SPIN Vol 14 Issue 4 by Sun Peaks Independent News

APRIL 15—21

APRIL 22—30

A few showers, seasonable

Showers, then sunny, nice

MAY 1—5

Sunny, warm

> Carving out a lifestyle niche

MAY 6—12

Showers, then sunny, nice

PAGE 8 >Muni puts out request for proposals for new Health Centre

PAGE 6

Volume 14 Issue 4

APRIL 15 — MAY 12

@sunpeaksnews /sunpeaksnews

FREE 2015-16 SEASON

Up 3.6% from 07-08

SKI SEASON sets new records

recorded at end of March 2016

SKIIER VISITS RISE ABOVE

350,000

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER NEARLY A 20 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE 2014-15 SEASON

2007-08 SEASON

70,000 booked room nights Celebrating the season: The 2016 Slush Cup was part of the end of year festivities on April 10, wrapping up a record-setting year.

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

he 2015-16 ski season was the best ever in Sun Peaks, surpassing record totals of skier visits and occupancy set in the 2007-08 season, according to Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) and Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP). For the ﬁrst time the resort surpassed 350,000 skier visits and it also marked nearly a 20 per cent increase over the 2014-15 season. SPR’s marketing director Aidan Kelly accounted pent up

demand from a less than ideal season last year, the state of the Canadian dollar and fantastic ski conditions since opening weekend for the season’s strong results. “It’s obviously great. To surpass the 2007-2008 numbers was big for us, something that has been circled on a lot of people’s walls for a long time,” Kelly said. “To get that feels really good and now it’s about sitting down and ﬁguring out how we make sure that’s not a blip on the radar. How do we make sure that’s the new standard moving forward?”

Nightly accommodation also set record numbers throughout the resort this season. Room nights in Sun Peaks at the end of March were up 13.4 per cent over last season and 3.6 per cent over the previous record year in 2007-08. “That 07-08 year we all had bullseyes on it for a number of years and so the opportunity to surpass that was a signiﬁcant milestone for Sun Peaks and all the businesses,” said TSP president Christopher Nicolson. Sun Peaks is nearing a tipping point, which once a certain number of visitors is hit there

“

To surpass the 2007-2008 numbers was big for us, something that has been circled on a lot of people’s walls for a long time.

”

will be momentum in the marketplace to help attract people, according to Nicolson. “It’s a little bit of an intangible concept but it’s very true at every single successful des-

tination on the globe in that once you achieve that critical mass there’s a momentum that comes from that. Wintertime is getting there, the word of mouth and people talking and recommending Sun Peaks is key,” Nicolson said. It was a strong ski season across Western Canada, reﬂected in investments such as the $345 million expansion plan announced at Whistler Blackcomb. Although nothing is imminent in Sun Peaks, Kelly said a season such as this gives renewed optimism. “When the recession hit in 2008 it was really hard times for people in the tourism industry and it was just about how do you maintain your business rather than how do you grow your business,” Kelly said. “Now with the economy picking up and visitation picking up, it’s back to the conversations about how do we grow the business, how do we make the place better and how do we continue to develop.” Nicolson also echoed Kelly’s assessment of the impact of the

Vol 14 Issue 4 April 15 — May 12

....Continued on Page 5

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local Daycare expands to year round service GREATER COMMITMENT LEADS TO INCREASED HOURS by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

he resort’s Sundance Kids Centre is expanding its service throughout the nonskiing months to give families the option of year-round child care in Sun Peaks. The daycare centre will be open during the off-season due to an increased interest from local families. Ten kids have committed to weekly attendance and four families have committed to a drop in basis throughout the summer. “We want to provide year round care for the local families,” said daycare staff member Rayne McDonnell. “We’ll take drop ins and occasional (visits) if they come by, but the main point is to help the families that are up here that want year round child care.” The Sundance Kids Centre

will be open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the off-season for kids between 12 months and 12 years of age. The daycare will resume full operations next ski season. “There’s a lot (of families) that are super excited that we’re now going to be open year round and that they’re not going to be scrounging in the off-season to find somebody. We haven’t heard anybody say ‘this isn’t going to work,’ ” McDonnell said. “It’s only been positive

“…the main point is to help the families that are up here that want year round child care” feedback from all the parents regarding the off-season.” “We would love to see the commitment grow and be able to open to our full ski season

capacity in the off-season and do seven days a week.” The daycare also saw a large increase in locals using the facility over the winter months. There was a 38.9 per cent increase in local kids using the daycare this year and a 23 per cent increase overall compared to last ski season. The daycare is also working to include programming for kids during the off-season such as Zumba, yoga and art classes. They will also be offering after-school care for students attending Sun Peaks Elementary. “We’re working on it right now to try and get a start date, we’re hoping for May 1 and do, for example, Tuesday mornings at 11 there will be yoga and they can come for the full morning and hang out for yoga just to have some activities and curriculum running through the daycare as well, not just free play,” McDonnell said.

Local companies win big at Keystone Awards by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

wo Sun Peaks companies reached acclaim at the 11th Annual Keystone Home Builders Awards of Excellence, presented by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central Interior at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Conference Centre on April 2. Twenty-six awards were handed out at the black tie gala, which celebrated the best in the industry in the Kamloops region. “The continued passion shown for housing by builders, trades and suppliers in the Kamloops region has once again delivered some of the best homes in Canada over the past year,” said Matt McCurrach, president of Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central Interior in a press release. Sun Peaks-based Meranti Developments Ltd. led all winners with five gold awards, including the Best Single Family Detached Home 2,000 to 2,499

sunpeaksnews.com

Racking up awards: Meranti’s craftsmanship shines in annual awards. | PHOTO SUPPLIED

square feet, Best Single Family Detached Home $1.5 million and over, Best Kitchen Design Project $30,000 and over, Best Customer Service by a Builder, and the Building Energy Efficiency Award. Powder Ventures Excavating Ltd., also based in Sun Peaks, was awarded the Best Innovative Special Feature for their retaining wall on a home on Lookout Ridge Drive. They also received a silver award for Best Outdoor Space. “We’re proud. We’re very happy to get recognized. We work hard for it, but the main thing is that it’s a team approach,” said

Vol 14 Issue 4 April 15 — May 12

Darcy Franklin, owner of Meranti Developments. “It’s everybody that puts the work into these houses of this caliber, they are the ones that make the project come out in the end.” Meranti, which celebrates its 10 year anniversary in May, was also awarded with 10 silver awards, but it’s the customer service award that Franklin said they take the most pride in. “It’s a small place so if you’re not doing a good job servicing your customers, you’ve got to see them. It’s not a big city where you can hide away. It matters up here, customer service is everything,” Franklin said.

