SPIN Volume 16 Issue 2 by Sun Peaks Independent News

Volume 16 Issue 2 FEB 23 — MARCH 22

@sunpeaksnews /sunpeaksnews

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New fund to assist Sun Peaks’ youth

Nancy Greene Raine accepting the first Nancy’s Dream Fund cheque. | PHOTO SPIN

The search for Ryan Shtuka PAGE 2

WINTER Weather Forecast

FEB 23 —28

Snow showers, mild

MAR 1 —14 Snow, mild

MAR 15 — 23

Snow showers, mild

50 YEARS of celebrating an Olympic champion NIKKI FREDRIKSON

“I always say the big thing I learned at the Olympics is a gold medal is a million times better than a silver,” said Olympic champion Nancy Greene Raine. It took her three Olympic Games to stand on top of the podium and receive her gold medal, but in 1968 Greene Raine became the most deco-

rated Canadian of the Games, bringing home a gold in giant slalom and silver in slalom. Since that victory 50 years ago, Greene Raine has dedicated her life to the sport and supporting up and coming Canadian athletes through their own athletic careers. On Feb. 15 Greene Raine was honoured with a 50th anniversary celebration ceremony where Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) chief marketing officer

Aidan Kelly announced the creation of a new fund in her honour to assist young athletes in reaching their dreams. “We’re actually calling it Nancy’s Dream Fund and the purpose of this is to assist local youth, many of which are here in front of us today, to chase their dreams as they pursue athletic achievements and advancement throughout their lives,” said Kelly after presenting Greene Raine a $2,000 cheque from the resort to establish a funding base. The fund will be managed by the Sun Peaks Foundation and will have a process in place for young athletes to apply for financial assistance. Greene Raine spoke at the celebration about the start of her Olympic journey when she relied on her community to raise money for her ambitions. “I know that when you kids have dreams and you want to go for it, you’re going to get some help. To make sure you can have all the chances just

like everybody else that’s going for it,” she said directly to the Sun Peaks Elementary students in attendance. Greene Raine knows firsthand how hard one has to work to achieve their dreams. She committed herself to alpine skiing and believed in herself even when others didn’t. Looking back at her first Olympics she said she was thrilled to be there soaking it all in. By 1964 she was ranked 15th in the world heading into the Winter Games. With her eyes set on a medal, she was disappointed in herself with her best finish being eighth place. Greene Raine recalled a conversation with her father that was a wake up call for the young athlete. “I remember coming home after that season and my father saying, ‘Well don’t you think you should maybe think about doing something else and quit?’” she said. continued on next page

Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22

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CONTINUED FROM COVER

She used it as motivation to refocus and commit herself to her sport. She moved to Nelson to join a new Ski Canada program with a focus on building the national team by nurturing younger athletes. Four years later she was standing on the top of the Olympic podium in Grenoble, France.

After retiring from competitive skiing at the age of 24 she went on to have a large inﬂuence on the sport in Canada and internationally. She served on Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s 1968 Task Force on Sport as well as on many International Ski Federation committees, she is the honorary chairperson of the Nancy Greene Ski League and she became a Canadian Senator in 2009.

Her athletic career was celebrated with the Canadian Female Athlete of the Century award in 1999, the Order of British Columbia in 2004 and was also recently commemorated with a Canadian Post stamp. Greene Raine has always been committed to serving her community, including at Sun Peaks as the director of skiing, where she brings forward new ideas on im-

proving the mountain as well as building the Sun Peaks’ brand across the country and abroad. “Nancy’s an integral part of the guest experience here at Sun Peaks,” said Kelly. “I think it’s the best thing about her that she’s so passionate, not only about skiing, but just ﬁtness activities and the outdoors and the mountains. It’s kind of infectious.”

OUR TEAM

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Brandi Schier

brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

GRAPHIC ARTIST Jen Schier

jen@sunpeaksnews.com

Parents of Ryan Shtuka searching for answers COMMUNITIES RALLY AROUND FAMILY TO SUPPORT

REPORTER Jean Strong jean@sunpeaksnews.com

REPORTER Nikki Fredikson nikki@sunpeaksnews.com

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.

ON THE COVER

PHOTO SPIN

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Ryan Shtuka was last seen in the early hours of Feb. 17 at a party on Burfield Drive. | PHOTO SUPPLIED

JEAN STRONG THE MOTHER OF MISSING PERSON and Sun Peaks resident Ryan Shtuka is hopeful she and her family will have answers soon. Heather Shtuka and her husband Scott received a message from Ryan’s roommate late on Feb. 17 saying Ryan hadn’t showed up at work and they had ﬁled a missing persons report, but not to worry. The couple quickly decided to make the nine hour drive from Beaumont, Alta. to Sun Peaks. “We expected to ﬁnd him

Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22

within the ﬁrst couple of hours,” said Heather. “It was about 60 minutes outside of Kamloops, that’s when our stomachs were turning, that sense of our hearts were racing. I think because we expected that as soon as we arrived they’d tell us that they’d found Ryan.” He was last seen in the early morning hours of Feb. 17 at a house party on Burﬁeld Drive. He was wearing dark grey jeans, a white and grey shirt, blue jacket and burgundy hat. Anyone with information has been asked to contact the RCMP or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477. A snowboard lover, he came

to Sun Peaks in December with some friends to work for Sun Peaks Resort LLP. It wasn’t his ﬁrst time in the resort; his family rented a home to celebrate New Year’s Eve a few years ago. When Heather and Scott arrived in the resort early Sunday morning Kamloops Search and Rescue (KSAR) established a command centre where they organized more than 20 members and over 70 public volunteers. By Monday morning KSAR’s search was suspended, something Heather said she understands. “I understand that people are talking about (it being) suspended and are disappointed,” she said. “But their manager Alan Mole came and kept us updated the entire time. They showed us exactly what they were doing and how much effort they had given. That man was as shattered as we were when they came to us Sunday night and said they couldn’t ﬁnd a trace of him.” Searching continued after the weekend. RCMP scoured the area with police dogs and used a helicopter to look from the air. Volunteers from Sun Peaks and Beaumont have continued to mobilize search parties and local businesses and residents have rallied around the family to support them, with offers of billeting and hot meals. Spiritual medium and family friend Derryn Donaghey arrived in Sun Peaks Feb. 19 to assist with the search. A GoFundMe for the family raised more than $20,000 in one day. One of Ryan’s two younger sisters, Julianna, asked people to light a candle in their window to spread hope and light for the

family and social media pages were ﬂooded with people honouring her wish. Services and fundraisers have taken place in Beaumont to aid the family. Heather said they’re grateful for the support in their hometown and locally. “Sun Peaks’ community, and for sure the surrounding area, should be proud of who they are...My son was really happy here. You can see how people have rallied and we’re just so grateful.” With no evidence found as of Feb. 21 Heather and Scott are left with no answers about the night he disappeared or his whereabouts. “I want to do whatever I can to bring him home,” Heather said. “Everybody loved him, his friends really loved him. Around 12 of them drove here to assist in searching. He inspired that loyalty in people. He’s sarcastic, funny, smart. He’s a great person.” For updates on the search go to sunpeaksnews.com.

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Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22

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LOCAL NEWS Whitecroft property centre of friction between owner and TNRD JEAN STRONG BOB VUJICIC HAD BIG PLANS for his six acre property in Whitecroft, B.C. that he purchased over one year ago, from building his home to a bed and breakfast and microbrewery, winery or cidery. It’s located approximately 7 kilometres west of Sun Peaks. Those plans have been stalled by clashes between Vujicic and the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) who have responded to complaints and bylaw violations and issued several fines since October 2017. Freedom of Information re-

>> Temporary use permits used for short-term rentals

>> Council begins cannabis regulation talks

Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) council has begun discussing how they will respond to the upcoming legalization

>> Family practice expands hours

sunpeaksnews.com

the RV froze and he was concerned about liability on the property. In December he wrote a mobile mechanic would attend the property in the new year to help with removing the RV. In an email to SPIN Vujicic said he is faced with a number of issues including liability of those trespassing on his property and accessing a road which predated his ownership. He did not respond to questions regarding his plans to remove the RV. In October Vujicic wrote a letter to Nelmes stating an average of 50 people were seen trespassing daily by undercover security on the property. He added they planned to have se-

curity on site and to have anyone walking across the property sign a waiver and receive a permit. He also explained an issue with a road that has been on the property since before he bought it. “Second very similar issue, is (the) road at the back of the property that was (built) through my land without permission and it is not registered, so basically is my private road and in the case of accident on that stretch of road that belong to me I may be (held) liable.” Vujicic said there are also many vehicles that use his land as a pull out because it’s on a straight piece of road.

quests submitted to the TNRD by SPIN revealed David Nelmes, TNRD bylaw property co-ordinator, first attended the property Oct. 10, 2017 after receiving a complaint. Nelmes found an unlawful RV and a deck and shed-like structure being constructed which was also not permitted without a building permit. A person on the property stated plans were in place for a medical marijuana facility and agreed to remove the RV immediately. A notice letter was sent to Vujicic. Through October, Nelmes attended the property multiple times and spoke with the owner. On Oct. 20 he received complaints of sewage disposal into

the creek running through the lot. Those complaints were investigated by provincial health inspectors who found no evidence of violations. By Oct. 30 the RV remained parked on the lot occupied and with power. The area was fenced or blocked by bush and a partial structure stood covered with tarps, still without building permits. The temporary structures were removed by November but the license plates and battery were removed from the RV. It remained on the lot as of Feb. 21, 2018. In correspondence with Nelmes, Vujicic expressed frustration. He stated the locks to

New bylaws and procedures regarding nightly rentals have been put into place and are being used. After complaints and public hearings in late 2017, Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) revamped their bylaws relating

to the issue. Some changes related to fees, fines and the amount of homes in one area or street allowed to be used as nightly rentals. One major change was property owners must apply for temporary use permits (TUPs) instead of permanently

rezoning their home for use as a short-term rental. The choice was made to give the municipality more control should one property create problems in the neighbourhood. Since the changes have been implemented a few

homeowners have applied for TUPs and been approved by SPMRM council. Two have been granted on Sunburst Drive and two on Fairways Drive. Four were currently in the application process but not yet approved or denied as of Feb. 20.

of recreational marijuana. Council discussed the issue Feb. 20 at their regular council meeting but made no progress on how they will manage cannabis sales in the community. Mayor Al Raine suggested council stay on top of the issue by addressing it sooner rather than later and to watch what bylaws other resort municipalities pass. Council briefly discussed

potential locations for a cannabis retailer with a consensus it should not be in areas frequented by children, which is in line with provincial regulations, but also in a commercially zoned area which presented limited options. “We’ve got to think about that. The Kookaburra is still part of the village but somewhere children might not be,” said Raine.

