SPIN Volume 17 Issue 2 by Sun Peaks Independent News

YOURS FREE TO TAKE HOME

VOLUME 17 ISSUE 02

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 — MARCH 22, 2019

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

SKIJORING IS A THING IN CLEARWATER

PAC LOBBIES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PAGE 4

PAGES 12

THE SOULINES TEAM CREATE A BASE CAMP IN WHICH RIDERS HAVE ALL THE AMENITIES TO SURVIVE 3 DAYS AT 1800 METERS. Photo Nick Khatter

Building the community of backcountry Sun Peaks represented at Soulines

2018 SOULINES BIG LINE CHAMP SAM KUCH BOOSTING A NATURAL LIP DURING THE SPACE BIG AIR VIDEO CHALLENGE. Photo Oliver Hogan

NIKKI FREDRIKSON

AFTER SURVIVING AN AVALANCHE IN THE BACKCOUNTRY, JASON GRETZINGER REALIZED HE AND HIS FRIENDS WEREN’T DOING THEIR DUE DILIGENCE FOR AVALANCHE SAFETY. LOOKING BACK, HE RECOGNIZED HE MISSED FOUR IMPORTANT INDICATIONS OF A POTENTIAL SLIDE THE DAY HE WAS BURIED. THAT EXPERIENCE, COMBINED WITH THE FACT THERE WEREN’T MANY FREERIDE COMPETITIONS AVAILABLE IN CANADA, INSPIRED HIM TO CREATE SOULINES BACKCOUNTRY, WHERE ATHLETES COULD COMPETE IN BIG TERRAIN IN A MORE CONTROLLED WAY. The three day event from March 1 to 3 at White Lady Lake in Nelson, B.C., is centred around a large winter camp. “I wanted to do something

local and do something organic and do the camping thing, so it’s really people who appreciate the backcountry, want to be a part of it and get to learn from each other and build a community that way,” he said. Entering its third year, the event has grown from 27 participants to 130 attendees. Forty skiers and snowboarders will compete in a Big Mountain Line contest, Space Bear Big Air and the Souline Photo contest, with the remaining people participating as crew and base camp attendees. Sun Peaks will be represented at the event by first-time competitors Marlie Marchewka and Bryann Palmer and returning competitors, Jan Glowczynski, who placed third in last year’s Big Mountain line contest and former local Kieran Nikula. Andrew Heltron, who previously competed at the event, is working on the safety crew this year. “In my opinion, it’s the pinnacle of backcountry skiing,” he said. “It sums up everything we love to

do in terms of that fringe or niche part of skiing, where guys like to drive their sleds into the forest, set up camp and hang out around a

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SCOTT LARLEE CHARGING THROUGH THE TERRAIN WITH MANDATORY AIR DURING THE BIG LINE CONTEST. Photo Jeremy Van Walsh

VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

LOCAL NEWS

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CONTINUED FROM COVER fire at night… and ski some of the gnarliest stuff.” This year Gretzinger pushed for 50/50 representation between female and male competitors, trying to cap each category at 10 riders. Due to the nature of the event, each competitor had to send Gretzinger a rider resume including their competitive experience, videos, photos, and references. “It’s pretty technical terrain I wanted to make sure we weren’t dealing with putting people up there and it being a liability for our safety team, so I got an idea they could ride which is great,” said Gretzinger. “It was really tough because I didn’t know some of them, so it was seeing what they

gave me and then what their reference was and what people had to say about them I also took that into account.” Growing in size each year, the event has attracted competitors from across the province and the U.S. with many of this year’s athletes coming from Jackson Hole, Whistler, Revelstoke and Sun Peaks. “The one thing that really touched me last year was I had a few riders that came up to me and told me they rode the gnarliest line of their lives. That’s basically what we’re trying to do. We set up safety so you can ride the backcountry and not have to think about stuff sliding,” stated Gretzinger. Coming from a terrain park background, first-time snowboard competitor Marlie Marchewka has been falling in love with big

mountain and challenging herself. After seeing a few friends compete at last year’s event she decided to apply. “Honestly it looked like an incredible time,” she said. “Being inspired by and riding amongst amazing people in a totally new atmosphere triggered something for me. ‘I want to do that,’ is exactly what I said to myself. So I just went for it and filled it out, you never know unless you try.” Describing her snowboarding style as aggressive or relaxed depending on the day and terrain she’s riding, Marchewka has been preparing for the contest by adding extra weight to her pack to increase her endurance and splitboarding and hiking as much as possible. “Mental preparation is big too. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t

nervous going into this. It’s a very real challenge, but you can’t let it get the best of you.” With rider safety a priority, each Soulines competitor is required to have AST 1 or higher and will be required to complete a beacon search in five minutes. The competitors will skin up a track which crosses an avalanche path before descending into untouched terrain. “I want people to learn something and learn something about their riding and learn something about the backcountry and safety and also feel the community vibe,” said Gretzinger. “Any time you go into the backcountry the people you’re with is what’s important. It’s kind of that community mentality where everybody’s out there to help each other.”

Brandi Schier

brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

Gas station and cannabis retail location proposed

GRAPHIC ARTIST Frankie Knight

frankie@sunpeaksnews.com

EDITOR Jean Strong

jean@sunpeaksnews.com

REPORTER Nikki Fredikson

nikki@sunpeaksnews.com

CONTRIBUTORS Ron Betts Emily Perrins 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.

JEAN STRONG

FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE FEDERAL LEGALIZATION IN OCTOBER 2018, A PROPOSAL WHICH INCLUDES A CANNABIS RETAIL STORE IS COMING BEFORE SUN PEAKS MOUNTAIN RESORT MUNICIPALITY (SPMRM) COUNCIL. During a Feb. 19 regular council meeting a rezoning application was given first reading. The applicant asked SPMRM to rezone a lot at 1235 Alpine Rd., at the corner of Alpine Road and Sun Peaks Road, from leisure recreation site to commercial service station with a site specific amendment which would allow retail sale of cannabis in a second building on the property. The lot is currently owned by Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR).

traffic in the area. Utilities, building inspection, Sun Peaks Fire Rescue (SPFR) and public works all expressed concerns regarding traffic in the area. Public works reported there are seven access points within a small area and that section of Sun Peaks Rd. is already “a notable traffic problem area.” While a statutory right of way exists to allow cars to access staff accommodation, submitted plans raised concerns from Councillors Darcy Alexander and Ines Popig and Mayor Al Raine about the number of vehicles which need to cross the property and how to arrange the lot to allow the best movement. Councillor Mario Pozza also questioned the layout of the lot and wondered about snow removal and deposition and a set back for snow clearing on Alpine Rd. as submitted plans appear to show buildings close to the property line. SPFR’s interest in being able to exit their lot effectively in case of emergency was addressed by Raine who said they could consider adding lights on Sun Peaks Rd. which standing with the Canadian would flash to alert drivers Association of Professional Sommeliers. Liddy is a Certified when fire apparatus leave the Master Sommelier and Teacher hall. with the International Sommelier The property is not currently

The development plans included with the application indicate a gas station with convenience store on the west end of the lot and the cannabis retail store just north-east. In the Official Community Plan (OCP) the lot is designated as general commercial, the only lot with such designation within the resort. SPMRM staff wrote in the report to council the proposed zoning and use is consistent with the OCP. “It is a policy of Council to support uses such as gas stations and convenience stores in areas designated General Commercial and to encourage the development of general commercial uses that support the permanent population of Sun Peaks,” read the report. Despite being aligned with the OCP, some concerns were presented by affected parties, though none related to the cannabis retail aspect aside from the anticipated increased

CORRECTION NOTICE In Volume 17 Issue 2 in our article titled “Mantles’ resident wine expert,” Tarrah MacPherson’s and Daniel Liddy’s credentials were misreported. MacPherson is a certified Sommelier from the International Sommelier’s Guild and is recognized in good

VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

Guild for 20 years. SPIN regrets the error and apologizes for any confusion caused by our original

serviced by water, wastewater or gas utilities and SPMRM Utilities requested a servicing plan be drafted and approved along with designs for a fuel supply facility. They also asked for assurance from the applicant there is protection from materials or fuel entering the wastewater or stormwater collection system. Raine discussed the need for a bigger picture view of the lot and surrounding area to understand traffic and pedestrian flows before the amendment is presented at a public hearing. “I’d like to see SPR staff work with municipal staff for traffic and pedestrian flows,” he said. “We need to have a good grasp of traffic flows... we need to get the right information and have it all right before a public hearing. “I don’t want to be critical but it looks like this was rushed a bit.” SPMRM will request further information from the applicant before a second reading. After second reading the amendment would go to public hearing. If approved the applicant will also be required to apply to the provincial government regarding retail cannabis with proof it’s a use allowed by SPMRM.

