnews.com

SHAY PAUL

Contributor

CHRIS PAYNE

Layout & Graphic Designer

This month at council is a monthly version of This Week At Council, our bi-weekly newsletter where we recap recent Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality Council meetings. Sign up for the newsletter at sunpeaksnews.com.

07

AARON MACDONALD STEPS INTO THE ROLE OF CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER AT SUN PEAKS RESORT LLP

With a promotion to chief marketing officer, Aaron Macdonald has some new ideas on how to build the resort’s image and bring people in.

08

THIS YEAR’S SKI SEASON IN SUN PEAKS: A WINTER RECAP

The village continues to be a desired tourist destination, despite a dip in skier visitation this year.

09

SUN PEAKS RESIDENTS SHOULD PREPARE FOR A DRY SUMMER BY MONITORING WATER USAGE EARLY

Stage two water restrictions are in place and residents are urged to follow water conservation guidelines.

12

SUN PEAKS LOCAL TAKES A BIG STEP IN BATTLING PARKINSON’S DISEASE AFTER A SUCCESSFUL SURGERY

Since receiving deep brain stimulation therapy, Ryan Oevermann has seen improvement in his motor movement impacted by Parkinson’s Disease.

14

RED DRESS DAY CELEBRATED ON THE RUNWAY

Over a two-day fashion festival, nine designers were showcased to celebrate Indigenous culture and bring awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit.

16

WILDFIRE SEASON IS HERE, AND SUN PEAKS FIRE RESCUE URGES ALL TO PREPARE

As members of the fire rescue undergo their own training, there are many ways the public can prepare for wildfire season.

18

PUZZLES

Can you tackle this month’s crossword? Plus, a new Sudoku and the answers to last month’s puzzles.

22

EVENTS

Check out local and regional events happening soon.

EDITOR'S NOTE

In April’s issue, SPIN’s story A sneak peek into Switchback Creek and Alder Estates, neglected to mention REMAX Alpine Resort Realty Corp. as a marketer and seller of Alder Estates. This omission has been corrected in the online version of this story, which can be found at sunpeaksnews.com. One of our values at Sun Peaks Independent News is to be accurate in every instance and if we fail, to be transparent in our corrections. We apologize for any inconvenience or misunderstanding this omission may have caused.

Hollie Ferguson, Editor & Brandi Schier, Publisher

MEET YOUR NEW REPORTER

Sun Peaks Independent News welcomes Nicole Perry as our new community reporter.

By Sun Peaks Independent News Staff

Nicole Perry has been in love with writing since she learned how to. She always wanted a career involving storytelling and soon discovered she’d rather immerse herself in stories than simply write them.

After a year in general arts at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), she decided to apply for the journalism program and see how she liked it. Four years later, journalism has become an undeniably perfect fit as she’s discovered how enjoyable it is to learn about everything and everyone in her community.

Growing up in Smithers, B.C., Nicole adapted to life in a small town while also fighting the urge to travel the world.

While working on articles and radio stories in Kamloops, she identified and experienced countless positive aspects of the community and area surrounding it, which helped her make the decision to stay close by, rather than relocate to a bigger city as she had initially wanted.

Nicole’s lifestyle in Smithers gave her an appreciation for the outdoors that she’s excited to reconnect with in Sun Peaks after years of living in Kamloops without reliable transportation to take her away from downtown.

As for Sun Peaks specifically, the prospect of spending her days off in a resort town is as much of a highlight as getting to work with and report on the amazing people who live in and visit the village. Being new to this area is one of the most exciting parts of the job for her, as she loves getting to know new people and new places.

Here are a few questions we asked Nicole to help you get to know her better!

SPIN: What excites you about reporting on the community in Sun Peaks?

NP: “I think the fact that it’s a hub for so much activity and so many different people coming in and out makes for really exciting reporting. It’s a

very new experience for me to be living in a resort town and I don’t know exactly what to expect but everything up here interests me, so I know it will be an enjoyable experience.”

This is your first community reporting job outside of school and internships, what are you most eager to learn about reporting in the real world?

