Volume 16 Issue 1 JAN 26 — FEB 22
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Athletes qualifying for BC Winter Games Feb. 22 to 25
Former BC Games athlete Katie Anderson has had nine podium performances on the NorAm circuit from 2015-2017. | PHOTO SUBMITTED
NIKKI FREDRIKSON THE BC WINTER GAMES IS A STEPPING STONE FOR YOUNG ATHLETES ACROSS THE PROVINCE TO COMPETE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE SPORT AT A HIGHER LEVEL. AS SUN PEAKS PREPARES TO HOST THE ALPINE SKIING, FREESTYLE, AND SNOWBOARDING PORTIONS OF THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EVENT FROM FEB. 22 TO 25, LOCAL ATHLETES ARE SHARPENING THEIR SKILLS TO COMPETE.
Six athletes and one coach from the Sun Peaks Alpine Club will represent the Okanagan zone at the competition. The athletes each qualified at the Teck BC Alpine U14 Okanagan Race Jan. 13 to 14 at Sun Peaks Resort. Talyn Lorimer, Euan Currie, Cameron Smith, Fraser Jacoby, Joshua Jerstad, Micah Schwirtlich will each
compete and will have the program’s U14 head coach Sam Fournier as one of their coaches. Kamloops’ First Nations Snowboard Team, the Sun Peaks Snowboard Club and the Sun Peaks Freestyle Team are awaiting results from late January competitions to see if their athletes have qualified. All teams had athletes apply to the Okanagan Zone Team and will find out if they will represent their region later this month. Several athletes have been identified as strong contenders for the teams. Former BC Winter Games athlete and now international snowboard competitor Katie Anderson said the games taught her sport isn’t about the results but the process getting there. For Anderson, the 2010 event was an opportunity to experience her sport of Judo at a higher level, and go on to help inspire her snowboarding career. “Competing in the BC Games, was a huge experience for me. I had never been
around so many girls competing in Judo at a high level, and so that in itself was very exciting for me. There were only ever one or two other girls at tournaments in the Kootenays so I had never really seen so many girls in Judo,” she said. On a team of two athletes, Anderson spent more time at Judo sessions adding extra practice onto her regular training schedule. Looking back now, eight years later, Anderson said knowing more about training she would add more gym time to her routine. “I was in grade nine and hadn’t yet been exposed to strength and conditioning as part of sport, which is equally as important as skills in your respective sport in my opinion,” she said. Anderson did not place during the BC Winter Games, but the knowledge she gained from the experience helped her excel in her snowboarding career. In 2015, Anderson competed at the Canada Games in snowboard cross, earning a bronze medal. “For me receiving my bronze
medal was bittersweet. I had been leading the race until the fourth berm where I made a mistake which cost me the race. I was crushed that I had made the mistake and just missed out on my goal, but I was stoked for my fellow competitors, and proud of my fellow B.C. teammate Meryeta O’Dine who won the gold at her home mountain,” she said. Since her bronze medal, Anderson has gone on to compete internationally in the Nor-Am and World Cup circuit with her eyes set on a run for the Olympics. While her career may have started off in Judo, Anderson was able to take away valuable lessons from the event that have helped shape her snowboarding career. “The BC Games taught me that sport isn’t always about the results, but about the process that it takes to get there,” she said. Anderson offered the following advice to this year’s competitors: “Work hard, step outside of your comfort zone and never give up on your goals, but most importantly to have fun.”
Some property assessments up by 60% PAGE 2
Kamloops museum celebrates ski history PAGE 11
WINTER
Weather Forecast
Vol 16 Issue 1 January 26 — February 22
JAN 26 —28 Flurries, mild
JAN 29 —31 Snow, cold
FEB 1 — 11
Snow showers, mild
FEB 12 — 18 Sunny, cold
FEB 19 — 22
Snow showers, mild
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LOCAL NEWS Property assessments surpass 2008 levels JEAN STRONG
SOME VALUES JUMP 60 PER CENT
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EDITOR & PUBLISHER Brandi Schier
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CONTRIBUTORS Ron Betts Emily Perrins 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.
MANY PROPERTY OWNERS in Sun Peaks were surprised in January by notices of large increases in their property value from BC Assessment. While the average change in the municipality was six per cent (from $785,000 to $831,000), some saw changes in the 30 to 60 per cent range. Graham Held, BC Assessment deputy assessor for the Thompson Okanagan Region, said the changes shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. “If you look historically at what the values have done at Sun Peaks, they were steadily increasing til ‘08, then didn’t do too much for a number of years. They’re now back to where they had been historically, some will eclipse 2008.” Held added increases weren’t consistent throughout the resort and that quarter shares, such as the Sun Peaks Grand Residences, haven’t yet returned to levels seen previously. With an estimated 2,000 homes, Held said the supply is low compared to nearby cities like Kamloops but has much more diversity. While Kamloops has mainly single family homes, the mountain community has a mix of many types like townhomes, condos, duplexes, quarter shares and single family homes. “The diversity (of types) means that you can get some pretty wide variations in terms of value changes year to year,” said Held. He said single family homes increased around five to 15 per cent while townhomes and du-
>> Municipal purchase of water utilities nears completion
ON THE COVER
Some Burfield Dr. owners were surprised by higher than normal increases in assessed value. | PHOTO SPIN
“JUST BECAUSE YOUR ASSESSMENT WENT UP 20 PER CENT DOESN’T MEAN YOUR TAXES ARE GOING UP 20 PER CENT.”
plexes were more likely to see increases in the 30 per cent and up range. Some property owners on Burfield Dr. raised concerns about large increases, but Held said the street saw a marked increase in sales and development between assessments, including a five-plex with listings starting at $429,000, which all impact the values. Other factors in calculating
A project started in late 2016 is nearing completion this January. Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) is wrapping up the acquisition of Sun Peaks Utilities Co. (SPUCL) from Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR).
the value include the location, size, layout and shape of the lot and the age, finish, quality, added carports, garages or decks and condition of buildings. He pointed to a home on Burfield Dr. which sold for around $500,000 in 2009 and only regained it’s value last year, selling for $532,000. “They’re now finally regaining (their value),” Held said. “It’s the right housing at the right price.” Held encouraged anyone with concerns or questions about their assessment to use the BC Assessment website or the contact information on the back of their letter to do more research or ask questions. He also urged owners to wait for the municipal budget to be set as that will determine their property tax for the year.
With only minor details remaining, some utilities staff are moving into a newly renovated SPMRM office while others will remain in the previous space at the Burfield Lodge. SPMRM chief administrative officer Rob Bremner said
the cost of office changes was paid for from an administrative contingency and employing the additional staff is not expected to impact taxes for residents as SPUCL fees cover wages. The impetus for the
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Vol 16 Issue 1 January 26 — February 22
“That’s the other side of the equation... just because your assessment went up 20 per cent doesn’t mean your taxes are going up 20 per cent.”