Council discussed the possibility of a public hearing to receive community input and to address any questions the public may have. At this early stage of discussions, Mayor Raine said they will decide on a public hearing at a later date. As B.C. prepares to legalize the sale of cannabis under a new federal law, each community will have the authority to cap business

licenses restricting the number of sellers. Municipal councils will also have the authority to restrict where a cannabis retailer may operate as well as the ability to ban sales entirely. The federal government will cast their final vote on Bill C-45, The Cannabis Act on June 7. Recreational marijuana sales are not expected to begin until late summer or early fall.

The Sun Peaks Health Centre’s family practice has extended its hours in order to serve more patients. “We have increased

our opening hours to help accommodate increasing demand,” said Laura Bantock, executive director of the Sun Peaks Health Centre.

Previously open four days each week, the clinic will now be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

READ MORE COMMUNITY BRIEFS AT

Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22

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LOCAL NEWS Luc Neron selected for Canadian Interski Team NIKKI FREDRIKSON AFTER THREE YEARS of attending assessments for the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance (CSIA) Interski Team, Sun Peaks Resort LLP instructor Luc Neron was named to the presitgious team in January. It’s the second time in history an instructor from Sun Peaks has made the roster to represent Canada internationally. Neron will go on to the Interski Congress in Pamporovo, Bulgaria in March 2019. The event is considered to be the Olympics of ski instructing. “This team represents a lot of research and development, they represent a ton of passion for building our industry,” said Warren Jobbitt, head coach of the Canadian Interski Team.“They go to this event, when they come back they go straight back to their ski schools, get right back in the trenches and start teaching skiing again.” The team, made up of five instructors from Western Canada and five from Eastern Canada, is selected out of a pool of 100

CSIA Level four certified ski instructors. Over years of assessments the pool was narrowed down to the top 45 instructors in Western Canada. Among the top 45 were two from Sun Peaks, Luc Neron and Anne Terwiel, both who advanced to the final assessment. The instructors were evaluated on their skiing technique and ability to run a workshop delivering teaching methodologies. Jobbitt was looking for candidates with precise, adaptable and fast skiing techniques, all of which Neron excelled in. “He has been working really hard on his skiing the last few years, he has been really dedicated to getting out there training, doing a lot of video reviewing his skiing. Refining it to a point where he was the best skier we had,” said Jobbitt. Reflecting on her experience at the interski assessment, Terwiel said the skiing test was the most challenging portion. “You’re at the very top harnessing all the power that you can harness without getting over-amped or too nervous. For me that was the biggest chal-

lenge,” she said. Terwiel excelled in the teaching assessment scoring in the top five per cent of instructors, giving her hope for the next time she tries out. Although she wasn’t successful in making the team this year, she said being in the room when they announced Neron to the roster was a thrill. Neron is one of two athletes to make the team without any prior Interski experience, which Jobbitt said will allow the team to ramp up their skiing. “Having a very experienced team I expect this team to start at a very high level. I’m looking for this team to be far and above the best team we’ve ever sent to one of these events,” he said. In preparation for next year’s Interski Congress, Neron and his fellow teammates will work on their skiing skills to learn to ski uniform as a team. “At the event, there’s a number of shows that we do where we ski as a full team of 10. It’s a choreographed run where it could be dangerous at times when they’re crisscrossing at high speeds coming down the slope all 10 of them,” said Jobbitt. Along with their routine, the team will conduct a workshop where they teach participants

Luc Néron (left) alongside his fellow team members from Western Canada. | PHOTO CSIA

from 32 other countries about Canadian teaching methodologies and techniques. The Interski Congress is designed as an educational event where upwards of 1,800 of the top ski instructors can learn

and show their skills off on the global stage. For the Canadian Interski program, the goal is to help build lifelong skiers across the country.

MVA occurrences remain stable JEAN STRONG IS THE NUMBER OF CAR CRASHES in Sun Peaks changing as the community grows? According to data from ICBC and the RCMP, not really. In Whitecroft and Sun Peaks, both organizations show 2014 as the year with the most accidents with data currently available. ICBC recorded nine and the RCMP recorded 15. ICBC’s most recent statistics, from 2015, showed nine crashes. The RCMP record 10 in the same year. The RCMP data from 2017 shows a total of nine, a decrease of three from 2016. The number of collisions each year recorded by either group fluctuates little even in recent years of major growth

for the resort. “I would suggest the proactive police work being conducted at Sun Peaks with our enhanced policing has reduced the number of injury related collisions into 2017,” said Kamloops Rural RCMP Sergeant Doug Aird. Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) doesn’t currently employ or contract anyone in regard to traffic safety but SPMRM chief administrative officer Rob Bremner said it will be considered after the public budget presentation in March. On Heffley Louis Creek Road, from Heffley Creek to Sun Peaks, ICBC’s latest data showed few crashes, two in 2012 and three each in 2014 and 2015. RCMP data shows the number of accidents remaining

stable over the years. 2014 remained the highest year with 21 MVAs reported to RCMP between Heffley Creek and Sun Peaks (including side roads), 19 in 2015, seven in 2016 and 14 in 2017. The number of collisions with damage over $5,000 or injuries has decreased since 2014. The total number of RCMP calls to the same area has remained steady around 100 per year. Despite a relatively stable number of collisions, Aird said the number of overall calls for police to Sun Peaks has increased. From 2012 to 2016 there was an average of 33 more calls each year from the last. 2016 to 2017 was exceptional with an increase of 105 calls for service to a total of 396.

Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22

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LOCAL NEWS Keeping skiers safe in all terrain

Piccininni focuses on preparing an explosive in the Gil’s. | PHOTO SPIN

JEAN STRONG MY MUG OF TEA IS STILL STEAMING, abandoned on a table in the ski patrol clinic, when I ride up Sundance on a snowmobile. It’s only 6 a.m. and I’m jumping into the day head first. Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) avalanche tech Dan Piccininni guides the machine up Rambler and stops beside a roped off area containing weather monitoring equipment. It’s one of three weather stations on the mountain, and the first of two we have been assigned to check. His head lamp illuminates two sticks which measure snow from different time periods, one from a recent storm and one from the past 24 hours. He quickly checks temperatures and total snow height, carefully recording them in his notebook. Within a few minutes we are back on the sled head-

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ed to the mid-mountain weather station to do it all again. Piccininni or “Peach,” as he is referred to by his colleagues, has been a member of SPR Ski Patrol since 2009, first as a volunteer then moving into a paid position in 2015. He is part of a small snow safety team whose days start early, end late and pack in a lot in between in order to keep guests safe. After the second station we head to the Top of the World where the “Snow World” (avalanche office) is located. We meet the rest of the team and get to work entering the data into extensive spreadsheets dating back to 2013. All of the data the team collects is entered into a shared program called InfoEx, accessed by other resorts and operations across the province. They need to enter an avalanche rating for the day but it isn’t as easy as just assigning a number. The techs discuss

Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22

wind, recent snow and weather, types of snow, concerning layers they’ve uncovered and more. The conversation is guided by avalanche forecaster Kit Nilsson, one of the founders of the program five years ago. “I’m training these guys to do my job,” Nilsson said. “What I’m trying to do is get people to think for themselves. Have them think about the big picture, getting them to problem solve and getting them to think for themselves is important.” And it shows. He asks questions that force the techs to think and justify their responses, guiding them to an answer everyone feels comfortable with. With a rating set we head back outside as the sun rises, moving towards the run Chief. As a team we “ski cut” most of the run by traversing back and forth while hopping or jumping in an attempt to get the snow to release and slide down harm-

lessly before skiers are on the slope for the day. With three of us cutting it takes four passes to cover most of the run. As we work Nilsson decides the Gil’s area needs to be closed for avalanche control. Forty three centimetres of snow has fallen in just a few days and he thinks a few pitches in the area have the potential to slide. Closing the large area isn’t an easy task. Patrollers race against the clock to put up rope lines, close gates, change signs and update SPR before public loads the Crystal chair. Nilsson’s day often involves challenges such as this, budgeting enough time for each task with a small team. Our next job is to dig out the storage magazines which contain parts to create explosives. With bombs carefully constructed and ready, we make our way into Gil’s. It’s only the second time this season they’ve used explosives for avalanche control. Skiing within the boundary is relatively safe, especially compared to resorts with more severe avalanche terrain. But as the resort grows and the boundary is pushed back it’s important the program is well established in advance. “It’s set up so if we expand the boundary we have an avi program in place that can mitigate any hazard associated with avalanche terrain,” Nilsson said. “It’s a good opportunity to show what we can do in small terrain.” They use explosives for three main reasons: If a slope has potential to bury a ski cutting patroller, to hit deep unstable layers in the snowpack and to disperse energy over a wider area than one skier can. Four are set off in total, two in Inner Gil’s and two on Skunk

with some small results. We go back to Snow World to complete the paperwork that comes with the fun of blowing things up. A difficulty that comes from a day like this is some members of the skiing public. At least one skier ignored warnings and guards placed on the boundary and others expressed frustration the area’s opening was delayed. But Nilsson said he’s seen an increase in guests venturing into the backcountry and has heard from many who believe there aren’t any avalanches at or near Sun Peaks. “A lot of people, around here especially, don’t think of Sun Peaks as an avi area,” said another avalanche tech. “But as soon as you go outside the boundary it’s uncontrolled terrain and that’s where the natural and skier caused avalanches are going to happen. As soon as they cross that rope the responsibility is on them.” The rest of our day is spent meeting with other patrol members, responding to first aid calls and collecting more weather information. For Peach one of the most challenging parts of being on the team is balancing the role with other patrol responsibilities. The mountain still needs to be swept nightly and patients need to be helped off the mountain. “The most rewarding part... is a toss up between teaching people specialized skills like weather or companion rescue and watching it really click for them, or doing control work and getting results,” said Piccininni. “All the work is worth it when you get a guest (especially with a family) who goes out of their way to thank you for the work you do.”

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LOCAL NEWS Family Day switch concerns B.C. ski resorts NIKKI FREDRIKSON IT’S OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW for British Columbia’s Family Day weekend. Premier John Horgan announced Feb. 9 the holiday will be moved back one week to align with other Canadian provinces’ Family Day holidays starting in 2019. Chief marketing officer for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) Aidan Kelly said the resort is not a fan of the decision. “I would say Family Day not only has been a success from a business standpoint for us but also from an overall guest experience for all the B.C. residents. It’s just going to add a lot of compression during what’s already a busy time,” said Kelly. Tourism Sun Peaks CEO and president Arlene Schieven said she was disappointed to hear the announcement but wasn’t surprised. “I think it’s more of a lost opportunity. When you’re full, you’re full, so once the hotels

are full they can’t take more people. So it doesn’t necessarily cause issues for the operators, it’s more a lost opportunity of building that business up the previous weekend,” said Schieven. While a press release from the Office of the Premier said Family Day will now be better aligned for businesses and families, Kelly disagreed with the idea that the move will be better for business. “From my perspective, I do not agree with that. I do understand that there’s more to this decision than just in the tourism industry. There’s different business sectors that are going to have a different perspective on this but from us, on the tourism side of things it’s not something we think is good for business,” said Kelly. Sun Peaks’ accommodation is already at a capacity for the third weekend in February with guests from other provinces coming for their Family Day holidays and visitors coming from the US for Presidents Day.

Vienna (left) and sister Seveya Jepsen from Langley enjoying their family vacation beside Sun Peak Resort staff. | PHOTO SPIN

Kelly anticipated there will be capacity issues going forward in ski resorts all around Western Canada, not just at Sun Peaks.

“The resort is already full next weekend and without B.C. Family Day. There’s only so much space for people to come so there’s going to be a lot of

folks that want to come and enjoy not just at Sun Peaks, but at ski resort destinations all around Western Canada are going to feel this impact.”

Unpredicted temperature variances influence season NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

EMILY PERRINS

6:30 PM Tuesday March 20, 2018

Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality Council gives notice that it will hold a Public Hearing at Cahilty Lodge located at 3220 Village Way, Sun Peaks, BC, to consider proposed Bylaw Nos. 0107, 0108, and 0109, 2018. What is Zoning Amendment Bylaw 0107, 2018? It is a change to Zoning Bylaw No. 1400 to rezone lands at 1260 Alpine Road, in its entirety, from R-3: Residential Multi-Family to R-3: Residential Multi-Family with a site-specific amendment to allow for five single family dwellings and 2 two family dwellings on the property.

What is Temporary Use Permit TUP-2018-003 Bylaw No. 0108, 2018? Bylaw 0108, 2018, if passed, would allow tourist accommodation use (nightly/short-term rental) in the principle dwelling at 2203 Sunburst Drive (legally described as Lot 37, District Lot 6337, KDYD, Plan KAP53479). The specific conditions are as stipulated in the proposed permit, a part of Bylaw 0108, 2018.

What is Temporary Use Permit TUP-2018-001 Bylaw No. 0109, 2018? Bylaw 0109, 2018, if passed, would allow tourist accommodation use (nightly/short-term rental) in the principle dwelling at 2502 Eagle Court (legally described as Lot 3, District Lot 6334, KDYD, KAP53475). The specific conditions are as stipulated in the proposed permit, a part of Bylaw 0109, 2018. 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 16th day of March, 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 March 2, 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

EACH SKI SEASON IS UNIQUE. They can be colder or snowier than usual, or positively balmy. This season has seen large fluctuations in temperature and erratic periods of snowfall, leaving skiers unsure of what to expect next. On average, the weather has stuck to early predictions which forecasted warmer temperatures and slightly higher than average snowfall in B.C. According to Kit Nilsson, avalanche forecaster and head of the Snow Safety department for Sun Peaks Resort LLP, the average temperature at Sun Peaks this season so far has ranged from 5 to -10 C. Meanwhile, the alpine snow base currently sits at 215 centimeters, significantly higher than the last three seasons at this point, where the next highest was 185 cm in 2015-16. While the long-range predictions for temperature and precipitation averages have proven accurate so far, forecasters

didn’t project the seesawing of temperatures the province has experienced. “Looking at this year’s conditions, the most outstanding weather phenomena has been the fluctuated extreme temperature range and a short time period between such temperature range,” said Nilsson. He commented there have already been multiple short-term fluctuation events this winter. “For example, in January, we went from 5 to -18 degrees in only a couple of days.” Christopher Nicolson, president of the Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA), agreed that while B.C. is experiencing the season “as advertised” by forecasters, the fluctuations in temperature and the skiing conditions they bring are “masked by averages.” Nicolson said these “bigger variables within weather” have been increasing over the last few years, a fact recognized in the industry. Ski areas in Western Canada, like Sun Peaks, are adjusting operations to allow for

the climatic instability. One example is in strategizing the creation and stockpiling of man made snow in order to minimize effects of premature melting during these extremes Nicolson said. Looking ahead, backcountry skiers should also take note. Fluctuating temperatures create weak layers in the snowpack, which are buried over time and can cause instability later when conditions change, increasing the avalanche danger. As the snowpack grows, the size and consequence of potential slides increases, Nilsson advised. Current trends suggest the area might experience a significant accumulation of snow later in the season, similar to last year when the resort closed with a 293 cm snowpack. Projections look strong for the remainder of the season, with Nilsson and Nicolson agreeing it will likely be another late spring. No doubt with another temperature fluctuation or two before then.

Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22

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COMMUNITY Report shows rural lifestyle is changing MEL ROTHENBURGER TNRD REPORT director.mrothenburger@tnrd.ca

CO LU MN I ST VI EWS

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.

The rural population is declining, more rural residents are living closer to Kamloops, and farms are getting fewer but bigger. Those are just a few of the ﬁndings in a new report on growth from the TNRD’s planning department. It’s an update of a previous study done a couple of years ago and it’s full of fascinating information about the state of the region. The decline in rural population, and the concentration of population around urban centres, is concerning giv-

en the importance of our rural lifestyle. Sixty per cent of housing starts are now within what planning director Regina Sadilkova calls a “reasonable commute” from Kamloops. The TNRD has a higher than average number of daily auto trips by those who live in the country but work in the city. Two municipalities are experiencing signiﬁcant growth. Between 2011 and 2016, Kamloops grew by 4,600 residents, or 5.4 per cent, and Sun Peaks continued to grow at a clip of more than 10 per cent. If there’s good news for rural areas, it’s that the rate of population decline has slowed somewhat. Overall, though, “EAs (electoral areas) are experiencing popu-

lation decline, municipalities are seeing slight growth and the vast majority of growth is happening in large urban centres,” the report says. The rural population decline is a trend across the country. A spin-off concern is that electoral areas are losing. Job growth has gone up slightly across the region in the ﬁve-year period measured, but it’s largely in municipalities. Says the report: “This could be the result of the decline of rural-based industries (i.e. agriculture, forestry, mining) which disproportionately affect EAs. “It could also be embodying the effects of an aging population — as people retire in areas with no one to replace them the numbers of employed residents will

gradually diminish.” The healthiest sectors are health care, mining, accommodation, construction and educational services. The weakest are agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, and transportation. The number of hobby farms is decreasing but larger commercial operations are growing. In the past seven years, the average price of farmland in the TNRD has increased by more than 57 per cent. Fifty-two per cent of all ALR (agricultural land reserve) applications in the region are in Areas P and L. The report also takes a look at the environment and concludes that air quality is heading in the wrong direction. It says we can work on reducing that trend by creating compact commu-

nities, ﬁnding alternative transportation, decreasing wood burning, and enacting energy efﬁciency standards, among other things. There’s more. In 2014, 51 per cent of Thompson Cariboo Shuswap residents were considered overweight or obese. But, aha! The previous six-year average was 54 per cent. “This is a good indication that some progress is being made with regards to individual health.” Does all of this mean we should all pack up and move to town? Not on your life. But it’s the kind of information that shows we have to be extremely vigilant and proactive in protecting our rural lifestyle, and to strategize for growth accordingly.