A NEW EYE FROM ABOVE State of the art cameras aim to improve security Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) is installing three security cameras in the village. The cameras capture all traffic entering and exiting the resort, as well as at the main intersection at Creekside Way and Village Way. They cost $40,000 to purchase and install. The cameras are intended to increase safety throughout the community following past incidents where suspected criminals were able to leave town undetected. The municipality also said the cameras will help with the increasing costs of rural policing. “Our idea is to hit the two exits so you can’t get out of town without going by one of them. And then one by the Kookaburra (Lodge) area so if they’re driving around town,” said chief administrative officer Rob Bremner. The cameras were bought from the Saskatchewanbased Optikon Security

Systems and feature stateof-the-art software, including long-range detection, allweather capabilities and night surveillance. “A young guy wrote this software program with these cameras so that they can pick up heights of people from two kilometres and through snowstorms they’ll read license plate numbers and see people’s faces. It’s amazing technology,” Bremner said. When the need arises, police will be able to easily access the camera footage to identify suspects. “It’ll be recording and no one is going to be watching. If there’s an incident the police are going to come, they’ll take it and they’ll go ‘here’s the car’ and away they go,” Bremner said. “The RCMP are ecstatic. This will give them some good footage that will be high resolution and will be very helpful.” The cameras will be installed and operational by the middle of April.

View from 4202 Bella Vista Drive

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gst applicable

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INTRODUCING

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24 The Peaks, Sun Peaks, BC

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Next to 2nd green, end unit townhome with south & west views, radiant in-floor heating & 2 decks. Main level features central kitchen, dining room, spacious living room, full bath. In-law suite, furnished.

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8 Snow Creek Village, Sun Peaks, BC

Tod Mountain Cafe, Sun Peaks, BC

2457 Fairways Drive, Sun Peaks, BC

Turnkey business opportunity in prime location. Outdoor seating areas with take out service window & owner parking in underground garage. Recent upgrades & strong income growth in summer & winter.

Prime, ski-in residential building lot. Backs onto forested ski terrain & 50 yards from proposed chairlift. Sloped site, panoramic mountain views & endless backyard. Zoning for 2 bedroom revenue suite.

Top floor studio suite with prime ski-in/out location. Spacious covered deck & private hot tub with views of village & mountains. Furnished, full kitchen, heated tile floors & cozy gas fireplace.

SHOWCASE YOUR PROPERTY TO THE WORLD Our agents offer exemplary service and marketing for homes in every neighbourhood at:

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dozens of exclusive websites and publications. Request a complimentary marketing consultation for your home at sunpeaks@sothebysrealty.ca

RECENTLY SOLD 4159 Sundance Drive ..................................................List Price: $999,000 1383 Burfield Drive .....................................................List Price: $399,000 42 Settler’s Crossing ....................................................List Price: $274,900 21 Stone’s Throw ..........................................................List Price: $272,900 28 Settler’s Crossing ....................................................List Price: $264,900 11 Settler’s Crossing ....................................................List Price: $249,000 37 Timberline Village ..................................................List Price: $230,000 Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Independently Owned and Operated. E.&O.E.: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal.

Vol 14 Issue 4 April 15 — May 12

sunpeaksnews.com

news $1M sale drought ends REAL ESTATE SALES UP OVER 85% by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

he real estate market in Sun Peaks has finally recovered from the most recent economic downturn according to local realtors. Overall sales have

skyrocketed and a home was sold for over $1 million for the first time in over three years. “The economy just feels stronger for everybody internationally and I think finally this downturn is behind us. Recreational property is the first to go and the last to

recover in these economic downturns because people aren’t buying recreational when there’s uncertain economy,” said Liz Forster, managing broker of Sotheby’s International in Sun Peaks.

“The different ends, both the low and the high end seem to be moving at a faster rate”

Million dollar view: Recent sale on Lookout Ridge was the first sale over $1 million in several years. | PHOTO SUNPEAKSCOLLECTION.COM

At press time, there were 41 sales reported in Sun Peaks from Jan. 1 to March 31, which accounts for an 86.4 per cent increase from 2015. “It’s nice to see the market turning, it’s been a long time,” said Lark Frolek-Dale owner of Remax Alpine Resort Realty Corp. “We’ve seen a few different cycles up here, but it’s nice to see that energy and enthusiasm back in the market.” The emergence of Sun Peaks as an all-year destination, the creation of the school and the municipality, as well as the friendly atmosphere are helping to attract new

SQUEEZING THE MOST OUT OF SUMMER Extended hours for Sunburst chairlift planned

buyers through the spring, according to Frolek-Dale. “Usually at the end of the ski season it’s our shoulder season and things start to quiet down, but we’ve kept this momentum right through,” she said. “I can’t remember when the mountain’s closed and we’ve been this busy.” More international buyers are purchasing property and the higher price range is seeing more activity. Houses are also selling at or near the selling price, even if they’ve spent a long time on the market. A home on Lookout Ridge Drive sold for $1.29 million in January. It was the first house

NEW BYLAW VEHICLE The Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality has a new bylaw vehicle. A 2016 Jeep Patriot Sport North 4 x 4 replaced an older Dodge Durango that was not in use due to mechanical issues. The municipality employs one bylaw ofﬁcer, who had been using his own vehicle at work. “The other one was dying and it pretty much did die, so we were able to get a good lease out of Kamloops and we now have a Jeep Patriot which will have logos of the municipality and bylaw written all over it,” said Colin Cannon, chief of Sun Peaks

sunpeaksnews.com

Summer mountain operations begin on June 24 and run until Sept. 5. People can load the lift beginning at 10 a.m. “The decision to extend lift hours until 7 p.m. daily is something we are extremely excited about,” said Aidan Kelly, director of sales and marketing at Sun Peaks Resort, in a press release on March 31. “Sun Peaks is a very

Vol 14 Issue 4 April 15 — May 12

popular destination for international guests touring throughout Western Canada and the extended hours provide more opportunity to enjoy a signature Sun Peaks experience during their visit. Additionally, our local market in the Kamloops and surrounding areas will have increased options for late afternoon activities in their favourite backyard playground.”

Fire Rescue (SPFR). The new vehicle was acquired on a three year lease that costs $329 per month from Kamloops Dodge Chrysler Jeep, a price that ﬁts in the existing protective services budget, according to the municipality’s chief administrative ofﬁcer Rob Bremner. “It’s just eyes on the road in the middle of the night, who is coming and going,” Cannon said. “That’s his job, to make sure we keep the roads clear and also just to be the eyes and the ears of the resort during the nighttime hours.”

