The Northern Lights shine over Sun Peaks, Oct. 10.
Photo by Maria Davis
$1,050,000
6 Powder Heights, Sun Peaks, BC
PROPERTY FEATURES
BED: 3 BATH: 2 FURNISHED 1,166 SQ.FT.
ZONED TA-2 | BUILT IN 2023
PROPERTY OVERVIEW
Panoramic views and superb ski-in/ski-out access at Powder Heights! Sun Peaks’ latest alpine development offers a mountain retreat that can serve as a turnkey investment for short-term rentals. Situated on the desirable golf course ridge, it boasts sweeping valley views from the balcony.
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20 - 4000 Sundance Drive Sun Peaks, BC
BED: 1 BATH: 1 FURNISHED 606 SQ.FT.
ZONED RESIDENTIAL | GST N/A
$499,500
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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
MACARENA MANTILLA
Contributing Reporter
CHRIS PAYNE
Layout & Graphic Designer
IN THIS ISSUE
06
THIS MONTH AT COUNCIL
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.
08
OPPORTUNITY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION EVENTS MISSED IN SUN PEAKS
Residents could attend events in nearby communities, but no commemorations were held in the village.
09
SKWLĀX TE SECWEPEMCÚL ECW ELDERS BLESS ART AND ARTIFACTS AT SUN PEAKS CENTRE
The new installation is on display in the great hall of the Sun Peaks Centre.
10
MEET THE THREE SNOWBOARDERS REPRESENTING SUN PEAKS ON THE BC SNOWBOARD SLOPESTYLE TEAM
BC Snowboard has developed the rosters for their provincial teams this winter, and three Sun Peaks snowboarders made the slopestyle team.
11
THE BC BUILDS PROGRAM AIMS TO DELIVER MIDDLE-INCOME RENTAL HOUSING TO SUN PEAKS
BC Housing is helping Sun Peaks fill a gap in the housing market with the BC Builds program.
14
TK’EMLÚPS AND CITY OF KAMLOOPS HONOUR SURVIVORS FOR FIRST COLLABORATIVE TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION EVENT
‘In order for us to move forward for the next seven generations, we have to acknowledge the seven generations before us with history,’ Nikki Fraser, Tk'emlups te Secwépemc councillor says.
16
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT VOTING IN THE B.C. ELECTION
What electoral district am I in? Who are the candidates? When is it again? All the election basics, covered.
18
KAMLOOPS-NORTH THOMPSON CANDIDATES RESPOND TO READER QUESTIONS
Candidates answer your top questions about housing, climate change and health care.
20 EVENTS
Check out local and regional events happening soon.
23
PUZZLES
Can you tackle this month’s crossword? Plus, a new Sudoku and the answers to last month’s puzzles.
Become
THIS MONTH AT COUNCIL
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.
By Nicole Perry
Financial updates
With a few amendments, council adopted the Asset Disposal Policy presented by the director of finance, Cheryl Taylor-Gale. This is part of Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality’s (SPMRM) work to update the Asset Management Plan.
In the name of the Housing Authority, council authorized a new bank account with CIBC. By signing it, they are currently responsible for the bank account, although that may change later as the Housing Authority develops and a committee is formed.
Presentation: Off-
Season Tourism Infrastructure
Stormy Lake Consulting presented a strategy to build Sun Peaks as an energetic destination that’s not entirely dependent on seasonal lift operations.
This project is 80 per cent grant funded and a collaboration between Sun Peaks Resort LLP and Tourism Sun Peaks with engagement from SPMRM and local businesses.
They plan to build a viewing platform for an elevated mountain top experience where activities can be held and a lower mountain aerial adventure course that isn’t dependent on lift operations to be in use.
A third aspect they included in this presentation is weaving in Indigenous culture to tell the full story of Sun Peaks. Not included in the initial plan development, they noted that they are aware SPMRM is still working on building relationships with Indigenous partners.
Next steps with this project include the opportunity for public engagement, after meeting with all involved parties to straighten out a few details such as operation management.
Ice rink operations
The week of Nov. 4 will mark the opening of the Sun Peaks Skating Rink and employees have all been
hired and are undergoing training to be ready for the season. The new boards are set to arrive Oct. 15 and repairs on the roof are completed. The repairs on the roof are described as a “temporary fix,” expected to hold up for at least two years, at which time the repairs will either be temporarily fixed again or the roof will have to be replaced.
Staff reports
Regarding the Municipal Water Supply Pipeline, after looking over a few proposals for design and engineering, director of infrastructure Clint Burton presented that TRUE Consulting was chosen, with a value of $397,018.
This month’s staff report included a few instances regarding short-term rental properties.
One instance of excessive vehicles was resolved quickly. A second instance had to do with a noise complaint during the Labour Day long weekend and the property owner was fined.
The BC Provincial Short-Term Rental Portal sent notifications to six listings, five that belonged to previous owners and one with an outstanding fine.
