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Volume 15 Issue 12 NOVEMBER 24 — DECEMBER 21 YOURS FREE TO TAKE HOME
TEACHING WON’T STOP as co-founder of Adaptive Sports steps down RETIRING AFTER 10 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP
PHOTO ALPINE IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY
by JEAN STRONG
After 10 years of volunteering with Sun Peak Adaptive Sports (ASSP), Dick Taylor admitted he’s still not amazing at skiing in a sit ski. With plans to retire from the program this December, that may be how it will stay. “I’m still not the best at one track,” he said. Learning to sit ski was just one of many fond memories he looked back on while recounting his time with the local organization, which he helped found
after noticing disabled children were being left behind during ski programs during his time as a teacher in Kamloops. “That was the nexus that got me thinking about it,” Taylor said, who has been a natural teacher all his life. In 2007 he and the other ASSP founding members had their first meeting. He became chairperson of the steering committee and then president and helped the organization incorporate as a society in 2010. From the first students, Taylor became an instructor helped teach students and train new
instructors as the group grew. Not one to shy away from challenges, the organization hosted a national conference in their first year. “We pulled it off the first year,” he said, adding that they have now hosted it multiple times, including in the spring of 2017. Veronica Connors, ASSP course conductor, met Taylor 10 years ago as a ski instructor at the Sun Peaks’ Sports School. “Dick was the course conductor and impressed me with his professionalism and drive to make the mountain accessible to all,” Connors said.
Connors said Taylor mentored her as an instructor and board member and he and his wife Terry were an integral part of growing the program. “I learned from him inclusivity and how to encourage independence in our students. He taught me how to elicit the best from our instructors and build the team spirit that stands today. Dick’s impact has been enormous.” Taylor was also honored with the inaugural Leadership Award from BC Adaptive Snowsports on Nov. 25. A standout in his adaptive career was the chance to be involved in the 2010 Win-
ter Olympics by demonstrating equipment used in the paralympics and taking part in the torch run through Lytton. Later he hosted Rick Hansen at Sun Peaks and took him sit skiing. Taylor recounted Hansen skiing into a bank on the side of Homesteader run and having to pull out the famous athlete. “We call it Rick Hansen corner,” Taylor said, smiling More than the highlights, Taylor’s true love in the organization was teaching instructors to teach and helping new clients get on the snow. “Just working with the people
Vol 15 Issue 12 November 24 — December 21
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and that ‘Aha!’ moment when the student has a big grin. It’s cool to see clients succeed; It’s really really rewarding.” Leaving after so many years and memories isn’t easy for Taylor, but he believes it’s important not only for him but for
the group. “It was just time for me to move on,” he said. “It’s been a really tough decision to retire. “I’m extremely proud and extremely humbled in a lot of ways to have an opportunity to be a part of the organization... It’s not about me, it’s about the team and it’s very humbling
that people would be willing to put their trust in someone l ike me.” After he hangs up his red coat in December he has no plans to slow down, first travelling to Vietnam with Terry for two months before returning to ski with their grandkids on the mountain. He said he would
also like to spend more time teaching ukelele, working with seniors groups, cyclicing and paddle boarding, maybe even becoming an instructor. “Teaching is a part of me,” Taylor said. “I’m extremely thankful for this opportunity to help grow a program like this.”
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Engine #3 retired, new fire truck joins team
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OUR TEAM
by JEAN STRONG
EDITOR & PUBLISHER Brandi Schier
brandi@sunpeaksnews.com
GRAPHIC ARTIST Jen Schier
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T
he old yellow fire truck that almost single handedly fought the epic Delta Hotel fire in 2001 will be retired this winter. The 33-year-old truck, purchased by Sun Peaks Fire Rescue (SPFR) from Kamloops Fire Rescue, was placed for sale on BC Bid this November. SPFR Chief Colin Cannon said the truck was great for training and was still in operable condition but residential and commercial insurance won’t recognize trucks over a certain age. “It’s been a good truck. We
haven’t had a lot of fires but it’s been a good training truck,” Cannon said. At the end of November a new truck will be delivered to the fire hall, three months earlier than initially expected. In early 2017, HUB Fire Engines was chosen to build the custom truck for SPFR at a cost of over $360,000. Cannon said a team from SPFR worked closely with HUB to design a truck that fits Sun Peaks’ needs. One important requirement was a shorter truck; while many engines surpass 30 feet in length the new build needed to be 28 feet to fit in the SPFR fire hall. “It took a lot of work to stay in budget,” Cannon said. “It will be
The old yellow truck at the hall before being sold.
more reliable and everything is just newer.” The new delivery will take the spot of Engine #2 with the current engine bumped into third position. Engine #1, with
| PHOTO SPIN
a 65 foot ladder, will stay in the top spot. SPFR is currently recruiting new volunteer firefighters. Application packages can be picked up at the fire hall.
REPORTER Jean Strong
Bringing pride to the mountains
jean@sunpeaksnews.com
CONTRIBUTORS Mel Rothenburger Emily Perrins Allen Best
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
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>> Rainbow crosswalk and Pride events explored
by JEAN STRONG
M
eghan Kolodka, a Sun Peaks resident, would like to see more visible support for LGBTQ2S+ people in the community. She wrote to Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) council in October about the possibility of painting a crosswalk with rainbow colours to show the community is open to all, regardless of gender or sexual preference. The first permanent rainbow crosswalks in Canada were painted in Vancouver in 2013.
Vol 15 Issue 12 November 24 — December 21
Since then they have popped up across the country from Calgary to Victoria, Prince Rupert, Saskatoon and Charlottetown. This September, Whistler painted two of their own, the first ski resort in the province to do so. In Kamloops, Thompson Rivers University (TRU) installed their own in 2013 for around $1,500. Then LGBTQ representative for the TRU Student Union Nic Zdunich said the idea was inspired by Vancouver’s crosswalks and a need to show unity and support for the LGBTQ2S+ community. Zdunich said he thinks they are important to show support. “With the way 2017 has panned out, a rainbow crosswalk shows unity and support for minorities that I think is very important.” Kolodka said she was inspired by the number of crosswalks she saw while travelling in Canada recently and wondered why Sun
A rainbow crosswalk across Davie Street in Vancouver, B.C. | PHOTO ROBERT ASHWORTH
Peaks doesn’t have one of their own. In addition to being welcoming Kolodka said it would brighten the village and be attractive to tourists visiting the area from around the world. SPMRM councillors said they would look into the possibility of having one crosswalk painted in the spring and mentioned the crosswalk leading to the covered bridge would be a
good location. Mayor Al Raine said he would like to see the community’s schools get involved with the initiative. A Pride Committee has also been started in the community to host events, likely beginning next summer. Anyone interested in taking part can contact Cara Karpluk at events@sunpeaksresort.com.