“In school we’re given a lot longer to work on individual stories and I’m going to have to learn to adapt to a bit faster pace in gathering and distributing news. I do enjoy staying busy so more than anything I’m excited to be a part of that world. I’m most looking forward to making new connections, especially from the different angle I’ll have as a reporter rather than a student.”

What do you hope will come about as a result of your local reporting?

“I always hope my stories make an impact no matter how big or small. Whether touching on a serious topic and shining a light on it or promoting an uplifting event, I’ll always aspire to remove unnecessary negativity from stories and ensure the community feels heard.”

Outside of reporting, what are you most looking forward to in terms of connecting with Sun Peaks and the people who live here?

“I’ve only been up here a few times and each time I’ve talked to the most easy going people and I love it. The people who live here just have a magnetic energy that I can’t wait to surround myself with. I also can’t wait to experience winters here and skiing all the time.”

Nicole Perry is Sun Peaks Independent News’ new reporter.

Photo by Luke Redgrove

THIS MONTH AT COUNCIL

This month at council is a monthly version of our bi-weekly newsletter where we recap recent Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality Council meetings. Sign up for the newsletter at sunpeaksnews.com.

By Nicole Perry

Council approved Privacy Management Program policies that included a Privacy Breach Investigation Policy and a Privacy and Confidentiality Management Policy. This ensures that private information isn't shared when not supposed to and that there is a transparency of how private information is stored.

Sun Peaks’ director of finance, Cheryl TaylorGale, asked for support from council for an application to the Union of BC Municipalities Asset Management Planning Program grant that will provide funding to update Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality’s own asset management plan. The application is for $25,000, which will help with the needs of new infrastructure for water/wastewater and support the growing community. Council approved this motion.

Council then authorized staff to sign a line of credit agreement with CIBC up to $500,000 at prime rate with no fees for the year 2024.

Next, council gave three readings to the financial bylaws. The main consideration

discussed was an increase in taxes for businesses. After discussion, council passed an amendment specifying revenue from the extra taxation would go toward the affordable nonmarket employee housing strategy.

Director of infrastructure Clint Burton presented an updated Development Cost Charges Bylaw that has been altered to align with the needs of the Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Plan (WWIP) and the latest Master Development Plan. There’s still a ways to go before this bylaw is ready for adoption.

The Building Regulation Bylaw was adopted by council, with discussion about later ensuring that not only must developers submit landscape plans to the municipality, which is stated in this bylaw, but also a way to ensure follow through.

Lastly, council decided they would be contacting the Ministry of Transportation to update repair work on the main highway coming up to the resort, since they’ve seen degrading in spots that haven’t been looked at yet.

SPIN SPOTLIGHT

Sun Peaks Independent News shines a spotlight on community events, wins and more!

The Sun Peaks Events team donated $2,211 from the winter 2023-24 Stoke Series and Garden Party terrain park events to assist the Sun Peaks Skate Park Foundation in bringing a high quality, free use skate park to Sun Peaks. Stoke Series and Garden Party sponsors include Elevation Bike, Ski & Board, McSporties, The TRUTH, Bottoms Bar & Grill, Put it in the Bowl, 4West, Ghost Story, MARA, YUKI and Nothing in the Pantry.

Sun Peaks Bear Aware recently received a grant of $1,485 from Sun Peaks Rotary, which they presented at the May 5 Trash Bash.

“Funds will be used to purchase a booth display and set up equipment, which will allow Sun Peaks Bear Aware to increase their presence at a variety of community events, and by doing so further our efforts in community engagement and education,” Irene Kastner told SPIN.

The Sun Peaks Skate Park Foundation receives a donation from Sun Peaks Events team. Photo by Sun Peaks Resort via Facebook

This month at council shares everything SPIN learns from covering Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality, which meets at Sun Peaks Centre, above. Photo by Zuzy Rocka

(L) Bradley Munro of Sun Peaks Bear Aware (SPBA), Jim Alix of Rotary Club of Sun Peaks, Kim Grunling of SPBA and Irene Kastner of SPBA accept a grant. Photo submitted by Irene Kastner

AARON MACDONALD STEPS INTO THE ROLE OF CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER AT SUN PEAKS RESORT LLP

With a promotion to chief marketing officer, Aaron Macdonald has some new ideas on how to build the resort’s image and bring people in.