Sign up for SPIN's municipal newslettter at sunpeaksnews.com.
Photo by Kyle James/Sun Peaks Independent News
Three of the previous owners removed their listings, as well as the owner with the fine. The remaining two units were sent notices and only one remains listed. Removal methods are in progress.
Fines were issued to 15 properties advertising on short-term rental platforms without a business license and there were three additional fines issued for operating contrary to zoning.
Outside of short-term rental properties there were two other noise complaints that have been addressed by Bylaw along with a trespassing instance at the rink. All instances have been resolved. Following a voicemail complaint about multiple hot tubs being dropped off and a forklift outside of a home on Fairways Drive, the homeowner was given a warning for use contrary to zoning.
Director of infrastructure Clint Burton gave an update as to the Boil Water Advisory and Water Restriction Advisory that occurred over the weekend. A leak in the wastewater plant inadvertently caused a drain of the PC02 reservoir on the morning of Friday, Oct. 4. The utilities team had to work efficiently to get it fixed and the notice was rescinded Sunday afternoon.
In July, council discussed a hotline on the municipality’s website to report bylaw infractions, which has been delayed in getting set up. Chief administrative officer Deanna Campbell contacted Granicus herself about getting the hotline activated and expects it to be active soon.
Regarding staff and council reports, council discussed limiting to quarterly reports rather than monthly, aside from priority issues regarding updates on items such as the Housing Accelerator Fund, shortterm rentals and other relevant bylaw infractions and the BC Builds project which will be presented monthly during chief administrative reports.
OPPORTUNITY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION EVENTS MISSED IN SUN PEAKS
Residents could attend events in nearby communities, but no commemorations were held in the village.
By Nicole Perry
Editor’s note: As a member of Discourse Community Publishing, SPIN uses quotation marks around the word “school” because the Truth and Reconciliation Commission found residential “schools” were “an education system in name only for much of its existence.”
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal day of observance that began in 2021 to honour children taken from Indigenous families who were forced to attend “schools” funded by the government of Canada. To learn about residential “schools” in Canada, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) reports offer historical context about the system that sought to erase cultural and
family connections of Indigenous children from their families, which the TRC identifies as cultural genocide.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led movement that began 10 years ago in what’s been briefly known as Williams Lake in Secwépemc Territory by Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, a residential “school” survivor who shared her personal story of staff taking her orange shirt. The movement supports communities on a journey to reconciliation, raising awareness about the ongoing inter-generational impacts of residential “schools.”
Similar to 2023, Sun Peaks did not host any events commemorating National Day for Truth and Reconciliation or Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30, something many hope will change in the future.
There have been conversations between Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM), Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) and Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) about the possibility of planning local events, according to Naomi Kerchinsky, executive director for TSP.
“In years past, we've gone around the same topic,” she said. “We showcase some of our Indigenous product offerings at Ohana [Deli], or through JuggerBean [Tattoo Parlour].”
SPMRM released a statement on their website reminding everyone to wear orange on Sept. 30, commemorating Orange Shirt Day along with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Part of the statement reads, “this day honours the children who
never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.”
Aside from the external notice online, Deanna Campbell, chief administrative officer for SPMRM said municipality staff are given information about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and are encouraged to take this time to recognize the impact of residential “schools” on Indigenous communities.
In acknowledgement of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Christina Antoniak, director of communications for SPR said the resort focuses on internal communication as well, providing employees with online resources and encouraging reflection.
SPMRM has been working to build an ongoing relationship with the three local bands, the Adams Lake Band, Neskonlith Band and Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl ecw, Campbell said.
“Sun Peaks’ mayor and council have identified strengthening relations with First Nations as a priority,” she said, acknowledging that Sun Peaks is on the traditional lands of the Secwépemc peoples.
“In the future, we would very much be open to exploring opportunities to partner with the bands to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through an event in the community here,” she added.
An alternative version of this story including events available in Kamloops leading up to Sept. 30 is available on sunpeaksnews.com
No events were held in Sun Peaks for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation or Orange Shirt Day. Photo by Kyle James/Sun Peaks Independent News
SECWEPEMCÚL ECW
ELDERS BLESS ART AND ARTIFACTS AT SUN PEAKS CENTRE
The new installation is on display in the great hall of the Sun Peaks Centre.
By Nicole Perry
After installing various Secwépemc artifacts at Sun Peaks Centre, Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) held a blessing ceremony with approximately 12 members of Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl ecw. The community was invited to attend, and with short notice about 10 Sun Peaks community members were able to observe the ceremony and stay for refreshments and traditional music following the event.
In an emailed statement, Sun Peaks Mayor Al Raine gave SPIN a summary of what took place.
After welcoming Elders from Skwlāx including Dale Jackson, Jackson gave a history and background on the Secwépemc art, which includes pictographs and plant imagery that was done in partnership with SPMRM and Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl ecw.