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Vol 15 Issue 12 November 24 — December 21
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LOCAL NEWS Renos ready for opening weekend by JEAN STRONG
T
wo of the biggest projects taken on by Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) in recent years are nearly complete. Large renovations of Bento’s, now the Annex Food + Drink, and the Sunburst Lodge were started this spring after the lifts closed and have been going full speed since. As the mountain opened for another winter season the two lodges will reopen to the public with some major changes. The Annex will have 500 seats and an overhauled kitchen. It opened on Nov. 19 with a limited menu that will expand as the season goes on. The Sunburst Lodge won’t be far behind. The building, which has nearly doubled in size and features a wine bar and area for racers, should be
completely open for the second week of operations. The ground floor doors opened the first weekend to welcome those who wanted to warm up. “Everyone is really happy with the progress,” said Aidan Kelly, chief marketing officer for SPR. Both boast brand new menus, something Kelly said was highly requested by guests. “If we want to be industry leaders we really needed to step up on the food and beverage side and make sure that it aligns with the world class skiing.” New head chef Hans Stierli designed menus with fresh ingredients that emphasize making food from scratch. The two projects cost millions of dollars and are the first in a number of updates and developments expected in coming years.
The Annex Food + Drink ready to greet guests. | PHOTO JAMIE VEILLETTE
TNRD implements money saving tweaks at Heffley landfill by JEAN STRONG
S
ome minor changes have been proposed for the Sun Peaks Transfer Station and Heffley Creek Eco Depot. As part of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) draft solid waste management plan,
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the TNRD has outlined two key changes for the garbage drop off sites that service Sun Peaks and the surrounding area. The report recommended the Heffley Creek Landfill be used only for construction and demolition materials as of 2018. It would still be open to collect household waste or municipal solid waste, but rather than
Vol 15 Issue 12 November 24 — December 21
keeping it on site it would be transported to other landfills in the TNRD. The TNRD estimates the change would save about $106,000 annually. It would also reduce the space used in the landfill, extending its life and giving the TNRD more time to save and plan for when it’s filled. The report also suggested
a study be conducted on the management of organic waste at Sun Peaks. It’s believed the report would cost $15,000. The changes would not impact how Sun Peaks residents dispose of waste. Anyone with feedback can complete a survey at tnrd.ca or view the report in its entirety on the same site.
LOCAL NEWS Muni prepares to change nightly rental zoning rules by JEAN STRONG
S
un Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) presented several bylaw and policy changes they will consider to better control nightly rentals at an Oct. 24 council meeting. A moratorium on rezoning properties for nightly rentals was created in July in response to complaints they were disrupting residential neighbourhoods which will stay in place until the changes have been adopted. One of the key suggestions was granting Temporary Use Permits (TUP) instead of rezoning a property. As the permits
are only valid for three years, owners would apply for the first TUP at a cost of $1,500 and additional permits would be at a reduced rate. When reviewing applications council would consider criteria that included proximity to the village, ski in and out access and the presence of an on-site manager. Another suggestion was hiring a full time bylaw officer with the specific responsibility of enforcing bylaws related to shortterm rentals at an estimated annual cost between $36,000 and $70,000. This cost would be covered by increased fees and fines related to nightly rentals including business licenses which would
increase up to $295 for a condo, $395 for a residential multi unit and $495 for a single family residential home. The municipality also suggested increasing the required bond from $500 to $1,000, increasing fines for noise violations and creating fees for infractions against the submitted parking or snow storage plans and managers not responding to calls. Infractions would be more strictly enforced and anyone who received more than three violations in a single year would have their business license suspended for one year. If the license was suspended a second time the TUP would be pulled and the home would not
be eligible for nightly rentals until it changed ownership. Council also discussed increasing the area near a home to be notified of a potential zoning change or TUP from the current 50 metres to the full street or neighbourhood. They also reviewed allowing only 20 per cent of homes on a given street to be used as short-term rentals. However some streets are already past that percentage and some councillors expressed concern the rule would give those who move to the street first an unfair advantage. Emergency contact information for homeowners and property managers would also be posted on the SPMRM web-
site for neighbours to reach out should issues arise. Other changes have been proposed for units in residential multi-family zoned properties like The Peaks and The Cottages. Complaints have been made by residents that units are being rented nightly against zoning. Council voted to give those illegally renting until June 30, 2018 at which point they will begin enforcing the zoning bylaw. They also decided to inform stratas they would consider rezoning the properties to allow short-term rentals if every owner voted in support. The changes are to be formally introduced by staff during upcoming council meetings.
New society focuses on safety by JEAN STRONG
S
un Peaks is an active rural community— a combination that amounts to a lot of adventure and fun but can also be risky. That risk is managed as much as possible but mistakes and accidents still happen. When they do the community is fortunate to have support from ski patrol, Sun Peaks Fire Rescue (SPFR) and in some cases Kamloops Search and Rescue. But injuries aren’t restricted to the mountain or to where responses are simple. That’s why Chris Mark believes more community members should have the opportunity to access first aid and emergency response
training and equipment. Mark formed the Sun Peaks Mountain Rescue Society (SPMRS), a non-profit organization with big goals of making the community safer, this fall. “We’ve got one of the longest response times (from B.C. Ambulance Service),” he said. “And a lot of mechanism for people to hurt themselves... if more people are trained, it’s better.” Mark, who is entering his second year as a ski patroller for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR), said the idea was first raised in August and they will be operational for the 2017-18 ski season. He said while SPR and SPFR supply equipment necessary for their own members, costs can be high for extra addition-
al items that give responders more experience. Those are the items SPMRS would like to focus on first. Training aids such as model limbs that realistically depict open fractures or wounds, or dolls that take manmade airways and show if a responder’s breaths are effective during artificial respiration. Mark said he wants the society to be sustainable and provide more to the community as it grows. After purchasing equipment for use he would like to host classes open to anyone and allow supervised use of the equipment. “It will be extras we know would help everyone,” Mark said. “More people can get their hands on it.” Fundraising will begin this
December with members planning to hold a raffle on New Year’s Eve. Mark said he hopes they will also have an event in February to tie into the Winter Olympics and other social events that support the society. T-Shirts will soon be available in SPR retail outlets with 90 per cent of sales going back to the charity. SPMRS is welcoming new members at anytime. “Anyone who’s passionate about supporting the jobs first responders do,” Mark said of who they are looking for. “Members of the community who are passionate about first aid.” For more information or to contact the society find them online at facebook.com/spmountainrescue.