By Nicole Perry

Aaron Macdonald has recently moved from his position as director of marketing to chief marketing officer at Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR). He calls this a “dream job” for him and is excited to bring his ideas into this higher executive role.

When his predecessor Aidan Kelly left, Macdonald said there was a gap to fill and he started trying to help with that role as well as his own.

“After six months of working with some pretty amazing people on the executive team and the leadership team I was promoted,” he said.

He’s still taking on both the responsibilities of his old position and the new one, but can now hire someone to take his old spot and take some of the load off.

Filling his new role

His position involves what he called “bigger picture stuff” that he didn’t see as director of marketing.

“The real big marketing oversight, the partnerships, the sponsorships, the relationship management with key vendors,” he said, listing part of what he’s looking at now. “Then all the other little projects that go on, like supporting the HR department, supporting food and beverage, supporting elevation, the retail departments as well.”

Macdonald hopes to engage the community and dispel any “don’t talk to the big, bad corp” notions.

“It's like the new generation,” he said, talking about some of the employment changes at SPR and Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP). “We're working really close and hand-in-hand, to really establish that community.”

As he met with SPIN outside the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel, the collaboration with members of SPR and TSP was apparent as many from various departments stopped to chat.

Having been in his previous position at Sun Peaks for only a year, he said his team at SPR has been helpful in giving him the history of the resort, making this transition much easier for him.

“Just in general, working with my colleagues on the executive and the leadership side of things has been great,” he added.

He’s come to SPR and moved up with a background in digital design and brand development, which gives him a different lens as to how he’ll work to market the resort.

“Probably the best part of this is just building upon things that have always been in the background that some people have just always wanted to do but there wasn't a budget, or there wasn't time to do it.”

What’s new at sun peaks resort?

One of Macdonald’s biggest goals right now is bringing the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel (SPG) and SPR together on the marketing side of things.

“We have such a killer marketing team,” he said about SPR. “We have that creative, we have that content copywriting, we have all the cool content development infrastructure already in place. We can kind of tie both [SPR and SPG] together, because we have the resources.”

A lot is being planned this summer for the 25th anniversary of the bike park.

“We're running a whole bunch of summer activities,” he said. “From Season Pass holder appreciation events to opening day festivities to locals days and industry days.”

Some initiatives are soon to be unveiled, such as the releasing of artists names for the redesign of the valley trail banners here in Sun Peaks.

What he said is important is having a way to set Sun Peaks apart from other resorts.

“At the end of the day, we just want to do things differently so that we can get more guests coming here and they fall in love with the resort.”

Currently, he said this is being done by working on emotion-based campaigns.

”There's a possible campaign that we've been doing with respect to just having more faces rather than writing-based stuff,” he explained.

Macdonald believes showcasing this side of things will evoke more feelings in people that will draw them in, especially if some of the imagery feels nostalgic to them.

“I really want to innovate and elevate, and really just work with TSP to create that wow factor for the resort,” he said.

Aaron Macdonald, chief marketing officer at Sun Peaks Resort LLP in Sun Peaks Village.

Photo submitted by Aaron Macdonald

THIS YEAR’S SKI SEASON IN SUN PEAKS: A WINTER RECAP

Visitors and overnight guests

The village continues to be a desired tourist destination, despite a dip in skier visitation this year.

By Nicole Perry

This year’s winter season in Sun Peaks saw a decrease in skier visitation from the previous year, but brought in more overnight visitors.

Chief operating officer for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR), Amy Blakeney told SPIN while skier visitation was down 8.7 per cent from last year, it was still their second highest in history.

The number of season passes sold going into the season was comparable to the previous season and of the 40 per cent of visitors who purchased day passes, 54 per cent were out of province or international.

