Bella Vista fire investigation complete PHOTO: CONNIE WILLIAMSON
by CARMEN RUIZ
A
LOOKING FOR ANSWERS: The completely burnt structure left no clues for investigators.
fter an in-depth investigation, the cause of a fire on Bella Vista Drive on the evening of Oct. 23 has been reported as undetermined. “If you can’t find a fact of how it started it has to go down as undetermined,” said Colin Cannon, chief of Sun Peaks Fire and Rescue. “You can’t guess on how it started.” An investigation was performed by Sun Peaks Fire and Rescue and by a fire investigator hired by the property owner’s insurance company.
“We did a thorough investigation of the property and unfortunately due to the massive extent of the damage, nothing was able to be found,” said Cannon. The fire destroyed the entire structure, which was a home under construction, and left nothing for answers. The fire began at approximately 7:30 p.m. and no one was inside at the time. “Unfortunately, there was nothing left of the building. It was such an all-consuming fire,” said Cannon. Though the case has been completed, Cannon wants to remind everyone the importance of fire safety.
“Everyone’s got to be on their A game when houses are being built, or any type of construction that’s being done,” he said. “Construction companies need to follow their fire safety plan, which these folks were doing, and to just stay diligent.”
“UNFORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT OF THE BUILDING. IT WAS SUCH AN ALLCONSUMING FIRE”
Fire hall’s WEP completes eighth year PHOTO: CARMEN RUIZ
PHOTO: CARMEN RUIZ
by CARMEN RUIZ
F
WITH HONOURS: Sun Peaks’ WEP students pose with Captain Colin Cannon upon completing this summer’s program.
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Vol 13 Issue 12 November 27 — December 17
ive eager students completed the Work Experience Program (WEP) through Sun Peaks Fire and Rescue (SPFR) on Oct. 27. Among those students is Ryan MacQueen, a full-time Sun Peaks resident who partook in the WEP over the past six months. “I chose Sun Peaks because it has a reputation of going above and beyond in the training. It’s been a fantastic time and it’s met everything that they stood
for,” said MacQueen. “By our reputation of training, well qualified firefighters have moved to Sun Peaks from all over the province to volunteer with us,” said Luke Harrison, captain and training officer of SPFR. The volunteer programs spans six months and offers extensive fire service and medical training for aspiring firefighters to gain the necessary skills required to become a professional firefighter and to help them stand out in a competitive job market.
Harrison explained how the WEP has been beneficial to the community of Sun Peaks. “Initially, we started the program to supplement low volunteer firefighter numbers in the summer season, however the program has evolved into much more than that. We bring highly motivated career aspiring firefighters to Sun Peaks and guide them on the path of a professional firefighter. In return they help us provide excellent fire and medical response and contribute immensely to our community,” he said. Students have also raised over $10,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada in the last two years. The WEP, which has just completed its eighth year, has had 36 firefighters complete the program. “Seventy-five per cent of all our graduates are hired onto career fire departments,” said Harrison. “[WEP] met all of my expectations. I learned a lot and it was a great time,” said MacQueen.
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Vol 13 Issue 12 November 27 — December 17
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Snow conditions prompt early opening SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS INC. PO Box 1043 Sun Peaks BC V0E 5N0
OVER 5,500 GUESTS OVER THREE DAYS
Phone: 250•578•0276 PHOTO: SAM LOXTON, TSP
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OUR TEAM EDITOR & PUBLISHER Brandi Schier
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GRAPHIC ARTIST Jen Schier
jen@sunpeaksnews.com BIG SMILES FOR A BIG OPENING: Bryn, Ty, Adam and Dom claimed first chair.
WRITERS Tracy Gilchrist Jean Strong Carmen Ruiz Julia Thrift
CONTRIBUTORS Mel Rothenburger
by SUN PEAKS NEWS
S
un Peaks Resort opened one day earlier than originally planned on Friday, Nov. 20 due to better-than-expected snow
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.
ON THE
COVER
Photos submitted
conditions. The resort received over 35 centimeters during the week, prompting organizers to change the date and open with a 75 centimetre alpine base. Three lifts and 41 ski runs were
open with an additional four lifts opened on Saturday, including on Mt. Morrisey and Sundance Mountain, and a total of 65 runs. The Nordic trails also opened early on Nov. 20. Over 5,500 skiers and riders enjoyed the snow from Friday to Sunday, which is one of the highest numbers for opening in recent years, according to Aidan Kelly, marketing director for the resort. “There were a lot of smiles and a lot of pumped looking people. The opening brought up a lot of energy for our season pass holders and locals, which is mainly who is around for opening day. The destination guests aren’t really coming yet.” Kelly attributed the strong numbers to both the amount of terrain available and open, as well as due to some pent up of demand as a result of last year’s less-than-awesome season. “People were chomping at the bit to get out there,” he said. Lift tickets were sold at 25 per cent off. “It was a pretty good weekend with 65 runs and all three
Police request increased funding for winter season NINE CALLS TO SUN PEAKS IN OCTOBER by BRANDI SCHIER
T
he Tk’emlups Rural Detachment submitted the “Sun Peaks Enhanced Policing Report” to their district headquarters in anticipation of the upcoming winter season. This is requested annually for additional budget to provide increased police service for Sun Peaks’ busier times. “The approved budget fluctuates a little bit, but basically they know how much they need to provide the ser-
vices,” said Rob Bremner, chief administrative officer of the Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality. Scheduled patrols began on Saturday, Nov. 21 to coincide with opening weekend and included both a day and evening shift. The police presence marked the beginning of approximately 20 enhanced patrols scheduled until April 2016. The majority of the patrols will take place on Saturday and Sunday during peak ski times to deter thefts,
as well adding a new Friday and Saturday night shift to conduct more bar patrols and check stops. Police priorities during this initiative include police visibility and presence, crime prevention, public contact and interaction, impaired driving interdiction, road safety and ensuring a safe, comfortable community. Police responded to nine calls to Sun Peaks in October, out of 306 calls in the entire detachment area, with no noted trends.
mountains open which is rare for opening. I think it bodes well for the rest of the season, especially with the snow that we are receiving right now.” The week following opening was forecast to have over 20 cm of snow followed by a short clear and cold spell. Opening day also saw many new staff get on the mountain for the first time, including Gemma Van from Melbourne, Australia. “Perfect. Perfect weather,” she said. “I even got to take a ride break and everyone was happy who came through the lift line.”
“THE OPENING BROUGHT UP A LOT OF ENERGY FOR OUR SEASON PASS HOLDERS AND LOCALS, WHICH IS MAINLY WHO IS AROUND FOR OPENING DAY.”
AIDAN KELLY Marketing Director, SPR
CRIME On Oct. 5 police responded to a head on collision on Sun Peaks Road. One person was transported by BC Ambulance to hospital with minor injuries and both vehicles sustained heavy front end damage. The other driver was issued a traffic violation ticket for crossing double solid lines. On Oct. 11 police were notified of extensive damage to the green of the tenth hole on the Sun Peaks Golf Course. Despite circulating the suspected vehicle description there were no leads. Police attended a structural fire on Oct. 23 along with Sun Peaks Fire and Rescue. A “roman candle” firework found near the blaze was handed over to police however, it couldn’t be concluded it was the source of ignition. Nothing was found to suggest arson. Several items were stolen from a construction site on Lookout Ridge Place on Nov. 17, including a gas powered compressor and two generators. The items totaled around $6,000. People with possible information are encouraged to call Kamloops Rural RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
YOUR OPINIONS, COMMENTS OR COMMENDATIONS ARE WELCOME Send your letters & opinions by mail to: Sun Peaks Independent News | Box 1043 Sun Peaks, B.C. V0E 5N0 or by e-mail: editor@sunpeaksnews.com All correspondence must contain a last name & a contact number for verification—phone numbers won’t be published. Writers are encouraged to keep letters to 250 or fewer words. Letters submitted without the writer’s name won’t be published. Sun Peaks Indpendent News reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, legality & taste. Letters not published in Sun Peaks Indpendent News may be published online at www.sunpeaksnews.com 4
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Vol 13 Issue 12 November 27 — December 17
opinion PAGE Just add snow! Sun Peaks expands every winter BRANDI SCHIER PUBLISHER’S NOTE brandi@sunpeaksnews.com
Well, it’s all happening! The snow is falling, the lifts are turning and the beer taps are flowing. The moment I got on that first chair of the season, the long, hot summer faded into a distant memory. After so much anticipation and lead-up, the moment we were all waiting for finally arrived. Friends in town always assume pre-season is a slow time for Sun Peaks’ year-round residents but they couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s an enormous amount of work to prepare for opening day. From snowmaking to recruiting and training staff to promoting the mountain to the world, many long hours go into readying the mountain for its seasonal de-
but. A big thanks goes out to all you folks who make this mountain tick — you know who you are! Many individuals have also put in a lot of effort to join us for this winter season. Every year, an additional 700 people swell our ranks to provide a great tourism product for our guests. These people work mundane jobs to save for airfare, send dozens of emails to set up their accommodation and jobs and arrive ready to inject the resort with youthful zest. If you’ve been stressed out while getting yourself sorted for the season, trust me when I say it’s all worth it. When you look back, you won’t even remember that part of your journey. The team here at SPIN sends out a warm welcome to all our new residents and knows some of you might become that long-time local who just never left after a
planned six month stint. My only piece of advice going into this winter season is to remember we’re more than just a tourist destination and to get involved in the community. While the local watering hole is the natural gathering place to meet new friends, if you scratch the surface you’ll find many organizations and groups ready to welcome you as well. From the hockey league, to the Taekwondo academy, to the local arts organization, there are plenty of opportunities to make our little town a little bit richer while you’re here. You’ll also find dozens of opportunities to volunteer as we rely heavily on the kindness of locals to get things done. Whether you help build the course for the annual banked slalom or lend your time at the Sun Peaks school, our volunteers are highly
appreciated and it’s a great way to get involved. Remember, many hands make light work! To help bring all these different groups and opportunities together, we’ve launched a new online community events calendar which allows everyone to not only see what’s happening in Sun Peaks but also to submit their own events. We hope this new feature will make existing residents’ lives a little easier and allow newcomers to find exciting ways to spend their time here. And if you don’t see something that floats your boat, don’t be afraid to create a new group or gathering. Chances are there are plenty of other people looking for the same thing. Here’s to a phenomenal winter season, full of great snow, great events and great people. Let it snow!