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Vol 15 Issue 12 November 24 — December 21
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LOCAL NEWS New ASSP board ready for growth by EMILY PERRINS
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t its October AGM, Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks (ASSP) saw big changes to its leadership with three long-standing members stepping down from their positions on the Board of Directors. The election of three new members and a reshuffle of those re-elected means the five person board looks quite different ahead of a year that promises big growth for the non-profit program and its outreach to those with disabilities. The newly elected board will bring a new range of skills and “a positive energy to consoli-
date our mandate and assist in the growth of the program,” said Veronica Connors, the new board secretary. Veronica is now the longest serving member of the board, with nine years under her belt in different roles. A former nurse, nurse educator and ski instructor, she has split her time between Sun Peaks and Australia for the last ten years with her husband, Neil Connors. Neil is the new president in his first year on the board, after many years working for ski school and volunteering with ASSP. He initially became involved with the adaptive program in the hopes of “making a difference to people’s lives who otherwise would never
experience of the wind in their face as they ski down a mountain,” an impetus that seems especially relevant this year as ASSP addresses the needs of a wider range of disabilities in the program. Danielle Renaud, new member at large on the board, is a semi-retired autism spectrum disorder (ASD) expert and behaviour and leadership consultant. She sees her expertise having a bigger impact this year than it may have previously. “There is more emphasis moving forward as they are finding more ASD kids enrolling,” said Renaud. “My role on the board will focus mainly on the training of instructors around how to work with kids
La Niña expected to have minor impact on season by EMILY PERRINS
A
s the lifts start turning, Sun Peaks’ locals and visitors can rest assured there’s a good ski season in store this winter. Predictions by international and local forecasters are for average temperatures and average to above-average snowfall in the region. Long-term predictions like this are possible because of standard climatic characteristics that accompany fluctuations in temperature in the Pacific Ocean. These events drive different weather patterns around the globe and are known as El Niño or La Niña, depending on which phase of the cycle is occurring. La Niña tends to bring a cooler, snowier winter to B.C. It’s what the province experienced last winter, in a significant departure from the mild seasons before that were influenced by
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El Niño. This year another “weak” La Niña is already being experienced and is expected to continue through the winter, according to Environment Canada. Kit Nilsson, avalanche forecaster and head of the Snow Safety department with Sun Peaks Resort LLP, interprets weather and snowfall data in order to make predictions on snow conditions in the resort. He reported that due to the area Sun Peaks is in, it’s “not highly affected by a weak La Niña, so we will be seeing a fairly average climate (this winter). “We will not get the long cold periods like we did in 2016-17, where we had 18 days below minus 20 degrees.” For this, residents can thank the flanking mountain ranges that provide a barrier from both the extreme moisture on the coast and the arctic winds across the prairies. So while Sun Peaks should
Vol 15 Issue 12 November 24 — December 21
be protected from the temperature extremes of this La Niña, it should still experience more snow than usual. As of Nov. 20, the resort sat at an 81 cm alpine base. “Last year we had a 2.88 metre snow height maximum. The prediction for this year is 2.5 to 2.6 metres, which is just above a normal snowpack,” Nilsson said. The La Niña event that will be precipitating these conditions is predicted to continue through until at least February, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with 65 to 75 per cent certainty. This means more good news for Sun Peaks because spring skiing is likely to make a comeback this season. “Last year the snowpack stayed cold through to springtime, but we expect the regular spring skiing towards the end of this upcoming ski season,” Nilsson said. “Spring is forecast to come at a normal time in 2018.”
with any kind of developmental disability or cognitive impairment.” Riann Batch is another new addition to the board as vice president. She has a teaching and skills training background and has instructed with ASSP for four years. Batch was part of a contingent of ASSP representatives introduced to adaptive water-skiing this summer in Kamloops, a sport ASSP is looking at introducing into their own program. Another is Nordic skiing, which Batch suggested could start being offered in 2018-19, once the instructors are trained this season. This growth, in terms of offering more lessons and other sport opportunities, is exciting, though it remains de-
pendent on the support ASSP can receive by way of funds and volunteers, said Leeza Clough. Clough is returning to the board for her second year as treasurer— an apt position for the chartered accountant from Kamloops. The board works with the support of one full-time employee of ASSP, program manager Anne Nicolson, who is starting her second year. Together, with such breadth of professional experience between them, the new board stands in good stead for continuing the impressive work of their predecessors, which over the years has “built a sound, professional program of national standing,” said Veronica.
PROTECT YOUR GAS METER 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. Do not 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, a 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. Utility staff can 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 250-578-5490 Monday to Friday. Sun Peaks Utilities’after hours emergency 250-319-0629.
In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
COMMUNITY Hostel rebuild nears completion
A rendering of the completed hostel.
| PHOTO SUPPLIED
A
COLUMNIST VIEWS
new build that will house more than 30 employees from around the resort this winter is nearing completion. The old hostel was torn down
this spring after more than 15 years of greeting everyone who entered the community. Now renamed as The Burfield, the building will have 35
suites to sleep 90 people over three floors. Owner Ash Hanna said they were slightly delayed but are aiming to open for staff mid-December. “I think we’ve done an extraordinary job to get it done in the time frame,” he said. “The biggest delay was the earthworks. In the early days it (the property) was a dumping ground...There were lots of surprises.” Hanna didn’t disclose a final cost for the project but said it was much more than expected. “Substantial costs were in the dirt,” he said. By the end of November the roof and siding are expected to be completed and insulation and drywall won’t be far behind. Hanna originally planned to construct residential units, but when the plan was de-
nied by Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality council he switched his focus to a combination of hostel and staff housing. It was the hope of both Hanna and council that beds for staff would help businesses challenged by the current long-term rental shortage in the community. According to Hanna there was a lot of interest in the beds, including a request from one group for 150. But he has settled into a five year agreement with a local business for more than 30 beds and allowed other beds to be allocated temporarily to additional staff. For guests, bookings have opened starting mid-January and reservations are already coming in. It was important to have a mix, he said.
“If you have too much of a frat house you attract that,” he said. “We’ve always managed to keep a good atmosphere.” Hanna said the website traffic and bookings are coming from around the world. Previously the majority were from Canada, Germany and Australia. Now they are from as far away as Chile, Portugal and China. With the new influx of visitors to the south end of the village, he hopes other development will follow. “Our timing was good,” he said, pointing out the amount of other construction that took place over the summer. As for his original plan for residential units, Hanna isn’t ruling out taking on more projects at Sun Peaks in the future. “I’m always interested in developing land,” he said. “I’d consider it (another project).”
Volunteer fire halls backbone of rural service 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.
W
hen we think of crews battling wildfires, we tend to envision B.C. Wildfire Service firefighters dropping into the midst of the action with helicopters and tankers dropping water and retardant onto the battle front. But many of those firefighters this past summer, as in 2003, were men and women who left their day jobs for days or weeks to help in the grueling, risky job of trying to stop the fires and save lives and property. They took their equipment, their fire trucks, along with a leave of absence from supportive employers (or,
put their own businesses on hold), and headed off to where they were needed. They are the volunteers who form the core of fire departments in our rural communities. They practise almost every week, attend workshops and training sessions, and are experts in what they do. While protecting their communities against residential fires is their priority, many take special training that gives them the skills to go against wildfires when they’re needed. In 2003, the McLure fire department became legendary as its volunteers were first on the scene when the huge McLure fire exploded in the community’s backyard. Often, though, volunteer fire departments and their equipment are sent to distant locations. For example,
members of the Pritchard fire department spent a lot of time in the Cariboo this year. The point of this column isn’t to relive the 2017 wildfires, but to point out the varied work of rural volunteer fire departments and how their roles and structure are changing. These departments work on tight budgets, always looking for the most economical ways to outfit themselves and keep current. Turnout gear for each firefighter typically costs several thousand dollars, and all the other equipment has to be maintained and replaced as needed. A truck can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. Halls have to be kept in good shape. Provincially mandated training requirements are becoming much more stringent, and records keeping alone has become a
major challenge, meaning more volunteer time must be invested. It’s all about reducing risk and increasing efficiency. A report presented to the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) board of directors this month identifies the start of a strategy to meet these new challenges. The report summarizes detailed studies done by a consultant over the past several months of 11 of the more than 26 fire departments operating in the TNRD. (There are several structures for fire departments, including municipally run, regional-district operated, and those run by societies but supported by taxation.) The Sun Peaks department wasn’t included in this round of studies, but others such as Clearwater, Pritchard and McLure were. Such things as service lev-
els, training and mutual aid were looked at, with specific recommendations for each fire department. Proposals for various changes will be rolled out over the next few months. In some cases, it seems likely that society-run financial contribution fire departments will be moved under TNRD administration to relieve them of some of their burden. Improved co-ordination and support at the TNRD level is another probable step. My view is that as small rural fire departments — which do such important work — face more stringent requirements and higher costs, we have to look at ways to help them handle it. Every time government says, “you have to do more,” it has to also say, “and here’s how we’re going to help you do it.”