Since they joined the Ikon Pass two years ago, SPR has seen a 83 per cent increase in Ikon visitation according to Blakeney.

Purchasing an Ikon Pass grants someone access to over fifty ski destinations worldwide, including SPR.

“About 50 per cent of our Ikon visitors were actually from Washington state,” she said. “And why that's important too, is that they're traditionally spending more as destination guests [and] they're staying overnight.”

According to Naomi Kerchinsky, executive director for Tourism Sun Peaks, there was a 13 per cent improvement of nights sold in hotels, although together with an eight per cent decrease in vacation rental numbers, the rise in accommodation totaled a four per cent increase.

The lower-than-average snowpack this year affected the local market more than anything, Kerchinsky explained. SPR did not get the same amount of Kamloops day pass holders as the previous year, but the tourism market wasn’t as affected.

Independent business owners in the village selling food, drinks and beyond reported no notable change in business from the previous year Kerchinsky added.

Notable months in the 2023/2024 ski season

November stood out to Blakeney as the hill opened as planned on Nov. 18, though with limited runs open.

“This was probably the busiest November I have ever seen,” Blakeney said. She’s been with SPR since 2015.

Each month had different success rates.

For example, Blakeney said February was their strongest month this season.

“It wasn't record breaking for us on the ski hill side, but it actually came pretty close.”

As usual, Blakeney said the last two weeks after the March break period got a bit quieter. To try and offset this, the resort did a promotion for anyone who held a ski pass such as Ikon or Epic at resorts worldwide to get a 50 per cent discount.

“For the worldwide pass promotion for the final two weeks of the season, we saw an increase of 136 per cent in reciprocal day ticket sales compared to the same period last year,” she said.

Additionally, the accommodation numbers for March were actually up 30 per cent according to Kerchinsky.

“We're always going to see lower traffic at the beginning of December and the end of March,” she said. “So that's why we put our efforts in the Sip, Savour and Ski festival to try to add in late season events.”

While SPR was lower in revenue for that period than was expected or budgeted for according to Blakeney, she said it aligned with the lower skier visitation.

“Our NPS for this year was 88 per cent for winter, which is very, very strong,” she said, however. An NPS, or Net Promoter Score, is based on a question the resort asks guests on their likelihood to recommend SPR to family, friends and colleagues.

“All in all, with the snowpack as it was this year, we had a pretty solid year for occupancy and a very strong winter,” Kerchinsky said.

While slower than last year’s record breaking ski season, 2023/2024 still brought many to Sun Peaks Resort. Photo by Zuzy Rocka

SUN PEAKS RESIDENTS SHOULD PREPARE FOR A DRY SUMMER BY MONITORING WATER USAGE EARLY

Stage two water restrictions are in place and residents are urged to follow water conservation guidelines.

By Nicole Perry

With a lower than average snowpack this year, projections for a dry summer will affect Sun Peaks’ water restrictions.

Sun Peaks’ director of infrastructure Clint Burton, told SPIN as of April 1, “We were at 71 per cent of the normal snowpack this time of year for the North Thompson.”

“For a lot of water in this area, it gets frozen solid over winter,” Burton said. “Over the course of the year it melts, and constantly provides water into the streams and all those sorts of things.”

Burton’s goal is to get ahead of the low streamflow reports that are to be expected as the dry season begins by proactively getting the Sun Peaks public to follow stage two water restrictions.

“It's a lot easier for us to move from stage two to stage three than it is to go from stage one to stage three,” he explained.

Current conditions and projections for the summer

Through B.C.’s drought portal you can see snowpack and streamflow levels, which Burton reiterated are already below normal.

Sun Peaks gets its water mainly from groundwater wells, which Burton said have been around for awhile.

“Anything we can do to minimize water use will take the burden off those groundwater wells,” he said.

Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) received a grant of nearly $4.6 million to build a supply pipeline from a surface reservoir into their treatment plant.

This surface reservoir was built in the last few years at the top of Sundance. It acts as a secondary water supply source, although currently only during the winter, when they share the snowmaking line with the resort.

“Then we use groundwater for the rest of the year,” he said.