Doctor shortage is big, but how big? MEL ROTHENBURGER TNRD REPORT director.mrothenburger@tnrd.ca
Mel Rothenburger is the TNRD Director for Electoral Area P, including Whitecroft and Heffley Creek. He was the mayor of Kamloops from 1999-2005 and a former newspaper editor.
Something is broken with the health care system when 30,000 patients in the Kamloops area are without a family doctor. That figure is the one commonly used nowadays, but it’s more of a guestimate than a real number. It may or may not, for example, include communities like Sun Peaks and those in Electoral Area P such as Sun Rivers, Pinantan, Rivershore, Heffley Lake or McLure, where most residents access their GP and the medical system in Kamloops. It baffles me how Interior Health can get a good handle on the extent of the doctor shortage — and therefore target the need — when it has no science on how many residents are looking for doctors, let alone the demographics. Yet that’s apparently the case. Dr. Curtis Bell, the executive medical director, community and residential services for IHA, is in charge of recruiting doctors. He has a tough job. Finding doctors for rural areas is especially challenging
because many of them would rather practise closer to a major hospital with better medical facilities and the backup of other doctors. There’s been some success in encouraging doctors from overseas to come to B.C. to fill vacancies in rural as well as urban areas but it hasn’t filled the gap. Dr. Bell acknowledges the reputed 30,000 shortfall in Kamloops but when I asked him at a Thompson Regional Hospital District meeting if it included rural residents who access medical care in Kamloops, or refers just to Kamloops residents, he wasn’t sure. One thing that’s certain, he said, there’s a significant shortage.
He’s right about that. I also pointed out that the GP For Me program run by the Division of Family Practice is a failure when it comes to assessing the size of that shortage. Patients without a GP are supposed to be able to phone the Division and register. There’s a misunderstanding that you will be put on a list and when a doctor has an opening for a patient, you’ll get a chance at filling it. That’s not the case. The list, as far as I can tell, is only for the purpose of getting an idea of what the demand is. But it doesn’t even work for that. If you call the number, you get an answering service, which promises to send you a form, in about a month, to fill out. Why it’s necessary to mail a
form instead of email it, I don’t know, but chances are you won’t get one anyway. I know. As Dr. Bell explained, the GP for Me program operates independently from health authorities under the Divisions of Family Practice. A GP for Me needs either to do the job it’s supposed to do on generating data or shut down that part of the program because currently it’s a waste of money and patients’ time and secondly, Interior Health needs to incorporate reliable stats on the shortage into its recruitment strategy. As it stands now, that 30,000 number — which is shocking — is little more than an approximation with no useful details attached to it.
FROM
sunpeaksnews.com
RE: REPORT OUTLINES POTENTIAL SUN PEAKS CENTRE SITES “I would have thought that the area next to Kookaburra was the best spot, as the RV Park is used throughout the summer. Also, this area is in need of a little TLC whilst the RV site is a finished area. Also I would hope that the pool re-opens as it’s hard to sell the all-round resort concept without it. It does need bringing up to a better standard, and it will lose money if a coffee shop, smoothie bar, or some other revenue raising item is not added to this building. This would create a hub for sport activities other than skiing (with the new gym already open) in this area.” - David O’Reilly
WESTSYDE YDE VICE SERVICE Auto Repairs Diesel Repairs Air Conditioning Repairs Gov. Certified Inspection Facility
BILL & MIKE LINDSAY Ph: 250-579-5532 Fax: 250-579-5852 3475 Westsyde Rd., Kamloops, BC V2B 8C5
PROTECT YOUR GAS METER
• groceries
• produce
Meat & Produce • Baked Goods Oso Negro Coffee • Pharmacy/Personal Items
WE’RE OPEN DAILY For all your Grocery Needs See you at the Bluebird Market Located on the Ground Floor of the Residences at Sun Peaks Grand Phone: 250-578-2414
Sun Peaks is preparing for snow. While this is great for snow sports, it’s not so good for your gas meter. Remember to keep your gas meter set clear of snow and ice. Don’t use the area around your gas meter for storage of items such as skis, shovels, snow-blowers, wood, etc. such that access by Utility staff or emergency personnel is obstructed. In an emergency, first responder may need to shut your gas service off at the meter set. Don’t forget overhead ice can fall off your roof and break the meter set causing uncontrolled release of gas. There is no charge for the Utility staff to assist you in clearing the heavy snow and ice covering your gas meter set; please do not try and remove any ice coating the gas meter yourself. Remember, that if Utility’s staff must clear the gas meter during monthly meter reading or for safety reasons, you will be charged a fee of $50 for the 1st incident & $100 for each additional time. If you have any questions regarding this notice please contact the Utility’s office at info@sunpeaksutilities.com or call the office at 250-578-5490. Remember SPUCL’s after hours emergency # 250-319-0629. Vol 13 Issue 12 November 27 — December 17
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Resort occupancy numbers predicted to continue to increase by JEAN STRONG
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ot on the heels of a record breaking summer, Tourism Sun Peaks’ president is predicting the trend of high occupancy will continue throughout this winter season. Christopher Nicolson said bookings for this winter are “significantly ahead of where we were last year” thanks to a number of areas of growth. Tourists from Australia and New Zealand have been booking
their visits early and in increased numbers from past years. “Indications from our Australian tour operators show Sun Peaks is performing as one of the top destinations for Canada. This relates to the strength in January which is the month most commonly booked by our Australian guests,” said Nicolson. Also according to Nicolson, Sun Peaks is also ahead of most other Canadian resorts for tour group bookings with pacing up
across the board, especially in January and February. Ski clubs from the U.S. also account for a large number of bookings. With Sun Peaks’ recent new terrain and a strong U.S. dollar, the resort has become popular with U.S. ski clubs who come to train and explore. The resort’s strong snowmaking and good early season snowfall have also allowed ski teams earlier access to the resort before it opens to the public. Nicolson also credited the new terrain in
Gil’s and on West Morrisey with attracting groups who want to ski it for themselves. Throughout the fall TSP ran a number of promotions with the intention of increasing early bookings. One such offer was a ski and hotel package for two nights for the price of three. They also created a new online campaign called the “Sneak Peek” video series that used humour to make short, popular videos that were easily shared. Some videos received more than
80,000 views. Nicolson said this is one of the first years that summer growth expanded into all sectors, including regional weekend visits, event weekends, tour groups and international tours, rather than being limited to a select few and that this bodes well for the resort. The resort saw a 16.5 per cent increase in bookings from the summer of 2014 and in July alone there was a 20 per cent increase in room bookings from 2014.
Venture Kamloops study provides benchmarks on region’s labour market data PHOTO: VENTURE KAMLOOPS
REGIONAL FINDINGS: The Venture Kamloops study region encompassed Merritt in the south to McBride in the north, Chase in the east and 100 Mile House in the west and included 58 Sun Peaks employers.
by TRACY GILCHRIST
A
year-long study into the Kamloops region’s labour market provides an important benchmark for what’s going on, but doesn’t offer much in the way of surprises for Sun Peaks. There were 565 employers — including 58 from Sun Peaks — representing 792 establishments who responded to the Venture Kamloops survey that gathered detailed information on the current labour situation as well as projecting needs for the next 10 years. The areas covered extended from Merritt in the south to McBride in the north, Chase in the 6
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east and 100 Mile House in the west. According to Venture Kamloops, data specific to this region is vital for labour demand planning and will be useful to labour market analysts, economists, consultants, planners, forecasters and academics in both the private and public sector. “Before we can take steps to address issues in our labour market, we needed to quantify what it looked like,” said Colin O’Leary, Venture Kamloops’ manager of business retention and expansion. “We were hearing there was a skilled labour shortage, but I was also hearing there was no labour shortage; it was all anecdotal.