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Vol 16 Issue 1 January 26 — February 22
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LOCAL NEWS New ambulance coverage for community EMILY PERRINS
BCAS stands by outside the newly constructed Sun Peaks Health Centre. | PHOTO SPIN
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Vol 16 Issue 1 January 26 — February 22
IN DECEMBER BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) started stationing an ambulance in Sun Peaks to decrease its emergency response time during busier periods. The ambulance is deployed from Kamloops to Sun Peaks for standby between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., Friday to Sunday, as well as during special events and peak periods, such as over Christmas break. It’s an incentive Sun Peaks’ municipality has been discussing with BCAS for over four years. “It was one of the services we were looking at and thinking was important for us, but not getting strong indications that anything was imminent,” said Rob Bremner, Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality
chief administrative officer. The new resource follows a review by BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) of the region’s call volume, which identified Sun Peaks as an area that would “benefit from the availability of a BCEHS resource,” wrote Brian Silvester, manager for patient care delivery with BCEHS in an email response to questions. The “predictable work demand” of Sun Peaks during busier periods and the delays that arise due to its remoteness justified the staffing of the additional ambulance and its placement in the community on a part-time basis. The new ambulance is intended to help meet the pre-hospital demands in a more timely fashion and provide a shorter time frame for patients to be transported to Royal Inland Hospital, without
impacting emergency responses in Kamloops. While BCEHS deemed it merely a trial, Bremner saw the move as a sign that development of a permanent ambulance station in the community might not be far off. “With our growth, not only of our full-time residents, but in visitors also, somewhere in the very near future it will show to be viable,” he said, acknowledging that no long term prospects have been discussed. BCEHS declined to comment on the future of ambulance coverage in Sun Peaks. When the ambulance is off-mountain, Sun Peaks Fire Rescue will continue to respond to medical emergencies as before, and provide assistance until BCAS is available to take over care and transport to hospital. Similarly, Sun Peaks Resort LLP ski patrol will continue to treat and transport injured people off the ski slopes during the resort’s operational hours. While complementing these ongoing services, the new BCEHS presence augments recent developments in Sun Peaks’ healthcare. “The timing couldn’t be better with the opening of the clinic and with ski patrol having significantly better facilities,” Bremner said. “We’ve certainly advanced a long way in a very short time. It’s just another little piece that makes it a little easier to live here.”
COMMUNITY Alice’s Restaurant and illegal garbage dumping MEL ROTHENBURGER TNRD REPORT director.mrothenburger@tnrd.ca
COLUMNIST VIEWS
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.
Garbage might not sound like an exciting topic to some people, but others can get passionate about it. The Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is in the final phases of developing a new solid-waste management plan that’s expected to go to the board for approval this coming fall, with implementation next year. There’s no shortage of ways to provide input and no shortage of opinions on the subject. One of the greatest
concerns has been raised by residents of Barnhartvale who fear closure of the landfill there would increase illegal dumping. As a former resident of that area I fully understand that concern. I used to ride my horse near the Lafarge Road connector and behind the golf course and was no stranger to removing garbage from the trails. A few weeks ago, I returned to the area and was much heartened to find that one of the worst spots has been the subject of a major cleanup and it’s looking great. It would be a shame to see it become an illegal dumping ground again. Illegal dumping is not a phenomenon specific to any one area. There are places near Black Pines where I
now live that are constantly being used for dumping of household garbage, yard waste and even renovation waste. I’ve cleaned some of it up on occasion but it’s a tough battle. I’m confident many reading this now have experienced the same thing. Illegal dumping is very hard to control and even harder to police. At a recent public meeting on the solid-waste plan, TNRD board chair John Ranta reminded everyone about Arlo Guthrie’s 1967 song Alice’s Restaurant, which is about hauling a load of garbage into the bush with a VW micro-bus and dumping it. The next morning, officer Obie calls Guthrie and says, “’Kid, we found your
name on an envelope at the bottom of a half a ton of garbage, and just wanted to know if you had any information about it.’ “And I said, ‘Yes, sir, Officer Obie, I cannot tell a lie, I put that envelope under that garbage.” In the song, justice prevails, with Guthrie and his friend having to pick up the garbage in the snow and pay a $50 fine. As Guthrie tells it in Alice’s Restaurant, they were just trying to do a good deed by taking Alice’s garbage to the dump, and only left it in the woods because the landfill was closed due to the Thanksgiving holiday. In real life, at least in the TNRD, people illegally dump garbage in the bush for two reasons: to avoid tipping fees, and for convenience.
They think it’s OK if it’s out of sight — at least, out of their sight. They ignore the fact that they’re polluting the environment and defiling our great outdoors. Part of the new solid waste plan involves continuing the fight against illegal dumping. TNRD environmental services manager Jamie Vieira says regional district staff clean up dozens, if not hundreds, of illegal dumping sites every year. The more that illegal dumping is reported, the better we can protect our outdoor heritage. And, by the way, public comments on the solid-waste plan close Feb. 9. To learn more, go to the tnrd. ca website home page and scroll down.
Science, skiing and Sun Peaks RON BETTS
Resident Ski Writer
A native of Cape Breton Island, Ron Betts has called Sun Peaks his home mountain since 2008. Ron splits his winter between guiding heliskiers in the central Monashees and working with the Sun Peaks Ski School, he is a frequent contributor to Ski Canada Magazine.
There has always been a connection between snow sports and science. It’s not uncommon for “snow geeks” to slide into deep and meaningful technical discussions about the physical forces that act on a skier or rider. In fact, some ski and snowboard instructors throw around technical jargon like centripetal forces, edge angles and radiuses, while talking about gravitational forces like modern day Sir Isaac Newtons. Luckily, Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) has been a staunch supporter of real
science and research for quite some time. The resort has a strong relationship with the students and faculty of Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops, B.C., as well as opening its doors to academics from universities abroad. In 2010, Anne Terwiel, a senior lecturer in the Adventure Studies and Tourism program at TRU and 25-year veteran of the Sun Peaks Snow Sport School, crossed paths with Dr. Tracey Dickson. Dickson is a professor in the Events and Tourism Management program at the University of Canberra in Australia. During the Vancouver Olympics, the two academics from opposite sides of the world were working on independent, but related, research projects focussed on event volunteering. They shared a love
of skiing and a desire to do research that shed some light on relevant topics like concussions and diagnostics and the relationship between safety and snow sport participation rates. Last year the pair, along with Gordon Waddington, a professor from the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise at the University of Canberra, conducted research on lower limb proprioceptive awareness. That’s a fancy term for being aware of the relative position of your body parts. Using 75 volunteers from the Sun Peaks Ski School, the tests were designed to measure the ability of the subjects to identify incremental changes while standing on a platform. The study looked at the instructor’s level of qualification and the relationship between their lower limb proprioceptive awareness.
The results showed a difference between less experienced instructors and those with higher levels of certification. While the study didn’t test whether results could be improved with practice, or whether they improve as people move through future certifications, the results were consistent with the results found in elite and non-elite athletes. This research, while ongoing, has the potential to be used to assist in injury rates, and hopefully, injury prevention. Sun Peaks has also supported student research and recently assisted a TRU honours student who was gathering information about employee satisfaction. As a testament to the strong relationship that exists between Sun Peaks and TRU, the resort allowed the student to access a contact list to dis-
tribute a survey to current and past employees. This research should help resorts identify what it is that employees value and ultimately will help with employee retention and job satisfaction. This connection between the academic world and a real world tourism operation might be one the reasons that TRU was recently mentioned in MacLeans Magazine as a standout in their prestigious annual ranking of Canadian universities. The willingness of Sun Peaks to partner with researchers and their ongoing support of academics like Dickson and Terwiel is essential to moving the industry forward. Who knows, the next great discovery in science and skiing might come from one of our own students at the Sun Peaks School.