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VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

LOCAL NEWS

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PAC pushes school district for more space School over capacity, enrollment rising JEAN STRONG

PARENTS OF SUN PEAKS’ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ARE REQUESTING MORE SUPPORT IN THE FORM OF ADDITIONAL PORTABLES FROM SCHOOL DISTRICT 73 (SD73). In a presentation to the school board on Feb. 11 representatives from Sun Peaks Education Society (SPES) and Sun Peaks Elementary’s Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) asked the board to provide two new portables for September of 2019. Around a dozen Sun Peaks parents attended the crowded meeting to support the proposal

as their children learn in the four portables currently used by the school. SPES president Ross Blakeney said enrollment is over 100 students but there is only room for 95 to 97 depending on the grades and split of the classrooms. “We’re effectively over capacity but dealing with it by having two teachers in one class,” he explained. “It’s crowded for the students...it’s not the learning environment they should have.” With enrollment expected to pass 110 within a few years, a small number of grade sevens leaving this year and a large amount of kindergarten students expected to enroll in September, Blakeney said

parents are looking for the district to provide the same support they do to other schools in the area. “They routinely provide portables across the district as needed and the ask is that we want to be treated equally. “The municipality, resort, education society and PAC all want to work together on any logistical issues. The real key issue is we need the school district to step up to provide funding.” The new space would be used for an auxiliary space, of which the school currently has none, and a classroom. An auxiliary space would be used for things like challenging students, music, teacher librarians or educational assistants who work with students one-on-one. Blakeney

said those assistants can use an existing kitchen space but it’s not private. “We’re trying to work cooperatively with the school district to get things that the students need up there. We don’t want to see students turned away.” He added he expected the board will respond in March. SD73 will also meet with the municipality, SPES and the

PAC on May 3 to discuss school facilities. The kindergarten to grade seven Sun Peaks Elementary was started in 2010 by SPES through fundraising but has been operated by SD73 since 2012. In December the school was placed on a capital list for funding for a new school building but it’s expected to be at least five years away.

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Rotary Club feeds firefighters, sets new goals JEAN STRONG THE ROTARY CLUB OF SUN PEAKS HAD A BUSY START TO 2019, CONTINUING TO VOLUNTEER FOR COMMUNITY CAUSES AND WORKING TOWARD FUNDRAISING GOALS. On Jan. 29 the club cooked an Italian feast for Sun Peaks’ firefighters. Rotary member Melissa Vike said while they were busy with their own projects they noticed another group of volunteers who deserved recognition. “Having such a well run

and selflessly trained team of volunteers adds more value to the community than I think most people realize,” she said. “They commit hundreds of hours annually to be the first responders in this community providing a level of safety and care many of us don’t even realize until we need it.” Vike added with an administrative fund surplus they decided to splurge on the event. Each firefighter received a personal thank you card, a gift card to a locally owned business and dinner. The Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Conference Centre loaned

VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

cutlery, plates and napkins for the event. “We are so lucky to live in a community with so many committed volunteers and if our act of kindness can inspire even one person to pay it forward than we’ve done what we set out to do,” Vike said. During a second event, a fundraiser dinner on Feb. 12, the Rotary Interact Club raised over $1,600 which helped them reach their $2,000 goal for a new intubation instrument for the Sun Peaks Health Centre. More than 50 guests attended the dinner.

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SUN PEAKS VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS ENJOY A MEAL COOKED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF SUN PEAKS. Photo Supplied

LOCAL NEWS

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TSP keeps eye on federal relationship with China JEAN STRONG

IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR TOURISM SUN PEAKS (TSP) IN ITS ASIAN TOURISM MARKETS DESPITE RISING TENSIONS BETWEEN THE CANADIAN AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS. IN JANUARY, BOTH COUNTRIES ISSUED TR AVEL ADVISORIES FOR THE OTHER, CITING THE RISK OF “ARBITR ARY DETENTION.” Colin Brost, director of market development for TSP, said the country has been an important destination in their marketing strategy, especially since 2010 when Canada received approved destination status from the Chinese government. The designation made it easier for Chinese tourists to travel to Canada, relaxing previous visa restrictions.

Since then, Brost said, the industry has seen a lot of growth and China has become an important market for B.C. Chinese tourists makeup more entries into B.C. than any other country and in 2017, 335,000 Chinese visitors came to the province. At Sun Peaks, Brost said, they visit both as a part of escorted tours as well as with their families for self guided trips in both summer and winter. “It’s a very important market for us.” As for an impact from politics? Brost said it’s too soon to tell. “It’s too early to tell what potential or possible impacts will be,” he said. “We’re working closely with provincial and national tourism associations. The approved destination status still exists, there are still

Chinese people travelling here and Canadians travelling there.” He added it hasn’t changed any plans for marketing or trade trips to the country.

Looking for a business or service in Sun Peaks?

Check out our online business directory at: local.sunpeaksnews.com

AN EXAMPLE OF AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR SUN PEAKS THAT RAN IN CHINA IN 2017. Photo Supplied

250.374.4030 VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

LOCAL NEWS

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Local takes the reins at 5Forty EMILY PERRINS THERE’S A CHANGE IN MANAGEMENT AT 5FORTY CAFÉ AND GRILL, BUT DON’T FEAR, YOUR FAVOURITE BAGEL OR PANINI ISN’T LEAVING THE MENU. NEW OWNER JOEL CURRIE INSISTS THE CAFÉ ISN’T GOING TO BE MAKING ANY BIG OPERATIONAL CHANGES. Having lived in Sun Peaks for 18 years, Currie has watched 5Forty grow since it first opened under former owner Scott Janzen. Notably in 2014 it switched from part-retail store to full café and deli with expanded seating capacity. Following Janzen’s stepping away from the business, Currie took it on in partnership with his brother, Brad, with ownership starting Feb. 1. Currie’s background is mostly in construction management, but this is not his first foray into hospitality in Sun Peaks; he worked at Bottoms Bar & Grill for eight years and managed the club for a season. While he’s taken on 5Forty as his own endeavour he said he

doesn’t plan on changing too much about the place. “It’s got a local following and I want to keep that.” There are some new faces in the staff, but otherwise the team will remain familiar to regulars. The only variation Currie is looking at right now is the addition of an afternoon tapas menu to the café’s usual fare. “I’d like to offer more of an après special,” he said. Amanda Willmes, who has worked at 5Forty since October, said she hopes the café can build more of reputation as a night scene. “It’d be really nice to have more of an evening thing where people could come here to get more drink specials…I would love if we could do cocktails, I think that would be a lot of fun.” Currie is open to the idea of boosting the business’ status as a venue for events and live music in the future but for now, “we’re still in talks with what we’re going to do,” he said. “I’m working with the staff on some things to do and events to plan, but nothing concrete yet.”

ENJOY YOUR VIEW FROM THE WARMTH OF YOUR VERY OWN HOT TUB

JOEL CURRIE WORKING AT 5FORTY. Photo SPIN

Willmes said Currie is taking the early steps to gauge the business and “what people want.”