Vol 13 Issue 12 November 27 — December 17
Because it wasn’t quantified for our region, it was hard to come up with strategies.” The key regional findings noted: • employers will require “significant” numbers of new hires in the next 10 years, • a large number of new hires will require post-secondary education, • there is a lack of candidates to fill skilled trades and engineering positions, • planned capital projects, like the twinning of the Kinder Morgan pipeline, will further increase the labour supply shortage and • employers in smaller communities need access to training and professionals to meet labour
demand. A breakout of Sun Peaks’ labour market illustrates just how different the employment situation is from nearby areas. For 2015, the study categorized 60.3 per cent of the jobs in the resort municipality as low-skilled, 5.6 per cent as semi-skilled, 15.2 per cent skilled/trades, 11 per cent professional/technical and eight per cent management. The figures remained stable in projections over the next decade. To contrast, in Kamloops, only 27.8 per cent of the jobs were classified as low-skilled, 22 per cent as semi-skilled, 19.3 per cent as skilled/trades, 20.3 per cent professional/technical and 10.6 per cent as management. It’s not a shortage of skilled labour that’s an issue at Sun Peaks but the challenge of attracting employees overall for the seasonal nature of the work, says Darcy Alexander, the general manager of Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR). “Like agriculture, tourism is a seasonal business with our busiest season being winter. You need skilled people, say ski instructors, cooks and other positions that you need for four to six months at a time,” he said. “The problem becomes that you can’t get a person to move away from their family for that period of time.” Changes to the temporary foreign worker program were also a blow, he acknowledged, making the federal program “unusable for most of the tourism industry” as a way of finding staff. The resort does make use of other programs, he said, like International Experience Canada, which allows young Canadians to work abroad and young people from partner countries to come here and work temporarily. As for other recruitment strate-
gies, it’s not always about dollar compensation, Alexander said, “but how well trained you are, having a place to work that is enjoyable.” One of the perks they offer staff — a free ski pass — gives the resort a leg up over some other businesses in recruiting employees but is also standard within the mountain resort industry, he said. SPR was recognized for its efforts to be a good employer with the Employees First Award at October’s B.C. Tourism Awards Gala. Other unique challenges facing Sun Peaks’ employers are limited staff housing and the 45-minute commute from Kamloops, matters the regional study did not touch on but ones businesses are all too familiar with. “I didn’t see any mention of transportation in the (Venture Kamloops) study, but that would be an opportunity for Sun Peaks and I would presume other smaller communities outside Kamloops would feel the same,” said Christopher Nicolson, president of Tourism Sun Peaks. While the Venture Kamloops study does not touch on next steps, it does recommend developing economic development strategies on a regional level. Nicolson suggested that Tourism Sun Peaks is already involved as a ski area association and tourism association in communicating with government, but the study does present opportunities for the area’s rural communities to align themselves on common labour challenges. The 63-page Venture Kamloops Labour Market Study can be found at www.vent u r e ka m l o o p s . c o m / w p - c o n tent/uploads/2015/11/ VK-LMP-Report-November-4-2015.pdf
Vol 13 Issue 12 November 27 — December 17
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GETout there Going out back: Expanding your boundaries PHOTO SUBMITTED
WHEN GIL’S IS YOUR OFFICE: Shandro will be touring guests in the recently incorporated terrain.
NEW GIL’S TOURS OFFERED BY SPR by SUN PEAKS NEWS
F
resh powder hunters looking to explore and avoid unintentional overnight camping trips might consider a new Guided Gil’s Backcountry Tour. Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) off-piste camp co-ordinator Bodie Shandro is running the tours, on which participants will learn the safest routes, best lines and local secrets of the backcountry area opened to the public last season. “Gil’s has sort of been this legendary and mystical place for a lot of people at Sun Peaks, perhaps not so much the younger demographic that slides and rides and goes out exploring on their own, but I know there’s a lot of middle-aged to older individuals that are a little intimidated, and for good reason, with safety being foremost of their concerns,” said Shandro. The 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. excursions include lunch on the moun-
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tain and cost $525 for a group of three, with a $50 charge for each additional person. Shandro, a certified professional guide, said the east-facing, leeward slope is sheltered from wind and has long been home to some of the mountain’s best and deepest dry powder. “You get out there and you feel like you’re in another resort,” Shandro said. “It doesn’t have as much exposure to the wind and sun so, at the end of the day, it’s better quality powder.” The resort received criticism last season for opening Gil’s prior to it having chairlift access, with some saying the long hikes are not worth the short runs. Shandro is aiming to teach the ideal routes in and out of Gil’s. “It’s easy to get turned around,” he said. “I’d do this tour for the same reason I would take a ski lesson — ‘Let’s just get this one under our belt. This guy’s going to teach me not only where
Vol 13 Issue 12 November 27 — December 17
“YOU GET OUT THERE AND YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE IN ANOTHER RESORT.” the best skiing is, but, perhaps more importantly, the safest way in and the safest routes out.’” The difficulty of the tours will be catered to the ability of each group. “I always set the pace based on the group’s desires,” Shandro said. “There’s mellow terrain in there, too.” “But, depending on your physical ability, we even get right to the top of Skunk, which gets you up to about 7,000 feet.” The resort offers two other off-piste camps — All Mountain Skills and Beyond the Groomers. Read more about those online at sunpeaksresort.com. To book a Gil’s tour, call 250578-5505. “Sometimes the terrain out there is as good as jumping out of a helicopter,” Shandro said.
FILE PHOTO
New events and businesses to welcome the beginning of winter by JEAN STRONG
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s snow blankets the village other changes are also afoot, including additions to a long-standing festival, a new musical event and a new store in the village. Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) has expanded the hugely popular Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival which runs from Jan. 14 to 24, to include a number of new events including “The Spirited Après”, “The Breadth of British Columbia Riesling” and “Coureur Des Bois Repas”. “Welcome to the Kamloops Wine Trail” is another new addition, bringing four local wineries into their first exclusive event. “They have always been in-
volved in the past but creating their own event is exciting,” said Janice Hoppenrays, events manager for TSP. One of the festival’s most popular offerings, “Taste of Sun Peaks” has an additional eight seats to allow more festival-goers to experience the event. “The Sun Peaks Wine Crawl” is also new for this year, featuring three locations and live music designed to appeal to a younger crowd. Tickets are available on the resort’s website. In March, Sun Peaks can look forward to an all new music event. Replacing the several Saturday concerts (known as March Music Madness) is one large event on March 26. Like other concerts offered, the evening event will be free and similar to concerts presented by the Dew AM Tour in
previous years, Hoppenrays said. “We like to focus on live music within the resort,” said Hoppenrays, adding the concerts hosted by restaurants and hotels throughout the village will continue. An exciting addition to the village’s retail scene is The Candy Vault, a new store that will feature international candy, drinks and retro items for all ages. Owner Shawn Rogers said they are excited to branch out from their original location in Salmon Arm and to open the Sun Peaks location in the Fireside Lodge in mid-December. They will be open seven days a week. “The village is gorgeous, professional and caters to families,” Rogers said. “We had a great feeling and thought ‘We want to be a part of this.’”
NEWS KAMLOOPS GROUPS RALLY TO SUPPORT ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE FILE PHOTO
KAMLOOPS GROUPS ORGANIZE: Preparing a banner for Prime Minister Trudeau.
The Kamloops Climate Rally will be held on Nov. 29 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Riverside Park Bandshell as part of Avaaz’s Global Climate March in anticipation of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Paris. Participants are encouraged to walk, bike, car pool or take transit to the event which will consist of short speeches, music and a chalk mural. They will also form a heart at the confluence of the Thompson Rivers for a photo to be shown in Paris along
with similar images from around the world. Participants can also make their mark by signing a banner which will be sent to Prime Minister Trudeau, as well as write a message to Kamloops City Council. Organizers point to many projects around the city which illustrate a desire for sustainability, including the community of Sun Rivers which is powered by geothermal energy and many solar projects including B.C.’s largest solar array by GabEnergy.
The Kamloops Climate Rally has been organized with support from a number of local organizations, including Kamloops 350, the BC Sustainable Energy Association, the Kamloops Adult Learners’ Society, Council of Canadians, Transition Kamloops, InCar, Kamloops Immigrant Services and Kamloops Moms For Clean Air, as well as many individual volunteers. Those wishing to volunteer are requested to email kamloopsclimaterally@gmail. com.