Knowing they may not get as much water in the surface reservoir this year, he said they’ll be monitoring groundwater production levels this summer.

What can we do to help?

At the end of last summer, water restrictions in Sun Peaks went to stage two on the advice of the provincial government. Burton will continue meeting with the government every two weeks, and following stage two restrictions now will help mitigate worsening drought conditions before they get more serious.

"If there's a really busy bike season and tourism season up here, there's more people using facilities, having showers and that's just that's something that's completely out of our control,” he said. However, as residents of Sun Peaks, there are some things you can do to lessen drought impacts.

Small actions like running the dishwasher and laundry at full capacity are useful in decreasing water usage, Burton said.

“Hoses for use outside, should have spring loaded shut-offs,” he added, to ensure hoses don’t keep running unnecessarily.

For irrigation he said, “typically, even numbered addresses can sprinkle on even days, and odd numbered addresses can sprinkle on odd days.”

Now in stage two, it’s one day a week per property.

“Even numbered addresses on Wednesdays, odd numbers addresses on Tuesdays.”

McGilivray Creek, outside of SPIN office. Photo By Nicole Perry

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SUN PEAKS LOCAL TAKES A BIG STEP IN BATTLING PARKINSON’S DISEASE AFTER A SUCCESSFUL SURGERY

Since receiving deep brain stimulation therapy, Ryan Oevermann has seen improvement in his motor movement impacted by Parkinson’s Disease.

By Nicole Perry

While recovering from a recent surgery, Ryan Oevermann, a Sun Peaks local and Taekwon-Do instructor, expressed optimism for his future with Parkinson’s Disease.

On Feb. 27, Oevermann had the opportunity to undergo deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy, a surgery that could improve his muscular responses using electric stimuli.

Pinned to the top of his facebook page, Oevermann’s post from July 20, 2021 defined Parkinson’s as “a progressively debilitating neurological impairment by which the brain doesn't produce enough dopamine, a neurotransmitter that essentially affects communication between the brain and the muscles.”

There are some symptoms he doesn’t have that others with the disease may, and that wouldn’t be addressed by the insertion of the DBS device.

“This device works only for motor movements,” he said. “So if you have problems with muscles, whatever it may be, this device will help.”

His symptoms were progressively getting worse before he was able to get the procedure done.

“I couldn't write, I couldn't speak, I couldn't walk, I couldn’t type,” he said.

After his device was activated, Oevermann said he experienced a profound and noticeable improvement.

“I literally felt like I was back from the dead.”

Ryan Oevermann at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre, post deep brain stimulation therapy.

Photo by Nicole Perry

Undergoing surgery

The initial surgery is something Oevermann described as “a surreal experience.”

“You’re awake for the first half,” he said. “This is the scary part.”

During this part of the procedure, they numb your skull and put a cage on. He described the sawing into his head as the sound you hear at the dentist.

“It’s not painful, but it’s creepy,” he explained.

Then they insert probes that penetrate the part of the brain responsible for motor movements.

Oevermann pointed out the “power chord” running down into the neurostimulator device that was implanted in his chest while unconscious. Though not turned on when first surgically inserted, this is the device that produces the electrical pulses to stimulate the brain.

Improvement in symptoms

“Before I went into surgery, I was Parkinsonian,” Oevermann said. He pulled out a chart which sectioned his days into on and off based on his severity of symptoms.

“Green is good,” he said. “Grey is bad, grey is off.”

Without medication or when the medication is not working, he described himself as off. On these days, he experienced shuffle stepping, loss of balance and control of his muscles and slurring his speech or not speaking correctly.

When the chart read green, he said he could talk and walk normally, which meant the medication he takes was working.

Since the device was activated, his charts have gone from mostly grey to green.

The surgery, according to him, had about a two to three per cent risk of something going wrong, but any risk is a consideration when it’s your head being drilled into.

“I had no other way to go, the medication wasn’t working,” he said. “So I had to, it was a Hail Mary.”

Next steps

The goal with this surgery for Oevermann is to transition off his medication. He’s still taking it currently, but at a much lower dose.