YOUR OPINIONS, COMMENTS OR COMMENDATIONS ARE WELCOME Send your letters & opinions by mail to: Sun Peaks Independent News 102 - 3270 Creekside Way 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 Vol 16 Issue 1 January 26 — February 22
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LOCAL NEWS A new way to get news JEAN STRONG FOR YEARS media has faced changes in readership, pay models, advertising and more. Newsrooms throughout B.C. and across Canada have faced layoffs as publishers try to figure out what journalism looks like in the 21st century. This month was no exception
as Facebook announced it will be placing less emphasis on publishing news on the popular site. We’ve been lucky at SPIN, as an independently owned paper we have the flexibility to adapt the best we can. But we still face many of the same challenges industry heavyweights are currently tackling. We take feedback from the
community seriously and work hard to provide timely, important and interesting news about the area. One comment we often receive is the desire for more news and more freqently. Increasing publishing in print is a big task, but online we can move faster. That’s why on Jan. 8 we launched our first weekly on-
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
line newsletter which consists of several newsworthy and relevant stories sent straight to your email inbox. It’s a good experiment and challenge, ensuring we only send the most recent stories, seeing if there is enough going on for us to cover weekly (so far— definitely yes), and adjusting our schedules to accommodate it.
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Re: Ode to the Health Clinic, Vol. 15 Issue 13 Dear Editor, After first hearing John Hatchett’s Ode to Sun Peaks at the Sun Peaks Health Clinic final appreciation dinner and then reading the Ode in SPIN I am moved to write this letter. It has taken the efforts of the community and many, many individuals to bring us to the reality of the new
Sun Peaks Medical Health Centre. In particular, I would like to thank Marg Kosolofski for all her work along the way. Marg’s work to provide medical health services to Sun Peaks first through Ski Patrol Emergency Medical Response Team (EMRT) and then by developing policies and procedures and managing the Sun Peaks Health Clinic, all as a volunteer, has
been tireless. Marg also had the foresight to bring a much needed Women’s Health Clinic to Sun Peaks. I just want to say publicly a very heartfelt thank you to Marg Kosolofski for her devotion in pursuit of medical care for Sun Peaks residents and visitors alike. Lois Costello Sun Peaks, B.C.
We expect some changes as we work out the kinks of a new creation but we think there are big things in store. To sign up for the newsletter visit sunpeaksnews.com/ weekly. Have other feedback for us? Reach us at editor@sunpeaksnews.com or stop by our office in the Kookaburra Lodge.
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BILL & MIKE LINDSAY Ph: 250-579-5532 Fax: 250-579-5852 3475 Westsyde Rd., Kamloops, BC V2B 8C5
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WE’RE OPEN DAILY For all your grocery needs See you at the Bluebird Market 10:00am to 6:30p.m. Sunday to Thursday 10:00am to 8p.m. Friday & Saturday
Located on the ground floor of the Residences at Sun Peaks Grand
Phone:250-578-2414
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 6:30PM February 6th 2018
Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality Council gives notice that it will hold a Public Hearing in Cahilty Lodge at 3220 Village Way, Sun Peaks, BC, to consider proposed Bylaws 0104, 2018 and 0105, 2018.
>> Silver Star eyes resort association
After watching the growth of resorts like Sun Peaks and Whistler Blackcomb, a task force has formed at Silver Star Mountain near Vernon, B.C. to research the creation of a resort association. Resort associations are groups composed of resort landowners and stakeholders who pool funds to promote and encourage the development, operation and maintenance of a resort area.
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Sun Peaks’ destination marketing organization, Tourism Sun Peaks, was founded in 1996 and Whistler’s in 1979. They have been credited with much of the success of both resorts by increasing visitor numbers and making both destinations more attractive year round. Don Kassa, co-chair of the Silver Star Marketing Task Force, said community members saw Sun Peaks was “leaps and bounds ahead,” and set out to see what Silver Star could learn to improve their own destination. “Sun Peaks has the nicest village,” Kassa said. “We’d like to take a page out of your book and become a
Vol 16 Issue 1 January 26 — February 22
more eminent resort.” Kassa, who has lived at or near Silver Star his entire life, said while he doesn’t think the community is ready to become a resort municipality, he does believe a resort association would help push the area into the spotlight. The task force has completed their research and held public meetings. The next step is to have the association ratified by the regional district before going to the petition process with the provincial government. “I support the resort association because we are competing globally for skier visits,” Kassa said. “In anything, community is paramount.”
What is Temporary Use Permit TU-2017-003, Bylaw No 0104, 2018?
Bylaw 0104, 2018, if passed, would allow tourist accommodation use (nightly/short-term rental) in the principle dwelling at 2224 Sunburst Drive (legally described as Lot 12, District Lots 6259 and 6337, KDYD, Plan KAP53479). The specific temporary use permit conditions are as stipulated in the proposed permit, a part of Bylaw 0104.
What is Temporary Use Permit TU-2017-004, Bylaw No 0105, 2018?
Bylaw 0105, 2018, if passed, would allow tourist accommodation use (nightly/short-term rental) in the secondary suite at 2432 Fairways Drive (legally described as Lot 4, District Lot 6394, KDYD, KAP72546. The specific temporary use permit conditions are as stipulated in the proposed permit, a part of Bylaw 0105. 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 2nd February, 2018. 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 January 26, 2018 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: 106-3270 Village Way, Sun Peaks, BC V0E 5N0 Email: admin@sunpeaksmunicipality.ca Phone: 250-578-2020 Fax: 250-578-2023
COMMUNITY Meet Tim: the last-stop ambassador
Tim Stevenson is in his second year greeting and assisting the community at the Transfer Station. | PHOTO EMILY PERRINS
EMILY PERRINS
COLUMNIST VIEWS
“You have a good day, boss.” Tim Stevenson ensures the patron doesn’t need help with their assortment of refuse and recycling, and returns to where I am standing. He and I have been chatting for a few minutes; the conversation punctuated by the arrival of visitors to the Sun Peaks
Transfer Station. “The customers always come first,” Stevenson beams, as he goes off to greet another incoming vehicle. “Need a hand, boss?” You might not know him by name, but unless you routinely leave garbage duties to others in your household, you are likely accustomed to Stevenson’s friendly and attentive customer service at the local waste facility.
The 64-year-old is in his second year as Sun Peaks’ transfer station attendant, which he sees as a “retirement job” after 27 years of working for the school district. “I enjoy it. How hard is it to be nice to people?” he said. Today is a steady day at his unique office. It’s much quieter than during the festive season, though Stevenson enjoys the busy periods. “Christmastime is very hec-
tic,” he smiles. “You get so many people it’s like an assembly line. Get ‘em in, get ‘em out. It’s fun.” In slower times, Stevenson stays busy keeping the yard tidied, well-plowed and sanded for the vehicles filing through, as well as tending to the resident “pet” squirrels and chickadees. In spring, he digs drainage trenches, and in summer, he has the added task of keeping bears out of the yard and away from snap-happy tourists. The safety of visitors to the transfer station, Stevenson says, is something he constantly addresses; acknowledging that people come to Sun Peaks for a good time, not to injure themselves. “They don’t want to have an accident here and be out for three or four months.” This way of thinking reflects Stevenson’s assiduous approach to customer service. While he is employed externally by Belkorp, which operates Thompson-Nicola Regional District Transfer Stations, Stevenson sees himself as “an ambassador to Sun Peaks.” Often the last person guests encounter before leaving
Sun Peaks – as they dispose of their vacation garbage – he tries to ensure their final impression of the place is positive. “If you’re having a bad day or being miserable or cranky and you take it out on the customer, what are their thoughts when they go to leave? You want their rapport to be a good one here because they take that with them,” he said. Stevenson is also somewhat of an environmental advocate. He is, after all, “the last line of defense” before what people throw away becomes landfill foder or is recycled. It’s his job to ensure we separate and dispose of our household waste responsibly. “I took over Wilf Bennett’s job and he was a legend around here. I can only hope that I can do half the job that he’s done,” Stevenson muses. Before I leave, he insists I take two toffees from a jar he keeps in his office trailer and tells me to take care on the roads. He waves me off with his customary smile and best wishes (“You have a wonderful day!”) and I can’t help but leave with a smile on my face too.