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LOCAL NEWS Two doctors secured for new clinic by JEAN STRONG
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r. Shane Barclay isn’t a first time visitor to Sun Peaks. But when he first visited thirty years ago, sleeping in his van and skiing Tod Mountain on a cross country road trip, the mountain looked a little different. Now Barclay has returned to the area as medical directory, the first full-time doctor at the newly completed health clinic. Barclay will be joined part-time by Dr. Harpreet Kelly in January. Barclay is no stranger to working in a rural community. He has worked across the country, completing his M.D. at the University of Saskatchewan in 1978 before working in North Vancouver,
B.C. then moving north to Fort Simpson, Hay River and Yellowknife in the N.W.T. Most recently he opened a family practice on Salt Spring Island, B.C., providing general and emergency care to island residents. Looking to move to Kamloops to be closer to his children and grandchildren, Barclay learned about the Sun Peaks clinic and decided to apply. “It was kind of by fluke,” Barclay said. He said his first love is family practice but he has experience in obstetrics, emergency, trauma, cardiac life support and more. Barclay has a lot of work ahead of him to prepare to open the clinic on Dec. 11, such as organizing the four exam
rooms and setting up the space from scratch. “This is a beautiful facility,” he said. “The community has done a great job.” The Sun Peaks Health Association has been fundraising to build and outfit the clinic for over 20 years. After getting everything arranged Barclay wants to start meeting the community and caring for locals and residents. “The priority is people who live here and work here. The plan is to open phones December 4 and register those people first.” His vision for the clinic includes moving away from the urgent care model of the past clinic and toward primary care. “The urgent care clinic next door did a phenomenal job,” he said. “My primary objective is primary longitudinal care to residents. It’s not a ski resort clinic, it’s a family practice clinic.” He said he is looking forward to being joined by Kelly in the new year. Kelly, who has lived part time at Sun Peaks for three and a half years, will act as a part-time family physician at the clinic while continuing to work in Kamloops as a hospitalist and in low risk obstetrics at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH). “I’m excited,” Kelly said of coming to the clinic. “I think it’s going to be great and things seem pretty well organized. There will always be growing pains when starting a new clin-
Dr. Shane Barclay in one of four exam rooms in the new clinic. | PHOTO SPIN
ic but this community always comes together when needed to make things happen….It will be nice to get started seeing people in the clinic.” The two doctors will also be complemented by ambulances on standby at the resort on weekends and for events. Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality Mayor Al Raine, who has been a major supporter of the clinic, said Sun Peaks is excited. “After a very long journey we have completed work on the building itself and found this excellent medical team to lead the
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Vol 15 Issue 12 November 24 — December 21
establishment and operation,” Raine said. “We are about to realize our vision of having primary care on the mountain for residents, visitors and the broader community.” Raine has also encouraged Barclay to get back into skiing, something he hasn’t done in 15 years. Instead, in his free time, Barclay spends time with his grandchildren, three dogs, and six horses. He also plans to spend time teaching at RIH. “I’m looking forward to this,” he said. “You never know what’s going to walk through the door.”
GET OUT THERE Tourism industry wary of Family Day switch >> Holiday doubles occupancy on quiet weekend
by JEAN STRONG
W
hile Premier John Horgan has spoken of changing B.C.’s Family Day holiday from second Monday in February to the third to align with other provinces, many in the ski industry want to keep the status quo. A petition launched in 2015 to change the date has garnered over 22,000 signatures and the support of Green Party leader Andrew Weaver. In February he tabled a bill called the Family Day Amendment Act 2017.
Christopher Nicolson, CEO of the Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA), said the creation of the holiday had an immediate impact on all parts of the tourism industry. “Having a new long weekend jettisoned bookings,” Nicolson said. “It’s more important for some to align with Toronto for holidays but currently it (Family Day) brings revenue and B.C. residents get to participate in outdoor activities.” Nicolson said the current timing is key because it creates more bookings on what was previously a quieter weekend. If it were to change, he said, it would fall within President’s Week which is already a busy time for tourism in B.C. He said during consultation for the holiday in 2012 they considered a number of questions. “How can we generate more money to pay for (provincial) services? How can we build the winter and balance it with sum-
mer? How can we allow access without competing with other jurisdictions?” According to Nicolson the holiday is important to encourage time spent with family and can also introduce new Canadians or new skiers to the slopes and other outdoor winter sports. Ski areas often provide discounts to B.C. residents on the stat Monday which may not be available if the date changes and residents trying to enjoy the holiday could face longer lines or no booking availability. The CWSAA and other industry leaders have been working to explain their stance to the new provincial government. “We respect it’s a new government looking at it all together and respect the government’s needs to see all sides,” Nicolson said. “We’re going to show the value both economically and socially around the province.” Sun Peaks has certainly benefited from the holiday and of-
Enjoying the slopes together at Sun Peaks. | PHOTO KELLY FUNK / TOURISM SUN PEAKS.
fers a 50 per cent discount on lift passes for the day alongside other events and offers. “Some nights have doubled in occupancy,” said Arlene Schieven, CEO of Tourism Sun Peaks. “We’re already fully
booked on President’s Week; There’s no room.” “We definitely want it to stay where it is,” she said. “It’s been such a great opportunity for people who don’t ski that often to get involved.”