WESTSYDE YDE VICE SERVICE Auto Repairs

The Sunburst chairlift will turn for two additional hours daily this summer, depositing hikers, bikers and guests to mid-mountain until 7 p.m. The Sunburst Lodge, located at 1,850 metres, will also now be open from Friday to Sunday and plans to offer new products such as Okanagan wine and food pairings to be enjoyed at dusk.

over $1 million sold in Sun Peaks since January 2013 and it also sold at the asking price despite having been on the market for 557 days. “It’s been so long since we’ve had any sales over a million, over three years, and finally this one sold,” Forster said. “The different ends, both the low and the high end seem to be moving at a faster rate.” The increased interest of international buyers has also increased the activity of local homebuyers. Thirty-two per cent of buyers in Sun Peaks have been international in 2016, but 50 per cent have been B.C. residents, mostly from the Lower Mainland.

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

• 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

Open 11:30 am to 6:30 pm daily Located on the Ground Floor of the Residences at Sun Peaks Grand

Phone: 250-578-2414

opinion PAGE Strong ski season a boon for the province BRANDI SCHIER PUBLISHER’S NOTE brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

hether you were slinging lattes, grooming runs or employed in one of another hundred kinds of positions up here, you helped make it possible to welcome a record number of people to Sun Peaks — congrats! We’ve felt the momentum for a few years, so to see the numbers come in was a conﬁrmation of something residents have been hoping for and working towards. It’s our bread and butter and we know it. However, I think many B.C. residents would be surprised to learn just how important tourism is for the

entire province. According to Destination British Columbia in 2015, almost five million people decided to spend their travel dollars here and the economic repercussions are significant. In 2014, the tourism industry generated $14.6 billion in revenue, and related provincial tax revenue was $825 million. It will be interesting to see the 2015 numbers when they’re tallied as the dollar figures have been steadily increasing. When people think of the heavy contributors to B.C.’s economy, resource-based industries quickly come to mind. But to put it in perspective, in 2014 tourism contributed more to the GDP than the forestry, fisheries and agriculture industries. It was slightly less than mining, oil and gas but as tour-

ism is generally more renewal, it’s still the winner in my books. And back to those baristas and groomers — 127,500 people earned their living from tourism related businesses taking home $4.3 billion in wages in 2014. While some might argue most of these are low skilled positions, I’d also argue they allow people to gain experience and lead ﬂexible lifestyles. It’s not all dollars and cents all the time. And while there are some major players on B.C.’s tourism scene (think: lift companies), there are more than 19,000 tourism related businesses with over half employing less than 10 people. That’s some small business love right there. Tourism is a part of the province’s culture and history, just

CRIME

brief

as much as forestry or the gold rush. Beginning in the late 1800’s the impressive mountain ranges and vast wilderness drew people from across oceans, just as they do now. The Canadian Pacific Railway built small lodges along its line in Field, Rogers Pass and Fraser Canyon and went on to open the Vancouver Hotel in 1887. The strong ski season is not only beneficial to those directly involved but to all British Columbians. So again, congratulations are owed to the entire village. You’ve contributed to a long standing history of amazing visitor experiences in B.C. and also contributed significantly to our province’s economy. Get some R & R over the shoulder season because you definitely earned it this year!

Budget in the big picture GIVING THE ‘NEW GUY’ A CHANCE GERALD ALLGAIER POLITICAL Point of View gerald@sunpeaksnews.com

“Economics is the dismal science.” - Thomas Carlyle, paraphrased. The Liberal party’s big win in the last Federal election was partly the result of their promise to do things differently than the Conservatives. Promising a more modern, 21st century approach with emphasis on technology, green energy alternatives and the always-nebulous “middle class,” Prime Minister Trudeau released the brakes on government spending and issued his recent budget with a deﬁcit of $30 billion instead of the promised $10 billion. International money markets took this in stride because Canada’s public debt is far lower than that of Japan, France, the

UK and even famously thrifty Germany and less than 40 per cent of the G7 average. There is room to borrow because Harper’s government lived mostly within its means, although like governments everywhere, they increased the national debt to its highest level ever. The preferred method of stimulating a sluggish economy in the U.S. has been “quantitative easing” whereby the printing of money to buy bonds was supposed to lift demand, raise wages and grow the economy. While making Wall Street hum along nicely, it did nothing for the middle class except exasperate them. Median wages for the middle class there, as here, have not risen in 30 years. Trudeau is taking a different approach by increasing spending directly on projects aimed at solving speciﬁc issues like infrastructure in First Nations

communities, public transit and green energy, by bypassing monetary policy and using direct fiscal policy — a more specific approach akin to what Roosevelt did in the U.S. in the 1930’s to pull the country out of the Great Depression. Whether this will be a magic bullet or simply a flash in the pan remains to be seen. The federal spending portion of the GDP is a relatively modest 16 per cent compared to France’s 57 per cent, so its economic bang may be more of a pop. In any case, the jury is still out on the program and Canadians seem to hold the new man in charge in high regard. We all know our resource based economy is struggling with low commodity prices and the government is trying to do the right thing. The fly in the ointment is while the Feds are somewhat

prudent, most provinces are not. Ontario and Quebec are some of the most highly indebted non-federal jurisdictions in the world. Interest payments in Ontario are the third most expensive items in its budget after health care and education. Rates are low and the temptation to use cheap money is irresistible to populist-pandering politicians. Borrowed money needs to be paid back, regardless of how cheaply it was acquired and every dollar spent servicing debt is not used to benefit the middle class or anyone else. Increasing the Child Tax Benefit, making railways safer, enhancing food safety, plus the other feel good initiatives sound good but are questionable fiscal policy tools in the big picture. In any case, let’s give the new guy a chance because that’s what Canadians voted for.

....Continued from Cover

low Canadian dollar attracting more guests to Sun Peaks, not only from the U.S., but also Canadians opting to stay north of the border. “The U.S. dollar not just attracted U.S. guests up

but also had a positive beneﬁt to the business at Sun Peaks because it also kept Canadians in Canada,” Nicolson said. The expansion of terrain to 4,270 skiable acres in 2014

to become Canada’s second largest ski area also helped market the resort to attract ﬁrst time visitors. “The second largest positioning really helped make people understand the signiﬁcance in

terms of the size and diversity of the terrain and quite frankly it surprised a lot of people,” Nicolson said. “The mountain’s opening of that new terrain was a big, big catalyst in pushing us over the top.”