Gordon Tomma was introduced to explain the use of the various artifacts, Raine said, adding that Tomma then welcomed everyone for a smudging ceremony, followed by an honour song.
“The relationship between Sun Peaks and the three neighbouring bands is improving but this is only the beginning of a process of respect and trust,” Raine said.
Skwlāx te Secwepemcúlecw Elders bless the new displays of Secwepemc artifacts at Sun Peaks Centre. Photos by Amber Douillard/Skwlāx te Secwepemcúlecw
MEET THE THREE SNOWBOARDERS REPRESENTING SUN PEAKS ON THE BC SNOWBOARD SLOPESTYLE TEAM
BC Snowboard has developed the rosters for their provincial teams this winter, and three Sun Peaks snowboarders made the slopestyle team.
By Nicole Perry
This year, three young athletes will represent Sun Peaks on the BC Snowboard Slopestyle Team.
As members of this provincial team, 18-year-old Nayte Brown, 16-year-old Colton McHatten and 14-year-old Blake Morris will still be competing with the Sun Peaks Snowboard Freestyle Club, while receiving additional benefits.
They’re given extra training such as in-gym programs, training camps and personal trainers offering sport-specific programs, as well as other perks such as Can West passes for access to other mountains, lowering costs of training and competing in different locations.
Nayte Brown
Though Brown first rode at three years old, he didn’t start riding consistently until moving up to Sun Peaks at 10 years old.
“I did my first local competition, the Bluebird Banked Slalom when I was 11,” he said. “I got podium in that and then I was super stoked to go do more competitions.”
At 12 years old, Brown began competing at the provincial level.
Now, he's on year four with the BC Snowboard Slopestyle Team.
With many notable race achievements, such as receiving a gold medal in the New Zealand Junior Nationals, as well as many provincial competitions, a highlight for him is the camaraderie of the sport.
Now 18, he’s not sure he’ll be on the team after this year, but wants to take competing as far as it can go. Additionally, he’s taking the post of head coach of the freestyle club and is hoping to get more into filming and social media this season.
Colton McHatten
McHatten started snowboarding at nine years old, and at 11 began to compete with the freestyle club a year after moving to Sun Peaks.
Last year was his first year on the BC Snowboard Slopestyle team.
Some of his memorable achievements include placing third at the 2024 National Junior Championships at Blue Mountain Resort and placing second at the New Zealand Junior Nationals.
“Medals are cool and everything, but just having fun snowboarding, I think is more important,” he said, expanding on why these memories stand out to him.
Part of what makes snowboarding and competing fun for him is the travelling, which he hopes to do more of this season.
He doesn’t know what his future with snowboarding looks like just yet but hopes to coach while he’s here and make it to the Olympics someday.
“I just have always loved snowboarding. I would love to keep doing it as long as I can.”
Blake Morris
Morris is stoked to be experiencing his first year on the BC Snowboard Slopestyle team.
He’s been snowboarding for eight years and competing for five.
A notable accomplishment for him was receiving bronze at Junior Nationals in 2022.
His main goal is to get gold for the first time and that’s something he’s pushing for this season.
Some highlights of his exploits with snowboarding thus far also include travelling, and he identifies some of his favourite experiences as the times he trained in Colorado and California and competed in Ontario for Junior Nationals.
Though still young, he sees a future with snowboarding and will continue to develop his skills. This year, he’s looking forward to meeting new people, pursuing a gold medal and training with BC Snowboard.
The 2024-2025 BC Snowboard Slopestyle Team includes locals (left to right) Nayte Brown, Colton McHatten and Blake Morris. Photos via Instagram/BC Snowboard
THE BC BUILDS PROGRAM AIMS TO DELIVER MIDDLEINCOME RENTAL HOUSING TO SUN PEAKS
BC Housing is helping Sun Peaks fill a gap in the housing market with the BC Builds program.
By Nicole Perry
Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) has partnered with BC Housing in a program designed to speed up the development of middle-income rental housing on low-cost land.
With the BC Builds program, 1180 Sun Peaks Rd., a parcel of land recently purchased by SPMRM from Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR), will become Sun Peaks’ first residential rental development.
“BC Builds uses low interest financing and grants to speed up project timelines,” Deanna Campbell, chief administrative officer for SPMRM said. “It reduces the amount of time that it takes to get a building from concept to construction.”
From conception to completion
Middle-income housing has been identified as a need and priority by SPMRM, however Campbell said they haven’t been able to move forward with their goals due to lack of funding.
When the new program became available with BC Housing, SPMRM reached out. The partnership, mainly overseen by BC Housing, doesn’t require an upfront cost from the municipality aside from the parcel of land purchased.
Currently in the early stages of the project, BC Housing is seeking developers and builders to submit proposals until Dec. 5, as stated on the BC Builds development opportunities page online.
After that point, a developer will be selected and construction ideally begins 12 to 18 months from that time.
Beyond this stage, Campbell said the details will be worked out as they go along, with rental policies and prices to be determined down the line.