ALPINE FONDUE & STARLIGHT DESCENT A new take on a traditional favourite. A three course Swiss Fondue meal at the mid-mountain Sunburst Lodge, followed by a torch-lit guided ski down 5 Mile. Mondays and Wednesdays, starting December 13th, 2017. $85 per person.* Full details available online. *Must be minimum of 14 years to participate. Photo: Reuben Krabbe
PLAN AHEAD AND SAVE BIG Be sure to buy your lift tickets in advance from our online store for huge savings. It’s that easy! Explore today at SunPeaksResort.com/STORE
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GET OUT THERE Behind the scenes of lift evacuation by EMILY PERRINS
S
traps tight and snug? Check. Instructors alongside? Check. Ready to be pushed off the chairlift? This reporter got a first-hand taste at being an adaptive skier in a lift evacuation exercise set up by Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks (ASSP) and Sun Peaks Ski Patrol ahead of opening day. It was a prospect that had me both curious and mildly apprehensive; how was I to be evacuated from a chairlift while strapped into a large bucket seat? It’s a scenario these teams have practised together before. This session helped introduce staff to different pieces of equipment that ASSP uses, and revise the techniques needed to evacuate any adaptive skier or snowboarder from
A skier is lowered from the Sundance chairlift. | PHOTO EMILY PERRINS
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the chairlift should a lift evacuation take place. It turns out the process of evacuating sit skiers is rather straightforward. Specific straps pre-attached to the sit ski are connected together to create a central haul point that is hooked onto a rope hoisted up from the ground. Sun Peaks Resort LLP is an industry leader in making these straps mandatory on all sit skis at the resort, said ASSP president Neil Connors. This
is to avoid the sit skier having to face the risks of coming out of their sit ski to be evacuated. Usually skiers have a Poma lift-type seat hoisted up to them that they have to straddle. All types of evacuees are then belayed to the ground using an attached rope. But not before a “leap of faith,” as Connors called it, is required to scooch (or in my case, be pushed) off the edge of the chair to be suspended by the belay rope. This is the hardest
Patrollers get on belay to lift a sit skier off the chair and lower them down. | PHOTO EMILY PERRINS
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part of the exercise. For a lot of ASSP participants, most of whom are not in sit skis but have cognitive impairments or are visually impaired, this can require a “much bigger leap of faith” than for the average chairlift user, Connors said. The evacuation procedure is safe and well-rehearsed, and ASSP instructors will always be beside students on the chair to assist and communi-
cate. But it certainly inspired new appreciation of how courageous ASSP participants often need to be in their pursuit of skiing. We can only hope these lift evacuation exercises need not be utilized in a real emergency, but with efforts like this, ASSP and patrol are in the best position to co-ordinate the safe evacuation of all should the situation arise.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Exciting events kick start winter by JEAN STRONG
A
fter one of the best opening days in Sun Peaks history kicked off winter with a bang, there are many events planned for the first month of the season. A day that’s easy on the budget and supports the foodbank returns on Dec. 4. High 5 Day lets you pick up a lift pass
for $5 and a non-perishable food item donation with all proceeds and donations given to the Kamloops Food Bank. This winter the organization is specifically requesting protein like fish, beans and chili. If you want to improve your skills in the park register for Women’s Park Days on Dec. 9 and 10, a ladies only camp for all park riders from beginner to advanced. $200 gets you two days of coaching, lift tickets,
dry land training and more. If you’re looking for the perfect piece of art for your home or a holiday gift support the Sun Peaks Secondary Academy (SPSA) at the 10th annual Sotheby’s Benefit Art Auction. This fun event pairs beautiful art with wine tasting and delicious food for $30. One hundred per cent of money collected from the benefit auction is used for SPSA.
A trailer filled with food for High Five day in 2016. | FILE PHOTO
EVENT > listings FRIDAY TO SUNDAY
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
FRIDAY
SUNDAY
WINTER KICK-OFF SKI IMPROVEMENT CAMP
WOMEN’S PARK DAYS
FRIDAY RACE SERIES
HOLIDAY KICK-OFF WEEKEND CON’T
DECEMBER 1-3
Get those ski muscles warmed up and kick-off your season right with this camp. CSIA Level 4 instructors take small groups around the mountain for three days of teaching, video analysis, and fitness sessions. 250 578 5505
SATURDAY
DECEMBER 2
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR AT HEFFLEY CREEK The Heffley Creek Hall will be filled with home businesses, arts and crafts for the holidays. Get your shopping done while snacking from the concession and visiting with Santa from noon on. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 250 578 7525
MONDAY
DECEMBER 4 HIGH FIVE DAY
Support the Kamloops Food Bank as you shred Sun Peaks. $5 and a non-perishable food item donation get you an alpine or nordic ticket for the day. 250 578 5474
DECEMBER 9 & 10
Women of any ability meet up for instruction in the Sun Peaks Park. A weekend of strong women, having fun, and improving your ski or snowboard skills. 778 266 1244
DECEMBER 15
DECEMBER 17
The first Friday Race Series of the year. Get ready for speed as you take part in the weekly challenge open to all abilities. Awards, medals and prizes and door prizes. All ages welcome. guestservices@sunpeaksresort.com
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
DECEMBER 9 & 10
GLENN BOND NORDIC CAMP
The first of two great nordic camps through the winter. Spend the weekend with professional coaches whose goal is to help you learn and improve whatever skills you would like to. Classic or skate skiing for all abilites. Includes video analysis, passes, lunch and a souvineer. 250 309 2611
THURSDAY
DECEMBER 14
10TH ANNUAL SOTHEBY’S BENEFIT ART AUCTION
Events will take place all day to celebrate the holidays. Ice carving, ornament making, “Frozen” characters wandering the village, a visit from Santa with photos, a chocolate waffle station and chocolate truffle demo, gingerbread bear tasting, caroling and more! sunpeaksresort.com/events
SATURDAY
DECEMBER 16
SUNDAY
Find out the winners of the holiday decorating contest at the Village Day Lodge at 6 p.m. before the Ugly Sweater Parade from the lodge to Morrisey’s at 6:15 p.m. Finish the night at Morissey’s ugly sweater pagent and party.
PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA
HOLIDAY KICK-OFF WEEKEND
250 578 5399
DECEMBER 17
Take your pooch to visit old Saint Nick at Morrisey’s and get the perfect holiday photo. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 250 578 7222
FRIDAY
DECEMBER 22
SATURDAY
FRIDAY RACE SERIES
DECMBER 16
HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET
Support the Sun Peaks Secondary Academy while shopping for beautful art pieces. Enjoy wine, food and music at this night at Morrisey’s Public House.
Wander through the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Hearthstone Lodge to find the perfect Christmas gift. All types of art and handmade crafts in a magical mountain setting. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
250 578 7773
250 578 5399
The second Friday Race Series of the year. Get ready for speed as you take part in the weekly challenge open to all abilities. Awards, medals and prizes and door prizes. All ages welcome. guestservices@sunpeaksresort.com
Vol 15 Issue 12 November 24 — December 21
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Guide to the best holiday craft fairs by JEAN STRONG
A
re you on the hunt for the perfect Christmas present? Or looking for some arts and crafts inspiration? Kamloops and the surrounding communities are home to some big and beautiful craft fairs during the holiday season and we’ve compiled a guide to help you find exactly what you need. Kamloops School of the Arts Annual Craft and Bake Sale With more than 120 vendors from home based businesses to crafts to baking there’s sure to be something for everyone on your shopping list! All money raised supports the school. 1390 9th Ave. Kamloops, November 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. By donation. Pacific Way Holiday Craft Fair More than 65 vendors (40 of which are original crafters, bakers or artisans) will have their goodies on display alongside a bake sale, kids activities and photos with Santa from 1 to 2 p.m. Pacific Way Elementary School Kamloops, November 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free.