NEWS TOTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNOUNCED AT AGM At the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Annual General Meeting, held Oct. 28 at Manteo Resort in Kelowna, results were announced of recent online voting to elect stakeholders to seven of the positions on its Board of Directors. The Board’s Executive will be: • Chair: Bryan Pilbeam, Hotel540, Kamloops • Vice-Chair: Chris Bower, Nk’mip Resort Association, Osoyoos • Secretary-Treasurer: Christine Latimer, Best Western Inn & Suites Valemount The Board’s Past Chair is Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice-President of Sales & Marketing at Big White Ski Resort. Elected to two-year terms on the Board were: • Don Brogan, General Manager, Walnut Beach Resort (Osoyoos) • Gene Covert, co-owner of Covert Farms and Covert Farms Family Estate Winery (Oliver) • Glenn Grant, General Manager, BC Wildlife Park (Kamloops) • Lyndie Hill, Owner, Hoodoo Adventure Company (Penticton) • Graeme Jenkins, Executive General Manager, Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel (Kamloops) • Brad Pelletier, Vice-President of Okanagan Region for Wesbild Holdings, parent company of Predator Ridge Resort (Vernon) • Steve Rice, Chair, Gold Country Communities Society (Cache Creek) The directors below are completing their two year term and are still on the board Chris Bower, President, Nk’mip Resort Association (Osoyoos) • • Robyn Cyr, Manger, Shuswap Tourism (Salmon Arm) • George Hanson, Owner, Seven Stones Winery (Cawston) • Kevin Howlett, Senior Vice President, Regional Markets, Air Canada • Christine Latimer, General Manager, Best Western Inn & Suites Valemount (Valemount) Bryan Pilbeam, Vice-President/General Manager, Hotel 540 • (Kamloops)
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Vol 13 Issue 12 November 27 — December 17
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ARTS ENTERTAINMENT Outdoor adventure film to inspire environmental responsibility THE GREEN ART FESTIVAL RETURNS PHOTO SUBMITTED
DIANNE WHELAN: Award winning photographer and filmmaker will stop in Sun Peaks in December to share her perspective on the world’s highest peak and the consequences of human activity in the area.
by JULIA THRIFT
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any hope to live a life of adventure and travel but many rarely do. However, Dianne Whelan is a Vancouver-based photographer and filmmaker whose documentary films thrive off her passion for an adventurous lifestyle. Her latest film will be screened in Sun Peaks in December as part of the Green Art Festival Association’s first foray into winter events. After the great success and support of the first annual film and arts festival, Midnight Sun, in August, The Green Art Festival is showcasing Whelan’s work as well as other installations for the winter edition of the organization’s work. President and creative director of the Green Art Festival Association, Dasha Novak, believes that the summer festival was successful due to the fact there was no other events like it in Sun Peaks. With the positive feedback organizers received regarding this summer’s
event from guests, artists, filmmakers and local residents alike, it was no question whether to turn the screening and art events into a year-round program. On Dec. 12 the Green Art Festival will host their first film screening for the winter season, showcasing Whelan’s award winning documentary “40 Days at Base Camp”. The film will be shown on a 20-foot screen in HD and surround sound in the M Room in Morrisey’s Pub at 8 p.m. Adults are $10 and children are free. An accompanying book reading and discussion will be held on Dec. 13 in the M Room at 12 p.m. The film was shot on Mt. Everest in April of 2010. Whelan directed and shot her documentary making her the first woman to do so on the highest peak in the world. The film itself shares gripping stories, interviews, and information about the ever-growing number of known bodies on the mountain as the glacier recedes. It’s a powerful film illustrating both the human spirit and the desire to conquer Mt. Everest’s notori-
ous snowy peak all in the modern day context of encroaching climate change. While she is currently filming her newest documentary titled “500 Days in the Wild: Hiking the Trans Canada Trail”, an attempt to hike, bike and paddle across the country, she will stop in Sun Peaks to speak about her adventures and share some never-before-seen-footage of the film scheduled to be released in 2018. Other events are currently in the planning stages, such as the Big Picture Christmas; a screening of award winning short films, a wine tasting and film screening event, and Icemaker 2016; an interactive art exhibit with live music, performances and films. Go to www.greenartfestival.org for more information. The festival society hopes the planned winter events will bring the community, artists, designers, and filmmakers together in hopes of showing environmental issues in a visually interesting way to fully immerse the viewers while showing ways for a sustainable future.
Art Zone gets creative with new events by JEAN STRONG
A
t their Annual General Meeting on Nov. 13, Art Zone members discussed new events and elected new members to the board. Liz Derksen, member at large, said the group was looking forward to bringing new events and workshops to the village for the coming winter. They plan to
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offer a series of “pop up” gallery events in conjunction with the Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival, Presidents Week and local schools’ spring breaks. These events will be hosted in different locations to create a space to showcase local artwork. The AGM also saw new members elected to the board. Bill Fell joined as a board member
Vol 13 Issue 12 November 27 — December 17
at large, Martin Pitt moved to the treasurer position, Ruth Falkwiebe became secretary, and Pam Dalgleish was elected vice-president. Founded in October 2012, Art Zone Sun Peaks now has around 45 members who work to host galleries and workshops in the community. Past events included painting, jewelry making and lettering.
Workshops for this season are still in the planning process and Derksen said Art Zone always welcomes suggestions or requests for artists by any member of the community. Derksen encouraged local residents to join the organization. “We are always looking for members and you don’t have to be an artist to be a member. Even people who love art, have
an interest in art or support art at Sun Peaks can join,” she said. New members can join year round and are welcome to attend any of the board meetings. The next meeting will be on Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at #35 in The Cottages on Fairways Drive. More information can be found at artzonesunpeaks. com or by calling Liz Derksen at 250-303-0595.
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ARTS ENTERTAINMENT Home (and by that we mean Sun Peaks) for the Holidays by CARMEN RUIZ
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FRIDAY—SUNDAY
DECEMBER 4 — DECEMBER 6
Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 24: What’s better than a hearty pancake breakfast before heading out on the slopes for the day? Maybe a hearty pancake breakfast with the jolly old man himself? Head on over to Masa’s Bar + Grill at 8 a.m. for the first seating, or if you’re a late riser, 9 a.m. for the second seating. Cost is $6 per person and everyone is welcome! Tickets can be purchased at Guest Services or call 250-578-5474. New Year’s Eve Marshmallow Roast, Dec. 31: Head out on a magical one-kilometre guided tour through the woods and under the stars to the snowshoe camp. Once at the camp, warm up with a hot apple cider around a fire while roasting a campfire favourite — marshmallows! On the way back to the village, enjoy the scenic views of the torchlight descent. For ages eight and older and registration must be done in advance at the Adventure Centre or call 250578-5542. Pricing is $45 for adults (19+), $40 for youth and seniors (13-18/65+), and $24 for children (8-12). Departure is at 6:45 p.m. New Year’s Eve Celebrations, Dec. 31: Between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., watch skiers and snowboarders test their limits and show off their skills at the First Flight Big Air Invitational. Those interested in participating in the competition are to contact Brooke Madley at events@sunpeaksresort.com. Then, it’s off to watch the kids five and older ride down the Sunbeam run for the Kids Glow Stick Parade at 7:45 p.m. At 8 p.m., watch the Sundance run light up in a sea of red in the annual Torchlight Parade. Participants must register at Guest Services between 5 and 7 p.m. and must be 14 years of age or older. Must have a valid lift ticket for Dec. 31. Afterwards, watch as the night sky lights up with fireworks at 8:30 p.m. A Grand New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31: The evening begins at 6 p.m. with an expansive buffet dinner followed by dancing to
THURSDAY
Morrissey Pub. Admission is $15.
DECEMBER 24
www.greenartfestival.org
WINTER KICK-OFF WEEKEND SKI IMPROVEMENT CAMP
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHRISTMAS MASS
SATURDAY
DECEMBER 19
$325 for 3 days Get your season started with CSIA Level 4 instructors and enjoy the best early season snow conditions in Canada!
ROMAN CATHOLIC MASS
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre.
snowsports@sunpeaksresort.com
1-844-774-7263
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
MONDAY
GLENN BOND NORDIC SKI CAMP
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 5 & 6
1-844-774-7263
SATURDAY
DECEMBER 21
Classic or skating - Glenn Bond Cross Country Ski Camps are all about you. You tell our professional team of coaches what you are looking for in your camp experience and we deliver. glenn_bond@me.com
7 p.m. at the Sun Peaks Municipal office located in the Kookaburra Lodge. www.sunpeaksmunicipality.ca
TUESDAY
TOONIE DAY
Ski or ride Sun Peaks for just $2 plus a non-perishable food donation. All proceeds go to the Kamloops Food Bank. Over $6,000 and a trailer full of food was raised last year!