“I think with a popular place like this, it has a lot of potential,” she said. 5Forty Café and Grill can be

found in the upper village in Fireside Lodge and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

LOCAL NEWS

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Community honours one year anniversary of Shtuka’s disappearance NIKKI FREDRICKSON & BRANDI SCHIER FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF MISSING PERSON RYAN SHTUKA, ALONG WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF SUN PEAKS, MARKED THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DISAPPEARANCE FROM FEB. 15 TO 17 WITH SEVERAL EVENTS IN KAMLOOPS AND SUN PEAKS. The then 20-year-old was last seen at house party on Feb. 17, 2018 on Burfield Dr. after a night out in the village with friends. “Kamloops Search and Rescue, police dog service, RCMP helicopter, RCMP tactical team and RCMP dive team were utilized in the days and months to follow,” said Cpl. Jodi Shelkie at a press conference in Kamloops on Feb. 15 where RCMP and Ryan’s parents, Heather and Scott Shtuka, made a plea for any information related to the case. Shelkie said they will continue to investigate the file until it has been determined what happened to Ryan and stated they investigate every tip they receive. “We are actively investigating

this and welcome any information anyone may have,” she said. Heather reflected on the last year and her memories of her son. “For Scott and I, we’re not sure if and when this journey will stop for us, “ she said. “I remember the promising young man who came out to Sun Peaks to live out this dream he had. As we come to this one year, all I need everyone to know is how much we miss our son and and how much he matters and how much we love him and we just want to know what happened to him.” Scott thanked everyone who assisted with their search efforts. “I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has come up and helped us with searching,” he said. “There’s countless friends, volunteers and family...we want everyone to know that we’re not stopping, because as Heather said, Ryan means a lot to us and our family. Everyone is grieving. “We miss Ryan a lot and we want to bring him home.” Supt. Lecky of the Tk’emlups Rural RCMP detatchment appealed to the public to aid police in their

HEATHER, JULIANNA AND JORDYN SHTUKA JOIN FAMILY, FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS AT SUN PEAKS. Photo SPIN

investigation. “We need that help and support from the public. Somebody knows something. Somebody knows something,” he said. “We need people to come forward with whatever tips, information. There’s variety of ways that (they) can come forward but we do need you to step up to help contribute to this investigation and to bring some comfort to the families and to Ryan.” In Sun Peaks, the community focused on honouring Ryan’s memory and supporting the family. Over 100 community members joined together Feb. 16 for a Run for Ryan down 5mile skirun followed

by a hot chocolate reception at the Tube Park where Ryan worked. The following night friends, family and community members gathered at the top of the village to follow Heather and Scott along a candlelit walk before settling at the Clock Tower to remember Ryan and the impact he had on the community. “Our son would have been surprised yet honoured, by how many people have been impacted by his life, so many of us find ourselves different, better because

of this tragedy how such a quiet and almost at times introspective young man could create such a noise,” said Heather. “Ryan wherever you are on the night almost a year (later) I want you to know how so very much you were loved and how much you mattered and how you’ll never ever be forgotten,” Heather said during the vigil. Anyone with information is asked to contact Kamloops Rural RCMP at 250-314-1800 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

HEATHER AND SCOTT SHTUKA SPEAK AT THE CANDLELIT VIGIL. Photo SPIN

PLEASE HELP! Donate your used Skis, Boards, and Boots to help fund our program. Contact us and we will arrange pick up. Phone: 250.572.0616 Email: adaptivesportsatsunpeaks@ gmail.com VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

COMMUNITY

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COLUMNIST VIEWS MEL ROTHENBURGER TNRD REPORT director.mrothenburger@tnrd.ca Mel Rothenburger is the TNRD Director for Electoral Area P, including Whitecroft and Heffley Creek. He was the mayor of Kamloops from 1999-2005 and a former newspaper editor.

RUNNING FOR CIVIC OFFICE KEEPS GETTING MORE AND MORE EXPENSIVE. CAMPAIGN FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES FOR LAST OCTOBER’S ELECTIONS SHOW, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT THE HIGHEST-SPENDING CANDIDATE IN KAMLOOPS, MIKE O’REILLY, MOUNTED A CAMPAIGN COSTING MORE THAN $23,000. Several other candidates, including incumbent mayor Ken Christian, were at around $20,000, give or take. That requires a whole lot of fundraising that some candidates — especially those dipping their toes into politics for the first time — just can’t afford. New rules introduced for that election set a maximum

of $1,200 for any single donation, with the exception of candidates themselves, who can put up to $2,400 towards their own campaigns. Union and corporate donations have been prohibited. For high profile candidates, it didn’t make a major difference. Those who are very wellknown in their communities have the advantage of being able to attract more donations than the newbies. Prior to the new rules, lesser known candidates could make up the difference with selffunding, to whatever level they could afford. Not anymore. The $1,200 limit was supposed to level the playing field but actually makes it more difficult for first-timers to compete. Civic election campaigns, like those at other levels of government, are becoming prohibitively expensive in bigger cities, and that’s bad for democracy. That’s why it’s reassuring to

Letter to the editor: Does Naloxone increase drug abuse? Shane Barclay MD Sun Peaks, B.C. IN DECEMBER 2018 THE SUN PEAKS HEALTH CENTRE PUT ON TWO FREE PUBLIC TALKS IN THE BURFIELD BOARD ROOM. ONE WAS ON HOW TO DO CPR AND USE AN AED AND THE OTHER ON DRUG OVERDOSES AND A DEMONSTRATION OF HOW TO USE NALOXONE. ACTUAL NALOXONE KITS WERE AVAILABLE AND GIVEN OUT. Often such talks on drug overdose and Naloxone use brings up the notion that such information will foster increased opioid use in a community. A paper posted on the internet (but not published in any medical journal) on March 6, 2018 by Jennifer

Doleac and Anita Mukherjee from the USA has put forth this idea that Naloxone promotes and increases use of recreational drugs, access and even crime. This has been called the “moral hazard theory” of opioid use, wherein such a lifesaving treatment results in a moral hazard of increased drug use. The pushback and criticism of this paper was immediate and blistering. Their paper did not provide any evidence showing correlation of their statistics with causation of the results. An example of this (albeit to the extreme and absurd) would be that “all people who develop cancer breathe air. Therefore, breathing air causes cancer and we should stop breathing!” There is a 100 per cent correlation with

SONYA TREVISI RMT

Anyone can still afford to run for office in rural areas look at the cost of campaigns in smaller communities and rural areas. In the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, elections were held in eight of the 10 electoral areas. In the other two, I was re-elected by acclamation in Electoral P, and Herb Graham won by acclamation in Electoral Area N in the Nicola area, so there was no need for campaign expenses. Incumbent Mayor Al Raine, who was unopposed in Sun Peaks, also spent nothing. A look at the electoral areas in which votes were necessary shows campaigns, for the most part, were run on a shoestring. The biggest spender was former Merritt mayor David Laird, who successfully ran for election in Electoral Area M, a rural area near Merritt. Laird spent just over $2,300 on his campaign. Some candidates spend absolutely nothing but that wasn’t the norm. Other

than those ones, the lowest campaigns came in at between $200 and $300. Several candidates spent between $1,000 and $2,000. That’s pretty thrifty campaigning. If you’re wondering how much I spent, it was $39 for a thank-you advertisement and bank charges. There wasn’t much difference between what candidates for electoral areas in the TNRD, and municipalities, spent. Let’s take a look at Sun Peaks and Chase, the two incorporated communities closest to Area P. In Sun Peaks, the most expensive campaign was only $1,000, the lowest zero and the next lowest $400. In Chase, the five candidates for mayor all spent more than $1,000 but the highest was just over $1,600. Six candidates ran for four spots on Chase council, with the most expensive campaign

coming in at $1,000 and the lowest at $306. I think one of the reasons it’s still comparatively inexpensive for candidates in small communities and rural areas to run for civic office is that populations are smaller and neighbourhoods are tightly knit. Campaign styles are less about big signs and media advertising than about talking to people on their doorsteps and at public meetings. More people know each other on a first-name basis in smaller communities. Inevitably, inflation will cause even rural campaigning to become more expensive as time goes on but it’s good to know that, at least for the foreseeable future, just about anyone who wants to run for public office in rural and small communities can do so without having to worry about trying to compete with the wallet