Holiday Open House at Harper’s Trail Anyone who likes to sip while they shop will love the two day open house at Harper’s Trail Winery. Sample wonderful local wines while perusing local artisan crafts and seeing the beautiful holiday decorations around the winery. 2761 Shuswap Road
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Kamloops, November 25 & 26, Free. Heffley Creek Christmas Craft Fair If you want to stay closer to home make your way to Heffley Creek for this annual event. Over 30 small businesses and artisans will present their goods. And if you get hungry while you shop the famous Heffley Burger will be available at the concession. Heffley Creek Hall, December 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Christmas at the Courthouse Interested in arts and crafts with an emphasis on arts? Then Christmas at the Courthouse is for you! The annual event showcases local artists (and some artisans) in the historical old courthouse in Kamloops. Food and music combine to create a great shopping experience. 7 West Seymour Street Kamloops, December 2 & 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Brock Block Party and Christmas Craft Sale The Brock Shopping Centre will be bustling with people shopping at stands from local businesses and crafters. To get in the Christmas spirit there will be carols, photos with Santa and a yummy bake sale. 1800 Tranquille Road Kamloops, December 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Holiday Pop-Up Market Makeshift Kamloops’ second annual holiday market returns. This event features local stores, business people and creatives alongside music and coffee! The Grindhouse Cafe,
Vol 15 Issue 12 November 24 — December 21
The Makeshift Kamloops Holiday Pop-Up Market was a hit in 2016. | PHOTO ALYSE SOUKEROFF, ALYSE KIRSTEN DESIGNS
4th and Lansdowne. Kamloops, December 13 4:30 to 9 p.m. Free. Sun Peaks Artisan Market The only local market, the Sun Peaks Artisan Market is a favourite of locals and guests alike. Spread between the lower lobby of the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and the Morrisey Room in the Hearthstone Lodge are vendors selling unique treasures from paintings to jewelry or wood products! December 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free.
IN PHOTOS
Members of Parliment Maxime Bernier and Cathy McLeod pose with Senator Nancy Greene Raine and Sun Peaks Mayor Al Raine pose at a Conservative Party event in Sun Peaks. - Photo SPIN
A group of dedicated skiers arrived at 5:03 a.m. on Opening Day. - Photo Submitted
Allsmiles at the Sundance Chair on Opening Day. - Photo SPIN
First in line at the Sundance Chair on Opening Day. - Photo SPIN
Captain Dean Schiavon (left) and Dan Stebner (right) pose with Chief Colin Cannon (middle) after being awarded with their 10 and 20 year service awards, repectively. - Photo SPIN
Lifties get in the spirit during preseason race training. - Photo SPIN
Ski Patrol perpares for Opening Day. - Photo SPIN
Sun Peaks Secondary Academy volunteers at the 2018 Firefighters’ Society Gala. - Photo Submitted
The Firefighters’ Society at thier annual gala. Almost $30,000 was raised for the community. - Photo SPIN
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MOUNTAIN NEWS Mountain Town News by ALLEN BEST ALLEN.BEST@COMCAST.NET MOUNTAINTOWNNEWS.NET
First Nations propose older names for Banff geography CANMORE, Alberta – Canmore, at the entrance to Banff National Park, will have a different name if the Alberta Geographical Names Program approves the application of the Stoney Nakoda First Nations. That new name, the Nakoda bands said, would be the old name: Chuwapchipchiyan Kude Bi. And the Bow River, which flows through Banff and Canmore on its way to Calgary, would also have a different name: Ijathibe Wapta or Mini Thni Wapta. The Rocky Mountain Outlook reported the Stoney Nakoda have claimed the area south of the Bow River and east of the Continental Divide as their native territory. Can the Grizzly Bear Spirit be worshipped remotely? INVERMERE, B.C. – Jumbo Glacier Resort, the proposed ski area in eastern British Columbia, won a key decision in early November from the Canada Supreme Court. A majority of the nine justices agreed that the Ktunaxa Nation had no veto power over the project. The Ktunaxa Nation had argued that the resort would interfere with the ability of members to worship the Grizzly Bear Spirit. The judgment said that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom protects the freedom to worship, but does not protect the spiritual focal point of worship. The Shuswap people already support Glacier Resort, the de-
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veloper of the proposed resort, and the company said it will seek to develop benefit agreements with the Ktunaxa Nation, if the Ktunaxa wish. A provincial environmental certification will still be needed for the resort if it wants to go forward with 6,500 beds of lodging. In that process, the Ktunaxa would likely register their opposition, reported Whistler’s Pique Newsmagazine. Tommaso Oberti, vice president of Oberti Resort Designs, a consultant to Glacier Resorts, indicated the resort could be viable with 2,000 beds in lodging, because of the lodging available in nearby Invermere. If so, that would not require an environmental certification. Major ink for one ski area that is taking on ‘the man’ ROSSLAND, B.C. – Rossland, a one-time gold-mining town, sits in the Monashee Mountains, above the Columbia River. This is just north of the border of British Columbia and eastern Washington state. The closest major airport is at Spokane, Wash., 2.5 hours to the south. For skiers, the attraction of Rossland is Red Mountain Resort. A travel magazine this year called it Canada’s first and last great ski town. The ski area has been in the news frequently this year because of an innovative marketing campaign by the owner, Howard Katkov. He created a campaign called “Fight the Man, Own the Mountain.” It’s intended to be a jab at Vail Resorts and, for that matter, Aspen, Jackson Hole, and other major ski areas with quad lifts, high-priced base-area lodging, and all the other accouterments of the most successful ski areas.
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Katkov notes that three companies now own 39 resorts. Part and parcel of this marketing is an equity crowdfunding effort, first to Canadians and then, on Nov. 1, to Americans. His ultimate goal is to raise $15 million from equity owners by Dec. 1, the cutoff date, reports Bloomberg. Pique Newsmagazine reported that the venture recorded a single-day record in August with more than $500,000 in crowdfunding enlistments. Ahead of its U.S. launch, it had received more than 3,500 reservations for as much as $13.3 million, reported Bloomberg. Investments have been tiered from $1,000 to $25,000. All this has yielded a lot of David-vs.-Goliath stories that position Red Mountain as authentic and small, true to its skiing roots—and affordable. “Vail is speaking to a certain demographic, I’m speaking to a different one,” he told Bloomberg. “The Whistlers, Vails, Jackson Holes, they’re catering to the one per cent. There’s nothing wrong with that, but a young family can’t go to those resorts.”
Roger McCarthy, a consultant who helped design Sochi for the Russians, contrasted Red Mountain and Rossland with the “industrial ski experience” of the large resorts. “You walk into the restaurant or the day lodge and everybody knows everybody,” he told Pique. He lives in Whistler but managed Keystone and Breckenridge for Vail Resorts at one time. What do investors get for their money at Red Mountain? Not a lot, suggested a commenter from Toronto on the Financial Post website. “Hmmm… Let’s see, no voting rights, no dividends, or no distributions in the ‘foreseeable future.’ Looks like you’re basically selling club memberships disguised as an in investment. And who’s going to be able to afford this type of investment/ club membership?” Jackson Hole’s last camera shop survives another day JACKSON, Wyo. – When Bill Clinton was president, Jackson had seven photo shops, places where you could get film developed, buy a camera, or more.
No surprise there, given how many photographs are taken in Jackson Hole and the adjoining national parks, Grand Teton and Yellowstone. But just one camera store remains and that store, DD Camera Corral, might have disappeared if not for employees who went searching for a buyer. “Jackson Hole needs a camera store,” store manager Travis Lucas remembered telling William “Dinty” Miller. “People come from around the world to take pictures here. It’s crazy to not have a camera store.” Miller, retired employee of British Petroleum, was persuaded. He already had a camera store in Casper, Wyoming’s largest city. If almost nobody still shoots film anymore, he told the Jackson Hole News&Guide he still sees value in brick-andmortar locations. “It’s still a plus when people can see a bag, can touch it, hold a camera, feel it.” The store will sell cameras and accessories, take passport photographs, and even develop old-fashioned film while printing photographs up to five feet wide.