WEDNESDAY
DECEMBER 23
7 p.m. at the Sun Peaks Municipal office located in the Kookaburra Lodge.
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at top of Sunburst chairlift Santa will be heading out on the slopes for a few runs, he doesn’t get out on the mountain every often so he will be sticking to 5 Mile.
www.sunpeaksmunicipality.ca
www.sunpeaksresort.com
SATURDAY
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
SANTA’S ALPINE VISIT
CAROLING WITH NANCY GREENE
DECEMBER 7
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
DECEMBER 23 & 24
DECEMBER 12
Ho Ho Ho! Santa’s coming to Sun Peaks! In the village from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Photos with Santa, winter activity demos, market vendors, live music, storytelling with Santa’s elves and gingerbread decorating .
www.sunpeaksresort.com
SATURDAY
THURSDAY
WILD ADVENTURES WITH FILMMAKER DIANNE WHELAN
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
DECEMBER 12
Join Dianne Whelan as she shares stunning photos, videos and stories from her Mount Everest climb and the current trek across Canada. The event will take place from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the M Room of
Come join us for an exciting New Year’s Eve event which starts off with an easy 1 km snowshoe tour. Our guides will take you through the forest following beautiful snow covered trails to our winter camp. At the camp enjoy hot apple cider whilst sitting around the roaring campfire and roasting marshmallows.
THURSDAY
DECEMBER 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. First Flight Big Air Invitational. 7:45 p.m. Kids Glow Stick Parade. 8:00 p.m. Torchlight Parade. 8:30 p.m. Fireworks. All times are approximate. 250-578-5474
Join Nancy Greene in a Christmas tradition at Sun Peaks – carol singing in the village! Song sheets are provided. Meet at the Village Day Lodge at 6:30 p.m. or the Clocktower at 7:00 p.m.
www.sunpeaksresort.com
NEW YEAR’S EVE SNOWSHOE MARSHMALLOW ROAST
250-578-5542
SKIING WITH SANTA
MONDAY
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre.
DECEMBER 31
www.sunpeaksresort.com
www.sunpeaksresort.com
ROMAN CATHOLIC MASS
THURSDAY
DECEMBER 22
5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Ice Rink Santa will be making a special appearance at Family Fun Night at the Skating Rink where all children 12 and under are free (must be accompanied by an adult).
DECEMBER 7
DECEMBER 26 1-844-774-7263
SKATING WITH SANTA
MONDAY
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre. Join us for your Christmas Mass Celebration offered on the mountain! Come early as parking is challenging and Father starts on time!
DECEMBER 24
8 a.m. and 9 a.m. at Masa’s Bar + Grill Enjoy a good old fashioned pancake breakfast with Santa, before heading out on the mountain for the day. Tickets are $6 through Guest Services.
THURSDAY
DECEMBER 31
A GRAND NEW YEAR’S EVE
Come celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Grand! This is an all ages event, with a Black & White theme. Dinner will be a buffet style between 6 and 8 p.m., leaving time to head down to the fireworks. Xtreme Radio will take the stage at 9:30 PM and keep you dancing into the New Year! 250-578-6020
guestservices@sunpeaksresort.com
/sunpeaksnews
@sunpeaksnews
the music of Xtreme Radio. And the evening wouldn’t be complete the countdown to midnight and a champagne toast! Tickets are $70 and include dinner and dancing and $30 for the dance only. Kids 12 and under are $35 with ages three and under free. Call 250-578-6020 to purchase tickets. Check www.sunpeaksnews. com/events for more details on restaurant and entertainment specials throughout the Holiday season.
Mexican Cuisine made from the finest, freshest ingredients. All prepared by our Chef to be healthy, tasty and fresh. Early Bird Special + $12 Pitchers from 4 to 6 pm daily Located at the Heffley Boutique Inn
ut -o e ke bl Ta aila av
G ar rea ga t rit as
ith the Holidays fast approaching, here’s a list of events happening around the village: Gingerbread decorating station at Vertical Cafe, Dec. 12: Love gingerbread cookies? Love decorating gingerbread cookies? Then stop by Vertical Café in the Coast Sundance Lodge between 3 and 5 p.m. The $2 cost includes one gingerbread man and your choice of decorations. All ages are welcome however, priority will be given to children 12 and under. Santa’s Alpine Visit, Dec. 12: Between 3 and 5 p.m., pick up some last minute gifts through one of the on-site vendors and grab a few pictures with Santa during his first seasonal visit to Sun Peaks. Enjoy the music of the Anita Eccleston Quartet, free maple taffy samples, and story time with Santa’s elves. Events will be held throughout the village. Skating with Santa, Dec. 22: Join Santa as he makes a special guest appearance at the weekly Family Fun Night at the Skating Rink at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome and children 12 and under are free (must be accompanied by an adult). Games, music, a bonfire and hot chocolate will be available to keep everyone warm or for those who are intimidated by strapping on a pair of skates. Skiing with Santa, Dec. 23: He may be good at steering a sleigh, but Santa’s skiing skills are a little bit rusty. Join him as he attempts to ski the 5 Mile run between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome and the cost is free with a valid lift pass. Meeting point is at the Sunburst chairlift. Caroling with Nancy Greene, Dec. 23 and 24: Warm up your singing pipes and join Olympic ski champion Nancy Greene Raine in a holiday tradition, caroling throughout the village. Song sheets will be provided and the cost is free.
EVENT LISTINGS
250-578-8343
Sun Peaks’ smallest Hotel with the greatest Rooms.
Vol 13 Issue 12 November 27 — December 17
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A&W North Shore Alpine Images Photography Inc. B.A. Brewmaster Bear Country Property Management Bear’s Lair Lodge Bev Batch Black Beaver Crossfit Bolacco Café Bottoms Bar & Grill Canadian Tire (1441 Hillside Dr) Chubb Edwards City of Kamloops Tournament Capital Centre Coast Sundance Lodge Columbia St Shoppers Drug Mart Consignor Sports Creekside Cottage Debbie Wargovcsik Decorated Interiors by Kirsten Delta Grand Okanagan Delta Lodge at Kananaskis Delta Vancouver Suites Derek & Lynn Schreurs Discover Sun Peaks Adventures
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Dr. Brad Labreque / Cedar Dental Centre Eagle Point Golf Resort Elia Ganderski Epp Cates Oien Find Strength in Action / Body Mind Centre Fisherman’s Market Franco’s Auto Service Ltd. Fun & Games Kamloops Gillespie & Company Harper’s Trail Winery Heffley Boutique Inn Holistic Physical Therapy Inspire Chiropractic and Wellness Studio Interior White Water Expeditions Izzy Hamptonstone, Braintrain International Jackson Triggs Jamie Jack & Katherine Moffat Jardines Jim Ferguson Jo-Ann O’Brien Juniper Trails Mountain Bike Experience Kamloops Art Gallery Kamloops Blazers Hockey Club
Vol 13 Issue 12 November 27 — December 17
Kamloops Family Vision Clinic Kamloops Golf & Country Club Kamloops Harley-Davidson Kamloops Museum & Archives Kamloops Radiologists La Dolce Vita Day Spa & Salon Lisa Bentz Liz R. Derksen Lois Costello Long & McQuade McSporties Ski Shop Morrisey Chalet at Sun Peaks Mountain High Pizza Mountain Man Adventures Dog Sled Tours Mr. & Mrs. Michael Lingrin Mt. Paul Golf Course Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge No Limits Fitness NRI Distribution Inc Over Time Apparel Pacific Paintsmith Paddle Surfit Pat McKimmon
Pat Miller Patricia Garnham Pinnacle Hotel Vancouver Harbourfront Powder Hounds Restaurant Powertone Health Studios RE/MAX Alpine Resort Realty Rivershore Estates & Golf Links Rocky Mountain Chocolate Shop RTR Performance Inc. Rumble Silver Moose Customs Simply Delish Kamloops Sneaky Scalliwags Sonya Trevisi – Down the Road Wellness Sossima Handmade Soaps Sotheby’s International Realty Sparkling Hill Resort Sportsman Light Truck Ltd. Style for Everyone Sun Peaks Adventure Tours Sun Peaks Grand Hotel Margit Sky Project Masa’s Bar + Grill Sun Peaks Lodge
Sun Peaks Plumbing & Heating Sun Peaks Resort LLP Sun Peaks Spa Sun Peaks Stables Sundance Liquor Store Sure Kamlops Print & Copy Centre The Art We Are Artisan Market The Bench Jewellery The Cat Rental Store The Dunes at Kamloops The Noble Pig The Plaza Hotel Tobiano Golf Course Tod Mountain Coffee House & Creperie Total Wealth Concepts Tourism Sun Peaks TRU Wolfpack True Outdoors Veronica Connors Vivek Sharma Voyageur Canoe Tours Walter and Kathy Rees Willow Tree Gifts WiRD Art Zuzy Rocka
SEND US YOUR PHOTOS TO BE FEATURED IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS EDITOR@SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM
After a lot of boot packing and training, members of Sun Peaks’ ski patrol celebrate opening day. (Photo by Tourism Sun Peaks)
The Mountain Man Dogsled Adventures family welcomed four new puppies in November. (Photo by Alpine Images)
The Sun Peaks Health Centre received a new, more accessible examination bed.
inPHOTOS
OR POST YOUR PHOTOS USING #SUNPEAKSNEWS @SUNPEAKSNEWS
Prost! The Sun Peaks Racers and Oktoberfest Organizing Comittee thank everyone for contirbuting to their fourth succesful event.