OVER 20 ENHANCED POLICE SHIFTS CONDUCTED OVER WINTER SEASON Twenty-two extra enhanced police shifts took place between November 2015 and April 9, 2016 to prevent thefts, reduce collisions and deter drinking and driving in Sun Peaks over the ski season. Almost 450 vehicles were stopped during 13 check stops. One person was apprehended for drinking and driving and received a 90 day immediate roadside prohibition and their vehicle was impounded for 30 days in March. Police also conducted 33 license and bar checks and 37 foot patrols. Summer patrols are in the planning stages. In March, police responded to 18 calls in Sun Peaks, including a serious trafﬁc accident on Sun Peaks Road (see page 4). On March 15, police responded to a 9-1-1 call from a nine-year-old girl who was separated from her father while skiing on 5 Mile run and had accidently skied into Pink Flamingo trees. Sun Peaks ski patrol and police worked together to locate the girl and reunite her with her family. On March 25 a parent reported a suspicious vehicle in Sun Peaks which approached their young son and offered him a ride and candy. The vehicle’s occupants drove away laughing when the boy ran away. Although the occupants may have thought this was funny police would like to remind people they take matters such as this with concern.

Vol 14 Issue 4 April 15 — May 12

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local NEWS Accident under investigation

SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS INC. PO Box 1043 Sun Peaks BC V0E 5N0

Phone: 250•578•0276 For comments, questions, concerns email: editor@sunpeaksnews.com Email your classifieds or ads to: editor@sunpeaksnews.com

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OUR TEAM EDITOR & PUBLISHER Brandi Schier

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GRAPHIC ARTIST Jen Schier

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REPORTER Jamie Shinkewski jamie@sunpeaksnews.com

PRINT CONTRIBUTORS Gerald Allgaier

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

head-on collision that closed Sun Peaks Road for two hours on March 16 is still under investigation. The crash occurred around 9 a.m. when a passenger van carrying nine people collided with a School District 73 cube van with one passenger that was heading downhill after making a morning delivery. The road conditions were icy with compact snow at the time of the collision and police are looking at speed relative to the conditions as a possible cause of the crash. Staff Sgt. Doug Aird of the Tk’emlups Rural RCMP detachment said the incident is more than likely to be investigated as a Motor Vehicle Act incident. Fourteen members of Sun Peaks Fire Rescue (SPFR), as well as two paramedics from an air ambulance helicopter, were among the first responders on scene. “It was a call that was challenging due to the number of

patients involved. We usually have one maybe two patients, not ten,” said chief of SPFR Colin Cannon. “This was one of the very few times that as our initial crews were arriving, the two initial paramedics out of the helicopter were also being driven down from Bento’s to the accident scene and that’s a credit to the Sun Peaks Resort corporation’s first aid team there that were able to facilitate a landing very quickly and then the transport of getting those two critical care paramedics, which is the highest level you can get to, down to the accident site right away.” SPFR members are trained to a higher standard than most fire departments, which allowed them to help assess and treat the people involved in the crash before four ground ambulance were able to arrive on site. “We train to a much higher level than a lot of other fire departments just because of our distance away from Kamloops so we train not only to first responder, but we go to the Emergency Medical Respond-

On the scene: Ten people were involved in the collision in March. | PHOTO SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS

er level,” Cannon said. “As a fire department we try to push the boundaries about how much we can train them and basically allow them to improve themselves in such things as first aid, which is a big one obviously on a call like that.” All 10 people were transported to hospital in Kamloops, two patients in serious condition, one in critical condition,

and seven people with non-life threatening injuries, according to Interior Health Authority. SPFR will conduct a oneweek Emergency Medical Responder course during the second week of May. Those interested need to have a first responder ticket, OFA level 3 or have completed an 80 hour first aid course. The course costs $600 and there are eight spots available.

ONLINE CONTRIBUTORS Bodie Shandro Mel Rothenburger 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

Ted MacDonald skims across the icy water in the annual Slush Cup event on April 10. PHOTO JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

Municipality searches for Health Centre contractor by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

he Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) is seeking bids from contractors for the construction of the new community health centre, it announced on March 22. Requests for proposals close on April 15 with construction to be completed by Nov. 1. SPMRM hopes to have the new facility open to the public by Dec. 1. “We have finalized the floor plans and technical criteria for the building of a two story building of 930 square metres

per floor or 10,000 square feet,” Mayor Al Raine said in a press release. “The centre will house a doctor’s office and examination rooms as well as other health services, plus a triage area for accidents that may arise from skiing, mountain biking and other sports activities. A major component of the health centre will be family doctor services for the communities of Sun Peaks, Whitecroft and the Upper Louis Creek valley.” The building, which will be located near Bento’s Day Lodge will also house the ski patrol headquarters in the basement area. The press release stated council has focused on a mod-

ular type of building but is interested in many methods and is also considering geothermal heating sources and wants the building to be environmentally sustainable. In addition to SPMRM, the Sun Peaks Health Association and Sun Peaks Resort LLP will provide the funding to construct the health centre. The facility will be built without the municipality having to borrow funds. “We have a great community that is willing to step up to the plate and fund community services such as this,” Raine said. “We should all be so proud and pleased with the support of the Sun Peaks Health Association who have raised near-

ly $800,000 over the last 20 years.” Fundraising will take place this summer in an effort to furnish the new facility with modern equipment and services. SPMRM is also working to attract a community doctor or a doctors group to provide medical services throughout the year. “We hope to make our health centre one of the best equipped small community clinics among mountain resorts in British Columbia. We are focused on tele medicine equipment that will make it easy for patients to be diagnosed by specialists in the major centre while remaining in Sun Peaks,” Raine said.

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

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Vol 14 Issue 4 April 15 — May 12

news

Fueled by

PASSION

love Sun Peaks’ or ‘all my friends about Christopher is he loves rave about it, we’re going there to ski and he really knows that next year,’ said founder of SPIN it matters. The quality of the Adam Earle, adding that he feels skiing really matters,” said diNicolson had a main part to play rector of skiing Nancy Greene in this evolution. Raine. “Christopher is so much “He’s worked darn hard, of an un-phony kind of guy. He slugged away,” Raine said. wouldn’t sell something that “Working for a membership-driv- wasn’t really, really good. That’s en organization can be frustrat- why he’s happy here.” ing at times. I “His passion really admire for Sun Peaks, him for his tethe area and the nacity and just community, was sticking to it and demonstrated staying calm when Canada and collected. I West went after Passion, drive, don’t think I’ve him to fill this commitment and ever seen him position that he focus are all words angry or upset has now takthat come to mind and there were en, and he only when I recall my many occasions took it with the dealings with where he could condition that have easily he could stay Christopher over been angry and where he lives the years. upset.” now. He can “It’s the passtill be a part of sion and the this community,” commitment. said councillor He absolutely, Ines Popig. totally believes As he moves that this is a premium product on to his new role there is a big and we need to get people in hole to fill, but community memhere, and if you have that pas- bers are confident the new presision it’s easy to transmit that to dent will be up to the task. other people,” Duda said. “They are very big shoes to fill, Through conversations, but this is a very small industry Nicolson’s passion and love and people know a lot of people for mountain life, specifi- in the industry. There are some cally in Sun Peaks, was a very qualified people who are constant topic. potential candidates,” Duda said. “Passion, drive, commitment “Several people said to me and focus are all words that ‘wow, Christopher’s shoes are come to mind when I recall my hard to fill, he’s been here so dealings with Christopher over long and he knows everyone.’ the years. He juggled dealing I’m much more optimistic. I look with the input and expectations and this has got to be, for people of so many entities, businesses, who are going to work at resort boards, committees and indi- associations, it’s got to be at viduals in his time at TSP that it least the number two job, if not would make even the most or- the number one job in the provganized business person’s head ince,” Raine said. spin,” Earle said. “If you try and fill (a position) “Every season before the with a person who is exactly like mountain opens to the gener- the one who vacated, you’re goal public, the moment there is ing to only end up being disapenough snow to try it he’s up pointed because you can never there for first tracks,” Duda said. get another person like that,” “I think one of the nicest things Popig said.