breathing and those who develop cancer, but there is no causation effect at all. Same logic, same type of conclusions in this paper. Similar “moral hazards” have been with us for decades, no… centuries. The birth control pill will increase reckless sexual behavior. Seat belts and other safety features in cars will increase speeding and reckless driving. The list goes on and on in all sectors of life. No research to date has shown Naloxone to increase drug abuse or crime. And Naloxone has been distributed publicly in Europe since 1995 (that’s nearly 25 years). If you merely Google (not my favorite resource) “does Naloxone increase drug abuse” you will find scientific papers going back over 15 years, showing Naloxone does not increase opioid abuse. But are there any factors that could possibly increase overdose deaths from opioid

use? Well, maybe restrictive laws that arrest people who call 911 for an overdose and when the police arrive arrest people for drug possession. Or how about the fear of employees that if someone calls 911 in, say a house party, where there is an overdose, the occupants will lose their jobs when the boss finds out? Maybe better to just leave the poor soul on the floor and hope he survives? Oddly enough when medical experts tell us we shouldn’t smoke, or we should lose weight and exercise, people don’t rush out to buy cigarettes, or intentionally gulp down extra calories or stop exercising because of hearing that information. With regard to the CPR/ AED talk, somewhat surprisingly (yes ok, I am being cynical) I haven’t heard any complaints that this would promote people to keep smoking and living poor lifestyles because they could now simply be

saved by a member of the community when they have a heart attack. Moral hazard. So, should we be taking the time and energy to educate people about the perils of opioid and other drug abuse and overdoses? What would it take for someone to want to learn to use Naloxone? Would it be the overdose and death of a son, daughter, mother, father, sister, brother, close relative or friend? One would hope not. But if you believe you don’t know or have never met people who are addicts or drug abusers, that is being naïve. If you believe narcotics and other illegal drugs are not part of every community in Canada, that is being equally naïve. In my view not promoting and educating on Naloxone is the “moral hazard.” It borders on malpractice and is the very definition of lack of personal and public responsibility to one’s community. Just my thoughts.

me as your Local Fave Volunteer Thanks for selecting in the SPIN Awards

A special thanks to all the other great volunteers I work with especially: Dom Koric, Melissa Vike and the rest of the Rotarians, Pat Nasilowski and all those who help with Ullr! 8

VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

COMMUNITY

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

Remembering Chef and Author Annie Campbell BRANDI SCHIER PUBLISHER’S NOTE

brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

LAST MONTH OUR COMMUNITY SAID FAREWELL TO LOCAL RESIDENT ANNIE CAMPBELL WHO, AFTER A BRIEF STAY AT KAMLOOPS HOSPICE, SLIPPED AWAY ON THE MORNING OF JAN. 25. At just 31 years old, Annie made an indelible impression on her home of Sun Peaks, both in the friendships she made and also through her career as a chef. When a young person passes away it’s cliché to say to measure their life not by how long they lived, but by how many people they impacted, but in this case it rings true. Thousands of people have memories of amazing meals

at Voyaguer Bistro where Annie worked for five years and created the menu and unique culinary identity popular with both locals and visitors. Her delicious soups, impressive charcuterie boards and hearty entrees have created warm memories for so many people from all over the world. Unable to return to work after cancer treatment, Annie authored and created a cookbook, The Little Ladle Presents: Classic Canadian Fare (SPIN May 2018 ‘Chef makes lemonade from lemons’) which now graces the kitchens of her friends, family and fans and will continue to inspire them to cook and share meals together. While Annie wasn’t a huge skier, she chose to make Sun Peaks her home because of the community and friends

she found here. Like many of us, she had a second family here who rallied around her when she fell ill and gathered to celebrate her too-short life. When her family spoke at her memorial gathering it was clear they understood why Annie loved Sun Peaks and why she chose to stay here at the end of her life. While Annie and I were not close friends, it was an honour to witness her face her illness with optimism and grace. Watching her friends and the community come together around her was an important reminder to me not to take the people here for granted and how important true friends are. Thank you Annie for the many amazing meals and laughs. Rest easy, Little Ladle. ANNIE CAMPBELL POSES WITH HER COOKBOOK AT THE PUBLICATION’S LAUNCH IN JUNE 2018. File Photo

Letter to the editor: Thank you to the Sun Peaks Family Practice Darrin Rein Kamloops, B.C. SUN PEAKS FAMILY PRACTICE IS JUST OVER ONE NOW. IT WAS ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO I WAS EMAILED BY THE MUNICIPALITY AND ASKED IF I WOULD BE WILLING TO HELP WITH GETTING ALL THEIR COMPUTER SYSTEM TOGETHER. A FEW DAYS LATER I MET WITH

LAURA BANTOCK WHO WAS TO BE THE CLINIC’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. I WAS DEFINITELY ON BOARD WITH THEIR GOALS AND WAS FLATTERED TO ACCEPT TO HELP THEM OUT. At that point they did not have a Doctor, or a MOA, let alone any furniture or equipment yet, just an empty building and a big vision. I did have one request—I wanted to be a patient. I

looked at this as opportunity to face the music. At that time, I was pretty secretive about how I was feeling but it was pretty clear that things were just getting worse. I have never been one to see a doctor on any kind of regular basis so for me to ask this is probably bigger than most could ever realize. Let’s skip ahead...the clinic is now open and as requested I had a regular

doctor, Dr. Barclay. I got the referral that I needed and eventually got my diagnosis. Now, this is me saying thank you to every single person involved in making Sun Peaks Family Practice even possible. There is no way I could list you all, I am pretty sure you all know who you are. Know that you all should be proud of what you have done. I am not really sure where I would be right

now if the vision never came to be. I’d probably be still dealing with walk-in clinics or just ignoring what was happening to me. I could go on about my condition but that’s not really the point of writing this. I just want to acknowledge the entire team at the family practice and let you all know that the Sun Peaks community is extremely fortunate to have such a place.

Experience Winter at Sun Peaks Spa Couples Treatments

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VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

ENJOYING A CHAIRLIFT SUNSET AT SUN PEAKS. Photo Supplied

HIRTLE SHREDDING - HIS FAVOURITE THING. Photo Supplied

LAURIE HIRTLE LEARNED TO DOWNHILL BIKE LAST SUMMER. Photo Supplied

Head over heels for Sun Peaks JEAN STRONG

LAURIE HIRTLE GREW UP WORLDS AWAY FROM THE MOUNTAIN TOWN OF SUN PEAKS. HIS CHILDHOOD IN TURO, N.S. WASN’T A SKI-CENTRIC PLACE BUT HE DID WHAT HE COULD. “Skiing does not come easy on the East coast of Canada with frequent seasons of skiing glare ice and strips of man made snow across grass,” he said. He learned to ski at Ski Wentworth, a hill with a whopping 815 vertical feet. “Wentworth was small,” he said. “Only one chairlift, 20 runs, and a staggering 250 meters of vertical. It didn’t matter, I skied the heck out of

that little ski hill and it created a fire inside me that has turned into a lifelong love for gliding on snow.” Hirtle was drawn to the opposite coast by his love for the environment and outdoors, earning a degree in science in forestry and working in a small coastal town. With no ski town nearby he found himself visiting friends at Sun Peaks. “This was the beginning of my love for this ski area, the village, and the community,” Hirtle said. “Living in Sun Peaks had been my dream ever since that first visit to the resort.” When he landed a new job in Kamloops he was able to make that dream a reality. He now works as Land and Timber Manager with the Mountain Resorts Branch within the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural

VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

Development. “After a decade of working in the logging industry, I was very fortunate to be offered an opportunity with Mountain Resorts Branch which meant my career as a forester would now be focused on forest management on the province’s ski resorts. I believe I am one of the lucky few people who are fortunate enough to have a job they love.” While living in Kamloops, Hirtle spent each day off commuting to Sun Peaks to ski, then he got an idea. “I always enjoyed my time spent in Sun Peaks and I never wanted to leave. I started thinking ‘why not make this my home and commute to work on the weekdays instead?’ Besides, it’s much easier to commute in work clothes than in ski boots and a car packed full of gear.