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 6:30 PM DECEMBER 19, 2017
Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality Council gives notice that it will hold a Public Hearing in Hearthstone Lodge at 3170 Creekside Way, Sun Peaks, BC, to consider proposed Bylaws 0100 and 0101.
What is Temporary Use Permit TU-2017-001, Bylaw No. 0100, 2017?
Bylaw 0100, 2017, if passed, would allow tourist accommodation use (nightly/shortterm rental) in the existing dwelling for a period of 36 months at 2216 Sunburst Drive (legally described as Lot 8, District Lot 6259 and 6337, KDYD, Plan KAP53479). The specific temporary use permit conditions are as stipulated in the proposed permit, a part of Bylaw 0100.
What is Temporary Use Permit TU-2017-002, Bylaw No. 0101, 2017?
Bylaw 0101, 2017, if passed, would allow tourist accommodation use (nightly/shortterm rental) in the existing dwelling for a period of 36 months at 2451 Fairways Drive (legally described as Lot 12, District Lot 6421, KDYD, Plan KAP70975). The specific temporary use permit conditions are as stipulated in the proposed permit, a part of Bylaw 0101. All persons who believe that their interest in property 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 (via any of the below options) which must be received at our office prior to 4:00 p.m. on the 15th day of December, 2017. 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 November 27, 2017 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. Rob Bremner, Chief Administrative Officer Mail: PO Box 1002, Sun Peaks, BC V0E 5N0 Email: admin@sunpeaksmunicipality.ca Phone: 250-578-2020 Fax: 250-578-2023
Vol 15 Issue 12 November 24 — December 21
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Vol 15 Issue 12 November 24 — December 21
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AL AND NANCY RAINE ALPINE IMAGES GALLERY ATMOSPHERE BABY DOH’S MOUNTAIN FAIR BARB BRODIE BILL AND LESLIE HANRAHAN BLACK BEAVER ATHLETIC BLUEBIRD MARKET BODY LANGUAGE BOLACCO CAFE BOTTOMS BAR & GRILL BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE BRENDA WILKINSON, RMT BRUCE MITCHELL CANNON FAMILY CHRIGEL’S TIMBER CHALET INC. COAST HILLCREST HOTEL REVELSTOKE COAST SUNDANCE LODGE
DESIGNS BY M & J DIABETES ASSOCIATION OF BC AND BARB BRODIE DISCOVER SUN PEAKS ADVENTURES DOM KORIC DOUBLETREE BY HILTON KAMLOOPS EARLS RESTAURANT KAMLOOPS ECO ENERGY ELEVATED FISHING ADVENTURES FALL LINE TUNING & REPAIR FREE FALL SUN PEAKS GRAND HOTEL FOOD AND BEVERAGE HEAD HITCH ‘N RAIL RESORT IRON ROAD BREWING JARDINES KAMLOOPS FAMILY VISION CLINIC
KAMLOOPS SYMPHONY KORINA LINDER LAMBERT CYCLES RE/MAX APLINE REALTY LIQUID LIFESTYLES LIZ DERKSEN MARIA DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY MCSPORTIES MICHAEL & RUTH FANE MIKE WEIGELE HELICOPTER SKIING MONTE CREEK RANCH MOUNTAIN HIGH PIZZA MOUNTAIN MAN ADVENTURES NORTHWEST VOYAGEUR COMPANY NRG ENTERPRISES NRI DISTRIBUTORS OCEAN VILLAGE TOFINO BC OKANAGAN SPIRITS
OUTDOOR GEAR CANADA PADDLE SURFIT PETERS PASTA POWDER VENTURES SAND & GRAVEL RACEFACE RED COLLAR BREWING ROB & TAMMY BREMNER ROCKY MOUNTAIN BICYCLES ROSS AND AMY BLAKENEY RUBEN & TANNIS SORGE RUSCH ENTERPRISES LTD RYAN OEVERMANN SONYA TREVISI, RMT SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY, SUN PEAKS SPAC STEAM WHISTLE PILSNER SUNDANCE LIQUOR STORE
SUN PEAKS CARGO SUN PEAKS GRAND SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS SUN PEAKS LODGE SUN PEAKS LODGE & STEAKHOUSE SUN PEAKS PLUMBING AND HEATING SUN PEAKS RESORT LLP SUN PEAKS SPA THIS N THAT SERVICES AT SUN PEAKS THOMPSON VALLEY SAND & GRAVEL TREE BREWING VALERY & ALIVIA MERCER WHITE LYON ROAD MAINTANENCE YUKO DENHAM ZIMMER WHEATON ZUZY ROCKA
Vol 15 Issue 12 November 24 — December 21
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CONTENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY MCSPORTIES
>> SPORTS Race centre welcomes racers before season opening
A team from Fernie takes a break from training on OSV. | PHOTO SPIN
Sun Peaks Apline Club volunteers get OSV ready for the season. | PHOTO SPIN
by JEAN STRONG
A
week before the hill opened to the public teams from around Western Canada were welcomed Sun Peaks’
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Vol 15 Issue 12 November 24 — December 21
Race Training Centre. The training gives teams an important opportunity to get a head start on competition for the season. Coaches led groups down OSV through gates and brushes and ran drills on
5 Mile. SPIN caught up with the racers as they trained for the upcoming season and checked in on Sun Peaks’ staff getting the mountain ready to open.
>> SPORTS Stories from snowshoes and snow caves
A group winds through the forest on a tour at Sun Peaks. | PHOTO KELLY FUNK
by JEAN STRONG
F
or 20 years, Colin and Maria Cannon have wanted their guests to have just as many stories at the end of they day as their skiing family and friends. “I’m an ambassador for Sun Peaks to a lot of people who may or may not ski,” said Cannon, owner of Discover Sun Peaks Adventures. “I try to give them a whole bunch of really useful facts. They become the one everyone listens to.” Cannon travelled to a newly established Sun Peaks from Whistler in 1996 and found himself enchanted with the dry, light snow. Having snowshoed as a child around Vancouver he was accustomed to wetter snow that weighed down his feet and made the sport a chore. With his light aluminum snowshoes rented from Kamloops, Cannon headed out to what is now the tenth fairway of the Sun Peaks Golf Course and marvelled at the area around him. One month later he came back with a business plan to present to resort managers. He said he thought it would
be great to get in on the ground floor of what he believed would grow into a larger resort. “I bought into the whole Sun Peaks plan,” he said. Having guided throughout Canada he was confident it was an idea that would do well in the budding community. “They said ‘yeah, do it,’” Cannon said. “Some young kid wants to build a business here, great! “I went and bought some snowshoes and set up a couple of trails. In the early years there was not a lot of people.” A few years later he began renting snowshoes to visitors and as more guests discovered the area he became busier and busier. Now guests return annually and Cannon views them as family. “I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve that,” Cannon said “But on a snowshoe tour you’re able to create a bond.” Cannon builds beautiful snow caves every year to the delight of his guests, building them in new locations as resort development takes over previous spots. They also have no minimum number of guests required to run a tour, if only one person
signs up the trip will go ahead. “In the early days I went to other resorts as one guy (to see other operators) and I needed two other people to go. In Sun Peaks the smallest group is one.” Cannon still builds and maintains the trails used for his tours and public use; some of his favourite memories have been time spent packing down the snow in early December. “Just stopping and looking up, it’s like the stars were falling on me,” Cannon said of making trails one night years ago. “It was so cold and clear, I remember just being totally blown away by the surroundings of Sun Peaks and the stillness and quietness of the snow.” Now Cannon has hired other guides while he focuses on his role as chief of Sun Peaks Fire Rescue and his family. But he is still passionate about sharing the sport with others, and he wouldn’t want to do it anywhere else. “I love that anybody can do it, as long as you can walk you can snowshoe. “It was beautiful to watch the resort grow around us. We really have community, we have heart.”