“

”

Gettin’ after it: Nicolson does

some product testing during the 1994-95 winter season.

| PHOTO SUBMITTED

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

he 12-year tenure of Christopher Nicolson as president of Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) is coming to an end as he moves into a new role as president and CEO of Canada West Ski Areas Association, a position he began on April 4. He has over 30 years of experience in the ski industry, mostly in Sun Peaks, and he assumed his role as TSP president in 2004 after working in media relations for Whistler Blackcomb.

TSP PRESIDENT MOVES ON TO NEW ROLE AFTER OVER A DECADE A contingent that included Sun Peaks Resort LLP general manager Darcy Alexander, and TSP board of directors members Petr Duda and Al Raine drove to Nicolson’s home in Pemberton to interview him when the position became available. “The three of us actually went and interviewed Christopher in his kitchen with the dogs on the ﬂoor and that’s how he got the job,” Duda said. “When we went over we were pretty conﬁdent that, while Christopher did a great job in Whistler, his heart was still in the Interior. He really wanted to be in the In-

terior and (Whistler) was part of what he needed to do to get himself ready for a job of running the tourism association,” Raine said. Nicolson has been an instrumental ﬁgure in attracting visitors to Sun Peaks, and leaves on a high note as the resort set a new record high for occupancy during the 2015-16 ski season. “Years ago when you mentioned Sun Peaks to anyone passionate about skiing or outdoor recreation, they asked ‘where?’ as if Sun Peaks was a far off land, and today the most common response is either ‘I

Vol 14 Issue 4 April 15 — May 12

sunpeaksnews.com

GET out there

Carving out

A NEW LIFESTYLE CHAINSAW ARTIST TRANSFORMS LOGS INTO ART

Preparing for competition: Randy Gauthier caught the eye of drivers heading to Sun Peaks as he fined-tuned his carving skills ahead of his first international event. | PHOTO JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

awdust covered the ground and the roar of a chainsaw filled the air while drivers slowed to admire the wooden carvings created by a man working along the Heffley Louis Creek Road this March. Chainsaw carver Randy Gauthier set up shop along the rural road in preparation for two competitions in Ontario in April, including “Carvapalooza”, which attracts some of the best carvers from around the world. “I’m very excited,” said Gauthier, ahead of entering his first international competition. “The biggest things with competitions, especially an international competition, the best

sunpeaksnews.com

thing is you push yourself, you challenge and you go out of your comfort zone.” Gauthier lives in Moberly Lake, near Chetwynd, and after delivering a decorative bench to a client in Kamloops, he decided to stay in the area to avoid distractions ahead of the competitions. “I needed a break from home,” Gauthier said. “Right now it’s snowing at home so the conditions aren’t adequate to carve. This is a much better environment for carving. There are no distractions here.” He decided to start carving full time nearly two years ago after spending 25 years as a dangerous tree feller. “I love running chainsaw, but I got sick and tired of being in camp for up to 70 days at a time

Vol 14 Issue 4 April 15 — May 12

and I’m a single parent so I had to do something that I wanted to do,” he explained. “Life is about living. If you’re not living life it’s going to pass you right on by.” The lifestyle change has brought new challenges for Gauthier. The winters are slow for business. The equipment is expensive and it can be difﬁcult to sell carvings in the beginning, but he said those factors won’t stop him from pursuing a life as a chainsaw carver. “Persistence will prevail. You’ve just got to believe in yourself and go for it,” Gauthier said. “Sometimes you’re eating chicken and sometimes you’re eating feathers the next day.” The size and familiarity of the carvings determine how long it takes him to ﬁnish. For exam-

ple, the bear he was working on along the side of the road to Sun Peaks, a relatively new challenge, took him three days to complete.

“

“Life is about living. If you’re not living life it’s going to pass you right on by.

”

“Carving isn’t just carving, it’s studying the anatomy, studying the eyes and doing your research at night. Sometimes

you’re up until midnight just studying the muscle system or the skeletal system,” he said. “As I get better and start knowing my cuts it’ll get faster.” His work certainly caught the attention of many drivers. Cars constantly slowed down to admire his work as they passed by, and Gauthier estimated 40 people stopped to take pictures and strike up a conversation. He had a truck and hauling trailer full of carvings, but nearly all of them were sold or traded. “The Sun Peaks road it’s nice, (there are) good people here, very nice people. Lots of people travelling and that’s ﬁne, that’s even better,” Gauthier said. “If you’re not prepared to be a people person, don’t be a chainsaw carver because you’re going to get a lot of it.”

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

in PHOTOS

OR POST YOUR PHOTOS USING #SUNPEAKSNEWS @SUNPEAKSNEWS

Sun Peaks Scouts James Cannon and Will McGauchie enjoyed some fantastic winter camping in their Quinzhee with NZ resident Scouter John.

The ladies in pink were back for the annual Bikinis for Breast Cancer fundraiser over Easter weekend! - Photo Veronica

A group of Sun Peaks locals put on a strong showing at the Coors Light Thrill of the Hill event this month. - Photo Jess Smith

Connors

Glen Mantie of Grimwurks Pottery took part in the second annual Taste of Art show put on by Art Zone Sun Peaks on March 18. - Photo Art Zone Facebook

Sun Peaks Grade Two student Tavin Krutop with his peewee trophy from the Big Kahuna and 1st place trophy from a race at Whispering Pines Raceway in Kamloops.

Party in the Park Men’s Open Snowboard celebrate on the podium. Left to right Sam Moorhouse, Malcolm Eppinger, Braden Parks. Fernie-based band Shred Kelly put on amazing show at the base of the mountain on Easter weekend.

Listen up! Jason White explains the rules of the race to the crowd at the annual Top to Bottoms fundraiser. - Photo Tourism Sun Peaks

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

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Perfect weather drew many participants and spectators at the annual Slush Cup during Tod Mountain Days on April 10.