The Busman’s holiday RON BETTS Resident Ski Writer ron@sunpeaksnews.com

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.

Admittedly, I’m one of the lucky ones; I’ve somehow made recreation my vocation and the implications are not lost on me. Every time I add a new memory to the bank I feel gratitude I’m able to give and receive positive vibes with people in the mountains. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have spent time with some pretty

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interesting characters. On one of my ﬁrst weeks as a heli guide I was skiing with a group that included a talented snowboarder. I was curious how a young guy like that could afford a heli ski trip, which was (and still is) a considerable sum. Eventually my curiosity got the best of me and I had to ask. “Nate, you’re a solid rider. Are you a professional snowboarder?” He looked at me, obviously ﬂattered I’d been impressed with his riding and replied he was actually a musician. When I learned he was a bassist my curiousity was piqued again as I’m an amateur guitar player. “Who do you play with, anyone I would have heard

Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22

of?” I inquired. “I play in a little band called the Foo Fighters,” he answered. That and similar encounters taught me a couple of things. First, everyone we meet in the mountains has a story. Some are perhaps more interesting than others but if you don’t take the time to ask, you might miss out on a fantastic connection. The second thing I’ve learned is that regardless of profession, economic status, age, race, sexual orientation, political afﬁliation, or any number of other things that can divide us, we are uniﬁed in a love of a sport, a love of nature, or both. It always amazes me how responsible adults re-

vert to their inner child when they strap on a pair of skis or a snowboard. So, what does a person who has been lucky enough to make a living in the mountains do for a vacation? Well, head to other mountains of course! My wife and I have left the great snow, perfect groomers and spacious runs of Sun Peaks for the charm, history and (hopefully) great snow in Switzerland. We’re hosting a group of like-minded snow addicts for eight days of skiing in the Alps. While packing for the trip I got the familiar tingle of excitement that comes on every time I’m about to visit a new place or meet new people. It’s the anticipation of new sights and sounds

and of a shared experience that everyone in the group will process differently. It makes me even more proud that I am part of a community of Sun Peaks skiers who happily share their mountains with visitors from all over the world. Whenever I’m on the chair with a resort guest I invariably ask about their impressions of our mountain and community. I’ve literally never heard a single person complain about the locals. “Everyone is so friendly here,” is the usual response I get. I hope we get the same experience in Europe but like all amazing holidays, going is great, sometimes coming home is even better.

COMMUNITY Searching for answers

BRANDI SCHIER PUBLISHER’S NOTE brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

When I ﬁrst saw Ryan’s friend asking the community to be on the lookout for his roomate on the Saturday night I hoped to myself it wasn’t going to turn into a serious situation. It’s not unusual for seasonal workers to blow off a shift but when I woke up the next morning I quickly saw that wasn’t the case. RCMP sent a press release around 4 a.m. on Sunday to catch the early morning news and articles were already circulating online detailing the circumstances of his disappearance. A full scale search was to launch at ﬁrst light and his family was on their way

from his hometown in Beaumont, Alta. As I hurried to write our ﬁrst article on Ryan, I mentally calculated the different variables Kamloops Search and Rescue (KSAR) was up against. In between his last known sighting and that morning almost 20 cm of snow had fallen, there had been wind, and we were headed into a serious cold snap— not ideal by any means. In Sun Peaks we have experience with missing people but they’re usually skiers who unwittingly headed into one of a few drainages after leaving the ski area. Only a few of these searches in my time at the resort have stretched overnight and most people are somewhat dressed for the conditions. This was an entirely different situation. But nevertheless the com-

munity has risen to the challenge. Dozens of civilian volunteers showed up at the KSAR trailer before the call had even been put out, with over 70 people joining by the end of the day. Ski patrol conducted their sweeps with extra care. Homeowners checked and rechecked their property and video surveillance and people took to social media to share ideas and organize themselves. Despite KSAR making a tough call to suspend their resource-intensive search around midnight, many Sun Peaks residents have continued to join the RCMP search on the ground despite plunging temperatures and an increasing sense of futility as the week began. While Ryan has only lived here a short time, the community has embraced him as one

of their own. When I ﬁrst saw his photo he struck me as happy and familiar… not in that I’d seen him before, but familiar in the way that he could have been any one of my friends in their youth here to enjoy the mountain. He could have been my brother here to have a good time with his friends or my friend’s son here to experience life away from home for the ﬁrst time. To Ryan’s friends and neighbours who are unable to attend the search themselves, I can sense your urgency and frustration through my computer screen and I can assure you people in Sun Peaks are exhausting all their available resources and avenues. This is a stark reminder that when reality comes knocking in our usually carefree mountain town, it knocks hard, and even the most idyllic of vaca-

tion environments aren’t immune to trauma. It’s puzzling how in a world where we all feel so technologically connected that someone can still vanish so completely, without a footprint, digital or otherwise. It’s frustrating that we can still be at the mercy of Mother Nature, even in a village we deem cozy and safe. And that all the best intentions and well wishes in the world can’t bring someone home. Our paper is sent to the printer on Wednesday and is distributed on Friday, so I’m hoping that by then this article will be inaccurate and Ryan’s family and friends will have some answers or direction. Until then I can only say that my thoughts are with you, and the team here at SPIN will help in whatever way we can.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Re: proposed ski lift changes Dear Editor, While we want to give recognition to Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) for continuing on-mountain improvements, we question the merits of proposed changes to the Crystal and Burﬁeld chairs. Replacing the Crystal with a high-speed six-pack running from the top of Cruiser to the current Burfield summit, and consequent shortening of the Burﬁeld to terminate at Tower 23, will re-

duce skier access to and from popular runs and create potentially unsafe traverse-trail overcrowding. Such comments are commonly heard among Crystal and Burﬁeld riders. We want to bring them to the attention of the broader skier community. We have repeatedly written to SPR and requested community consultation before such decisions are ﬁnalized, but letters have gone unanswered. Realigning the Crystal

summit to the current Burﬁeld summit will seriously impede access to popular runs like Spillway, Headwalls area, Crystal Bowl area; it will also deposit beginner and intermediate skiers and families in the harshest weather environment on the mountain. Exiting to and returning from the “back of the mountain” and the West Bowl will be complicated by requiring two chair rides, with a lengthy between-chair traverse. As the only future lift serv-

ing the top of the mountain, a relocated Crystal will require extended traverse-trail access, overcrowded with skiers racing to beat others to the chair. The risk of collisions and accidents on crowded traverse trails is well known. Servicing the entire upper area of the mountain with a single chair is risky from a reliability perspective. Maintaining two lifts would provide options to deal with wind and mechanical shut-downs.

The current Burﬁeld and Crystal Chair alignments work well. Replace the Crystal with no realignment, and leave the Burﬁeld unaffected. Leave funds aside to support lifts in currently under-served terrain such as the new runs on Morrisey and developments in the east village. Sincerely, David Cane Len Hrycan Sun Peaks, B.C.

Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22

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GET OUT THERE Craft spirits stiff competition for local brews and grapes JEAN STRONG IT’S JUST PAST 11 A.M. on a Wednesday and I’m leaning on a bar in Vernon, B.C. sipping absinthe. Unlike a normal weekday at the office, I have ventured to Okanagan Spirits Distillery in search of an answer to the question “what makes craft spirits special?” Popping up in restaurants and bars across the province for a few years, B.C. created spirits have made their way to Sun Peaks. Both Cahilty Kitchen + Taproom and Mantles in the Sun Peaks Grand have welcomed Okanagan Spirits to their shelves. At Cahilty they are offered as part of a “Take Back the Well” program started by the distillery to encourage bars to use their spirits as well spirits, automatically used in all drinks instead of solely in premium cocktails. Co-owner Kelly Dye said the

spirits are a key part of their recent renovation and menu overhaul. He said international tourists are particularly interested in trying a local drink when visiting the resort. “They don’t want to fly across the world and drink the same thing,” he said. “People are interested in trying local products.” But the trend, applies to local clientele as well as consumers search for better products. “It’s a trend in the industry. People are drinking less but willing to pay more for something better.” The two Sun Peaks spots are part of a growing reputation for Okanagan Spirits. The distillery, founded in 2004, uses around 364,000 kilograms of Spartan and MacIntosh apples (they have the best sugar and juice for distilling) annually to create the spirits served in restaurants and homes around B.C. Making the products requires

strong relationships with many farmers and agricultural communities. It benefits them by using damaged fruit that would otherwise be hard to sell. Craig McKenzie, front end distillery manager at Okanagan Spirits, said the company started making brandy from bruised or imperfect apples, and as the business expanded they used a wider variety of fruit. “In 2016 rain at cherry harvest split nearly 40 per cent of the fruit. We were able to help a lot of farmers out by buying the cherries,” McKenzie said. “It’s very much important to us to maintain those relationships with farmers.” When apples arrive at one of their distilleries they’re mashed, mixed with yeast and fermented before going through multiple rounds of distillation to create a neutral spirit. It takes high temperatures, time and a lot of apples (six kilos make one bottle of vodka). After, the three distillers

McKenzie pours an Okanagan Spirits vodka for sampling at their Vernon distillery. | PHOTO SPIN

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add other ingredients or fruit to morph the base into spirits that are bottled and sold. The whisky and rye use a slightly different process in equipment resembling brewing equipment. They’re then aged in barrels— bourbon in new american oak and rye in barrels from Jack Daniels. Their batches of whisky have been some of the most popular products. Their Laird of Fintry Single Malt whisky is already so popular it’s sold annually through a lottery. Some others have been aging since moving to a new space in 2015 are ready to release this year. Jody Harrison, Okanagan Spirits’ event co-ordinator, sipped bourbon with us as she

explained how the next few years will be important for the distillery. She said more restaurants in places like Sun Peaks and Kamloops have fallen in love with their products and they have plans to continue expanding outside of Vernon and Kelowna. From blueberry liqueur to gin, vodka, rye and absinthe, every product we tasted was perfectly smooth and subtly fruity. It’s no surprise they took home eight medals at the 2017 World Spirits Awards. Okanagan Spirits can be found at Tumbleweeds liquor store in Kamloops, in the summer at Sun Peaks Farmers’ Market and at their distilleries in Vernon and Kelowna.