Shame on shaming BRANDI SCHIER PUBLISHER’S NOTE brandi@sunpeaksnews.com
WELCOME TO THE FIRST INSTALLMENT of my six part series on everything that’s wrong with regional Facebook groups, including ours in Sun Peaks. Just kidding, I wouldn’t do that to you. But I could. What can be a great tool for connecting people and being a positive force for the community can also turn extremely negative. While I could make several points about these groups’ negative influence on modern communication, one theme has been consistent over the past few months: shaming, especially drivers. I understand the anger
and frustration that comes when you’re made to feel unsafe on the road as well as the consequences when a near miss actually hits a target. However, there are other ways to deal with these situations than hastily posting on social media. Identifying and cursing out a person, encouraging others to seek them out, threatening them bodily harm or blackmailing them is not OK. It’s taking shaming to the point of bullying. Your words and threats can have unintended consequences, even if you had the best of intentions. Why shame a neighbour on an online forum when you could approach them and let them know what they did was not cool. I can guarantee taking the time to seek someone out and have an actual conversation will
have 10 times more positive impact on the situation, on the other person’s driving habits and the way you feel. It’s been proven that negative written discourse simply breeds more negativity and misunderstanding. It might take more effort than whipping out your phone and writing some dramatic words but you’ll get longer term satisfaction than all the vindicating likes and comments you’re seeking. Why not set a positive example and reach out to solve problems? Or if the incident was very serious and illegal and and you have the identifying information you need, why not just go to the police? Report it and let justice take its course. If there has been a serious incident and witnesses are needed for prosecution
then by all means ask your online community for help. But it needs to be done in a straightforward manner: a short description, time, place and contact information is all that is needed. If there’s an ongoing issue an area such as speeding or lack of signage then perhaps there are other steps that should be taken with municipal, regional or provincial governing bodies. Social media can be helpful in these situations but taking an individual to task online without all the information isn’t productive. Unfortunately, there’s a lack of media literacy among users despite the amount of time we all spend interacting on these mediums. Asking a group of your peers to be judge, jury and executioner doesn’t work, especially when they are only
getting one perspective on a situation. Many posters don’t understand the power of publishing. While they feel they may be broadcasting to small group of locals, that’s not the case. There are over 5,000 members in one of the popular Sun Peaks groups, comprised mainly of strangers as most people would only have personal connections to a few hundred. The administrators of these groups do a good job at thankless and time consuming work. I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes. But it shouldn’t be up to them to police everyone’s posts— there is personal responsibility to be claimed. As writers, editors and publishers, we weigh our words carefully and I urge you to do the same.
Vol 16 Issue 1 January 26 — February 22
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LOCAL NEWS Sampling a local taste at the annual Progressive Wine Tasting THE MONTE CREEK RANCH EXPERIENCE
NIKKI FREDRIKSON AS WINE ENTHUSIASTS MILLED AROUND THE VILLAGE, wineries from across British Columbia prepared to offer samples of their signature blends. The Sun Peaks Progressive Tasting on Jan. 19 offered guests an opportunity to sample wines from 30 wineries from established wine regions such as the Naramata Bench, the Golden Mile and, in the last few years, from the emerging Kamloops wine region. Nestled just inside the front doors of the Coast Sundance Lodge was one of Kamloops’ local wineries, Monte Creek Ranch. Sampling four of their 2016 blends, Monte Creek’s marketing and sales co-ordinator Ashley Demedeiros anticipated their Hands Up Red to be the most popular blend of the evening. “It’s really fruity, which people really like this time of year. You get a nice little bit of white pepper in there, it’s a medium
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Ashley Demedeiros pours one of Monte Creek Ranch Winery’s blends during the Jan. 19 Progressive event. | PHOTO SPIN
bodied (with a) really smooth finish. That will probably be the most popular tonight,” she said. Throughout the ten-day festival over 20 different events were held in Sun Peaks’ village, from the Sparkling Starbucks Brunch to Moonlight Snowshoe & Mulled Wine. Monte Creek Ranch participated in four of the events and Demedeiros admitted the annual sell out, Comforts
Vol 16 Issue 1 January 26 — February 22
of Grilled Cheese and Wine, was her favourite. “The whole night you just get to sit there and enjoy about 16 different wines, eight different sandwiches. You taste the wine, eat the sandwich, taste the second wine that’s also paired with it, and you get to pick which one is your favourite,” said Demedeiros. Much of what makes Monte Creek unique to others partic-
ipating in the 20th Annual Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival is that most of the staff are operating on home turf as they were born and raised in Kamloops, B.C. The winery is not only a year-round operational winery but is also a fully functioning ranch. “Our winery is still a working ranch. We have 1,200 acres in total. We grow black Angus cattle on the property, grass fed,
grass finished. We also have a bee colony where we take the honey and sell it in the tasting room, and we a haskap grove which we make jams and jellies,” said Demedeiros. The Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival will return for its 21st year Jan. 11 to 20, 2019. Can’t wait a full year to get a sample of local wine? Head out to Monte Creek Ranch for the perfect aprés ski adventure.
GET OUT THERE The magic combination of cheese, chocolate and skiing REFRESHED FONDUE NIGHT DELICIOUS AND EXHILARATING JEAN STRONG RIDING UP SUNBURST CHAIR in the dark the wind whipped around us and froze our faces. “We’re paying for this…” someone muttered beside me as they pulled the hood of their jacket over their face. But when we offloaded and walked into the Sunburst Bar + Eatery, the apprehensiveness melted as fast as the snowflakes dusted on our clothes. The fondue night has long been a staple offered by Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) but when Hans Stierli began as SPR executive chef last year it was one of the areas he refreshed, using his Swiss heritage to create an authentic experience. “It’s something amazing,” Stierli said. “The experience is
traditional with a twist. The best part is it’s a social event, you share stories, eat, have fun, drink wine.” Two long tables set with everything needed for the meal greeted us as we shed our extra layers and settled in. Friendly servers and guides introduced our first course, a mix of three bubbling cheeses served with bread, boiled potatoes and pineapple. Stierli said he chose the cheese for its flavour and because it comes from the Appenzell region of Switzerland, where his mother was born. Paired with a glass of light pinot grigio, the first course flew by. Next we were presented with what Stierli called a “chinoise fondue,” a pot of boiling broth shared between those sitting nearby and individual plates of food for dipping and cooking.
Raw pork, beef, chicken and shrimp were beautifully presented alongside four housemade sauces. Our table’s favourite were the coffee ground barbecue and Japanese barbecue sauce. Unlike some meals out, there was no rush to finish the food and give our table to another group. While taking our time cooking each bite we shared stories, compared dipping techniques and enjoyed Swiss music coming through the speakers. Most of us were stuffed after the second course, but no one could say no to the melted chocolate being carried to the tables. Served with fresh bananas, strawberries, shortbread cookie and marshmallows, the chocolate fondue was the perfect finish. Leaving the lodge the clouds had cleared revealing a sky filled with stars. Clicking back into our skis we started off toward a freshly groomed 5 Mile. With headlamps on to guide
TAKE YOUR TURNS TO NEW HEIGHTS
Enjoying the cheese first course at the Sunburst Bar + Eatery. | PHOTO ALEX PRINS
our way and lanterns marking the edge of the run we skied as a group, stopping regularly to admire our surroundings, which looked much different under the cloak of night.