“BC Housing will determine what the rents will be,” she said. “In terms of the eligibility criteria for the units, that'll be something that the Sun Peaks Housing Authority will need to work on.”
Once the development is up and running, the housing authority will operate and manage it.
To this point, Campbell said they will be posting for a part-time housing manager for the housing authority and putting together an operating budget for the development.
There will be a page on the municipality’s website with updates as they move through the timeline of the project, Campbell said.
“I think things will start to move pretty quickly once BC housing has selected a developer and builder,” she added.
A question-and-answer document will first be posted, expanding fur ther on points regarding the parcel of land and its use, the BC Builds program, why the rental units are middle-income housing and not affordable housing and more information specific to the Sun Peaks BC Builds Housing Project.
“It's meant to be for individuals and families that live and work full time in the Sun Peaks community,” Campbell said about the goal of this project.
A notice of development sign has been placed in front of the site for BC Builds’ middle-income rental housing project in Sun Peaks. Photo by Nicole Perry/Sun Peaks Independent News
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TK’EMLÚ PS AND CITY OF KAMLOOPS HONOUR SURVIVORS FOR FIRST COLLABORATIVE TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION EVENT
‘In order for us to move forward for the next seven generations, we have to acknowledge the seven generations before us with history,’ Nikki Fraser, Tk'emlups te Secwépemc councillor says.
By Macarena Mantilla
Editor’s note: As a member of Discourse Community Publishing, Sun Peaks Independent News uses quotation marks around the word “school” because the Truth and Reconciliation Commission found residential “schools” were “an education system in name only for much of its existence.”
A prayer filled the Tk’emlups te Secwépemc Powwow Arbour, the voices of Indigenous peoples gathering together and honouring their ancestors, those who lost their lives to residential “schools,” survivors and their families. Rows of chairs closer to the front of the platform were empty, held for survivors of residential “schools” and the ones who did not live to see today.
Folks convened in silence for a few minutes before the speeches started at the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation event held on Sept. 27.
Nikki Fraser, councillor for Tk'emlups te Secwépemc, acted as Kúkpi7 (Chief) since Rosanne Casimir was away attending events at the Kootenay residential “school” in T'eqt'aqtn'mux (Kanaka) territory.
Fraser and Sara Candido, the Indigenous external relations manager for the City of Kamloops, worked
together to collaborate on this event, held to honour those who attended the Kamloops Indian Residential School (KIRS).
Although the city and Tk’emlúps have had a working relationship for around 30 years, this was the first time the two have collaborated to host an event for Truth and Reconciliation. The collaboration is another step to working together on truthfulness, Fraser shared.
“Lots of communities, even within Canada, but across B.C., their municipal governments don't have that working relationship with the local First Nations governments right within their ancestral lands,” she said. “We've been working together before reconciliation was even a big term or even a thing within Canada.”
The decision to host the event on Sept. 27 was made to encourage more engagement with the community, as well as hold space on Sept. 30 for commemoration and healing in Indigenous communities, Candido said.
“On Sept. 30, our team and our people, our survivors, are working on a day that is supposed to be meant for them, to reflect, to heal, to be with family. We wanted to move it a few days ahead so that our
Folks gathered in front of the Kamloops Indian Residential School before a tour to better understand the harmful history of this colonial institution.
Photo by Macarena Mantilla/Sun Peaks Independent News
people had that time to do that self care,” Fraser added.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was first observed by the Government of Canada in 2021 in response to a Truth and Reconciliation Commission call to action to “ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential “schools” remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
Sept. 30 also marks Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led movement founded in 2013 by Secwepemc Elder Phyllis Webstad, who was forcibly separated from her family as a child and taken to St. Joseph's Mission.
The collaborative event at the Tk’emlups Powwow Arbour also offered nonIndigenous Kamloopsians an opportunity to learn ahead of the statutory holiday or to take new insights into their own lives, Candido said.
“We felt like part of reconciliation would be to actually do this together [and] to do it beforehand so people can actually take that day to reflect on what they've learned,” Candido said. “It could also help a lot of settlers here, including myself, reflect and make your own reconciliation plan.”
Actions non-Indigenous people can take toward reconciliation include educating themselves and demanding elected representatives take action in response to ongoing discriminatory colonial policies as seen within the child welfare system, which disproportionately apprehends and underfunds Indigenous children and youth.
In a speech opening the event, Kamloops deputy mayor Stephen Karpuk spoke to the ongoing work that should be reconciliation.
“It will take a lifetime to learn, to reflect on what we have to unlearn and to learn the truths,” he said. “That journey will never end for me.”
More than 150,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children were forced to attend government-funded schools across Canada starting in the 1870s. Before B.C.’s last residential “school” closed in 1996, the province had 18 federally-run institutions, including KIRS, where many children are known to have died, according to federal and church records and most importantly, testimonies of survivors.
The city hopes to do more to support survivors and their descendants in collaboration with the guidance of Tk'emlups.