Opening weekend saw an ollie competition. The winner was Tristan Hansen.
The annual Firefighters Charity Gala rasied $22,000 and recognized Dean Schiavon as Local Assistant to the Fire Commissioner, Alanna Vignale for 5 years of service and for the highest attendance for call outs and Arme Fevang for 20 years of service.
The board members of the Bluebird Day Fund gather for a group photo on the evening of the 8th Annual Fall Ball in full Prohibition-time costume. (Photo by Alpine Images)
Fire Hall members surprised the Health Centre with a little early Christmas cheer.
Vol 13 Issue 12 November 27 — December 17
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Surveys help businesses improve guest experience PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN TOURISM SUN PEAKS, TRU AND UNIVERSITY IN NORWAY PHOTO: WIKI COMMONS
HEMSEDAL IN NORWAY: Similar in size, skier visits and ownership to Sun Peaks Resort.
by TRACY GILCHRIST
B
usinesses will get their first glimpse on Nov. 27 at survey results that are part of a multiyear research project between Tourism Sun Peaks, a university in Norway and Thompson Rivers University. With the goal of monitoring a ski resort’s progress and performance to improve guest experience, the project aims to help resorts survey visitors in a more indepth way than the simple guest satisfaction surveys frequently found in hotel rooms. “Asking guests to do surveys is nothing different,” said Christopher Nicolson, president of Tourism Sun Peaks. “What’s unique
about this Norway partnership is the benefit to the businesses in that they are able to get individualized findings.” Hemsedal, a mountain resort community in Norway, has been using a survey created by Jan Velvin and his team at Buskerud and Vestfold University College for three years now. Sun Peaks and Hemsedal are similar in the size of mountain, number of skier visits and ownership by a large parent company. They also both feature businesses run by owner-operators and around a three hour drive to the larger cities of Oslo and Vancouver. Velvin’s survey asks customers at Hemsedal about the
overall resort experience and about their interactions with local businesses. The data shows where the small businesses are “excelling and where they are needing more training,” said Anne Terwiel, chair of TRU’s Tourism Management Department. Tourism Sun Peaks had been offering early season training to businesses on various topics, but the more expansive Norwegian survey with its direct customer feedback allows “a training plan to be tailored toward the owner-operator and staff or both,” she said. It’s not about “outing any business that is underperforming or to glorify those doing well,” Terwiel added, noting the results are shared only with each participating business and made anonymous for other research purposes. The information can be used as a tool for business owners to get better at what they do, with the ultimate goal of improving the overall experience of guests. Building on an already established relationship between TRU and the Norwegian university, the surveys were first used at Sun Peaks last February and March and yielded a small sample size of 275 respondents. This initial data is being shared
$1.5-billion expansion approved for Hemlock Resort F rom the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Nov. 12 — The Province has approved major expansion plans at Hemlock Resort that include a collaborative and innovative approach between the B.C. government, Langleybased proponent Berezan Group and local Sts’ailes Band. The approved master plan supports continued economic development and tourism in the Fraser Valley, and positions Hemlock to evolve into a unique all-season resort. The five-phase expansion of Hemlock Resort’s existing ski hill will see the addition of more activities and base-area development, as well as: • an increase to the controlled recreation area to more than 6,000 hectares from 350 hectares;
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• an increase of approximately 20,000 bed units and an additional 23 lifts at build-out over a period of 60 years; • an estimated capital investment of $500 million for Phase 1 of the expansion, with an estimated total $1-billion investment at build-out and, • phase 1 of the expansion will create the equivalent of 1,153 full-time jobs. Since buying the resort in 2006, the proponent has invested $10 million into upgrading the existing infrastructure for 217 private homeowners. Currently, there are 1,076 bed units and four lifts. An impacts benefit agreement between the proponent and Sts’ailes Band includes opportunities for a joint venture development on nearby Harrison Lake,
Vol 13 Issue 12 November 27 — December 17
which would further enhance Hemlock’s potential as an all-season resort. Development plans over the next 20 years include a lakefront First Nations-themed residential village and small marina, with year-round recreation activities such as mountain biking, hiking and ATVing. The agreement also includes a collaborative approach between the ministry, the proponent and Sts’ailes to reduce impacts of the resort expansion on existing forest licensees in the area. This innovative approach to integrated resource management will include a First Nations woodland licence for Sts’ailes to be placed over the expanded controlled recreation area, which will allow forestry operations to continue as the resort builds out.
by TRU on Nov. 27 with the businesses that have volunteered to take part in the pilot project, and Tourism Sun Peaks will discuss the broader resort results. A sign-up sheet describing the project and its goals was left with businesses, and customers wishing to participate provided their email addresses to receive the survey. The raw data was analyzed by TRU and confidential results are shared with the businesses. Two businesses — Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge and the Lone Wolf Gallery — have agreed to share their results with peers at the Nov. 27 meeting and talk about how they will apply them in their work practices. Cahilty Lodge general manager John Douglas said the hotel provides guest comment cards and does its own internal surveys, but feels the information from this survey will prove useful in a broader context as businesses can share what they’ve learned with each other. “The more we all get on the same page, the better,” Douglas said. The village results so far “reinforced what we already knew,” Nicolson said, that guests are “trying to get a break, spend time with family and, specifically, Sun Peaks is valued for providing an outdoor experience and the attractiveness of those outdoor experiences.” This kind of information helps Tourism Sun Peaks hone its messaging to the relevant target audience, he added. “At the end of the day, our goal is to provide the best experience in in Canada.” Terwiel and fellow TRU re-
sort management associate professor, John Hull, are using the results for a comparative year-to-year analysis and for teaching purposes. “We can watch changes that occur in management strategy, training, philosophies in learning about your business, and can pass it along to our students.” The next stage involves launching the surveys at the start of ski season to provide a full season of data. Terweil says this larger sample size will yield more accurate results and the early start means they can provide businesses their results sooner, “so they can improve over the season.” She wasn’t able to provide survey questions to SPIN as it will skew the data if participants know what they’ll be asked, but suggested the questions are designed to dig more deeply into whether Sun Peaks guests had “the experience we wanted to create for them.” For example, if a guest was looking for a relaxing experience and answered he had an energetic experience, a business might say, “I didn’t realize people are coming here to relax and not get ramped up all the time.” “It’s trying to match customer expectation to experience. Because so many places are trying to pay attention to service, it’s really important we get specific about what people are wanting,” she said. Funding for the survey comes from the Norwegian government and Hull has applied for a grant from the Canadian government. The study also involves researchers at the University of Sheffield in England.
Opening Dec. 11th “Enjoy your evening with great steaks STEAKHOUSE and daily specials in a E casual family atmosphere.” AT SUN PEAKS LODGE
Ph: 250 578 7878
E
Reservations Recommended
Visitevening SunPeaksLodge.com “Enjoy your with great steaks to view our menu and daily specials in a casual family atmosphere.”
Ph: 250 578 7878
Reservations Recommended Visit SunPeaksLodge.com to view our menu
BOOK YOUR CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE AT
SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM/classified FOR RENT Residential or Commercial use. 2 Bedroom 1 bath with loft. All appliances. Base of Burf. Available December 1st. 250-574-6885. Chalet for rent. 3 Bed 3 Bath. True ski in/out off platter and valley trail. Year round lease only. Fully furnished, some shared utilities with side suite. Private location, beautiful view. $2850/month. 250-574-6885. Older 2 bedroom house private 2km south of Whitecroft. Electric and wood heat. $650/mo no pets (because of coyotes). Contact s435@yahoo.com. 2br suite Fairways Dr. Freshly Reno. $1600 first and last, no pets, 6 month lease. d.castro.sunpeaks@hotmail.com or 250-819-0445.
Fairways Drive - Very nice & spacious 3 BR & 3 Bath home, completely furnished. Two Car Garage & Hot tub. Short walk to village. Covered Patio overlooks golf course & mountain. Seattle owner seeks mature tenants - established reliable middle aged couple or two couples or family. Nov through April or longer lease. Rent $2,000 plus Utilities or $2,750 including utilities. Subject to Interview & References. Email GKM9611@ AOL.com or text 206-617-5711.