Skiing by feel, yells and shouts of joy filled the air and permanent grins had arrived on everyone’s face by the time we re-grouped at the Village Day Lodge.
Off-Piste Programs Beyond the Groomers 3-Day Camp
A skills improvement camp for steeps, glades, moguls and powder taught by our top professional instructors.
All Mountain Safety 4-Hour Session
A focus on developing awareness, avoidance, and incident management skills in variable conditions and terrain.
Introduction to Backcountry 2-Day Camp
A focus on safety and awareness of mountain hazards; terrain assessment, tree wells, overnight survival, and more.
Guided Gil’s Backcountry Tour 1-Day Tour
A private tour of Sun Peaks’ legendary backcountry terrain with a professional guide and instructor.
HeliCat Warm Up 2-Day Camp
Fine tune your powder skiing and snowboard technique while developing critical backcountry safety skills.
Skills Development Programs Mogul Camp: February 10-11 Fresh Tracks Private Lesson Ladies Clinics: Mon/Wed/Sat Freestyle Program: Weekends
Masters Gate Training: Sundays Cruise the Blues Group Lesson Performance Group Lesson Private Ski or Snowboard Lesson
Check online for more details at SunPeaksResort.com/Winter-Programs or speak with a Sports School agent at 250.578.5505.
Vol 16 Issue 1 January 26 — February 22
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GET OUT THERE Learning to appreciate the ‘water of life’ THE GOLDEN TICKET TO A PRIVATE WHISKY TASTING
BRANDI SCHIER
Laughs and learning were part and parcel of the private whisky tasting. | PHOTO SPIN
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Vol 16 Issue 1 January 26 — February 22
A ROOM FULL OF WOMEN AND WHISKYWHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG? Not a whisky drinker myself, these and other apprehensive thoughts swarmed through my mind as I hurried up the snowy driveway. I was on my way to a women’s only whisky tasting won by a friend at the annual Firefighters’ Charity Gala. With-
out knowing what to expect I checked my assumptions at the door and headed into the glowing house. We began with a tour of the property, owned by Ruth and Mike Fane, built in 2015. I knew we were in good hands when they showcased their whisky tasting room, accessible through a Narnia-inspired secret wardrobe entrance. I could tell they meant business. The couple began hosting whisky nights about 10 years ago, auctioning off the unique experience at charity events. The passionate connoisseurs have an extensive collection to draw on, usually ranging around 50 bottles, and a matching collection of whisky history and facts. Several years ago a chance meeting with a whis-
ky judge in small Scottish bar turned them to pairing the drink with food. I was happy to learn, as per tradition, the whisky would be mixed with 50 per cent water so we could taste the favours and not the alcohol. They had carefully selected six single malt scotches for us to sample, taking us from “breakfast whisky to kissing an ashtray.” Lovely. First came the mildest, a 12-year-old Dalmore. With a “Slangevar,” I steeled myself and rose the glass to my lips. And I didn’t hate it. Especially when paired with nice, light sushi. With the first sip out of the way, I began to look forward to what laid in store. We learned while there are many rules and regulations surrounding whisky and how to drink it, Mike’s philosophy was simple: do what you like. Neat or press, warm or cold, or mixed with Orange Crush. The important part was that you enjoyed it. And we did. As we worked our way through the bottles, we were told to notice which style tasted best, as that meant there were hundreds more in the same category to explore. My favourite of the night was third in line, a 12-year-old Tambhu, and I was treated to full helping of a similar scotch, a 12-year-Auchentoshan, at the end of the night. I never thought I’d be able to stomach drinking straight whisky, let alone slightly appreciate it. The ladies’ favourite turned out to be a 12-year-old Glenmorangie aged in sherry casks, paired with a sweet English treat called a sylabub. The more whiskies we tasted the smokier they got, ending with a 14-year-old Oban with salted dark chocolate. While no one was rushing off to purchase their new favourite, everyone was excited with the prospect of trying more in the future. And now instead of wrinkling my nose whenever my partner pours a finger or two, I can join in and maybe teach him a thing or two I learned from Mike and Ruth, like the classy lady I am.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Kamloops Museum exhibit celebrates ski history JEAN STRONG A NEW EXHIBIT opening at the Kamloops Museum and Archives will highlight the history of ski culture in Kamloops and the surrounding areas. Powder Keg, Downhill Ski Culture in Kamloops tells the story of skiing in the region, named to encompass powder snow, fun, beer and the explosive energy of skiing in Kamloops. From small, now-extinct, hills in Kamloops to family-owned Harper Mountain and the international destination of Sun Peaks, all types of ski areas are explored. The presentation features photos and equipment through many years such as Kamloops’ first ski hill, nearby cross country trails and the history of the BC Winter Games. A significant history of Sun
Peaks is also included. From local Olympians Ellie Terwiel and Nancy Greene Raine to annual events like the Velocity Challenge and Top to Bottoms Race and local legends like Ian McLaren. Museum curator Matt Macintosh said it’s important to him to focus on shows that deal with contemporary culture and are interesting to as many people as possible. “I think that this really appeals to skiers for a long time and people who don’t understand the sport,” he said. “It’s what makes Kamloops ski culture unique; and there’s a lot! “It looks at skiing in a fun way and critically. Getting to know some of the characters from the local scene has been the biggest reward for me.” Powder Keg opens at the museum with a reception at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 2 and runs until May 26.
Jim McConkey jumping at the top of the Burfield Chair circa 1967. | PHOTO ALLAN FEDORAK, COURTESY KAMLOOPS MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES.
EVENT > listings FRIDAY
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
FRIDAY
SUNDAY & MONDAY
NEVER EVER DAY
TELUS NANCY GREENE ALPINE CLASSIC
OPENING RECEPTION FOR POWDER KEG
BC FAMILY DAY CELEBRATIONS
JANUARY 26
Haven’t tried skiing or snowboarding before? Take advantage of the Never Ever Day beginners package for anyone 13 years or older, for just $25 get equipment rental, beginner lift ticket, and a 4-hour ski or snowboard lesson.
JANUARY 26 & 27
In its 22nd year, the Telus Nancy Greene Alpine Classic is the main fundraiser for the Sun Peaks Health Association. The team competition takes place on a skier/ boarder cross course and is open to all ability levels.
JANUARY 26
250 828 3576
MONDAY
FRIDAY
JANUARY 29 & FEBRUARY 5, 12, 19 &26
HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY
QUIZZY RASCAL QUIZ NIGHT
250 578 0013
50 578 5505 250 571 7480
Celebrate Australia Day with friends at Bottoms Bar & Grill or Masa’s Bar + Grill. A night sure to be filled with drinks, music, and great company.
SATURDAY
JANUARY 27
NHL ALL-STAR WEEKEND RAFFLE
Fundraiser for the Sun Peaks Hockey League and the Sun Peaks Mountain Resuce Society Raffle. Tickets are available for purchase from Morrisey’s, Ski Patrol and the SPHL. Grand prize is box seats for 10 to see the Kamloops Blazers. sunpeakshockeyleague@gmail.com
Exploring ski culture in Kamloops, the Powder Keg exhibition at the Kamloops Museum & Archives looks at people, places, and principles that shape the culture of skiing. Reception starts at 5:30 p.m..
melanie.smith@telus.net
sportschool@sunpeaksresort.com
FRIDAY
FEBRUARY 2
Know a group of trivia buffs that are ready to compete? Come out to the original Sun Peaks quiz/trivia night at Masa’s, and test your knowledge.