“When I was living in Kamloops, I always resisted leaving Sun Peaks and going home after a day of skiing. I would often catch myself delaying my drive home by staying in the village for dinner or getting last minute hotel rooms so I could stay and enjoy the nightlife and vibe of the village. I was always sad to leave the mountain and go back to Kamloops, but now leaving Kamloops to go back home in Sun Peaks really makes me feel like I am heading on vacation every day after work.” He’s lived in the resort with his son, girlfriend and dog for a year now and hasn’t looked back. “I have had nothing but an amazing experience so far while living in Sun Peaks. I believe that living here forces you to get outside, be active and be social.” Hirtle said he loves the sense of community he feels here and what it provides for him and his family. His son has joined the Sun Peaks Racers and he takes part in the Friday Race

Series, reigniting his love of racing. They’ve also fallen in love with the biking, hiking, swimming, and skating just outside their door. “Our backyard provides so many opportunities to try something new and to get outside and explore. When I first moved to Sun Peaks I had no downhill mountain biking experience and I hadn’t ski raced in over 15 years. Simply because I was living up here last summer I decided to go all in on learning to downhill bike. I never dreamed I would enjoy myself so much on a bike and now I am so stoked to have an activity to enjoy on the off season from skiing.” For Hirtle, life as a local means embracing what Sun Peaks has to offer. “It means getting out there and taking advantage of the many activities available our backyard. It also means supporting and being friendly towards your fellow locals as well as the tourists who come from afar to enjoy our amazing community. Having that local knowledge and enthusiasm, it feels good to be able to answer questions and give directions or help to tourists. And most importantly, as a local I know the sweet and sendy spots on the mountain, as well as where to get those powder stashes that the tourists don’t know about.” With so much love for his new home, Hirtle doesn’t see himself leaving anytime soon. “Life here has not only had such a positive impact on me, but my family as well.” And he’s always looking for new people to ride with. “If you see me around the slopes please don’t hesitate to grab me and we will go send some runs together… if you can keep up!”

GET OUT THERE

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

Feeding your pup while supporting athletes Dex Knows Best popular with dogs and skiers JEAN STRONG

IN 2012 CANADIAN FREESTYLE SKIER SARAH BURKE PASSED AWAY, LEAVING BEHIND HER HUSBAND RORY BUSHFIELD AND DEX, THE DOG THEY SAVED AND RAISED TOGETHER. After losing his partner Bushfield started the Sarah Burke Foundation to support and inspire women in sport, awarding scholarships to amateur athletes. Now he has partnered with friend Blair Harper, a Kamloops resident, to start a company which puts some of its profits toward the foundation. Their company is unique. Dex Knows Best delivers healthy dog food straight to the consumer on a subscription basis. It was a natural fit for the duo. Both have four legged best friends, Bushfield with Dex and Harper with Leelo. Professional athlete Bushfield can be found around his home in Squamish adventuring with Dex at his side.

The grain, gluten, wheat, byproduct and artificial flavour free food is shipped on a schedule worked out by the company for individual pets to ensure each bag arrives just in time. Harper said getting it off the ground while still working full time was difficult. “It’s taken three years from concept to completion,” he said. “We were just picking up the phone, it took a lot of planning and hard work.” They enlisted the help of a nutritionist for the recipe and

found manufacturers and packers in the Lower Mainland. Website development proved to be a challenge but their sleek site doesn’t give it away. On Nov. 20, 2018 they officially launched, and with the help of social media postings and word of mouth, began to send packages of kibble across B.C., Alberta and as far as Toronto, Ont. Since launching they’ve learned a lot, Harper said. Bags of dog food aren’t simple to ship and the calculations on just when to send them off are tricky. But, he added, consumers have loved the product.

ALL KINDS OF DOGS CAN THRIVE ON THE FORMULA. Photo Supplied

BLAIR HARPER WITH RESCUE LEELO. Photo Supplied

“People have been loving it and dogs have been loving it,” Harper said. “We’re converting people who thought their dogs had allergies but it was poor ingredients. Dex Knows is very clean, very high protein.” He added consumers appreciate that ingredients are sourced in B.C. and mixed near Vancouver. Looking forward, Harper and Bushfield have their eyes on CBD products for dogs and potentially some retail locations, though Harper said their first focus is to solidify the subscription service. Along the way they plan to

continue supporting causes close to their heart, like providing food to Paws it Forward in Kelowna and always donating a portion of each bag sold to Burke’s foundation. “Sarah was a legacy and she did a lot for skiing.” And what would she think of the business named after her dog? “Sarah would be blown away,” Harper said. “I think she’d be really proud. She took risks and loved adventure and living fast. That’s what life’s all about and that’s what we’re doing.”

VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

GET OUT THERE Your dog’s nose knows Scent work classes build bond, confidence JEAN STRONG

CHIHUAHUAS, LABRADORS, RETRIEVERS, DOBERMANS, TERRIERS AND ALL KINDS OF DOGS IN BETWEEN ARE GETTING HOOKED ON A NEW CANINE SPORT, SCENT WORK. The foundation is simple— dogs using their noses to sniff out tasty and smelly treats or toys hidden anywhere from boxes to cars. It’s the inclusivity and ease of entry that Kamloops trainer Arleigh Bell appreciates. Five years ago when she got her Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Trbel she looked for an activity they could do together and found scent work. “We took lots of classes and loved it,” she said. “Every weekend we were training and practising.”

It wasn’t long before Bell began the process of becoming a certified instructor with the National Association of Canine Scent Work. She travelled to the United States multiple times to earn her designation as a Certified Nose Work Instructor. Since then she has taught countless classes in Kamloops and the surrounding areas while working full time for the Thompson Rivers University nursing faculty. In addition to workshops and classes like Introduction to Odour and Advanced Nosework, Bell volunteers her time with local shelter dogs. “Once a week we play nose work with dogs waiting to be adopted. It’s a lot of fun, they’re mentally exhausted.” The sport, she said, is great because it can be done anywhere, doesn’t require expensive gear, can be played

inside or out, bonds dogs and their owners and helps dogs learn confidence and stay on task. “The biggest thing is to come and watch your dog take the lead in a sport and learn about the cues your dog gives you. There are no rules for them, you can watch them excel and be confident. “I love seeing all the communication from the dogs. We focus on fun with your dog, it’s all about the dog running around having fun.” Any size, breed and age of dog is welcome. Dog aggressive dogs are also able to play as there is no interaction between dogs. “As long as they’re not people aggressive they can play.” To learn from Bell register for her courses with Five Star Dog Training in Kamloops or

DOGS OF ALL TYPES AND SIZES CAN TRY THE SPORT. Photo Supplied

Building the sport of Skijoring in B.C. Wells Gray Riders Association host second annual event NIKKI FREDRIKSON

AN UNCONVENTIONAL SPORTING KNOWN AS EQUESTRIAN SKIJORING IS SEEING GROWTH IN BRITISH COLUMBIA WITH MORE COMPETITORS TAKING TO THE SPORT. SKIJORING TESTS TEAMS OF TWO WITH ONE HORSE AND RIDER AND A “SLIDER” ON SKIS OR SNOWBOARD WHO COMPETE IN TIMED TRIALS. IT HAS CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF THE WELLS GRAY RIDERS ASSOCIATION (WGRA) WHO ARE HOSTING ONE OF B.C.’S FIRST SKIJORING COMPETITIONS. “Last year I decided to just give it a try and it was a fairly small event, but it was pretty successful, everyone had a lot of fun. We decided to make it bigger and better this year,” said Christine Westerveld, WGRA president. The idea to host the event came to Westerveld after seeing more and more videos of the sport online. She admitted some members of the group had tried the sport in their backyards but no one had participated in an official capacity prior to last year’s inaugural event. “As a horse owner, it’s really nice to be able to use your horses four seasons of the year. Normally