He’ll continue going back to Vancouver each week for the next few weeks. “Then it'll probably plateau at some point either off medication completely or with some minimal amounts,” he said. “Every six months I’ll go back and get checked up again.”

He’s back at work as a head waiter at the restaurant at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Conference Centre and is teaching Taekwon-Do again as well. He said he’s been awake, sharp and speaking clearly, and his coworkers have noticed.

“I have a lot of hope,” he said. “I don’t think I’m done with Parkinson’s, but I haven’t been symptomatic because of the device.”

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RED DRESS DAY CELEBRATED ON THE RUNWAY

Over

a two-day fashion festival, nine designers were showcased to celebrate Indigenous culture and bring awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit

By Shay Paul

Over the span of May 4 and 5, the Revolutions Fashion Festival took over the Northside Hangar at the Kamloops Airport in Secwepemcúl’ecw to celebrate and bring awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and TwoSpirit (MMIWG2S+). The festival showcased nine designers and featured several live performances.

The first day started with a prayer from Elder Carol Smith and a drumming performance from Women of Turtle Island. This all-female drum group is based in the Sylix territory and brings awareness to how art and culture can be healing tools. The hangar was also filled with audience members and Indigenous vendors.

The fashion collections ranged from more traditional buckskin work to more contemporary ribbon pieces like the work from local and debuting designer Elizabeth Spike of the St’at’imc and Nlaka’pamux First Nation community.

The Revolutions Fashion Festival welcomed seasoned fashion designers as well as emerging designers. The work of 21-year-old Sierra William saw the runway for the first time on Saturday night. At the end of the night, audience members were treated to an impactful ballet performance by model, dancer and actor Dannicka Kequahtooway.

May 5, the second day of the festival, brought the iconic red dress symbol front-and-centre, starting with David Chen’s collection. Chen, the founder of the Vancouver Fashion Festival, also helped produce the show alongside event organizer, Kim Coltman.

The work of Crystal Lang was dedicated to her late husband, whose passion and support helped their clothing business thrive in vibrancy. Before the festival's finale, audience members

were invited into the runway space to participate in a friendship dance while the Women of Turtle Island drummed.

The organizer and CEO of Fashion Speaks International, Kim Coltman, shared her story as a survivor and why supporting Indigenous women and girls is so important to her. As the festival came to a close, she thanked the audience as the hangar door began to lift.

The designers and models joined hands as music resumed playing, and they walked out of the airport hangar together.

One of the dresses in the Crystal Lang Collection. Photo by Shay Paul

2024 Revolutions Red Dress Fashion Festival finale. Photo by Shay Paul

2024 Revolutions Red Dress Fashion Festival finale. Photo by Shay Paul

WILDFIRE SEASON IS HERE, AND SUN PEAKS FIRE RESCUE URGES ALL TO PREPARE

As members of the fire rescue undergo their own training, there are many ways the public can prepare for wildfire season.

By Nicole Perry

Sun Peaks Fire Rescue (SPFR) prevention officer, James Griffiths, chatted with SPIN about how the public can prepare for wildfire season with a dry summer approaching.

“Most of the talk is that it's going to be a drier and warmer spring and summer than usual,” said Griffiths, who recently attended a FireSmart resiliency and training summit. “Which obviously, isn't great with the drought conditions that we have in a lot of B.C.”

This summit was a month earlier than usual and he said 250 firefighters and wildfire personnel attended training days followed by their biggest ever conference.

“More people are definitely concerned about fire seasons moving forward, but everybody's getting prepared as they can be,” he said of firefighting teams across British Columbia. “Everybody is obviously seeing that wildfire seasons are getting worse, and the benefits to creating a resilient community.”

How Sun Peaks Fire Rescue prepares for wildfire season

Members of SPFR have been undergoing cross-training with BC Wildfire. Four members did the Engine Boss course, one did the Task Force/Strike Team Leader Level 1 course, 14 new members did the Wildland Firefighter Level 1 course and 19 of their firefighters participated in a Structural Protection Workshop.