KAMLOOPS SCREENING OF THE MOMENT Bicycle Cafe & Tourism Kamloops present a feature-length documentary on the history of freeride mountain biking. The screening will be at the Landmark Cinemas Paramount Theatre in Kamloops. info@bicyclecafe.com
SUNDAY
FRIDAY RACE SERIES
THE GARDEN RAIL JAM
Celebrate family at Sun Peaks, with free entrance to the tube park, skating rink and bungee trampoline. Free hot chocolate, face painting, Harry Bear and much more will be at the Platter Lift base from 12 p.m. to 4p.m. On Monday take advantage of a 50 per cent off alpine and Nordic day tickets offer for B.C. residents. events@sunpeakstourism.com
FEBRUARY 2
FRIDAY
FEBRUARY 11 & 12
THURSDAY TO SUNDAY
FEBRUARY 22 TO 25 BC WINTER GAMES
The BC Winter Games is a once in a lifetime opportunity event for young athletes to participate in a higher level sports competition. Sun Peaks will host over 200 athletes in the Alpine, Freestyle, and Snowboarding competitions. events@sunpeaksresort.com
FEBRUARY 2, 9 & 16
FEBRUARY 4
THURSDAY
The Friday Race series is an opportunity for you to test your skills against other skiers or snowboarders in your age group. The fun recreational competition starts in the Village Day Lodge Breezeway from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. each Friday.
Skiers and riders will battle it out in 30-minutes jam sessions before the top five competitors move onto the finals. Four divisions made up of Grom (12 and under), Junior (13 to 16), Women’s Open, and Men’s Open.
MAKESHIFT WORKSHOPMODERN MACRAME
250 578 5505
events@sunpeaksresort.com
FEBRUARY 22
The Makeshift Workshops are designed to be a mini event, allowing participants to take some time for themselves to be creative. Modern Macrame will have you creating your own macrame planter masterpiece. events@sunpeakstourism.com
Vol 16 Issue 1 January 26 — February 22
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Creating epic portraits of women and mountains NIKKI FREDRIKSON GROWING UP with a father who had an interest in photography, Holly Louwerse always had a camera in hand ready to capture anything that struck her interest. The Clearwater, B.C. local has since gone from amateur photographer to wedding photographer, whose interest in landscapes has led to the creation of epic portraits. Louwerse spends her summer immersed in the wedding industry and focuses on landscape photography in the winter. Admitting that both her styles of photography inspire each other, often travelling to epic locations to capture the perfect image.
“I just feel like you need the person (in the photo) to make you feel like you’re there in the photograph. You can only have so many pictures of someone’s backpack or a grubby hiker,” she said. In 2016 Louwerse began her Red Sheet Series, which captures women wearing the same red sheet in different landscapes. The idea for the project came from wanting to capture all the places she really liked. “I really enjoy big dresses that you can see movement. I started looking for a red dress that would fit anybody that I could chuck on whoever it was, and it could look good after being pulled out of a backpack, but I have yet to find that dress. That’s where the red sheet came in,” said Louwerse.
After her first photo shoot the project’s momentum took off and she’s continued to use the same red sheet to create what she calls epic portraits. “You feel kind of ridiculous and crazy when you’re in the moment of it and then you look at the photos and feel like woah, that actually looks a whole lot better than it felt,” said Louwerse. Her goal for this winter is to bring the Red Sheet Project to Sun Peaks with a desire to shoot the series at the top of the Burfield chairlift. Presently Louwerse has a few of her favourite images from 2016-17 on display in Café Soleil located in the Village Day Lodge. She said while the selection is a bit random they were all her favourites at one time.
THE RED SHEET PROJECT
One of the Red Sheet Series images taken by Louwerse in the Selkirk Mountain Range. | PHOTO HOLLY LOUWERSE
Photographer’s collection celebrates sense of community NIKKI FREDRIKSON THE TIME SPENT ON THE CHAIRLIFT while being transported to the top is an integral part the mountain experience. It’s an opportunity to catch up with friends, discuss the day, plan the next run and even develops a sense of community. For photographer Ronan Redel, his exhibition An Ode to the Chairlift which is currently being shown at the Kamloops Art Council’s main gallery in Kamloops B.C., aims to capture that community spirit found on the chairlift. Redel was inspired to create the
AN ODE TO THE CHAIRLIFT collection while skiing at Sun Peaks after running into some old friends on the mountain. “It got me thinking about the social connections when you’re out skiing and specifically on the chairlift,” he said. “When you all meet at the chairlift and you ride up and you talk about the day and talk about different runs you’re doing. And just how there’s that sense of community and bonding when you’re riding
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Vol 16 Issue 1 January 26 — February 22
the chairlift.” Redal has been collecting images over the past year from different vantage points from chairlifts and runs at Sun Peaks and editing the photos in black and white to bring a timeless aspect to them. “I’m leaving it a bit ambiguous to what chair they are. I want people to think about that, and stir up their own memories from the times when they were out skiing,” said Redel. The collection of photos is outside of his usual genre of sports photography and is the first of this style of his work to be shown in a gallery. He applied to the Kamloops Art Council for the opportunity to
Redal with his collection of images showcased at the Kamloops Arts Council Gallery. | PHOTO SPIN
show the photos and he hoped to have the community come out and view the images. The collection of 14 pieces
was shown shown from Jan. 10 to 27 at the Kamloops Art Council Gallery.
SEND US YOUR PHOTOS TO BE FEATURED IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS
EMAIL PHOTOS TO
EDITOR@SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM
IN PHOTOS The Board of Directors of the Sun Peaks Health Association passed the “keys” to the munipality for 2018.
Ryder MackenzieWhite took first in slopestyle, second in big air, and third place in moguls at stop one on the Timer Tour in Panorama, B.C..
- PHOTO SUBMITTED
- PHOTO SUBMITTED
Sun Peaks Snowboard Club athlete Ben Sosiak at the Ride On provincial slopestyle competion in Big White, B.C. - PHOTO SUBMITTED
ABOVE The Sun Peaks Alpine Club U12 and
U14 after the Teck Zone races at Sun Peaks.
- PHOTO SPIN
RIGHT Sun Peaks’ Talyn Lorimer,
right, and Noa Hooton, left at the Teck zone races at Sun Peaks.