ACCOM WANTED Two reliable, responsible 19 years old guys searching for accommodation during the entire winter season. We have jobs at the ski hill. No pets, non-smokers, quiet and clean. References are available. Also willing to
ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS ADS ARE PLACED DAILY
share accommodations. Family of 4 with a cat, relocating from Kelowna, is looking for a long term rental (all year round) with 3 Bedrooms. Great references. Max. $1800/Month. Please contact Dorothy @ 250-863-9290 or d.o.kaiser@hotmail.com
EMPLOYMENT Full and part time housekeeping & hot tub maintenance positions available. Email CV to info@3klicksaway.com
SERVICES Sun Peaks Hair Studio “Style For Everyone” located on Burfield Dr. Cuts, Colours, Formals. Professional Service at Low Cost. www.styleforeveryone.ca.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 6:30 pm Monday, December 21, 2015 Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipal Council gives notice that it will hold a Public Hearing in Council Chambers at 106-3270 Village Way, Sun Peaks, BC, to consider proposed Bylaws 0055, 0056, 0057, 0058 and 0059.
What are Zoning Amendment Bylaws 0056, 0057, and 0058? They are a change to Zoning Bylaw No. 1400 to rezone lands at 4128 Sundance Drive, 4129 Sundance Drive and 4159 Sundance Drive respectively, from RS-1: Residential Single Family One to RS-1A: Residential Single Family One – Tourist Accommodation Zone to permit tourist accommodation (nightly/short-term rental).
What is Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw 0055? It is a change to Zoning Bylaw No. 1400 to allow the issuance of tickets under the Bylaw Enforcement Notification Bylaw in place of enforcement through the court system initially. All persons who believe that their interests may be affected by the proposed Bylaws shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard at the Public Hearing. Additionally, they may make written submissions on the matter of these Bylaws which must be received at our office prior to 4:00 p.m. on the 7th day of December 2015. The entire content of all submissions will be made public and form a part of the public record for this matter.
How do I get more information?
A copy of the proposed Bylaws and all supporting information can be inspected from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday (except statutory holidays) at our office from December 7, 2015 until 4:00 p.m. the day of the Hearing; or please contact us via any of the below options.
No representations will be received by Council after the Public Hearing has been concluded. Mail: PO Box 1002, Sun Peaks, BC V0E 5N0 Phone: 250-578-2020 Email: admin@sunpeaksmunicipality.ca
SUDOKU ANSWERS V13 I11
CROSSWORD ANSWERS V13 I11
Vol 13 Issue 12 November 27 — December 17
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BUSINESS LISTINGS BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
SERVICES
Michael Ferber 250 318 1177 250 578 8970
Excavating Ltd. Excavating & Snow Clearing
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1” Crush
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Builders of Luxury Homes
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Greg: 250 371 7800 • gzieb@telus.net
ENTERPRISES LTD.
Pacific Paintsmith • • •
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RUSCHENTERPRISESLTD@GMAIL.COM
Maintenance painting Interior | Exterior General wall repairs
Richard VanCamp cel. 250.319.0577
pacificpaintsmith@hotmail.ca
Grether Contracting
BLIK HOME DEVELOPMENTS
Serving Sun Peaks Since 1992 Kitchen & Bath Renovations Damage Restoration Drywall & Painting Concrete Repairs Building Maintenance & Consulting
PAUL ROBERTS CUSTOM BUILDER | PROJECT MANAGER NEW HOMES | ADDITIONS
E-MAIL: blik_developments@yahoo.ca PHONE: 250 371 4880
CALL ANDRÉ "FIRST" 250-371-1753 • grether@telus.net
FOR SALE
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FOR SALE IN WHITECROFT
*Pre-winter specials* Get your annual safety service now Save up to 20% on fireplace, water heater & furnace maintenance Licensed, insured & bonded
CALL 250-879-1737
sunpeaksplumbingandheating.com
SERVICES BRENDAN SHAW REAL ESTATE
We’ll monitor your website so you can focus on your business and we can focus on keeping your site secure.
109 Victoria Street | Kamloops, BC
KAMLOOPS AND AREA REAL ESTATE AGENTS
Custom Responsive Web Designs built exclusively on the WordPress Platform
SUN PEAKS ONLY DEDICATED PROFESSIONAL HOT TUB COMPANY
Cathy Earle
Digital Media Specialist
peaksmedia.com • 250 434
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Vol 13 Issue 12 November 27 — December 17
LOCATED IN THE LITTLE SHUSWAP LODGE 250 578 8669 24HR EMERGENCY CALL OUT 250 214 0464
Specializing in residential and commercial real estate
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Nordic season glides to a strong start NEW TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS AND DEDICATED GROOMING MACHINE PHOTO: GUNNER RASMUSSEN
FULL STEAM AHEAD: Nordic trails were looking great for Opening Day.
by SUN PEAKS NEWS
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hil Youwe was in his element underneath blue skies on opening day at Sun Peaks Resort when he paused to speak with SPIN. “We’ve got fresh groomed trails, I’m looking at a skier passing me with a dog and people are just getting their balance again, really enjoying it,” said Youwe, the resort’s Nordic
operations co-ordinator. His tone indicated he was smiling and Youwe said there are more than a few reasons for the growing Sun Peaks Nordic community to be happy. “What we’re finding is a lot of alpine skiers are moving over to dual purpose — cross country in the afternoon, downhill in the morning,” said Youwe, still trying to catch his breath. “We’ve also seen a big growth
from the biking world. People who do a lot of mountain biking through the summer are looking for training in the winter, and cross country skiing fits perfect with the biking crowd.” Youwe noted the number of Nordic skiers in the “older crowd” seems to be increasing. “There is less impact than alpine skiing and less chance to hurt yourself if you fall,” he said. There is a new snow groom-
er machine dedicated to Nordic trails, a new entrance to the McGillivray Lake trail system off of Parking Lot 5 and a new trail called Chickadee, which provides access to Blue Grouse and Raven. “We also did a lot of summer grooming, so the trails are in awesome shape early in the season,” Youwe said. There are 18 Nordic hosts at Sun Peaks, ambassadors who work between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., doing everything from giving advice on which trails might suit skiers to checking lift passes. Youwe said Learn to Ski clinics offered each Saturday are well-attended and Glenn Bond Ski Camps, held twice each season at Sun Peaks, are widely acclaimed. “(Bond) has been with Sun Peaks for three years and brings an entourage of instructors from the States,” Youwe said. “They’re for skiers of any ability and you can tailor-make them for what you want to do.” Bond is holding camps on Dec. 5, Dec. 6, Jan. 2 and
Jan. 3. To register, go online to www.glennbond.com/sun-peaks. Sun Peaks also offers coaching certification clinics for those looking to share their passion for the sport. There are 34 kilometres of groomed trails at the resort, including popular ones such as Great Grey, Otter Loop and Blue Grouse, in addition to 14 skier-set backcountry trails. Five trails accommodate dogs. “Nordic skiing is a fantastic workout and it’s something you can do forever,” Youwe said. “You work up a sweat on the way up and relax on the glide down.”
“WE’VE GOT FRESH GROOMED TRAILS, I’M LOOKING AT A SKIER PASSING ME WITH A DOG AND PEOPLE ARE JUST GETTING THEIR BALANCE AGAIN, REALLY ENJOYING IT ”
Captured November 20, 2015
SAVE UP TO 46% ON LIFT TICKETS WHEN YOU PURCHASE ONLINE VISIT OUR STORE AT SUNPEAKSRESORT.COM
DECEMBER
12–24
Visit us in Sahali Mall for all your snowy holiday needs! We’ll have something for all the snow lovers on your list, from resort gift cards and lift tickets, to toques and souvenirs from your favourite mountain.
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Getting off on the right foot
PHOTO: ADAM STEIN
PARTICPATION INCREASE IN EARLY SEASON IMPROVEMENT CAMP by SUN PEAKS NEWS
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PREPARING FOR THE SEASON AHEAD: High level camps offer training and instruction.
STUNNING VIEWS WITH A HOT NEW MENU Try Our Mexican Lunch Options! Perched at 1,850 metres above sea level, at the top of the Sunburst Express chairlift.
OPEN DAILY FROM 8:30AM TO 3:30PM 18
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Vol 13 Issue 12 November 27 — December 17
ood skiers looking to get better are invited to the Winter Kick-off Ski Improvement Camp, which runs from Dec. 4 to Dec. 6. “It’s geared toward ski instructors, but we do take good skiers or season’s pass holders who want to improve their skill and get the season off to a good start,” said Vincent Lafontaine, camp host and resort ski school director. “There’s a lot of instruction and training, if you want to get better.” The three-day camp costs $325 and includes coaching from Level 4 instructors, stretching and fitness sessions, video analysis, yoga, a welcome cocktail reception and a banquet dinner. Olympic gold medalist and world champion skier Nancy Greene Raine will be a special
“THERE’S A LOT OF INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING, IF YOU WANT TO GET BETTER.”
guest at the camp. Book by calling 250-5785505 or by emailing snowsports@sunpeaksresort.com. “It’s all about getting started off on the right foot and we’re looking for intermediate and advanced skiers,” Lafontaine said. The program was founded last year by Lafontaine and 16 skiers signed up. This year, 40 have already registered. “It’s growing really quite fast,” he said. “I only hire Level 4 instructors, the top level.” Participants receive 50 per cent off lift tickets during the three-day camp and lift line priority.