“As a department, we're pretty proactive with training,” he said. “And it's only increasing year on year.”

Griffiths reiterated the importance of the public doing their part. The most efficient way to ensure fires don’t get out of control is by following the FireSmart guide, which can be found online at firesmartbc.ca.

“Having that non-combustible zone around your home makes a huge impact in the event that we do get a wildfire here.”

He advised cleaning roofs and gutters as part of this.

“We're offering a free curbside community chipping day again this year,” he said. “Residents can clean up the yard's brush and tree limbs, and we have a contract crew come up then dispose of it for them.”

This aspect of FireSmarting property is especially important early in the season, as fires can build in brush and dry, dead vegetation.

“It's embers that start the fires,” he said. “And if you've got long piles, or furniture or decking, it's somewhere that embers can accumulate.”

Curbside community chipping day will be May 27 this year.

Signs around Sun Peaks will be updated to reflect the fire danger rating.

Photo by Nicole Perry

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Sun Peaks Fire Hall.

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MUSICAL COUNTDOWN

by Barbara Olson © ClassiCanadian Crosswords

by Barbara Olson © ClassiCanadian Crosswords

1 Possess, in Paisley

4 Lead-in to a nickname

7 Millionaire role for Adam Sandler

14 Gradual absorption

16 Slip-on shoes

17 Beatles song title containing a number

19 ___ de Triomphe

20 Marlon's "Godfather" role

21 Stevie Nicks song title containing a number

29 "Riddle-me-___" (kid's rhyme)

30 Spray-on cooking oil brand

31 "That's ___me" ("Really?")

32 Lay on the charm

35 "... ___ a puddy tat!"

36 Styx song title containing a number

40 NAFTA, for one

41 Car lifts, in a garage

42 Cooks veggies in vapour

45 Fa followers, in a carol

46 "Do ___ Diddy Diddy" (1964 song)

49 Commodores song title containing a number

53 Diddly-squat 54 "... and took from thence ___" : "Paradise Lost" 55 Blondie song titlle containing a number

Will supplement

"Why, certainly!", to the French

Gives a licking?

24 Sussex Dr. residents, for short

It may be taken before a trip?

1 Hilarious blunder

2 Just slightly

3 Come to the surface

4 "Just ___ suspected"

5 Prime Minister between Brian and Jean

6 Donkey kin

7 1064, in Roman numerals

8 Making a big stink, maybe

9 The get-go

10 It's no mark of genius

11 Hirer's "we don't discriminate" abbr.

12 Joanne of '50s filmdom

13 Uzbekistan or Ukraine, once: Abbr.

15 First word of a fairy tale, often

18 "___ got a funny feeling ..."

22 Tanker grp.

23 Lose oomph

24 Make a mash of, in slang

25 Bird's building materials

26 Bible book before Job: Abbr.

27 State in French?

28 When to call, in infomercials

32 Plant "hair"

33 Dove's cry

34 Send a return with a click

36 Well-worn trail

37 Bakery's "Happy Birthday" writer, maybe

Those: Sp.

"___ crying shame"

Dennis the ___ (comic strip)

May

MAY 17

From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., join Kayla Alfred, Yoga Alliance continuing education provider, for a public speaking and leadership workshop at Sun Peaks Yoga. Get more information and register online at sunpeaksyoga.ca.

MAY 17

The Sun Peaks Golf Course opens from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. due to snow on the back nine, just the first nine holes will be open.

MAY 18 - JUNE 1

Vertical Cafe will be continuing the Comfort Food Dinner Series every Saturday, service starting at 6 p.m., with a three-course dinner based around a different comfort food each week for $29 plus taxes and gratuity.

ONGOING UNTIL MAY 19

Sun Peaks Bike Park is launching an ambassador team for the 2024 bike season, with eight spaces available. If you’re interested in applying, learn more at sunpeaksresort.com. The deadline is May 19, good luck everyone!

MAY 23

Bottoms Bar & Grill is hosting a fundraising event to support the build of Whitecroft’s new park and playground. Get your pre-sale ticket at Ohana for $45 and don’t miss out on a BBQ dinner, silent auction, 50/50 and more!