- PHOTO SPIN
The Sun Peaks Nordic Club hosted their annual Nordic Festival on Jan. 13 to 14. with 2km, 5km and 15km Loppets. - PHOTOS SPIN
Vol 16 Issue 1 January 26 — February 22
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MOUNTAIN NEWS Mountain Town News ALLEN BEST ALLEN.BEST@COMCAST.NET MOUNTAINTOWNNEWS.NET
A familiar objection to a proposed housing project WHISTLER, B.C. – Every ski town of the West has stories at least monthly about the pain of too little housing affordable to people with incomes shy of $100,000. Just as common are stories about efforts to meet those needs. But the work of getting affordable housing done is littered with snags. Witness a story out of Whistler, where a 74-unit employee housing unit has drawn the ire of prospective neighbors on the quiet cul-de-sac. The project would have 122 underground parking spaces. Dave Brownlie, formerly the chief executive at the ski area, is representing the developer. He argued that the project is exactly what the municipality has been wanting. “There is a commitment to quality, there is a commitment to green building ... that was all in the municipal guidelines (that
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came out of the Mayor’s Task Force on Housing),” he said. He also pointed out the municipal vision calls for high-density development. The one-bedroom units would rent for $1,971. Two-bedroom units would fetch $2,487 a month. Another proposed five-storey employee rental building would get about $1,000 for a one-bedroom unit. The developer of the latter project made a point they’re likely to rent the units through the community housing authority and not to businesses. “The whole notion of employers controlling accommodations for their employees, I’ve been dead set again that from the first time it was suggested 20 to 30 years ago,” said Rod Nadeau, the managing partner of Innovation Building Group. “We don’t need to go back to the coal mine days.” In Telluride, a new affordable complex called Virginia Placer has been completed. Now, a lottery is to be held for the 18 units. More weight is given those applicants who
Vol 16 Issue 1 January 26 — February 22
graduated from a local school, if they are active emergency personnel, and if they have lived in Telluride for an extended time, reported the Telluride Daily Planet. Heartburn in Jasper about vandalism of its rainbows JASPER, Alberta – Jasper has a rainbow crosswalk, a symbol of acceptance to the LGBTQ2S+ community. But the rainbow flag stickers, mounted on various businesses as a sign of acceptance, have been ripped down in several cases recently, causing some concern in the local community. “It’s repulsive to see this,” OUT Jasper executive director Mychol Ormandy told the Jasper Fitzhugh. “We’ve struggled to get the rainbow crosswalk. Now for an individual to feel it’s their right to rip a rainbow sticker off a building—why bring unhappiness to people?” Jackson Hole happy to stay as independent ski resort JACKSON, Wyo. – Jackson Hole Mountain Resorts remains a major independent ski com-
pany. It’s not part of the Vail Resorts stable, nor is it part of the new Alterra Mountain Company. Jay Kemmerer, representative of the family that owns the resort, said it’s not because he hasn’t been asked to sell. “They all call me,” Kemmerer told the Jackson Hole News&Guide. “We have nice chats. I thank them for the visit, and life moves on. We want to be our own identity and remain neutral in this active acquisition period.” In the past 25 years that the Kemmerers have owned Jackson Hole, they have invested $200 million in infrastructure. “We’ve spent 3.2 times the amount of net profit,” he said. “The family never took a dime out for 20 years. We are proud of the resort and focused on expanding it.” Kemmerer recently chose Mary Kate Buckley to replace Jerry Blann as manager of the ski area. She comes with experience in brand management and business development first with the Walt Disney Co. and then Nike. Blann arrived at Jackson Hole
after running the Aspen Skiing Co. in the 1980s. Mark Barron, a former mayor in Jackson, credited Blann and the Kemmerers with giving Jackson and Teton County a much stronger winter economy. In Aspen, Lester Crown, 92, was honored Saturday night at a community banquet. He and his family bought into the Aspen Skiing Co. in 1984, but knew nothing of the ski business at the time. In 1993, they became the sole owners of the ski company, which has four ski areas, including Aspen and Snowmass. Last year the Crowns partnered with KSL Capital Partners to create the new company, Alterra Mountain, which now has 12 ski areas in the United States and Canada. The Aspen Skiing Co. is not part of the new company, but there is a link. Crown told the Aspen Times’ Scott Condon that the new company was a matter of survival. “It was a question of whether the (Aspen Skiing Co.) could stand alone and attract the clientele it needed and deserved,” he said.
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CROSSWORD ANSWERS V15I13
Answers can be found in the next issue of SPIN EMPLOYMENT Sun Peaks Lodge is hiring immediately housekeepers, breakfast cook, Front Desk Agent, Front Desk Supervisor. All full time positions. Please email resume to info@sunpeakslodge.com. Staff accommodation available. Part time snow removal & misc labour in Sun Peaks. Cash paid daily $20 per hr. 604.626.7100.
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BUSINESS LISTINGS SERVICES SUN PEAKS PLUMBING, HEATING, ELECTRICAL & GAS FITTING Installations, renovations & maintenance Energy efficiency upgrade specialists Fireplaces, hot water tanks, furnaces, boilers Water filtration and softener systems Lighting System Upgrades
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Kamloops/Sun Peaks Mortgage Specialist with Scotiabank
Serving Sun Peaks, Whitecroft, and Heffley
Primary/residential/switches/refinance
250.819.0013 trina.marshman@scotiabank.com
TUNDRATRAIL@GMAIL.COM | 250.819.9851
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
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Greg: 250 371 7800 • gzieb@telus.net
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S P O O L M KA march 2 6pm
E N TA N G L E M E N T
8 1 0 2 , 0 1 – 1 H C R A M
at the
p aram ou n t the a t re
k a mlo o p sf il m f e s t. ca Advance passes will be available exclusively online February 5. Advance single tickets will be available online and at Moviemart (367 St. Paul Street) February 12.
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>> SPORTS Annual Telus Nancy Greene Alpine Classic prepares for second year as ski cross event NIKKI FREDRIKSON RETURNING FOR ITS 22ND YEAR, Telus Nancy Greene Alpine Classic’s organizers have seen their dream of a community medical facility become a reality. Following a Jan. 26 practice session organizers, volunteers and participants attended the grand opening of the Sun Peaks Family Practice to see the new space they helped fundraise for. “Going back 22 years ago, we were trying to get some kind of a medical facility up and going and this became the main fundraiser for the Sun Peaks Health Association,” said Nancy Greene Raine, director of skiing for Sun Peaks Resort LLP and the tournament’s namesake. “The money that we were raising was
helping to cover the costs of having a small medical trailer at Sun Peaks and providing some basic services through the winter months.” Although their goal has been met, the event will continue to raise money for the health association to assist with ongoing health care needs in the community. The annual competition was traditionally an alpine ski race but organizers changed the event to a ski and snowboard cross event last year. The event runs all day on Saturday, Jan. 27 with 30 plus teams competing. Designed to accommodate all levels of skiing and snowboarding, the event is safe and fun for everyone. “If you can ski comfortably on a blue run that’s good enough, you don’t have to be a great skier or boarder anybody can join in the fun,” said Raine.
“It’s not a serious event, it’s an event to participate in and go as fast as you can, do the best you can, but it’s a team race. Some teams are going to get the awards and some teams are just going to laugh and have fun.” The course located on Sun Catcher ski run was designed by White Industries Ltd., a specialist in ski and snowboard cross courses, who created the course for the Vancouver and Sochi Olympic Games. The course for this year’s event is anticipated to be similar to last year’s but may be slightly smaller due to the amount of snow on the mountain. “There’s less snow now than normal, (about) 85 per cent of our normal snowpack so the course may not be as big as it was last year, in terms of the height of the rollers and the
A competitor takes in the Telus Nancy Greene Alpine Challenge. | FILE PHOTO
height of the banked turns. But it’ll be similar,” said Raine. The Telus Nancy Greene Alpine Classic competition will begin with Canadian Olympic
gold medalists Ashleigh McIvor and Raine forerunning the event before opening up the course to the competitors.
Northern Taekwon-do Academy athletes come home victorious NIKKI FREDRIKSON THE NORTHERN TAEKWON-DO ACADEMY BASED IN SUN PEAKS is celebrating major athlete success from the Jan. 20 to 21 Vernon Friendship Tournament. Each of the academy’s competitors in the event came home with a medal. For some it was their first time competing in the sport. “A couple of them had their
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first time at a tournament, they came home with gold medals. So I was really proud of them for that,” said chief instructor Ryan Oevermann. Heading into the competition the first timers were nervous. “You can verbally prepare someone for a competition, but until you’re actually in the moment you don’t really know what it’s like,” said Oevermann.“I tell them nervous is normal. You’re supposed to feel nervous it’s not a bad
Vol 16 Issue 1 January 26 — February 22
thing, just means your body’s getting ready for something.” For Kaden MacGowan, the Friendship Tournament was his first time competing. The white belt athlete brought home double gold, meaning he won the competition for patterns and sparring. Blake Morris received a gold medal in pattern and bronze in sparring, while Olivia Dye received gold in pattern and Landon Oevermann came home with a bronze in sparring.