A SLIDER IN LAST YEAR’S WGRA SKIJORING EVENT GETTING SOME AIR. Photo Candice Camille

they just sit around in the winter, and they’re an expensive hobby to have. It’s nice to be able to go full out and trust your partner and have the crowd cheering you on, it’s really fun.” This year Westerveld added to the competition, offering a Sprint, Slalom, Longest Jump and costume contest. Participants must follow a set of rules produced by Skijor Canada and each event is a timed race with the fastest time winning. While no experience is necessary for “sliders” she recommended riders practise pulling something behind their horse before giving the sport a try. “It’s nothing really crazy. I think people achieve higher speeds

VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

going down a hill skiing or boarding.” This year B.C. will see a second skijor event in Prince George joining the Clearwater and Calgary, Alta. events as Western Canada’s official events. Westerveld said it’s neat to see everyone is on the same page and going in the same direction as all three events follow the same guidelines. “I think it’s just going to get bigger and bigger. Both for our area and all of B.C. as people see it’s possible to put it on and get the insurance. It’s a doable event and its fun,” she said. WGRA Skijoring took place on Feb. 16 at Smokin True Ranch with over 20 teams participating.

Thank you SPIN Readers for voting us Best Live Tunes Venue! Check us out every weekend for the best variety of live music and comedy too! www.sunpeaksgrand.com/morriseys

ARTS

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

A taste of Italy in Sun Peaks Added programming to improve the destination JEAN STRONG

FOODIES OF SUN PEAKS WILL BE SATIATED WHEN CHEF MASSIMO CAPRA VISITS THE MOUNTAIN MARCH 16. The event is part of a series of chef visits hosted by the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre since 2017. Previously Vikram Vij and Tawfik Shehata were on stage and teaching guests at the hotel. Capra, born in Italy, hosts his own TV show Gourmet Escapes, is a host on the Food Network series Restaurant Makeover and a judge on the show Chopped Canada. He is also an award winning author and the food editor for Canadian Home Trends magazine. “Chef Capra has been

involved and will have his personal touch throughout,” said Mike MacLeod, director of sales and marketing for the hotel. The weekend’s events will be kept smaller in order to give guests the chance to engage with the chef, MacLeod said. “It’s important to continue to diversify our offerings, even in season. We want to to continue to add value all year, guests can come for the weekend and because the event is one day they can ski and board and do other things as well. “It’s a unique opportunity to have access to someone fairly well known and ask questions.” He said previous attendees have given positive feedback on the series, adding it attracts guests from near and far with some travelling to the resort

specifically for the event. “It’s important to signify that the resort is coming of age, it’s maturing a bit as a destination and I think our audience and customer base is looking for some elevated experiences. It’s so people know that there’s more here than just skiing and après. “As business owners it’s important that we bring more to the destination and that we don’t just rely on TSP (Tourism Sun Peaks) or the resort (for events).” At 10:30 a.m. on the Saturday, Capra will host a cooking demonstration followed by lunch for $160. That night at 6 p.m. he will host a gala dinner with a family-style Italian meal accompanied by the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra between courses for $130. CHEF MASSIMO CAPRA WILL BRING HIS BIG PERSONALITY TO SUN PEAKS.

Photo Stephen Uhraney

Derksen hosting painting workshop JEAN STRONG

A WO R KS H O P HOSTED BY A R T Z O N E S U N P E A KS F I L L E D U P Q U I C K LY, B U T WITH ENOUGH INTEREST A N O T H E R CA N B E A D D E D , AC C O R D I N G TO THE GROUP’S PRESIDENT J E A N N E T T E M AT S O N . The workshop will give

participants the chance to work with artist Liz Derksen in her home studio as she coaches them through a painting done in her style. “I will be guiding (and) helping participants to paint their own paintings i n my s t y l e ,” D e r k s e n s a i d . “So they will come with an idea, or a photo and I will guide them through c r e a t i n g a s ke t c h , t h e n

bringing it to life on a c a nv a s . “ It ’s o p e n t o a ny o n e , a ny a b i l i t y, f r o m a r t i s t s to people who are curious but might be concerned that they are in the ‘stick m a n’ p h a s e ,” D e r k s e n s a i d . “ My p l a n i s f o r a s t r e s s f r e e d ay t o t r y s o m e t h i n g n e w, a n d l e a r n h o w o n e a r t i s t ’s w o r k c o m e s t o g e t h e r .” C a nv a s e s will be provided and other

required supplied can be provided for $15. Derksen said she is looking forward to it. “I love seeing what people come up with, and I k n o w t h a t I ’ v e t a ke n a b i t aw ay f r o m e v e r y w o r k s h o p I’ve been to...I’m hoping more of the artists here will follow with workshops of their own, I enjoy seeing o t h e r a r t i s t s ’ p r o c e s s .” D e r k s e n’s w o r k c a n b e

f o u n d t h r o u g h o u t m a ny homes and stores in Sun Peaks. The painter has been featured at shows in Kamloops and elsewhere and is known for her colourful p o r t r ay a l of nature and Sun Peaks. She often features trees, bark and snow in her work. To register your interest contact hiartzonesunpeaks@gmail. com.

VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

EVENTS

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

Taking on the Gully Banked Slalom organizer anticipates a fiesty competition NIKKI FREDRIKSON

ONE OF THE MOST INCLUSIVE RACES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA RETURNS FOR ITS EIGHTH YEAR MARCH. 9 AND 10. THE BLUEBIRD DAY FUND BANKED SLALOM WELCOMES BOARDERS AND SKIERS ALIKE TO TAKE ON THE NATURAL FEATURES OF SUN PEAKS’ HULLY GULLY. This year’s event will see a switch from a wand timing system to a chip system which will allow competitors to pass by and be tracked. The new live timing system will display the top three times at the start gate on what Koach Thiessen, coowner of Oronge Boardshop and event organizer, has dubbed the chirp board. “Everybody is going to know what everybody’s time was at for the top three

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 22, MARCH 1, 15 FRIDAY RACES SERIES

Regardless of your ability level we encourage everyone to enter the recreational, fun-for everyone (boarders and skiers) Friday Race Series.

positions, so it’s going to be a little bit more feisty and jousty I think at the top start this year which is fun,” he said. Anticipating a more challenging course this year due to the lower snow base, Thiessen recommended riders enter the event being confident on their equipment and not to overthink it. “I’m kind of foreseeing this year’s course might be a little more challenging with a little less snow, there might be more actual natural features you have to contend with, which I think makes it more entertaining.” The course, set in three sections, allows competitors to build their confidence by starting on cat built berms before turning into the Hully Gully in which you take on Marlie’s Wave, and the Autobahn before ending with the mogul field.

SATURDAY MARCH 2 THE TOPS PRE PARADE PARTY

A midmountain party to get you excited for a weekend full of Pride activities. The event will be held at the Sunburst Lodge from 1 pm until 2 pm.