GET OUT THERE A little mountain with a big personality JEAN STRONG OUR SKIS seem to brush the tops of partly trimmed pine trees as we ride up the triple seater chair. Ofﬂoading at the top we are greeted by a small hut where ski patrollers warm up ﬁreside and seemingly endless possibilities. I don’t ski elsewhere often. Despite Harper being visible from West Bowl in Sun Peaks, living at one of my favourite ski resorts I have my favourite runs, my secret stashes and a routine. But from the moment I clicked into my skis at Harper Mountain near Kamloops, B.C. I was having the most fun I’d had all season. It’s all part of the outdoor magic Harper has made since 1973. The same family has always owned and operated the small mountain and is still deeply involved in day-to-day operations. Manager Lisa Darbuger said that atmosphere comes from a traditional feel, a variety of terrain, and a welcoming and cozy lodge. Arriving in the morning we were welcomed by that lodge

with a roaring fire that filled the room with warmth and a perfect campfire smell. As we geared up locals joked with ticket sellers and concession servers while snow fell thickly outside. Once in our skis it was straight to the t-bar, loading with zero wait. Riding the lift was something neither of us had practised in some time which led to a lot of laughing on the ride, trying not to knock one another off. One graceful dismount later and we found ourselves on Midway, partly groomed and partly soft powder, where we warmed up. Our second lap, on Little Bend, led to endless giggles and shouts as we were launched off rolls, bumps and hills. Considering ourselves thoroughly limber we received instructions on the best route to the chair from the friendly t-bar operator and were off again. As we reached the top of the mountain the snow was coming down even harder, coating us in a thick layer by the time we offloaded and were faced with choosing which run to hit first. In the end we tried everywhere we could find, ducking between trees, making clouds

of powder in untouched snow on the sides, speeding down steep, mogul covered pitches and ﬂying some more on our favourite run, Little Bend. As snow turned to rain at the lowest elevations we ducked back into the lodge to dry our clothes by the ﬁre and enjoy a quick lunch. When our jackets stopped steaming we switched from ski boots to snow boots and met Darburger who sized us for snowshoes. She carefully highlighted a map with her recommended trails but it was replaced by her friendly dog, Shadow, who expertly led us to the trailhead and impatiently waited for us to secure our equipment and guided us through the woods. Within minutes all the noise of the hill had disappeared except an occasional whoop from an excited tube park slider. The walk up the mountain was just challenging enough to feel accomplished but not so hard we couldn’t enjoy the moss and snow covered trees surrounding us. Returning to the base with rosy cheeks, Shadow quickly found a family of Nordic skiers to lead through her home trails

HARPER RENEWS THE SPIRIT OF SKIING

Heading up the three seater lift at Harper, it feels like you could touch every tree. | PHOTO SPIN

and we were on our own again. In addition to providing local families with, as Darburger put it, “big mountain skiing at affordable prices, great grooming and an awesome day lodge,” Harper regularly gives back to the community. They employ more than 50 staff, have donated more than $15,000 to Royal Inland Hospital, and support the school district’s Learn to Ski and Snowboard program. It’s a focus on people that makes them stand out. “We love our customers, and have many loyal customers that

have been coming back over the years,” Darburger said. “We also have several staff that have been here for over 20 years. Norm’s (owner/operator) mom still does the books, (that’s) 45 years, and Cam has been teaching skiing since the first day, and still teaches five days a week! Forty five years teaching guests to ski and he still loves it!” After a day of adventure it was clear what has kept them at the mountain so long; Harper has the skiing magic it’s easy to forget elsewhere.

CELEBRATE WITH US JOIN US THIS SPRING FOR SOME GREAT ON-MOUNTAIN EVENTS.

Mar. 3 Mar. 3-7 Mar. 10 Mar. 10-11 Mar. 10-11 Mar. 23-24 Mar. 23-24 Mar. 24 Apr. 1 Apr. 1 Apr. 5-9 Apr. 14-15

The North Face Dirty Feet Snowshoe Fun Run & Walk Velocity Challenge & FIS Speed Ski World Cup Bluebird Banked Slalom Youth Saturday 7th Annual Bluebird Banked Slalom Sun Peaks Demo Days – over 10 brands! HUB International Nancy Greene Festival A Taste of the Middle East: A Tale of Two Chefs Masa’s Retro 80s Party Party In The Park, presented by Oronge Boardshop Easter Extravaganza Coors Light Snowbombing Canada Tod Mountain Days Spring Festival

A TASTE OF HOME, WHEREVER YOU’RE FROM. Donburi, Ramen, Poutine,Soups, Stew, Burgers, Breakfast & more! Daily 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Check the online calendar for details and watch for plenty of live music throughout the village in March. SunPeaksResort.com/Events

Starbucks Specialty Coffee Station Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22

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GET OUT THERE The proven benefits of outdoor play NIKKI FREDRIKSON AFTER READING an article in a parenting magazine about preschool aged children in Scandinavia spending all day outside, Kamloops, B.C. local Krystal Jeffery was inspired to develop a similar childcare program. “I don’t know, something in

me said ‘Yes, this is what kids should be doing!’ It was a seed that got planted and I was like how can I do that?” She officially launched Sprouting Knowledge in 2014 after spending a few years perfecting her outdoor play school. Her concept of giving children opportunities to connect with nature and free play in local parks builds a fabric of knowledge kids

wouldn’t get in traditional daycare. While it is currently classified as a recreational program and not a licensed daycare program through Interior Health (they only license spaces and not programs), Jeffery has approached it from a similar perspective. She maintains basic and wilderness First Aid and CPR and is a certified National Coaching Certifica-

Krystal Jeffery’s Sprouting Knowledge programs give children an opportunity to connect with nature. | PHOTO SUPPLIED

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tion Program Community Sports Coach and Early Childhood Education Assistant. She has also taken courses surrounding forest schools and is working on her full Early Childhood Education certification. Jeffery said the biggest benefits children get from outdoor play are a sense of place and a sense of the rhythms of nature. By being outdoors the kids

SPROUTING KNOWLEDGE GROWS PRESCHOOL OUTDOOR ADVENTURES develop a sense of how everything is connected, such as the weather and bird migration and the freezing levels of a creek. A typical day at Sprouting Knowledge includes climbing over trees, walking on log bridges and having free play time. Every day she sees the kids growing in social competence, confidence, and resilience they wouldn’t otherwise get in a typical daycare. “Resilience is always my number one benefit. Kids who play outside just aren’t daunted by life’s challenges, by things that come up with them. They just develop this inner ability to deal,” she said. Jeffery said she notices enhanced communication among the children. “It’s hard work being outside. The play that they want to engage in, they have to talk to each other to be able to do stuff.” By exposing children to outside free play outside at an early age Jeffery said she believes it allows them to develop crucial skills that will help them be successful in their future education. “They’re not just playing. They’re really learning some super crucial stuff that will make them incredibly successful kids when they hit school,” she said. Sprouting Knowledge offers three sessions of outdoor education programs running fall, winter and spring, no matter the weather. To learn more about Jeffery’s philosophy and programs visit sproutingknowledge.com.