“I was just taught this great teaching from an elder: In order for us to move forward for the next seven generations, we have to acknowledge the seven generations before us with history,” Fraser said.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Kamloops
Schools in Interior B.C. also participated in the morning, with around 750 kids from Clearwater to Kamloops coming together to visit KIRS and connect with Elders. The students had the opportunity to make cedar roses and have bannock, Candido said.
After the kids visited the grounds, the Powwow Arbour opened for the general public. Speeches commenced the main event in the afternoon, followed by a walk from the arbour to the KIRS.
The support of the wider community and interest in truth and reconciliation has been instrumental each year, Fraser shared.
“We are always talking about reconciliation, but sometimes talking doesn't really have the action behind that,” Fraser said. “The reason why it's growing is because of education. People are becoming more aware. They're educating themselves.”
Self-motivated education, like reading and research, goes a long way, but Fraser said truth comes directly from history and the survivors of residential “schools.”
“You can read the 94 calls to action, but it won't really correlate or click unless you know what has happened here, what people experienced and still are experiencing,” she said.
Fraser acknowledged how the effects of the “schools” are still alive today.
“We still have people with over-representation in poverty, over-representation in jails, over-representation of people who are unhoused, over-representation of people in child welfare,” she said, indicating just a few of the effects caused by colonial policies that aimed to dispossess Indigenous peoples from their land and rights.
These ongoing legacies of residential “schools” are outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in a special report.
When it comes to reconciliation, Fraser said there are people who are not part of the conversation yet and there are always newcomers.
“Some are settlers that have been here for two generations in their family. They are actually working towards the 94 calls to action.”
For example, Kamloopsians working in local businesses or non-profits can take action by committing to “meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous peoples.”
It is an ongoing process where people engage and learn from each other, giving space to Indigenous voices.
“We are starting to see that across the country. People are just taking the initiative to ask those questions,” Fraser said. “It starts small, it ripples out, and it makes an impact. I think that's what we need.”
DID YOU KNOW?
The TNRL is celebrating 50 years of literacy, learning, and community connection! Join us for free events across the TNRD this October. Celebrate with us and be part of this special milestone! Scan the QR code to see all events. tnrl.ca
Community members stand for a minute of silence in honour of survivors, ancestors, and Indigenous peoples in the Tk’emlups Powwow Arbour.
Photo by Macarena Mantilla/Sun Peaks Independent News
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT VOTING IN THE B.C. ELECTION
What electoral district am I in? Who are the candidates? When is it again? All the election basics, covered.
By Nicole Perry
In this Sun Peaks, B.C. election guide you’ll find all the information you need on the candidates, parties and how to vote.
The next provincial election is on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.
The
new KamloopsNorth Thompson
voting district
Before you vote, find out which candidates are running in your area by identifying the district you fall within.
The electoral area boundaries changed this year, as per recommendations made by the BC Electoral Boundaries Commission. Boundaries are periodically reassessed to account for population changes.
What does this mean for you? You may not be in the same riding you were in last year. You can double-check which electoral district you’re in by inputting your address into the online tool titled "Find Your Electoral District" at elections.bc.ca.
The new Kamloops - North Thompson electoral
district covers the neighbourhoods of Valleyview, Juniper Ridge, Barnhartvale, Dallas, Batchelor Heights, Westsyde, Rayleigh, a portion of Sahali and Tkʼeml ú ps te Secwépemc reserves, including the community of Sun Rivers. It also includes the communities of Barriere, Clearwater, Sun Peaks, Chu Cua and Simpcw.
Who are the candidates?
Running with the Conservative Party of BC, Ward Stamer is from Barriere and has identified commitments to healthcare access, affordable housing, economic stability and promoting resource industries including forestry, mining, agriculture and tourism.
Maddi Genn, originally from Salmon Arm, is now a Kamloops resident running with the NDP Party.
The Kamloops – North Thompson electoral district. Screenshot via BC Elections
As a labour unionist, she prioritizes safe and healthy working conditions as a key action item, as well as building housing, strengthening healthcare and helping people with everyday costs.
Tristan Cavers lives and works on a certified organic farm in Chase (Secwepemculecw) and has served on the boards of the Chase Chamber of Commerce, Kamloops Regional Farmers Market, Skmana Ski and Snowshoe Club and Chase and Area Family Services. Caver will be running with the BC Green Party.
What’s going on with BC United and the Conservative Party of BC?
At the end of August, BC United (formerly BC Liberal Party) leader Kevin Falcon announced he was suspending the party’s campaign and withdrawing candidate nominations. He encouraged people to support the Conservative Party of BC instead to avoid a split vote and prevent a BC New Democratic Party government. Some former BC United candidates, like incumbent Peter Milobar, are now running on the Conservative ticket.
However, you might still see candidates from the BC United party on your ballot. The party is still running a select number of candidates in the election to ensure the party is still registered should its membership wish to rebuild it in the future, CBC News reports.