250 578.5474

dustyn@rebelliousunicorns.com

FRIDAY TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22 TO 24 LIVE MUSIC WEEKENDS

SATURDAY MARCH 2 PRIDE MOUNTAIN PARADE

Live music is a staple in Sun Peaks and can be found throughout the village every weekend. Check out JPSon at Mantles Restaurant Friday and at Morrisey’s Public House Saturday and Sunday. 250.578.538

FRIDAY TO SUNDAY MARCH 1 TO 3 PEAK PRIDE

Sun Peaks Resort is excited to welcome Peak Pride to the mountain March 1 to 3. With lots of activities for all to partake in, this will be a celebration for the entire resort to remember all year long. ut to Sun

Valley Farms to

dustyn@rebelliousunicorns.com

FRIDAY MARCH 1 COMEDY NIGHT

Meet at the Sunburst Lodge at 2:15 pm and make your way down to the village inpart of the Peak Pride Parade. dustyn@rebelliousunicorns.com

SATURDAY MARCH 2 THE BOTTOMS APRÉS

Following the Pride Mountain Parade gather at Bottoms Bar & Grill for aprés. dustyn@rebelliousunicorns.com

ENJOYING THE PODIUM AND GROWLERS IN 2016. File Photo

“The mogul field makes or breaks somebody’s run. It’s almost like if you can handle the two gates that you have in the mogul field cleanly, you’re going to have a great time,” said Thiessen. “It also has taken a lot of people from hero to zero.” As one of his favourite events, Thiessen described the banked slalom as more of a festival atmosphere with everyone involved wanting to make sure others are having fun. Competitors are capped at 125 to ensure everyone has enough time

EVENT LISTINGS

SATURDAY MARCH 2 NORTH FACE DIRTY FEET SNOWSHOE FUN RUN & WALK

The North Face Dirty Feet Snowshoe Fun Run & Walk is a fun running and walking event consisting of two distances: approximately 5km and 10km, suitable for all age. info@dirtyfeet.ca

SUNDAY MARCH 2 ELLEBOARD ALL GIRLS SNOWBOARD CAMP

Sun Peaks’ Elleboard All Girls Snowboard Camp is a one day camp on that focuses on your progression in the terrain park with some freeriding as well. eric.philipow@canadasnowboard.ca

SATURDAY & SUNDAY MARCH 9 & 10 BLUEBIRD BANKED SLALOM

A night of DJs and drag queens at Masa’s Bar + Grill. Advanced tickets $39 plus GST.

Back for its 8th year and better than ever, the Bluebird Banked Slalom promises to be one of the most entertaining events of the year for racers and spectators alike, taking advantage of the naturally banked terrain of 5 Mile’s ‘Hully Gully’. Youth competiors race Saturday while experts take to the course Sunday.

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SATURDAY MARCH 2 WIPEOUT

for their runs without feeling stressed or rushed on course. “At the end of the day we award first, second, and third but I bet you if you asked anybody who got second or third last year they wouldn’t be able to tell you,” said Thiessen. Junior racers aged nine to 18 take on the course Saturday, March 9 before the masters’ event set for the 10th. With limited spots open for the event competitors are asked to pre-register at Guest Services.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY MARCH 9 & 10 SUN PEAKS DEMO DAYS

Come and try the latest and greatest gear from a few of our favourite ski and board partners March 9 & 10. Booths will be set up at the base of Sunburst and Sundance chairlifts, slopeside of the Village Day Lodge.

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SATURDAY & SUNDAY MARCH 16 & 17 SUN PEAKS NORDIC FESTIVAL

The TECK Sun Peaks Nordic Sprint Challenge returns for its third year on Saturday, March 16 at 6 p.m. Open to all ages and abilities, this fun, short course is a great way to kick off the Nordic weekend.

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SATURDAY MARCH 16 A TASTE OF ITALY WITH CHEF MASSIMO CAPRA

Join Chef and Food Network host Massimo Capra for cooking demonstrations, lunch and gala dinner hosted by the Sun Peaks Grand and Conference Centre.

In part of the Peak Pride festivities, Comedy Night is sure to get a giggle or two out of you. Entry is by donation at Morrisey’s Public House.

specialevents@sunpeaksgrand.com

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VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

MONTH IN PHOTOS

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OVER 100 FRIENDS, FAMILY AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY JOINED THE SHTUKA FAMILY AND SUN PEAKS RESORT LLP IN HONOURING THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF RYAN SHTUKA’S DISAPPEARANCE, WITH A RUN FOR RYAN AND HOT CHOCOLATE RECEPTION. SPIN PHOTO

AN EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTION RESULTED IN A MID-RACE CRASH AT THE TELUS NANCY GREENE ALPINE CLASSIC. - Photo Alpine Images Photography

LIZ FORSTER WAITING AT THE START GATE DURING THE TELUS NANCY GREENE ALPINE CLASSIC. PHOTO SPIN

ANNEMARIE DILL WAS APART OF THE SUN PEAKS LLP 1 TEAM AT THE ALPINE CLASSIC. PHOTO SPIN

JASON WHITE AND SPENCER COLEMAN OF POWDER VENTURES ACCEPT THEIR KEYSTONE AWARD FOR BEST LANDSCAPE NEW OR RENOVATED . PHOTO SUBMITTED

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SIR • MARCH 10 • 2PM

COLD WAR • MARCH 15 • 9PM

BEN IS BACK • MARCH 16 • 3PM

VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

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MOUNTAIN TOWN NEWS

Mountain Town News ALLEN BEST mountaintownnews.net allen.best@comcast.net

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN SETS FEBRUARY SNOWFALL RECORD MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. – Snowfall records have started toppling at Mammoth Mountain, which is often the snowiest ski area in the United States. Mammoth Mountain, by midFebruary, was already nearing its annual average of 1,000 cm of snowfall. Ski and riding season has been extended to July 4. Mammoth had several rough years of drought. Now, it’s like the good old days—except more. February had produced several 10foot dumps. “You can ski onto our thirdstory sundeck here at Main Lodge,” reported Lauren Burke, the communications officer for the ski area. February alone has been the snowiest on record. At the summit, nearly 14 metres of snow have fallen. This winter has challenged patience and equipment. The highway to Los Angeles, six hours away, has been closed often. Winds over 270kmh accompanied a storm in February. Even a device

used to measure snow got buried. In Mammoth Lakes, the town at the foot of the ski area, streets are lined with banks of snow 4.5 metres high. The town is buried, without sufficient space to dump more snow until the spring shrink begins. Three hours to the north and 1,600 feet lower, Lake Tahoe got drenched with rain before yet another storm. The Tahoe Daily Tribune reports that several ski areas in the Tahoe-Truckee area have received two metres or more of snow in recent storms. If not at the same scale, Sun Valley has also had a storm that produced 90 centimetres in 36 hours, this coming off a winter that the Idaho Mountain Express describes as hitherto distinctly unmemorable.

NO MANDATE TO TEACH ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE, BUT MOST DO WHISTLER, B.C. – Teachers in British Columbia need not specifically teach about climate change, but most do. Those in Whistler and elsewhere along the corridor from Vancouver think it’s just fine to leave it to the discretion of teachers about how to approach the subject. “I don’t feel we’re giving short

shrift to this very important topic,” Chris Nicholson, a school district assistant superintendent, told Pique Newsmagazine. Cynthia Higgins, a trustee representing Whistler on the same school board, defended the need for teacher autonomy. “We have to trust that our teachers in the Sea to Sky (corridor) will cover climate change, along with all the other topics related to the environment, and do that in an appropriate fashion,” she said. The lack of mandatory coverage of climate change was criticized last year by several teachers in the greater Vancouver area in a story published by The Tyee, a local magazine.

FILIPINOS IN BANFF TO GET LANGUAGE, CULTURE PROGRAM BANFF, Alberta – A K-12 language and cultural program will be developed in Alberta, which is home to 17,000 Filipinos. That includes 900 living in Banff and Canmore. The announcement was welcomed by Ericson Dizon, founder of the Filipino-Canadian Association of the Bow Valley. He told the Rocky Mountain Outlook that development of the program would help bridge the cultures.

“We try to break the barriers, break the language barrier, and we see it as a way to connect people and also a way to celebrate friendship and connection,” he said. “We don’t want to create cultural pockets,” he added. “I want us to be one day simply be called the Canadian Association of the Bow Valley, because in heart and mind, eventually we will all see each other as one.” Native Filipinos speak both Tagalog and English. In 2012, the Globe and Mail reported that the number of people speaking Tagalog in Canada rose 64 per cent over the prior five years, making it the fastest-growing language in Canada. At the time, Filipinos had surpassed Chinese and Indians as being the nation’s largest immigrant group. The Calgary Sun reported it will be the ninth international language covered by provincial curriculum in Alberta, joining Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, German, Italian, Japanese, Punjabi, Spanish, and Ukrainian. In addition to English and French, provincial curriculum is also available in Blackfoot and Cree.