Vol 15 Issue 12 November 24 — December 21
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Serving Sun Peaks and area since 1995
ALPINE RESORT REALTY
OPEN DAILY - LOCATED IN THE KOOKABURRA LODGE T: 250 578 8222 TF: 1 800 663 2838 E: info@sunpeaksrealty.com
EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED
4108 SUNDANCE DRIVE | 1,479,000
2433 FAIRWAYS DRIVE | $948,000
The architect got it right from street appeal to interior design. Prestigious Sundance Estates 4 bedroom home plus 2 bedroom suite with separate entrance, main floor with an open design, large great room, floor to ceiling rock fireplace, custom kitchen and dining room, all complimented by great window packages and French doors to patios side and back. Spec levels and finishing details are exemplary. Upper floor is master bedroom with 6 piece ensuite, walk-in closet and office/den. The property is fully landscaped with private back yard and oversized garage. Offered largely furnished, GST paid.
This attractive mountain home is in mint condition with refinished hardwood floors, new paint and lighting, features 3 spacious bedrooms, plus games room and loft. Open living area with vaulted ceiling, floor to ceiling rock fireplace, soaring windows, beautiful kitchen with eating bar and stainless steel appliances, large 2 car garage and workshop. Enjoy the massive sundeck with stunning views, professional landscaping, a private yard backing onto forested ski terrain with you own ski trail in and large back deck with private hot tub. Separate self-contained 1 bedroom legal suite with one year lease in place. Conveniently located close to the village, ski lifts and golf course. GST is not applicable.
NEW LISTING
202 KOOKABURRA LODGE | $250,000 The Kookaburra Lodge sets a new accommodation benchmark at Sun Peaks Resort with concrete construction, hard wearing yet luxurious finishes and high clearance underground parking. This centrally located intimate one bedroom condo with open design is well appointed with full kitchen and granite countertops, electric fireplace, steam shower, in suite laundry, ski and snowboard storage and comes fully furnished. Enjoy this great ski-in, ski-out location in the village with convenient access to restaurants and shopping. GST is applicable.
SOLD
403 KOOKABURRA LODGE | $219,900
5404 LOOKOUT RIDGE PLACE | $939,000
404 HEARTHSTONE LODGE | $36,900
This fully furnished fourth floor studio loft with open kitchen, dining area and living room, features 4 piece bathroom, and separate upper level bedroom. Concrete construction and designed for easy, carefree enjoyment and unrestricted owner use with easy ski-in, ski-out access. Bright south facing location overlooking McGillivray Creek and forest with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, granite counters and modern wall fireplace. GST paid.
New contemporary home with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, located in sunny Lookout Ridge. Unique and spacious, featuring 3 levels with a garage plus outside parking and 3 private balconies offering stunning mountain and valley views. Easy ski-in access via “The Rambler” and “East Village Ski Way”, and to ski-out it is a short walk to the trails that lead to the Mt. Morrissey lift. The new zoning allows for short term nightly rentals. There are already bookings in place for this season providing an excellent source of rental income. GST applies.
This deluxe studio suite features a well-appointed kitchenette, cozy gas fireplace & is tastefully designed and furnished in a traditional mountain lodge motif using natural wood finishes, country pine furnishings and a rich, warm color palette to create an ambience of casual comfort. Great ski-in, ski-out village location, sleeps 4 comfortably with secure lockable owner storage, underground parking, shops & restaurants, exclusive fitness facility & two large outdoor hot tubs. Owners enjoy a generous 180 days per year & earn rental income to offset expenses. GST applies.
NEW LISTING
SOLD 45 TRAIL’S EDGE | $609,000
This true ski-in, ski-out, 4 bedroom, 3 bath half duplex backs directly onto forested ski terrain & the Morrisey Connector ski run. The perfect year round retreat to enjoy with family & friends. Open floor plan with vaulted ceiling, gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, spacious dining room that opens up to the large living room, 2 decks, private patio, perfect southern exposure and an abundance of natural light with mountain views. Classic mountain décor, rock fireplace, private garage and extra storage. Offered partially furnished with hot tub, GST paid.
NEW LISTING
2401 FAIRWAYS DRIVE | $469,000 Two storey home on a large corner lot which has easy ski-in access from Mt. Morrisey and beautiful mountain views with forested backyard. One of the closest residential areas to the village shops, entertainment, restaurants and lifts. Needs finishing and updating which the price reflects. Features 3 bedrooms on the main floor with a legal basement suite and 4 additional bedrooms. Please call listing brokerage for appointments and Schedule ʻAʼ.
Unique and spacious 2 bedroom loft with vaulted ceiling, 2 baths, full kitchen and dining area. Sleeps 10 comfortably with 2 queen beds, queen Murphy bed, sofa bed and bunk beds. South facing towards Mt. Morrisey and includes all furnishings. Secure underground parking, exercise center, outdoor hot tubs, easy access to restaurants and shops, professional in-house management team in place to look after everything when youʼre not there. GST applicable.
3 bdrm resort home approved for nightly rentals with large one bedroom legal revenue suite. Features bright spacious floor plan with open kitchen, dining room and living room with access to large wraparound sundeck with sunken hot tub. Great ski-in, ski-out, location with stunning mountain views and dramatic south facing floor to ceiling window package. Open loft area and spacious master bedroom on private upper level. This low maintenance, fully furnished home is in a great location with an easy walk down side of the ski run into the village and all resort amenities. GST not applicable.
SOLD
NEW LISTING
407 HEARTHSTONE LODGE | $99,900
2219 SUNBURST DRIVE | $759,000
NEW LISTING
2577 MOUNTAIN VIEW DRIVE | $189,900 This is one of Sun Peaksʼ largest residential building lots conveniently located at the base of Mt. Morrisey with great ski-in access and stunning mountain views. This quiet cul-de-sac location is very private backing onto forested ski terrain and offers a great family friendly environment. With no time limit to build out you can relax & take time to plan your perfect mountain getaway. Mountain View Drive has design guidelines in place and the residential zoning allows for a two bedroom revenue suite. Underground services are installed to the lot line and GST is not applicable.
56 CRYSTAL FOREST | $379,000 Great opportunity for your family to have the perfect 2 bdrm, 3 bath condo. Location, location with fabulous mountain views and just steps away from the Mt. Morrisey ski lift. This 2 level condo features a cozy river rock fireplace, open galley kitchen with eating bar, heated tile floors in entrances, bathrooms & kitchen, and convenient weather protected access from your 2 underground parking stalls to your back door. The master bedroom has a three piece ensuite bath & private sundeck. Enjoy backyard access from the second level to an inviting inner courtyard and covered patio area with private ski locker. Offered fully furnished with private hot tub & GST paid.
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Vol 15 Issue 12 November 24 — December 21