MAY 30 - JUNE 1

Kamloops Wine and Beverage Festival starts May 30 with Cheese the Day, a wine and food pairing. There’s also a Grand Wine Tasting on June 1 from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Get your tickets at kamloopswinefestival.ca!

EVENTS

MAY 7 - JUNE 14

ONGOING UNTIL MAY 31

Tourism Sun Peaks is electing a Non-Hotel Lodging Director for a two-year term. All nomination forms must be received by the office of Tourism Sun Peaks by May 31, 2024. A nominee must be nominated by at least two Tourism Sun Peaks members and the nominations are open to anyone. The form is available at sunpeaksresort.com.

June

JUNE 2

Sun Peaks community garden hosts their annual plant sale. Keep updated by checking out their facebook page, at Sun Peaks Community Garden.

JUNE 6

The OK, Dope stand up comedy tour is coming to Kamloops with Jane Stanton, featuring Nash Park. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show is at 8 p.m. Visit ok-dope.com for tickets and more information.

ONGOING UNTIL JUNE 7

Early bird summer camp registration at Western Canada Theatre in Kamloops is available until June 7. They’re offering classes in theatre for ages ranging from four to 18. Register online by going to wctlive.ca.

JUNE 8

The 5k foam fest is happening in Sun Peaks on June 8. It’s a fun, foam filled run with obstacles like hurdles, walls, a mud crawl, a rope climb and more! Register online at raceroster.com.

JUNE 9-OCTOBER 13

Sun Peaks is having a market day each Sunday starting June 9. The Sun Peaks Market Day includes products from local farmers, ranchers and artisan, that you can pick up while strolling through the village from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

26 Snow Creek Village, Sun Peaks, BC

$1,099,999 +GST

2 Bed | 2 Bath, 1156 sq.ft., Zoned TA-1

Ski-in, ski-out 3-storey townhome with extensive list of upgrades South facing sunny deck. Private garage. Furnished with hot tub. Zoned for nightly rentals.

The Residences, Sun Peaks, BC

From $88,000 +GST

Quarter-share Condo-Hotel, Zoned CC-1

Ski-in, ski-out with slopeside heated outdoor swimming pool, hot tubs, fitness center, ski/bike valet & room service.

47 Settler's Crossing, Sun Peaks, BC

$754,000 +GST

2 Bed | 2 Bath, 897 sq.ft., Zoned TA-1

Ski-in, ski-out with private hot tub, cozy gas fireplace, hardwood upgrade, owner's ski locker & large storage cage. Furnished. Zoned for nightly rentals.

Sundance Lodge, Sun Peaks, BC

From $137,000 +GST

Condo-Hotel units with 180 days owner use, Zoned CC-1

Ski-in, ski-out with desirable village location. Outdoor hot tub, exercise room, laundry, underground parking, with in-house management team. Furnished.

$549,000 LOTS STARTING AT

Welcome To The Building Site Of Your Dreams

2556 Golden Horn Road, Heffley, BC

$1,599,000 GST N/A

5 Bed | 3 Bath, 1712 sq.ft., Zoned AF-1

Cottage on Heffley Lake with detached garage, workshop & studio suite. Private dock, large mulit-level sundeck with hot tub & outdoor shower.

4119 Sundance Drive, Sun Peaks, BC

$3,399,000 GST N/A

4 Bed | 5 Bath, 4059 sq.ft., Zoned RS-1

Ski-in, ski-out slopeside home with self-contained 2-bedroom legal suite. Soaring windows, radiant in-floor heat, HRV, hot tub, & oversized double car garage.

Discover the perfect blend of mountain living and outdoor adventures at Alder Estates! Adjacent to Sun Peaks Golf Course, these 16 lots offer prime access to skiing and biking. Zoned for short-term rentals, they provide a unique opportunity for investors or dream-home builders. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind mountain retreat. GST applies. Visit alder-estates.ca for more information.

PHOTO CREDIT: BLAKE JORGENSON