The weekend saw big success for Robin Kierstead who has been training in the academy for just over a year. She came home with a gold in sparring, silver in patterns and silver in the Chonji challenge, which is the first pattern Taekwon-do athletes learn. “We narrowed down the senior champion and we narrowed down the junior champion, Robin was the junior champion. So she got to go against the senior champion
which was a third-degree black belt from Vernon,” explained Oevermann. “Robin’s competitive and she’s a go-getter so she rose to the challenge very well.” Heading into the weekend Oevermann said he wasn’t going in with too many expectations, but was just proud of his athletes for being there. The Sun Peaks athletes will now focus on making progress in their skills until the next competition in May.
>> SPORTS Alpine Club racers place in top 10 overall NIKKI FREDRIKSON CONTENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY MCSPORTIES IT WAS A BIG WEEKEND on Jan. 13 and 14 for the U14 athletes of the Sun Peaks Alpine Club with a qualifying race for the BC Winter Games taking place on home turf. The Sun Peaks Racers hosted the first zone race of the season with athletes from U12 to U16 competing in the Teck BC Alpine U14 Okanagan Race. Head coach Montana Molyneux recognized there were some nerves, adding the athletes had plenty of opportunities to qualify, with three races running each day. “It’s based off the best three out of six results that you have. The Okanagan as a zone has 24 spots, 12 guys and 12 girls will be able to qualify and attend the games,” said Molyneux. Athletes were tested throughout the weekend, with changing weather conditions adding an extra challenge to the runs. “The kids are pretty adaptable they kind of have to adjust that’s
part of the race day is that you never know what you’re going to get you just have to be ready for everything,” said Molyneux. “In the U12’s a lot of them it’s their first zone race ever and they handled themselves super well.” The Racers carried over their success from day one into the slalom competition on Sunday, with athletes placing top ten in every race. Peyton Devlin took ninth place in race one of the slalom competition for the U12 females, improving to sixth place in race two. In the U14 female division, Talyn Lorimer earned first place in all three races with the best time of 47.61. She bested Noa Hooton a U16 competitor for the top spot. Hooton placed second in all three races with times of 51.67, 53.98, and 55.76. In U12 male, five Sun Peaks athletes earned top 10 finishes with Jameson Jenson finishing third in the first race followed closely by Brandon Johnson in fourth. The second race awards resulted in some shifting of podi-
Noa Hooton (left) celebrates her third place victory on Jan. 14 at the Teck BC Alpine U16 Open Series. | PHOTO SPIN
um finishers after silver medalist Markus Rentke from Vernon, B.C. came forward and disqualified himself from the event. The show of good sportsmanship moved Gavin Johnson into second place and Brandon Johnson into third. In the U14 men’s division Sun
Peaks Racers U16 competitors dominated the top five placings with Rio Shatzko taking first place in each heat. “It’s a big mix of competition we have some U14’s coming out top overall, so for the U14’s and U16’s to ski together again it gives them just a nice push. It’s
not just in your own age group we have a lot of competition from all over the zone in every age,” said Molyneux. The Sun Peaks Racers will send athletes in both U12 and U14 to Whistler at the end of January for the Whistler Blackcomb Ski and Snowboard Snowcross.
Vol 16 Issue 1 January 26 — February 22
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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
NEW LISTING
NEW LISTING
4108 SUNDANCE DRIVE | 1,479,000
1 MCGILLIVRAY CREEK | $690,000
312/314 CAHILTY HOTEL & SUITES | $149,900
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 3 level, 3 bedroom plus family room, unique mountain townhome is bright and open with soaring windows providing dramatic views to Mt. Tod, nestled next to forest and creek. Offers exceptional living space, stone fireplace, quality finishings, two sundecks & a private patio with hot tub where you can relax & enjoy the outdoors. Sleeps 12 and is conveniently located with easy access to all activities that Sun Peaks has to offer! Fully furnished; GST not applicable.
1 bedroom lock-off suite comfortably sleeps 8 with 2 full baths. Features efficiency kitchen, private in-suite ownerʼs storage closet, queen size Murphy Bed, pullout sofa and full bath on one side that connects to the adjacent room with two queen beds and additional bathroom. Ready for your unlimited owner use! Fully furnished with positive rental income. Financials available upon request.
SOLD 215/217 COAST SUNDANCE LODGE
| $54,000
Two deluxe studio suites with connecting door are separate strata lots being offered for sale together with efficiency kitchens, cozy corner fireplace, fully furnished and sleeps 8 comfortably with two bathrooms. Outdoor hot tub and exercise room for your enjoyment and secure underground parking provided. Ownerʼs personal use is a generous 180 days a year. Rental management agreement in place with Coast Hotels. GST applies.
SOLD 14 SUN MOUNTAIN VILLAS | $379,000 Modern and inviting 2 bed, 2 bath end unit condo offering extra windows, large covered sundeck, bright open kitchen and living area, rock faced gas fireplace with timber mantle, new flooring and paint, updated plumbing and new hot water tank. Peaceful setting offering beautiful views backing onto the Golf Course and McGillivray Creek. Private single car garage plus carport. GST not applicable.
5404 LOOKOUT RIDGE PLACE | $939,000
42 TIMBERLINE VILLAGE | $ 169,900
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.
Ski to the door of this cozy and efficient studio in centrally located Timberline Village. Close to restaurants, sport center, NHL size ice rink and all village amenities. Ready to use for this winter season. Offered furnished; GST applicable.
SOLD 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.
Central location & ski-in/ski-out access. This 1 bedroom loft apartment in Timberline Village is suited with the recreational enthusiast in mind. Lovely vaulted ceiling & loft area give the feeling of space, rock fireplace & pine wood accents/cabinetry offer warmth to the charming decor. Offered largely furnished; GST Paid.
2228 SUNBURST DRIVE | $989,000 Prime ski-in, ski-out location! This bright home features 6 beds & 4 baths with beautiful mountain views. Level entry with daylight, walkout basement and an extra-large double garage plus additional surface parking. Open eat in kitchen, spacious family room, cozy gas fireplace, large south facing sundeck, dining room with separate living room, rock fireplace and mud room. Lower level features an extra-large bunkroom with full bath and bedroom, plus a separate self-contained two bedroom revenue suite. Zoned for short term rentals.
SOLD
NEW LISTING
53 TIMBERLINE VILLAGE | $289,900
NEW LISTING
19 MCGILLIVRAY CREEK | $725,000 Ski-in / ski-out customized 3 bedroom, 4 bath end unit townhouse. Generous window package, vaulted ceiling, substantial heated tile, custom gourmet kitchen, recessed lighting and numerous built-ins. Offered substantially furnished with hot tub. Sundeck, spacious family room and office, large private garage with additional storage space and extra parking. GST applicable.
31 TIMBERLINE VILLAGE | $499,900 Ski-in/ski-out to this 3 bed, 2 bath centrally located townhome. Close to the ice rink, sports center and all Village amenities. Excellent condition, featuring an open living area, rock-faced gas fireplace, central kitchen, large deck with Hot Tub. Plenty of storage in the private garage. Offered fully furnished with Hot Tub; GST applicable.
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Vol 16 Issue 1 January 26 — February 22