250-578-8343

Sun Peaks’ smallest Hotel with the greatest Rooms.

Vol 14 Issue 4 April 15 — May 12

sunpeaksnews.com

arts ENTERTAINMENT The Burn Ins win music search contest

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

he Burn Ins, from Elkford B.C., is the winner of the Sun Peaks Music Search, beating four other finalists for the chance to play five shows during the summer. Public voting closed on April 1 with Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce, Shattered Blue, Alexander Fon Rolston, Static and The Burn Ins each received over 1,000 votes to advance to the final selection. The new Facebook campaign received 97 entries had a lot of interest with the top band receiving 2,224 votes. “It definitely gives a glimpse

sunpeaksnews.com

into the amount of band requests we get and the amount of bands and performers that want to play in Sun Peaks,” said Janice Hoppenreys, event manager for Tourism Sun Peaks. “Doing a social media campaign gives the community an extra voice to help us choose those bands and to get bands into Sun Peaks that people want to see. It definitely gives us a broader reach and allows us to bring in new bands all the time.” The five finalists were all bands from B.C. ranging from Kamloops to Williams Lake and Elkford. Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bound, Shattered Blue and The Burn Ins have played in Sun Peaks before, while Alexander Fon Rolston and Static have yet to play in Cana-

Vol 14 Issue 4 April 15 — May 12

da’s Alpine Village. “There’s huge talent in the area and a lot of them we haven’t heard of before. We’re just starting to hear from them. This was a good way of being introduced to some of the local acts around, so it’s really nice to be able to source new talent locally,” Hoppenreys said. Each of the ﬁnalists had to submit a second video and a panel of judges selected the band they think is best suited to play ﬁve shows ranging from an hour to an hour and a half long. “Five shows within a two month period is a lot so we’re looking for versatility and obviously a band that’s going to appeal to a large, diverse audience,” Hoppenreys said.

Music Search Winner: Elkford’s The Burn Ins will return to Sun Peaks to play five shows this summer. | PHOTO THEBURNSIN.COM

arts ENTERTAINMENT Successful year for Friday Race Series

EVENT > listings SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY SATURDAY

APRIL 16

HEFFLEY CREEK COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE

The annual garage sale takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Heffley Creek Hall. The concession will be open for snacks and lunch. 250-578-7525

APRIL 20 MAY 14

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

The art exhibition at the Kamloops Old Courthouse takes a look at the world through the eyes of artists Pauline Ouellet and Natalie Rostad-Desjarlais. kamloopsarts.ca

MONDAY

APRIL 18

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

7 p.m. at the Sun Peaks Municipal office located in the Kookaburra Lodge. sunpeaksmunicipality.ca

WEDNESDAY & TUESDAY

APRIL 20 & 26

VILLAGE CLEAN UP

To celebrate Earth Day and all the snow melting into summer, the staff at the Sun Peaks Grand would like to invite you to help make this village beautiful again. A BBQ lunch provided for all of those that help out. If you are unable to help out and would like to purchase lunch, we are selling a hot dog and a drink for $5, so please stop on by. Please meet at the Sun Peaks Grand loading bay to pick up your refuse bags and gloves. 250-578-6019

FRIDAY – SUNDAY

APRIL 22 – 24

CANTANDO MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Sun Peaks Cantando Music Festival is a 3-Day Music Festival designed for concert bands, wind ensembles, choirs and jazz ensembles. The festival’s goal is to enhance and inspire all students through the participation of workshops and concerts. www.sunpeaksmusicfestival.com

FRIDAY – SUNDAY

APRIL 29 – MAY 1

CON BRIO’S 12TH SUN PEAKS MUSIC FESTIVAL

The three-day event will turn the resort into the festival campus. Each year the festival brings together professional musicians to perform

and engage with young musicians. www.sunpeaksresort.com

MONDAY

MAY 2

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

7 p.m. at the Sun Peaks Municipal office located in the Kookaburra Lodge. sunpeaksmunicipality.ca

WEDNESDAY

MAY 5

TNRD BOOKMOBILE

The TNRD Bookmobile visits the Bento’s Day Lodge parking lot every third Thursday. Loan periods for books, large print books, audiobooks, magazines, video games, DVDs and CDs is six weeks. The Bookmobile is also wheelchair accessible. bookmobile@tnrd.ca

SATURDAY

MAY 7

WILDFIRE COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS DAY

Join the fire department for demonstrations on ways to FireSmart your property. Tools will be supplied, bring your closed-toe shoes and gloves. A hot dog BBQ and refreshments will also be on site. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sun Peaks sports field. sunpeaksfirerescue.com

sunpeaksnews.com/events

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

he Friday Race Series wrapped up on March 18, finishing a successful year of fun racing down the Sundance run. “It was successful, we all had fun. The most important thing is to have fun,” said race coordinator Ilene Logan. “We’re not serious, we’re out there to have fun.” There was an average of 60 participants per race this year, which Logan said is an increase over the previous year. There was also a greater variety in age amongst the participants. “Our numbers are up because the resort numbers are up. It’s just busier all around,” Logan said. “We find we’re getting more youngsters. We’re getting the younger racers but also getting the mature ones. It’s ages one to 99.” For the first time, the Friday

Ready to race: The Friday Race Series saw an increased amount of young skiers taking to the course on Sundance run.

Race Series started in December to allow more time between races, and the series ran nine weeks instead of 10 because of a scheduling conﬂict with the Velocity Challenge. A strong group of volunteers and increased prizing from sponsors led to a great atmosphere on the race course this season, according to Logan. “The local racers that are racing are pretty friendly. When

| PHOTO SUBMITTED

we’re standing at the top locals start conversations with guests, they will interact up there and help our visitors,” Logan said. “It’s deﬁnitely for the recreational skier who has never raced.” The race series, which is a tradition continued from when the resort was called Tod Mountain, will continue with 10 Fridays of racing next year and will likely start in December again.

NEW FOR SUMMER 2016

EXTENDED CHAIRLIFT HOURS NOW OPEN DAILY FROM 10AM TO 7PM

Photo: Steve Riffel

Enjoy an extra two hours on the mountain this summer, every day! That means more time for hiking and sightseeing, more laps on the cross country and downhill bike trails, and more opportunities to gain some perspective and reconnect with nature in Canada’s Alpine Village.