GET OUT THERE Nick Maika and Adaptive Sports team up again for new fundraiser EMILY PERRINS THINK YOU COULD SKI Denali or Everest? How about at age 88 or on a sit ski? This is the challenge faced by members of Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks (ASSP) in a new fundraising campaign for the non-profit group. In tracking the elevation skied or snowboarded by each challenge participant by the amount of chairlifts they ride, ASSP is monitoring how many of the world’s greatest summits are conquered by the group “and how many times!” said Anne Nicolson, ASSP program co-ordinator. As stated on the ASSP Facebook page: “If you rode the Sunburst chair eight times, you would have climbed the same elevation as Mount Robson (12,990 feet). And if you rode it 19 times, you would have climbed the same elevation as Mount Everest.” Participants are encouraged to select their favourite world

peaks and work towards skiing or snowboarding the equivalent in vertical feet before March 25, in efforts to raise funds to support ASSP programs and students. The lofty challenge was inspired by local veteran skier, Nick Maika, who raised over $11,000 for ASSP three years ago in a similar fashion: by skiing 85 days the year he turned 85. This season, ahead of turning 88, Maika is championing the current campaign, with its apt slogan, “88 is never too late.” He will be joining ASSP students, volunteers and families in skiing as many vertical feet as possible, though he conceded he will mostly stick to blue runs “at my senior capability.” Maika has lived in the area for twenty years and has been involved with ASSP since 2014. “I love it,” he said describing his interactions with ASSP students and instructors. “It is hard to describe the emotional feeling one has witnessing two or more volunteers, donat-

ing their time and skills to help and teach the fun things many of us enjoy for granted. All this has left me with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude to all members in the ASSP organization.” It’s a mutual appreciation, according to Nicolson, for a man who “loves to give back to his community and is very passionate about it.” “Our students and volunteers are ever so grateful to his spirit of fundraising,” Nicolson said. “Without fundraising, we are not able to offer the programs that we do. It is critical for the long term sustainability for the program and the successes we see with our students.” The group is hoping to raise at least $5,000 from the challenge, Nicolson said. She indicated that if the fundraiser proved successful it could become an annual event for ASSP, with expansion beyond the lesson setting into more of a group challenge in the future. For further information or to donate to the campaign online, visit adaptivesportsatsunpeaks.org.

Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks is hosting another fundraiser for the organization. | PHOTO SUPPLIED

Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Skiitour ready to return to Snowbombing JEAN STRONG ONE YEAR AFTER their Snowbombing Canada debut Skiitour is preparing for another epic ski town throw down. Last year the duo, made of Tim Livingstone and Dave Rollison, performed slopeside on the patio of the Sunburst Bar + Eatery for a stoked crowd that spilled onto the surrounding ski runs.

Originating from Whistler, the pair are no strangers to mountain life. “It was the first time we took a chairlift to a gig,” Livingstone said. “It’s really great to be asked back. The party culture in ski towns is something special.” Livingstone said the après vibe they had last year is their favourite type of show. Even when performing on larger stages in cities like Los Angeles on their current U.S. tour they

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Ph: 250 578 7878 Reservations Recommended

Visitevening SunPeaksLodge.com “Enjoy your with great steaks to view our menu and daily specials in a casual family atmosphere.”

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Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22

pack fake snow machines to create the ski town feel. “(Last year) was an après, outdoor ski party. Everyone is done skiing for the day and they’re in their boots with their goggles on,” he said. “We try to bring a ski party with us... we love playing in ski towns.” Apart from touring, the two have been in the studio for the last year making new music and creating an album. “We play fairly upbeat, funky, easily accessible music,” Livingstone said. “Everyone from 21 to 80 years old is on the dance floor. We try to play music that will appeal to everyone.” With this year’s festival approaching quickly they are getting excited about returning to the mountains and having the chance to attend other acts throughout the weekend. After finishing their 2017 show they downloaded the chair, drove to Kelowna and immediately flew to Edmonton for another performance. “We’re really excited about the lineup for this year. We want to stay for the festival and enjoy it!”

Tim Livingstone and Dave Rollison are ready for another Sun Peaks appearance. | PHOTO SUPPLIED

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Live music planned throughout March NIKKI FREDRIKSON DESPITE NO OFFICIAL MARCH MUSIC MADNESS EVENT THIS YEAR, both Voyageur Bistro and Morrisey’s Public House have a lineup of live performers to keep the après vibe alive throughout the month. The two establishments decided to go ahead as planned to bring in live entertainment. “It’s not like it’s new necessarily, we just feature music occasionally,” said Diane Larsen operations manager of Voyageur Bistro. “For March, we were obviously doing it for March Music Madness. So we just thought well let’s do Thursday nights and bring in some DJs.” Voyageur Bistro will host Andrew Christopher, local DJ D-Funkt and Kamloops local Autum Gillingham for Thursday night performances. “It’s just a great way to celebrate the community, the season, the wrapping up of this year. Should be fun,” said Larsen. Morrisey’s Public House con-

>> Calling artists for summer show

tinues live music Saturdays bringing in Jared Doherty and Emilio Pagnotta, Ari Neufeld, Jeremy Kneeshaw and more. Morrisey’s is also planning themed live music events for the month, an invite only 1920s prohibition party with a full seven-piece band on March 4 and an outdoor concert for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. “On St. Paddy’s Day we are going to have Maritime Kitchen Party, do an outdoor show for the village on the upper stage in the Upper Plaza,” said Rob O’Toole, outlet manager for Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre. O’Toole said the upper village will be abuzz, with a definite Irish feeling with live music on both Friday and Saturday keeping the celebrations going throughout the weekend. He went on to explain that March Madness or not there will be live music every Saturday and the occasional Friday throughout the month. Combined with Voyageur Bistro’s Thursday line up the village will still be echoing with live tunes throughout the month.

Any artists interested in taking part in the first Sun Peaks Art Summit are being asked to submit their applications this spring. The event, hosted by Sun

Maritime Kitchen Party will perform on the outdoor stage in the Upper Village March 17. | PHOTO MARITIME KITCHEN PARTY

Peaks Rotary Club and Tourism Sun Peaks, will feature artists in the village during the annual Alpine Blossom Festival. All kinds of art including

jewellery, pottery, clothing, woodwork, leather and specialty food or body products is welcome. Applications are due March 23 and preference will be

given to hand crafted and local products. For more information contact info@rotaryclubofsunpeaks. org.

EVENT > listings FEBRURAY 22 TO 25

WEDNESDAY

Celebrate B.C. athletes as they compete in three sports at Sun Peaks. Alpine, snowboard and freestyle competitions will take place on the mountain.

LIFE DRAWING SESSION

live performances.

B.C. WINTER GAMES

FEBRUARY 28

www.sunpeaksresort.com

FRIDAY

www.bcgames.org

Any level of artist is welcome to take part in a life drawing session with local artists. Part of a series, this event also welcomes drop-ins for $20 if space is available. hello@artzonesunpeaks.com

THURSDAY

FEBRUARY 22

MONDAYS

One of three classes Makeshift Kamloops is hosting in Sun Peaks, come out and make a macrame plant hanger. Beverages and appetizers available for purchase.

QUIZZY RASCAL QUIZ NIGHTS

MACRAME HANGER MAKING

events@sunpeakstourism.com

SATURDAY

FEBRUARY 24

SKIJORING IN WELLS GRAY

Put your skis on and get pulled behind a horse at theis unique Skijoring event in Clearwater B.C. Spectators watch for free. 780 712 1659

SATURDAY

FEBRUARY 24

FEBRUARY 26 & MARCH 5, 12, 19, 26 Test your trivia knowledge against others at this weekly quiz night at Masa’s Bar and Grill. $2 per person, drink specials and teams of six. First place wins $40 cash, second place wins a $30 bar tab. 250 571 7480

FRIDAY

MARCH 2 & 16

FRIDAY RACE SERIES

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. 250 578 5505

LIVE MUSIC WITH DEANDRA DEY

course and compete against the clock. The next day grown ups take centre stage in the race to raise money for the Bluebird Day Fund. 250 578 5474

MARCH 2

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

FIRST ANNUAL BEER FEST

Celebrate Bavarian night at Powder Hounds Restaurant. From 8 to 11 p.m. enjoy live performances and Bavarian specialities.

THROUGHOUT MARCH

250 578 6062

On March 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 & 31 enjoy live music at venues throughout the village. All kinds of artists take to the stage for a month of celebrating

MARCH LIVE MUSIC MADNESS

DEMO DAYS

250 578 0014

Got your eye on some new gear? Come and try the latest goods from companies like Burton, Salomon, Head, Elan, Blizzard and more. Booths will be set up slopeside near the Village Day Lodge.

MARCH 2 TO 7

guestservices@sunpeaksresort.com

VELOCITY CHALLENGE AND FIS SPEED SKI WORLD CUP

Watch (and hear!) some of the world’s fastest skiers whiz past you on the Headwalls course or try it yourself at the 3rd annual So You Think You’re Fast Eh? event. 250 578 5505

SATURDAY

MARCH 3

NORTH FACE DIRTY FEET SNOWSHOE FUN RUN & WALK Strap on your snowshoes and take part in the annual family friendly event. The course starts near the village clocktower.

MARCH 23 & 24

HUB INTERNATIONAL NANCY GREENE FESTIVAL

hubngfestival@gmail.com

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

MARCH 23 & 24

TASTE OF THE MIDDLE EAST

Experience the culture and cuisine of the middle east with two chefs. Executive chef of the Sun Peaks Grand, Sudhir D’souza, is joined by Egyptian chef Tawfik Shehata. Two days of food, cooking demonstrations and time with the chefs.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

MARCH 10 & 11

BLUEBIRD BANKED SLALOM

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

Families from across the country arrive in Sun Peaks for a weekend of fun with the Nancy Greene Ski League. Competitions and fun courses take place around the mountain.

info@dirtyfeet.ca

Morrisey’s Public House welcomes Canadian folk artist Deandra Dey to Sun Peaks. Performing her unique songs from 9 to 11 p.m.

MARCH 10 & 11

On Saturday shredders aged nine to 18 can hit the fun

250 578 6080

Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22

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SEND US YOUR PHOTOS TO BE FEATURED IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS

EMAIL PHOTOS TO

EDITOR@SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM

IN PHOTOS LEFT In women’s

RIGHT Kaeden Even

snowboarding, Sophie Nicholls-Austin grabbed first followed by Nikki Lorentz in second and Jacqueline Atteridue in third at the 11th Annual Garden Rail Jam.

took third place in the junior category at the 11th Annual Garden Rail Jam.