How do I vote?
If you are at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen and a resident of British Columbia since April 18, 2024, you are eligible to vote. You don’t need a photo ID to vote but you do need to prove your identity and address.
You can vote by mail if you request a vote by mail package by 4 p.m. Oct. 19. but Elections BC must receive your vote by mail package no later than 8 p.m. on Oct. 19.
Voters are entitled to four consecutive hours free from work to vote during advance polls or on election day. This doesn’t mean you’ll receive four hours off work, but that voters must have a four-hour period free from work during voting hours. Voting hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where do I vote?
Preliminary voting places for the 2024 provincial election are available online. On Oct.19, eligible local voters can vote at Sun Peaks Centre, 3200 Village Way, Sun Peaks.
Resources for fact-checking:
The Elections BC website has resources for voters, including links to tools for fact-checking information, how to spot fraudulent websites and social media accounts and how to counter disinformation. Find those resources here.
The website also addresses false information about elections and the electoral process in the province.
sunpeaksnews.com/ support-us Become a member of Sun Peaks Independent News and support local journalism in your community.
Q&A: KAMLOOPS-NORTH THOMPSON CANDIDATES RESPOND TO READER QUESTIONS
Candidates answer your top questions about housing, climate change and health care.
By Nicole Perry
To ensure Sun Peaks has a voice in the provincial election conversation, SPIN surveyed readers to identify their top questions and concerns in the lead-up to Oct.19.
Now that the Kamloops-North Thompson candidates for the upcoming B.C. election are finalized, SPIN has their responses.
Conservative Party of BC candidate Ward Stamer, BC NDP Party candidate Maddi Genn and BC Green Party candidate Tristan Cavers were each given five questions to answer based on survey responses collected from our readership.
What are your priorities in fighting climate change?
Climate change was identified as a concern of survey respondents, and each candidate has been looking at different solutions to fight the problem.
The focus on wildfires and their devastating effects is something the BC NDP is prioritizing, Genn said, adding that the party is taking action to keep people safe by making wildland firefighting year-round, increasing training and prioritizing prevention.
“As the MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson, I will work to make sure we continue our efforts in prevention while making sure people feel safe in their homes year-round,” she said.
According to Cavers, the Green Party’s commitment to curbing fossil fuel emissions is incentivizing and encouraging alternatives like Edison Motors in Merritt. The company builds hybrid logging trucks and “is almost at the stage where they can retrofit gas or diesel pickups into hybrids.”
“For B.C. to be able to reduce emissions, as a way to fight climate change, we have to look at electrification,” Stamer said.
Aside from hydroelectric power, he said the province should look at solar and wind, baseload natural gas, biomass and nuclear power generation to improve on the deficit in electricity he identifies as an issue.
“It's hypocritical to import power from other jurisdictions, where we have no control over their emissions, and then put Net-Zero restrictions on our power producers,” he added.
How will you be looking at solutions to housing, the toxic drug crisis and overall mental health services?
A survey respondent asked this question to cover a few important interconnected issues.
These three topics are all at the top of Genn’s priority list.
“So far, the BC NDP has improved mental health access for youths, provided more treatment options for those struggling with addictions and increased the availability for supportive housing,” she said, adding that these services are essential to continue.
“Housing is the first need,” Cavers said, stating that addiction and mental health issues often stem from housing insecurity. “Getting more non-market housing is a key plank in the Green Party platform.”
Stamer’s response to this question focused on the last two points, saying he is against free, safe supply and decriminalization.
“We believe in a compassionate solutions-based approach that prioritizes real treatment and recovery, while ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities,” he said.
A conservative government will introduce legislation to allow for involuntary treatment, intervening to leave fewer people with serious mental health problems and addictions “on the streets,” he said.
What are your priorities regarding providing accessible healthcare?
The BC NDP take accessible healthcare very seriously, Genn said. The NDP has been increasing the number of doctors and nurses and decreasing the time it takes for international healthcare workers to get licensed. They have also decreased wait times for MRIs and hip and knee replacement surgeries according to Genn.
“We know this is not enough and there’s a lot further to go,” she said, adding that the alleged cut to healthcare by John Rustad would only halt progress and make things worse.
This $4 billion proposed cut to healthcare is untrue, Stamer said, adding that BC Conservatives are committed to spending more on healthcare, and will implement a patient-first funding model.
By “reducing red tape and bureaucracy,” BC Conservatives plan to reduce wait times and administrative burdens on doctors and nurses.
“We will also expand programs to incentivize doctors and nurses to work in high demand communities, especially in rural and remote areas,” he said.
Where money is being spent on the system is something to look very carefully at, Cavers said.
“We need to be looking at student debt and encouraging more doctors into family practices where more illnesses can be caught earlier, as opposed to becoming an advanced illness requiring emergency treatment and costing more.”
How will you try to create more affordable housing options?
Each candidate has unique ideas on ways to improve housing needs in the province.