Introducing special discounted DH/XC Mountain Biking Adult $29//Youth & Senior $24//Child $17 Twilight pricing from 4pm–7pm ALPINE Hiking & Sightseeing Adult $14//Youth & Senior $12//Child $8 Vol 14 Issue 4 April 15 — May 12

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BOOK YOUR CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE AT

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM/classified

Answers in the next issue

FOR RENT Two Bedroom Suite in a new house on Fairways Drive, fully furnished, in suite laundry, n/s, pet considered. Summer rate $1,100, available April 1st or 15. 778-840-0551. Bright, fully furnished 2 bedroom 1 bathroom suite. Separate entrance, in-suite laundry. Utilities, cable and internet included. $1300/mo. email melissa@finchgroup.ca. Large, fully furnished ski-in/ski-out. MUST SEE. Large 2 bdrm suite, like new, full kitchen, 6 appliances, in-suite laundry, gas fireplace, full bathroom. Very quiet. Includes internet, all utilities, cable. Avail. April. 15th. $800/ month. Call or text 604-671-9550 or tomgoode@shaw.ca. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom beautiful home on Fairways available May 1st. Garage, laundry, storage, great views. $1800/mos plus utilities. kimandjakes@gmail.com. Three bedroom townhouse on hole #2 green at Sun Peaks golf course with amazing mountain view. Awesome wood fireplace, hot tub, washer & dryer, seven minute walk to village. (250)572-4485 or (250)572-5297 or email generationcentre@yahoo.ca 1342 Burfield Drive, large one bedroom, 1 bath basement suite. Fridge, stove and washer. Walk out with view. Available May 1. $650/month, includes utilities. Call 604-290-5771.

SEEKING ACCOMM Retired couple, non-smokers, no pets, want long term rental of a house, townhouse, or duplex in Sun Peaks or surrounding area. Prefer unfurnished. Excellent references. 1-780-435-9182 or email len.fullen@gmail.com. Professional working couple, long time residents of Sun Peaks, looking for a 3+ bdrm house or townhouse or 2 bdrm townhome with daylight family room, preferably with a garage. Contact dp@digimatize.com.

EMPLOYMENT Sun Peaks Lodge is hiring for the summer. May 01 – Oct 20, 2016. Housekeeper/Breakfast Server full time, Laundry full time, Front Desk Agent/ Housekeeper (year round), Bag pull helper. Please send resume and cover letter to info@sunpeakslodge. com or come by.

SUDOKU ANSWERS V14 I3

CROSSWORD ANSWERS V14 I3

Advertise in Sun Peaks Independent News for as little as $20 per month. Call today to place your advertisement.

250-578-0276 or visit

sunpeaksnews.com/ classifieds

THANK YOU to Sun Peaks Resort Corporation and Erik Meertens We appreciate your cooperation and assistance with our Annual General Meeting Directors of the Whitecroft Village Water Users Society

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Vol 14 Issue 4 April 15 — May 12

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Vol 14 Issue 4 April 15 — May 12

sunpeaksnews.com

>> sports Adaptive sports program reaches capacity ASSP LOOKS TO EXPAND TO YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITIES by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

daptive Sports at Sun Peaks (ASSP) has wrapped up their busiest season yet and are already looking to improve the program moving forward. The ski program was at capacity with 35 regular students as well as visitors coming from as far away as Australia to take lessons with ASSP instructors. “We had to turn people away because we had so many lessons booked,” said ASSP board member Veronica Connors. “That of course means we need more instructors. We don’t want to turn people away. We don’t enjoy doing that at all.” ASSP had more than 50 instructors this season, which accounted for 75 per cent re-

tention, but with an increased demand they will be looking for more volunteers throughout the spring, summer and fall. This season, instructors and people helping behind the scenes accounted for more than 5,000 volunteer hours, according to Connors. “We have just finished making a promotional video… to use as raising awareness for the program that’s here, raising funds, engaging people, recruiting more instructors and people involved as offsnow volunteers, and certainly getting the awareness to the schools as well,” Connors said. ASSP also trained more guides for visually impaired skiers this season, which along with newer technology of using headsets to communicate, resulted in more blind skiers coming to Sun Peaks. “For me as a blind skier it’s

opened up the window of when I can ski,” instructor Lisa Bentz said of using the headsets. “Before we would ski with a beeper on the guide and the beeper would be in front (of me), so you could ski as long as there’s no wind, as long as there’s no ice, not a lot of conditions. The days that were available for me to ski as a blind person were restricted to that, whereas now with the headsets we can go anytime.” “Word has certainly spread that this is a destination resort for visually impaired skiers,” Connors said. “They come from all over to ski with us.” The season wrapped up on April 3 with the ASSP winter festival, which celebrated the positive impact of the ski season and the year’s progression of those involved. “It’s a part of the day and the year where you can bank those amazing feelings,” Bentz said. “With all the opportunities that life presents you as a disabled person to be frustrated, the skiing just fills this huge bank

Celebrating the season: Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks’ students and instructors are all smiles after the year-end festival. | PHOTO SHANNON GILLIS

of joy and capacity, it’s quite something. I can’t say enough about it.” “The students often say that they no longer feel different, they’re just like everybody else. They’re out there skiing,” Connors added. ASSP wants to expand their mandate of making the mountain accessible to all beyond skiing with more activities in both winter and summer months. “That’s our next vision: mountain biking, paddle board-

ing and hiking,” Connors said. “Also in our winter season to offer a variety of snow experiences, such as cross country, perhaps sledge hockey with our new rink or snowshoeing.” These are activities that people with disabilities are regularly doing in Sun Peaks, but ASSP wants to adopt it as part of its programming. “We really focus on enabling people with a disability,” Bentz said. “We don’t look at the disability, we just look at enabling what they’ve got.”

COMPETITION SEASON ENDS ATOP THE PODIUM Local skiers wrapped up the competition season atop the podium. The Sun Peaks Freestyle Club wrapped up with three competitions in Big White, Silver Star and Mount Washington. Olson Advocaat claimed two gold medals and a silver medal and Ethan Hooper won a bronze medal in the U10 category. Luc Dallaire had three gold medals and a bronze, Mastin Hooper finished second and Charlie Roberts had a third place in U12 and Ravi Embar had a second and third place finish in U16. The Sun Peaks Alpine Club ended the season with races in Silver Star and Revelstoke. Myka Jardine-Arnold, Aruwin Salehhuddin, Talyn Lorimer and Cameron Smith all medalled, and the club had 17 top 10 finishes to end the season. For full results, visit www.sunpeaksnews.com.

sunpeaksnews.com

Vol 14 Issue 4 April 15 — May 12

>> sports Sun Peaks’ fastest takes on Europe CRASH TAKES ADVOCAAT OUT OF FRANCE RACE

TOP TO BOTTOMS RESULTS Around 100 skiers and snowboarders gathered at Top of the World on winter closing day for their final run of the season, also known as the Top to Bottoms Race. Around $1,200 was raised for the Sun Peaks Education Society and Sun Peaks Health Center, who decided to defer the funds the local Van Camp family. The overall winner was Larry Grant. Montana Molyneux was the first woman skier down and Marlie Marchewka was the first female snowboarder. Ross Thompson was the first male snowboarder. The kids also enjoyed the annual “last run down with Nancy” with Euan Currie winning first skier and Jax Anderson was first the snowboarder down.