- PHOTO SPIN

ABOVE MLA for Kamloops North Thompson Peter Milobar, former Sun

Peaks Health Association president John Hatchett and Sun Peaks Mayor Al Raine cut the ribbon on the new Health Centre on Jan. 26.

- PHOTO SPIN

ABOVE Anne Terwiel, looks at the history

RIGHT Jax Anderson won first place

- PHOTO SPIN

- PHOTO SUBMITTED

plaque installed in new health clinic which includes contributions by her late father, Dr. John Gossage.

in his age category at the RIDE ON provincial snowboard series at Mt. Seymour.

LEFT Ski patrol watches the sun rise as

they ski cut Chief on Feb. 5.

- PHOTO SPIN

BELOW Everette (4) and his brother

Wes (5) from Fort Saskatchewan show off their face paint on B.C. Family Day.

- PHOTO SPIN

Nancy Greene Raine skis down the mountain with Sun Peaks Elementary students during the celebrations of her 50th anniversary of her Olympic gold medal win. - PHOTO SPIN

Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22

sunpeaksnews.com

MOUNTAIN NEWS Mountain Town News ALLEN BEST ALLEN.BEST@COMCAST.NET MOUNTAINTOWNNEWS.NET

Road salt melts ice, but also other consequences WHISTLER, B.C. – In Whistler, the municipality spends $80,000 a year on salt to spread on roads and sidewalks. It melts snow, reduces the risk of falling when walking on sidewalks, and allows cars to go faster on roads. “Everyone wants a bare, wet road,” explained Tom Cloutier, of Miller Capilano, which has responsibility for maintaining the Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler. But in Whistler, as elsewhere, there are questions about impacts of the proliferating use of salt on waterways. The municipality told Pique Newsmagazine that outflow from biofiltration ponds “do not show a significant impact from sodium…. Sodium (salt) levels in the soil or the streams downstream from biofiltration ponds are within regulatory limits.” An article in The Conversation concurred that

at low levels, chloride is relatively benign. “But as concentrations rise, it can be toxic to aquatic wildlife, including the plankton and fish that inhabit inland lakes. These ecological changes affect water quality.” One researcher, Rick Relyea, a professor of biological sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, conducted a study in New York on the impacts of runoff from use of road salt. He found road salt can reduce the size of rainbow trout hatchlings by about 30 per cent, influencing their ability to elude predators, and decreasing the number of eggs they lay. In Whistler, road crews use one part salt to 12 parts sand to provide abrasion and traction. The salt is in a brine. The salt brine stays in the pores of the road for a couple of days, but loses its effectiveness in rain or fog. But the brine is less likely to get splashed onto the shoulder of the road. One alternative is beet wastewater left over from processing of sugar beets. The carbohydrates or sugars make

it more effective at lower temperatures than salt or brine alone. This reduces the melting point of the ice to less than minus 20 degrees C from the minus 10 C of salt brine. The Conversation said beet wastewater, pickle juice, and other alternatives have downsides. There’s the smell. But added sugars to aquatic ecosystems may encourage bacterial growth. Banff has special consideration in rules for sales of marijuana BANFF, Alberta – Banff, like other towns across Canada, is starting to talk about what legalization of marijuana will look like. But it’s unlike most others in that it’s located within a national park. In most cases, the province will dictate the parameters available to local jurisdictions for legalization. In Banff, they are subject to the unique legislative framework that exists in the incorporation agreement for the town with the Canadian government. What Alberta has decided is that marijuana can be con-

sumed in public in the same places where tobacco is used. That use is limited by some exceptions, such as near schools, hospitals, and skateboard and bike parks. The later are efforts to limit second- hand exposure to children. Unlike Ontario, Alberta will not allow sale of cannabis alongside alcohol, tobacco, or pharmaceuticals. In Oregon, cannabis sales have already begun in the mountain community of Bend, located near the base of Mt. Bachelor. Local cannabis retailers report sales trends similar to those identified in a new statewide report delivered by the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis. Prices are falling, but the percentage of the population using marijuana is rising. This has produced an overall increase in sales, according to the report. About 13 per cent of those aged 18 and older in Oregon had reported using marijuana in the previous month before legalization, compared to 16 per cent after legalization began. The Bend Bulletin talked with

Mark Capps of Oregon Euphorics, a local cannabis store. There, the price of dried marijuana flower fell about 30 per cent in the last six months. “There is a race to the bottom right now,” he said. Miracle Greens store manager Anthony Accinelli saw something similar. “We’re finally seeing the market settle where it needs to be.” Citing the new report, The Bulletin said Oregon tracks closely to Colorado in terms of use and sales. The report sees the state cannabis industry growing in a way similar to the craft beer industry, particularly in its ability to create specific strains and value-added products, such as oils, creams, and cannabis-infused drinks and edibles. The Colorado Department of Revenue reported $1.51 billion in sales of medical and recreational cannabis, edibles, and concentrate products in 2017. That compares with $1.3 billion in sales in 2016 and just less than $1 billion in sales in 2015, reported The Denver Post.

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SAM RIGGS GAVIN SMITH JULIA THRIFT JOE TIMMS CRISTIAN VERGARA MARC WHALEN

SE ASON SP ONSOR S BOTTOMS BAR & GRILL CAHILTY CREEK KITCHEN & TAPHOUSE FREEFALL SUN PEAKS KNEE DEEP SPORT MASSAGE MASA’S BAR & GRILL

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Pain / alignment concerns with hiking, running & skiing

250.314.1203 progressivestep.ca

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LOOKING FOR SERVICES IN SUN PEAKS?

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SOLVE THIS CROSSWORD CROSSWORD ANSWERS V16I1

Answers can be found in the next issue of SPIN BUILDING LOT FOR SALE Sun Peaks building lot for sale. Bella Vista. Ski-in, close to Village. Spectacular view. GST paid. 250-320-6871.

FOR RENT

One bedroom Fireside Lodge condo. Full kitchen, king bed, sundeck, shared laundry, hot tub. Available Apr 1 – Nov 30. $800/month. dstewart224@hotmail.com. One bedroom in village. April 15-Nov 15. No smoking, no pets. References and damage deposit required. $800 per month. 250-812-9228.

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EMPLOYMENT

Part time snow removal & misc labour in Sun Peaks Cash paid daily - $20 per hr. 604.626.7100. Steakhouse at Sun Peaks Lodge is hiring for NOVEMBER 2018 a head chef. Please email resumes to info@sunpeakslodge.com. Sun Peaks Lodge is hiring for various positions for the end of winter and summer. Please send resume to info@sunpeakslodge.com.

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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 MARCH 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

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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Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; March 22

>> SPORTS FIS brings category change to local event NIKKI FREDRIKSON NORTH AMERICA’S only international speed skiing event returns to Sun Peaks March 4 to 7 for its 29th year with a change to make some races more accessible to certain competitors. The speed downhill category has been changed to Speed 2 to allow newer competitors to participate with regular alpine ski equipment. This category is not part of the World Cup circuit but racers will still be competing in a FIS event. “The reason is they really want to focus attention on Speed 1 which is full rubber suit, longer skis, faster speeds,” said Scott Coleman, chief of race and event organizer, who added the other World Cup events will go ahead as planned. “So if you want to compete with the fastest in the world you’re going to have to get into a rubber suit.” The annual event brings the fastest skiers from around the

world with competitors ranging from from 20 to 70 years old. The High Velocity & FIS Speed Skiing World Cup competition includes three back-toback World Cup races and a So You Think You’re Fast, Eh? competition. Coleman started the So You Think You’re Fast, Eh event three years ago to allow newer participants an easier day before the serious races began. “It’s geared as a training day for new speed skiers to come out, test their mettle against the Headwalls track. It’s only half of the course that day so the goal is really to make a bunch of runs on your long skis and get used to the speed,” he said. The Headwalls course is regarded as the most technical course on the international speed skiing circuit with the fastest speed record held by Sun Peaks’ Kennedy Dale at 178.22 kilometres per hour. “This course is convex as opposed to concave. Every other course in the world is concave so from the top of the course to the bottom you can see the

whole track. From the top of the Headwalls to the bottom of the course at Sunburst Lodge you can’t see the whole track. We have two rollers in this track,” said Coleman. Aside from the World Cup races, the event holds the annual Velocity Challenge a separate event to determine the fastest competitor of the weekend. If there is time during the three-day competition the challenge will be held on a smaller track or the winner will be determined from the top speeds in the Speed 1 and Speed 2 categories. “It’s a huge spectator sport to watch. It’s interesting to see the speeds, to hear the speeds— you really have to hear it,” said Coleman. The best viewing opportunities are from the mid-mountain Sunburst Lodge. To hear the racers speed by, Coleman suggested skiing down to the the midpoint of the track. Foot passengers can watch the event by purchasing a $10 lift ticket and taking the Sunburst chairlift up to the viewing area.