FILE PHOTO
Busy fall prepares Alpine Club for success PHOTO SUBMITTED
STARS ON ICE: The Sun Peaks Hockey League plays Thursdays at the Sun Peaks ice skating rink.
THE PUCK DROPS ON SUN PEAKS’ HOCKEY SEASON A new season of the Sun Peaks Hockey League begins on Dec. 3 at the outdoor ice rink located in the East Village. The league is a peer-organized shinny league for staff and volunteers of Sun Peaks Resort LLP and its partner companies. The non-contact, four on four games are suitable for every ability level and take place every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. “We have everyone from Australians who have never skated before to people who
used to play all the time,” said Mike Billheimer, league coordinator. “It’s great because it gives (corp) staff an inexpensive activity to do after work hours.” The league helps people get set up with hockey equipment, including skate rentals. Registration is $40 for the season. More information can be found on www.facebook.com/ sunpeakshockeyleague. Games will continue until Feb. 4, excluding over Christmas and New Year’s.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Sun Peaks U16s training on OSV on Nov. 14.
SUN PEAKS TEAM LOOKING TO REPEAT INTERNATIONAL AND PROVINCIAL SUCCESS
by JEAN STRONG
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he 130 athletes of the Sun Peaks Alpine Club enjoyed fantastic pre-season ski conditions to begin training for the year. On Nov. 13, they converged on the mountain for the first time this season to prepare for upcoming races. “The snowmaking has been amazing, the resort has done a really good job at getting the snowmaking right,” said Montana Molyneux, head coach of the Sun Peaks Alpine Club. “(Right now) we have a product where no one else in B.C. is able to ski at their home clubs. And that is a combined effort from the Sun Peaks club and the volunteers, along with patrol and the grooming and snowmaking at the resort.” Hundreds of skiers from other teams have also visited to take
advantage of the training centre. Teams from Japan, Alberta, Washington (and other U.S. states) were on the mountain training, fully booking all December spaces. All training lanes on O.S.V. and Chute runs were in use for the camps. The Sun Peaks team hopes this season will bring the same provincial and international results they enjoyed last year. After a strong performance in the 2014-15 season, Molyneux said while some skiers will now be competing in new categories, the club has many strong racers to watch. To achieve this, they train every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The first zone race and the first open series will be hosted at Sun Peaks in January. “Last year they developed the open series and we held the first one last December,” said Molyneux.
“Having the first one here again this year is exciting: it’s a good event for Sun Peaks Resort and the Alpine Club to put on to show the quality resort we have on a provincial level. It also promotes to other teams and encourages them to come for pre-season training.” The club continues to grow every year and there is still time to join. Racers can also still register for the Nancy Greene Ski League which begins in January. Molyneux said the club encourages and supports growth in all areas of their skiing and that the skills learned go far beyond skiing. The club is always looking for new volunteers for races.
For more information visit:
sunpeaksracers.com
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ALPINE RESORT REALTY
EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED
Serving Sun Peaks and area since 1995
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OPEN DAILY - LOCATED IN THE KOOKABURRA LODGE T: 250 578 8222 TF: 1 800 663 2838 E: info@sunpeaksrealty.com
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#45 Woodhaven - $529,900
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Stylish 4 bedroom plus spacious family room, ski-in,ski-out townhouse with exceptional fishing details. This 3 level mountain home features a private single car garage, dramatic vaulted ceiling in the open living area with floor to ceiling windows, beautiful views, heated tile floors, 2 sundecks & a private patio. This home is situated next to the golf course and is being sold fully furnished with hot tub. GST is not applicable.
1340 Burfield Drive - $289,900
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Spectacular mountain views from every room of this beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bath townhouse located in magical Crystal Forest. This corner location has it all... beneath the bell tower, close to lifts & village with great ski-in access, designed to capture the ambiance of a Tyrolean ski village. Extensive use of knotty pine for added warmth, newer flooring & paint, cozy rock fireplace, offered fully furnished with private hot tub & two underground parking spaces. GST paid.
#15 Trails Edge - $439,000
Enjoy this beautifully appointed 3 bedroom plus bonus room, 3 bath townhome in a great ski-in, ski-out location that is popular with owner’s & visitors. This fully furnished home is an end unit & features a spacious open livingroom with rock fireplace, soaring windows, vaulted ceiling with large sundeck off dining room & private patio area with hot tub off the bright open kitchen. The spacious master bedroom features an ensuite and additional sundeck overlooking the valley & mountains.
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#6 Alpine Greens - $284,900
Pristine 3 bdrm, 2 bath condo features an authentic river rock wood burning fireplace w/ timber mantle, heated tile floors, newer paint & window coverings and comes fully furnished. Enjoy the sundeck overlooking the 2nd fairway & valley trail close to lifts & all resort amenities. Top floor master bdrm is spacious & comes complete w/ ensuite & private balcony w/ views of Mt. Morrisey. This “move in ready” home is south facing & is a pleasure to show. GST paid.
#16 Trail’s Edge - $365,000
Fully finished 2 bdrm, 2.5 bath ski-in, ski-out townhouse w/ hot tub. This mountain townhome features sunny south facing exposure with easy access to the village & resort amenities. Quality finishing throughout w/ inviting open living area, spacious kitchen, heated tile floors, cozy fireplace, private patio & large sundeck, 2 car tandem garage & additional storage space. This is one of the more admired projects in the resort due to the location and convenience it offers. GST applies.
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Sunny courtyard location w/ south facing exposure & ski hill views of Mt. Morrisey compliment this beautiful 2 storey, 2 bdrm, 2 bath townhouse. This home is fully furnished & has 2 secure underground parking spaces, additional storage, cozy gas fireplace, heated tile floors in kitchen & baths. Crystal Forest has the ambiance of a Tyrolean Ski Village. With easy ski-in access this location offers the best of both worlds that is convenient to all resort amenities. GST paid.
5411 Lookout Ridge - $988,000
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This PNE Prize Home is rustic traditional with country chic decor featuring a grand living room with floor to ceiling windows, custom gourmet kitchen & impressive glass walk-in wine cellar. Plenty of outdoor space on both levels, with an indoor & outdoor fireplace with direct ski-in, ski-out access right out your door. This sophisticated home features 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, games room complete with pool table and 2nd storey family room with impressive views and sundeck for entertaining. GST paid.
Fireside Lodge starting at: $103,900 Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge starting at: $69,900 Sundance Lodge starting at: $19,900 The Residences at Sun Peaks Grand starting at: $49,000 Kookaburra Lodge starting at: $169,000 Hearthstone Lodge starting at: $29,900
#6 Bridge Gate - $889,000
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Vol 13 Issue 12 November 27 — December 17
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This prestigious townhome features 4 bedrooms plus spacious family room, separate ski room, impressive dining & living area with post & beam features, picture windows, beautiful reclaimed fir flooring & stunning rock fireplace. Exquisite attention to finishing and detail with custom designed gourmet kitchen with granite & superior commercial appliances, 2 car garage & large sundeck to enjoy the amazing sunsets & commanding views. Hot tub and furnishings included. GST is paid.
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#22 Forest Trails - $272,000
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Upper floor 2 bdrm, 2 bath retreat nestled next to forested area and creek with mountain & valley views. Forest Trails has a peaceful setting and offers convenient ski-in, ski-out access & is a short stroll to village & all amenities. Condo features open kitchen and living area w/ nook, southwest facing sundeck, heated tile floors, gas fireplace, in suite laundry, and ensuite off master bedroom. Additional storage space in private garage and GST is applicable.
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This charming 1 bdrm condo is located only minutes from all village services which makes this an attractive home to visit anytime of the year, or live year round. Cozy wood burning fireplace, natural finishes & open floor plan w/ vaulted ceiling add to the warm feeling this condo offers. This property backs onto the golf course & valley trail w/ great mountain views & if offered furnished with GST paid.
#14 Crystal Forest - $244,000
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Exceptional value in this ski-in half duplex with easy walk out access to the Burfield Chairlift. Features 3 bedrooms & 2 baths with open living design, vaulted ceiling & covered sundeck overlooking the mountains. The living room offers a cozy gas fireplace & large windows providing plenty of natural light, full walk-out basement to the lower sundeck & backyard to a forested green space on McGillivray Creek. Radiant in-floor heat, ample level parking, separate storage shed. GST is paid.
#4 Alpine Greens - $189,900
#41 Crystal Forest - $349,000
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