“B.C. needs more non-market housing,” Cavers said. “The two best examples are housing built by the government for our most vulnerable and co-operative housing.”
The BC NDP has implemented a cap on rent increases and plans to bring 300,000 homes across the province with the Affordable Housing Act, specifically with middle-income earners in mind.
“These are just some of the things we have done, and there is so much more in the works that I intend on bringing to Kamloops-North Thompson,” Genn said.
“We will be streamlining approval processes, proactive planning, providing tax incentives for purpose built rental housing like the Multi-Unit Residential Building and unlocking land outside of Agricultural Land Reserve,” Stamer said.
To support the middle class and ease pressure of mounting rents and mortgage payments, he points to the Rustad Rebate, which works to exempt up to $3,000 a month in housing costs from provincial income taxes.
An identified goal of the BC Conservatives is reducing the cost of living by eliminating things like the carbon tax.
Do you have any plans to rectify how the foreign buyers ban has affected Sun Peaks, as a resort community that has not been made exempt in the way most resort communities have?
The foreign buyers ban was a federal government decision, but readers were still eager to know what provincial candidates will be doing to address the impact it has on our community.
Candidates weren’t completely knowledgeable on the topic as it is a federal policy, but Genn said she understands the unique needs of communities such as Sun Peaks.
BC NDP has supported the community by not applying speculation and vacancy tax to short-term rental regulations and supporting the Growing Communities Fund and Sun Peaks Water Supply Line Project. As MLA, Genn said she’d ensure Sun Peaks is recognized and supported.
The other two candidates show support for Sun Peaks as well, but don’t seem to have plans to support the issue of the foreign buyers ban.
From left to right, Ward Stamer, Maddi Genn and Tristan Cavers are the three candidates running in the Kamloops-North Thompson district for the upcoming B.C. election. Photos via Facebook/Ward Stamer, Maddi Genn, BC Greens Kamloops
OCT. 17 - NOV. 15
ONGOING
The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library’s mobile library visits Sun Peaks School every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Each Saturday night, Morissey’s Public House hosts live music at 8 p.m.
AA community addictions meetings run every Friday at Sun Peaks Secondary beside the Health Clinic, starting at 7:30 p.m.
ONGOING UNTIL OCT. 31
Pre-season pass pricing is on until the end of the month. If you want to get the best deals on your alpine season’s pass, be sure to take advantage by visiting sunpeaksresort. com.
October
OCT. 18 - OCT. 20
Sun Peaks Farm and Cleavage Axe Co. present the third annual Pumpkin Pop-Up. With a line-up of family friendly activities including axe throwing, a maze and pumpkin decorating, everyone can enjoy the festivities. This event is located at 3240 McGillivray Creek Rd. and goes from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find the full schedule at sunpeaksresort.com/ events and by searching Pumpkin Pop-Up.
OCT. 19
Sun Peaks Alpine Club invites you to head down to the Columbo Lodge in Kamloops
for Oktoberfest2024. You can get your tickets online at sunpeaksalpinecluboktoberfest. ticketleap.com for a Bavarian party with a full Bavarian Dinner starting with the tapping of the Cask and followed by desserts, entertaining fundraising games, live and silent auctions, a photo booth and more. This event will run from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
OCT. 25 - 27
Confidence coach and founder of Life Untethered Coaching, Emma Hull, is hosting a weekend yoga retreat in Sun Peaks. The Your Wisdom Within Yoga Retreat is a series of yoga, meditation, mindfulness and forest bathing sessions that will help you connect with your inner wisdom and relax. Find out more and book your spot by visiting lifeuntethered.com/ retreat.
OCT. 26
Cleavage Axe Co. is hosting their annual Halloween Axe Throwing Costume Party from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will offer free entry into the Axe Throwing Asylum, a Fright Fest Costume Contest with prizes, a Haunted Tournament for $15 a person and festive brews at the bar. Ages 10 and over are invited to enjoy the spooky fun.
OCT. 31
The first ever Halloween for Hunger, a community food drive, will take place Halloween night. Volunteers will go door-todoor and collect canned goods from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during this evening of fun. Register as a team or as a single to be sorted into a team with a chance to win prizes for the best costumes and best team spirit. Leading up to this event, there are drop-off locations throughout the village at Ohana Deli, Guest Services, Burfield Admin and Tourism Sun Peaks where you can donate non-perishable items such as baby food, canned or dried
Join Sun Peaks Farm and Cleavage Axe Co. for their pumpkin pop-up for axe throwing and fall activities. Photo via Facebook/Cleavage Axe Co.
Emma Hull, is hosting a weekend yoga retreat in Sun Peaks, Oct. 25-27. Photo via Facebook/Life Untethered Coaching
A Hollywood-inspired event, the 17th annual Fall Ball presented by the Bluebird Day Fund will have a red carpet, dazzling lights and live music by Famous Players Band. Along with these festive additions, there will also be snacks and refreshments, prizes for categories such as best dressed and a silent and live auction. Funds raised will go toward Bluebird Day Fund’s initiatives. Get your tickets online at bdf-fallball.simpletix.ca for $116.78.