NEW SUMMER ADVERTISING PACKAGES ONLINE/NEWSPAPER/TV

On his way: At just 20 years old, Advocaat achieved a personal best and finished 12th the in the world cup standings. | PHOTO SUPPLIED

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

un Peaks’ Joss Advocaat travelled to Europe and finished as the top Canadian on the FIS speed ski World Cup circuit this season. After a fourth place finish at the season opening race in Sun Peaks, Advocaat travelled to Granvalira, Andorra where he placed ninth and 12th in two World Cup races with a top speed of 176.04 kilometres per hour. His trip was sponsored by the Austrian ski team, who he stayed with as he was the lone Canadian at the event. “It was weird being the only Canadian guy, and also staying with the Austrians because they’re all German-speaking. They all spoke English, but it was kind of foreign (to me),” Advocaat said. “It was cool to be able to represent Canada.” He was then invited by, then world record holder, Simone Origone to compete at the world’s fastest course in Vars, France where Advocaat was looking to break the Canadian record of 234.83 km/h. Within 24 hours of his invitation to Vars, the Sun Peaks community had organized a fundraiser to help fund his extended trip. In one afternoon, the community raised $3,400 to assist the local racer. “I’ve never heard of that happening as far as speed skiing goes or anything else up here. That’s really cool,” Advocaat said. “I feel really special and

privileged that I get to live in Sun Peaks and get community support like that.” Unfortunately, two falls and an injury during training forced Advocaat to withdraw ahead of the competition. “CBC called me the night before (training) and I had said the classic line that there’s two types of skiers, ones that have fallen and ones that will fall, and then the next day I fell,” he said with a laugh. Advocaat was waiting at the start for his training run and watched British racer Jan Farrell fall on his run two skiers ahead. He then went down and experienced his first crash while speed skiing. “It was really disorienting because I had never fallen before, so I didn’t know what to expect. The first time I went down I was going 208 (km/h) and there was a compression at the bottom of the track and

as soon as my arms went open the wind blew me down,” he explained. He suffered minor injuries in the fall, but had to return to the course the next day for another run if he wanted to compete in the race. He went to the lower starting point and fell again, this time causing burns on his body that prevented him from putting his speed suit on and forcing him out of the race. “I got out on the track not feeling good, but I just wanted to have a safe run. My run was fine, I went through the compression and that was all good, but as soon as I stood up I think something in my brain just said ‘no, you’re done’ and I fell again and that’s when I got all burnt,” Advocaat said. Although he missed the final two events of the season, the 20-year-old set a new personal best finishing 12th in the overall World Cup standings.

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Vol 14 Issue 4 April 15 — May 12

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Great opportunity for your family to have the perfect 2 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhouse in the growing community of Sun Peaks. Fantastic location with views of Mt. Morrisey & just steps away from the ski lifts, nordic trails & village. This home is being offered fully furnished with beautiful decor, cozy river rock fireplace and warm pine finishing. Features secure heated underground parking, ski storage locker, private hot tub, sunny southern exposure & GST paid.

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4106 Sundance Drive - $1,379,000

#61 Crystal Forest - $259,000

Bright, south facing second floor, fully furnished 2 bedroom condo in prime ski-in, skiout location. The vaulted living room with large window package & centered fireplace provides fantastic views and a great sense of space. Deluxe finishing featuring hardwood floors, heated tiles and stainless steel appliances set the tone for this great resort get-away home. Relax in your private hot tub or BBQ while enjoying the spectacular view from your sundeck. Additional storage & 2 parking spaces included.

#59 Crystal Forest - $269,000

Experience a luxurious and inviting alpine chalet with spectacular, unobstructed mountain views in this ski-in home on a quiet cul-de-sac. Quality upgraded finishing, including a custom stone gas fireplace, heated stone floors, and artist-painted walls, along with a vaulted ceiling, soaring windows, and its being within a short walk to the village and ski lifts. Features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an attached 2-car garage, plus a 1-bedroom furnished revenue suite with in-suite laundry. Offered fully furnished with hot tub & GST paid.

#74 Settler’s Crossing - $279,900

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OPEN DAILY - LOCATED IN THE KOOKABURRA LODGE T: 250 578 8222 TF: 1 800 663 2838 E: info@sunpeaksrealty.com

This expansive custom built resort home sits among some of the most prestigious sought after properties in Sundance Estates. This remarkable home features high end finishing & deluxe appliances that compliment the gourmet kitchen with solid maple cabinetry, granite countertops & stunning floor to ceiling windows. The home also features a 2 car garage with additional parking available plus a bright self contained 2 bedroom legal suite offered furnished with private hot tub and sauna. GST paid.

#12 Sun Mountain Villas - $184,900

Large 1 bedroom condo situated on the 2nd fairway of the Sun Peaks Golf Course & McGillivray Creek adjacent to green space offering privacy & views. Extra large covered deck engineered for a hot tub, private garage & carport offering additional storage space for toys. Bright open floor plan with spacious kitchen, dining and living room plus large utility & laundry room. Located a short walk along the Valley Trail from the Village and all resort amenities. Quick occupancy available.

Fireside Lodge starting at: $136,900 Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge starting at: $71,900 Sundance Lodge starting at: $16,900 The Residences at Sun Peaks Grand starting at: $49,000 Kookaburra Lodge starting at: $169,000 Hearthstone Lodge starting at: $28,900

#46 Woodhaven - $419,900

Ski to your doorstep of this level entry 2 bedroom plus family room furnished mountain townhome. Ski-in, ski-out location just steps away from the downhill & nordic trails with incredible views of Mt. Morrisey & Mt. Tod from the 2 sundecks. Open concept main floor with heated tile flooring & a river rock gas fireplace. This is a cozy & inviting space with sunny southern exposure in a peaceful location. This home has plenty of extra storage space & a private garage. GST paid.

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#56 Trail’s Edge - $384,900

sunpeaksnews.com

Vol 14 Issue 4 April 15 — May 12

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Fully furnished with hot tub, this 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, ski-in, ski-out townhouse is the perfect place for family and friends. This mountain townhome backs onto green space and features south facing exposure with easy access to the village & all resort amenities. Quality finishing throughout with inviting open living area, spacious kitchen, heated tile floors, cozy fireplace, private patio and large sundeck, 2 car tandem garage & additional storage. GST paid.

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#14 Crystal Forest - $244,000

Sunny courtyard location w/ south facing exposure &ski hill views of Mt. Morrisey compliment this beautiful 2 storey, 2 bedroom townhouse. This home is being offered 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.