VELOCITY CHALLENGE & FIS SPEED SKI WORLD CUP PREPARES FOR 29TH YEAR The High Velocity & FIS Speed Skiing World Cup returns to Sun Peaks March. 4 to 7. | FILE PHOTO

Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22

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>> SPORTS Bluebird Banked Slalom gears up for seventh year NIKKI FREDRIKSON A LOCALS’ FAVOURITE EVENT with a course like no other is back for another year. The 7th Annual Bluebird Banked Slalom draws competitors from all over British Columbia to take on the natural terrain only found on the famous “Hully Gully” course. “It’s pretty special, compared to other banked slaloms that other ski hills (have). We’ve got it in the natural little tiny valley of Hully Gully on the top of Sunburst,” said Cara Karpluk, Sun Peaks Resort LLP events manager. “It’s a pretty cool course. It’s got a little bit of moguls, some big banks some flat stretches.” Each year the event raises funds for the Bluebird Day Fund,

a not-for-profit which supports Sun Peaks skiers and snowboarders through athletic and recreational programs. Originally a 19 plus event, last year it was expanded to include a youth competition with a modified course drawing in over 70 competitors. “We’ve got so many little shredders out there so they’re pretty excited to be a part of a local favourite event,” said Karpluk. This year’s event will have a 100 competitor capacity for the youth event on Saturday, March 10 and 125 competitor capacity for the 19 plus event on Sunday. Chief of course, Dom Koric, said this year’s course will be more or less the same with changes being made to certain corners to enhance flow.

“There’s not a whole lot we’re going to change up because that course is really unique. I don’t think there’s anything else like it anywhere,” said Koric. “You start off in the first quarter (it) is all machine made, perfectly nice wide perfect berms and rolls, then you go into this gully which is kind of gnarly and hand-shaped. Then you go into this wide open vast area and then you go into moguls,” he said. While the Hully Gully utilizes many natural features, course volunteers spend weeks preparing the area for the event. “It’s crazy how much work goes into it and then on Sunday you get one run and then it’s all over,” said Koric. Competitors in the youth cat-

Anio-Maija Knuutila sets her game face before her run. | FILE PHOTO

egory must be between nine and 18 years of age and register March 10 in the Village Day

Lodge. Registration for 19 plus competitors is now open on www.SunPeaksResort.com.

Former Sun Peaks skier makes Paralympic team NIKKI FREDRIKSON IT’S GOING ON TWO YEARS since 17-year-old Mel Pemble called Sun Peaks her home mountain but the young athlete recognized her time there was an important part of her skiing career, leading her to being named to the 2018 Paralympic Alpine Team. “I trained with Bill Rublee at the Sun Peaks Racers,” she said. “That was a turning point in my career. It was the year I really started seeing the results turn out. It was the first year that I made the BC team.” Since making it on the BC

sunpeaksnews.com

Para-Alpine Ski Team Pemble’s ski career has taken off, making her World Cup debut in Kuhtai, Austria in December of 2016. On Feb. 16 Pemble was announced to the Canadian Paralympic Team and will head to Pyeongchang as the youngest competitor on the alpine team. “It’s not really set in yet. When I first found out I (was) pretty shocked and really thrilled and I didn’t really know what to say to my coach,” she said. Her journey to the games has taken two years of training and preparation and this year’s

Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22

World Cup results were the make or break component. As a member of the development team heading into this season Pemble needed one top eight finish within 15 per cent of the leader to be considered for the team. “This season’s been one of my toughest for competing because just knowing it’s the one that counts,” she said. “It’s been pretty tough mentally but the competitions have been pretty similar level from the previous year. I’d already done it and I already felt like I already knew what was coming.” Heading into the racing season she was confident she’d

make the qualification requirement by mid-season based on her results last year but would go into her final competition in Kimberley, B.C. in a do-or-die situation. “It was actually the last one I could possibly make it on, it was the World Cup finals and it was about two weeks ago in Kimberley... it was very stressful going into that competition just knowing this was the last chance to even have the qualification,” she said. She made her qualification requirement in the downhill competition placing sixth but will compete in the giant slalom and slalom competition in

Pyeongchang. Pemble, who has cerebral palsy, skis with two skis and one pole. She said giant slalom is her favourite of the two disciplines because it’s a bit easier for her. “It’s all just about adapting the training techniques and finding different ways to get the same feeling as someone who wouldn’t have CP,” she explained. With just over two weeks before heading to the Paralympic Games Pemble will be spending most of her time training in the gym in preparation for the event from March 9 to 18.

>> SPORTS Turcotte claims gold at X Games

15 WEEK Food Box! same-day harvested fruits & veggies - certified organic -

Turcotte poses with his double gold haul at the X Games in Apsen. | PHOTO FACEBOOK

SUN PEAKS INDPENDENT NEWS BRETT TURCOTTE wrecked his dirt bike in Oliver, B.C. last summer and spent nearly two weeks holed up at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops. He broke his tailbone, fractured his foot and lost nearly 50 per cent of his blood. On Jan. 26, he completed one of the greatest runs in snowmobiling history to place ﬁrst in freestyle at the X Games in Aspen, CO and claim his second gold medal at the event, the other coming in the speed and style competition on Jan. 25. “This year, I had to recharge the batteries and kind of dig deep,” said Turcotte, who plans to attend a hillclimb event in

Sun Peaks in April. “I was pretty banged up this summer. “It’s quite the accomplishment for not only me, but for my family. It’s positioned me for future things. The ball has already been rolling. I’ve been answering my phone all day.” The 30-year-old Clearwater product was on his way home from Aspen when he spoke to SPIN, driving in his truck along with wife Niki and daughter Hudson, a one-and-a-half-year old who was starting to voice her displeasure with the long haul. She isn’t quite old enough to realize daddy brought home the bacon. A sizeable cheque came along with the prestige of winning two gold medals at the Games. Turcotte declined to

cough up an exact ﬁgure, but several snow sports websites suggest each gold medal is worth about $50,000. The ﬁve-time X Games medallist (Turcotte won silver in snocross in 2008, bronze in snowmobile freestyle in 2016 and silver in snowmobile best trick in 2017) runs an action sports training facility, The Turcotte Compound, in Clearwater and will be playing host to a fundraising event on March 3. There will be a freestyle demonstration and a drag-racing competition open to the public, with all proceeds going to the local Lions Club. Email niki@turcottecompound.com for more information. Perhaps those who attend will get a look at what it took to top the podium in Aspen.

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At the freestyle event on Jan. 26, Turcotte went side-saddle before the jump on the ﬁrst trick of his second run. After launch, he spun 360 degrees in mid-air and returned to his seat before stomping the no-hands landing. It was a key element in his set, which will likely be emulated by a host of snowmobilers aiming to steal his crown next year. “I’m looking forward to getting back home to backcountry and letting the stress dissipate of doing backﬂips every day for a month straight,” said Turcotte, who trains with Greg Kozoris

Wednesdays

June 13 - Sept 19

of Kozoris Acceleration in Kamloops. “It gets to be pretty wearing on a guy.” After a deep breath at home and a few rips in the Clearwater bush, Turcotte will turn his attention to striking while the iron is hot on the business side. “I’m already looking forward to next year and scratching my head and ﬁguring out where I want to take my career and how hard I want to push myself,” said Turcotte, who also placed ﬁfth in the snow bike best-trick competition on Jan. 28. “I don’t think I can afford to sit on my hands at this point.”

Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22

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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.

NEW LISTING

364 CAHILTY HOTEL & SUITES | $119,900 Location, location, location! Bright and fabulous third ﬂoor loft apartment with full kitchen and extra south facing windows providing views of Mt. Morissey, Tod Mountain and the Sun Peaks Village. Great slope side location, offered fully furnished, and comfortably sleeps 4. This property has unlimited owner use and a professional in house management team in place.

5404 LOOKOUT RIDGE PLACE | $899,000

413 COAST SUNDANCE LODGE | $ $33,000

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.

Deluxe 4th ﬂoor studio, with great sense of volume due to extra high ceilings. Gorgeous views of Mount Morrissey. Efﬁciency kitchen with 4 burner stove top, xl bath with space for storage and 2 double beds. Ownersʼ personal use may be up to 180 days per year. Walk immediately out your door to skiing, golf and all Village shops and restaurants.

NEW LISTING

28 STONE’S THROW | $440,000 Feel instant warmth and comfort in this bright, fully furnished, two bedroom, two bathroom condo with convenient ski-in, ski-out access. Inviting, open living area with floor to ceilings window providing natural daylight, cozy gas fireplace and sliding glass door to the private deck and hot tub. This beautifully appointed mountain retreat comes complete with six appliances including in suite laundry, heated tile floors, ample storage areas and heated underground parking garage. GST is paid.

SOLD

NEW LISTING

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 7372 CAHILTY CRESCENT | $159,000 This is a fantastic building lot on the upper road in the family friendly community of Whitecroft with mountain and valley views. Just 5 minutes from Sun Peaks Resort, 5 minutes to pristine Hefﬂey Lake and 35 minutes to Kamloops. Sloping 1.58 acre lot is partially cleared and requires minimal site preparation for your single family home. Community water system, ﬁre protection, high speed internet, cable, hydro and telephone services available. GST not applicable.

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.

NEW LISTING

205 HEARTHSTONE LODGE | $37,500 Ski lifts & the Sun Peaks Golf Course - right outside your front door! Cozy studio suite features a well-appointed kitchenette, gas ﬁreplace, and unique private patio with south facing exposure. Tastefully designed and furnished in a traditional mountain lodge motif using natural wood ﬁnishes & country pine furnishings. Owners enjoy a generous 180 days per year; GST applies.

SUNPEAKSREALTY.COM 24

sunpeaksnews.com

Vol 16 Issue 2 February 23 — March 22