NOV. 7
Teton Gravity Research (TGR) is making a stop in Kamloops at the Paramount Theatre for their 2024 film tour. From 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Beyond the Fantasy will be
showing, portraying winter athletes making creative and transformative moves on the big screen. Sun Peaks Resort LLP partnered with TGR to support this stop. More information is on the events page at sunpeaksresort.com along with a link to where you can get tickets.
NOV. 9
SPIN is a proud sponsor of A Winter’s Masquerade, The Sun Peaks Volunteer Fire Department Society’s 2024 Gala. This event will be on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel. Find more information on the events page at sunpeaksresort.com where you can follow the link on the gala’s page to get tickets as well. Tickets include a complimentary welcome glass of sparkling wine, photo booth access, a three-course plated dinner and dancing. At the event, there will also be fundraising raffles, a 50-50 draw and a silent auction for additional fees.
Join the 17th annual Fall Ball presented by the Bluebird Day Fund. Photo via Facebook/Bluebird Day Fund
Beyond the Fantasy will play at Kamloops Theatre Nov. 7. Screenshot via Instagram/Teton Gravity Research
___ excellence (superior) 17 Marked with wet dirt, as a windshield 19 "Hail! " to Caesar 20 Fruity quencher 21 Carpenter's shaping tool 22 Drills into
24 Film depicting Joan Crawford as an abusive mother
28 King of France?
29 Alternative to a convertible
30 Remain in one's chair
36 "How adorable!"
39 'Tween's mate
40 Where to go in England?
41 How a negative balance appears
43 Québec town Val-___ 44 Romantic setups between strangers
46 Drink brand with a lizard logo
49 Unwell
50 Pekoe-sipping social affairs
56 Word before firma or cotta
57 Luth., Bapt. or Presby.
58 Prov. riding rep.
61 Card-deck count, to Cassius
62 Query heard before dinner
66 Play Twenty Questions, at times 67 "___ that one, the other one" 68 "Give ___!" ("Try!")
69 ___-Thérèse,
Juno Award winner for "1234"
25 "___ and Crake" (Atwood book)
When-ish you'll take off: Abbr.
1 Actress Stone of "La La Land" 2 Making a racket
3 Computer connection device
4 Surgery sites, briefly 5 Collectors goal, maybe 6 "___ say more?"
7 Elicit a "Wow!"
8 Plastered (on), as makeup
"Hurry!," once
Annoying biddy
Replacement item, just in case
Rooftop overhangs
Surfer's surface
OED entries: Abbr.
Cottonlike fibre 23 Top Olympian's medal, in Spain
26 Hog's portion
27 When-ish you'll take off: Abbr.
30 Not auto., as a transmission
31 Tango requirement, in an idiom
32 B-52 mission
33 Tide shelfmate
34 "Bonne fête à ___!"
35 Ages and ages
Its cap. is Addis Ababa
37 Little, in Loch Lomond
38 OED entries: Abbr.
41 __-free zone (drive-thru sign)
42 Simba's sweetie
44 Big ___ (London timekeeper) 45 "Same" 47 Above, in some poems
48 Built like an ox 50 Where the world is flat?
SUDOKU
Its cap. is Addis Ababa
1366 Burfield Drive, Sun Peaks, BC
$999,900 GST N/A
4 Bed | 4 Bath, 2449 sq.ft., Zoned R-1
Spacious level entry half-duplex with vaulted ceilings, equipped kitchen, ample storage & large windows. Offered furnished with hot tub.
The Residences, Sun Peaks, BC
From $90,000 +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.
1330/1332 Burfield Dr., Sun Peaks, BC
$2,290,000
5 Bed | 6 Bath, 3360 sq.ft., Zoned R-1
Full duplex with 2 seperate titles backing onto McGillivray Creek. Rustic meets modern w/ extensive upgrades. Site-specific amendment permits office-based business.
Sundance Lodge, Sun Peaks, BC
From $95,000 +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.
70 Crystal Forest, Sun Peaks, BC
$879,000 +GST
4 Bed | 3 Bath, 1350 sq.ft., Zoned TA-1
Ski-in/out corner unit with a great location. Refurbished kitchen counters, appliances & flooring. Zoned for shortterm rentals. Offered furnished with hot tub.
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.
Alder Estates
Discover the perfect blend of mountain living and outdoor adventures at Alder Estates! Adjacent to Sun Peaks Golf Course, these 16 lots offer prime skiing and biking access. With gentle topography, southern/ westerly exposure, underground utilities, and stunning mountain views, this unique subdivision is zoned for short-term rentals. Ideal for investors or dream-home builders, don't miss out on this exceptional mountain retreat!
Lots starting at $549,000 +GST Visit alder-estates.ca for more information.