NEW APPROACHES TO CUTTING PITKIN COUNTY’S SUICIDE RATE ASPEN, Colo. – Suicides continue to perplex Aspen and

Pitkin County, where the rate over a recent three year period stood at 22.6 per 10,000 residents. That compares with 19.1 for Colorado altogether. Mountain towns trend toward higher suicide rates for reasons still unclear, and Western states trend toward higher rates than those in the East, again for reasons unclear. The Aspen Daily News reported that local officials have decided to push in two realms. One effort involves getting the citizenry— everybody from lift-ops and bartenders to bank officers and, perhaps, county commissioners— trained in mental health first aid. The idea, explained Greg Poschman, a county commissioner who has taken a keen interest, is to train lay people into being able to identify people in need. Resilience training, the second approach, targets youths more than adults, teaching them to adapt and recover quickly from situations involving stress, adversity or tragedy. Colorado’s highest suicide region lies in southwestern Colorado, according to Colorado Health Institute’s statistics for 2017. Men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide, and the most vulnerable are those aged 45 to 64. However, suicide is the leading cause of death among those 10 to 24.

VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

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White just off Daytona finals NIKKI FREDRIKSON

LESS THAN A QUARTER OF A SECOND, EXACTLY FOUR MILES PER HOUR, SEPARATED JASON WHITE FROM HIS DREAM OF RACING IN THE GANDER OUTDOOR TRUCK SERIES ON FEB. 16. WHITE, A SUN PEAKS LOCAL AND A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER, HAD TO BEAT OUT SIX OTHER DRIVES TO QUALIFY FOR THE RACE. “We were second out of 39 trucks (to run in the qualifier), so I sat there for probably an hour and a bit just waiting truck after truck to go and we missed it by one spot, so that was a really tough pill to swallow,” he stated. Having just raced in the Automobile Racing Club of America’s (ARCA) Mendards Series Feb. 9, White and his team, Reaume Brothers Racing, were in Daytona, FL working to make his truck more aerodynamic the day before the qualifying runs. “We kind of knew right away we didn’t have it that we needed to gain. It wasn’t tenths of seconds we had to gain, we had to gain seconds, which at that point in the game is pretty tough,” said White. Not able to make up the speed, White said, was a very dejecting position to be in. “We hit every goal for the last

WHITE WAS CERTIFIED TO RACE AT THE DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY IN EARLY JANUARY. Photo Supplied

five weeks, and that one just knocked us right back down to our knees.” Watching his teammate Josh Reaume move from 39th to a sixth place finish, White felt his plan to stay at the back and avoid any wreckage during the race would have worked in his favour.

“The race ended up being exactly what we planned. We knew it was going to be a lot of attrition. We knew there was going to be a lot of wrecking, a lot of trucks having problems, a lot of drivers driving over their head,” he said. “After watching that I was like ‘oh there was my chance.’

Probably would have been in the top 10 no problem.” Humbled by the experience of racing at the Daytona International Speedway, Racin’ Jason is already thinking ahead to next season as he plans to push for 100 career races. This season he was proudly sponsored by

Rokosh’s first appearance at NorAm competition NIKKI FREDRIKSON

DEDICATING HIS WINTER SEASON TO THE TEAM BC PARK AND PIPE TEAM, RAYLEIGH RESIDENT JUSTIN ROKOSH QUALIFIED FOR HIS FIRST FIS NORAM COMPETITION IN CALGARY FEB. 8 TO 10. ROKOSH’S ENTRY TO THE EVENT WAS DUE TO HIS 12TH PLACE FINISH AT THE CANADA CUP COMPETITION IN SILVERSTAR JAN. 26 AND 27. “I got a last minute spot for it, for me, it was just cool being there in the first place,” he said.

“It’s a point system so if you do well at one competition you earn a certain amount of points and then I guess with how well I did in Silver Star it ended up coming around to where I had enough points that I could compete in the NorAm.” Going into the competition with no expectations, Rokosh said he felt less pressure than he does when competing at a Canada Cup event. “It definitely was a bit higher (skill level) there were a lot of people doing both way doubles, which is pretty hard to do, and there was a lot more good people. It was weird seeing people from other countries, like America and there were

VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

quite a few people there from China as well,” he explained. Rokosh’s skills were put to the test at the competition competing in his first Halfpipe competition. “It was actually one of the first times I’ve ever ridden a Halfpipe, so it was kind of scary because I’ve never actually really gone into a halfpipe,” he said. “When you’re at the bottom of the pipe it’s like looking 25 feet at an ice wall, it’s pretty different from Slopestyle.” Not having a plan for his run, Rokosh chose to go with straight airs adding a few grabs as he tried to go as high as possible. His technique worked as he placed 14 out of 18 in his

heat and 27th overall. In the Slopestyle competition, the cold weather got the best of him with an equipment failure in his second run ending his day. “My second run I went and I got the first rail well and then the second rail I came off early and landed weird, and just because it’s so cold out the plastic on my binding for my heel snapped off. That pretty much ended my run there,” said Rokosh. Next up for Rokosh is a redemption attempt at the Canadian Junior Championships March 8 to 10 in Calgary, Alta.

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Charity snowmobile event returns to Clearwater NIKKI FREDRIKSON

FRESH OFF THE X GAMES PODIUM, CLEARWATER, B.C., LOCAL BRETT TURCOTTE IS TURNING HIS FOCUS FROM COMPETING TO GIVING BACK TO HIS COMMUNITY BY HOSTING THE 2ND ANNUAL TURCOTTE COMPOUND SNOWARAMA DRAG RACE & FREESTYLE EVENT MARCH 9 AND 10. “It’s a community event, everyone’s welcome, there’s races for all ages of people,” Turcotte said. “It’s a lowpressure environment. There’s no true professionals at this, it’s a grassroots thing. It’s a good way for people to go out and have fun.” The event focuses on snowmobile drag races with 10 classes and up and coming competitors are welcome with a U10 & under 120 class. Last year’s event brought out 75 competitors with 160

race entries as racers are encouraged to register for multiple races throughout the weekend. “A lot of the guys were entering in one or more classes and it was awesome. I think everyone had a great time, I definitely expect the same return on racer numbers for sure,” he said. Along with drag races Turcotte plans to put on a freestyle show and will tackle a 70-foot jump alongside other riders. “I’m going to have myself and a couple others out there doing backflips and tricks that you see on TV at the X Games.” In the inaugural year the event’s proceeds were donated to the Easter Seals, an organization which works to ensure individuals living with disability have access to services, support, and programming to live life to the fullest. Turcotte’s event is a fundraiser to send local kids involved with the Easter Seals to summer camp.

“It’s just a way for me to do my part and be a good member of the community.’ Along with the Easter Seals this year he plans to support the Wells Gray Riders Associations with the Gymkhana Committee running the concession all weekend. Competitors must register for the event by Feb. 28. To register visit 2nd Annual Turcotte Company Snowarama Drag Race & Freestyle on Facebook. The event will take place at Smokin’ True Ranch on Foote Road in Clearwater.

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SPORTS SPAC trio heading to Canada Winter Games NIKKI FREDRIKSON

STRONG PERFORMANCES AT THE FIRST U16 TECK OPEN SERIES OF THE SEASON FROM JAN. 10 TO 13 AT SUN PEAKS EARNED THREE SUN PEAKS ALPINE CLUB (SPAC) MEMBERS SPOTS ON TEAM BC FOR THE CANADA WINTER GAMES FROM FEB. 15 TO MARCH 3 IN RED DEER, ALTA. Athletes qualified for the competition by either winning an event during the January series or by points by position. All members of the Sun Peaks’ trio qualified with a first-place finish; Noa Hooton and Benjamin Jacoby earned their spots day one and Brynn Applegath on day two. “I expected they had a pretty good shot at it. It wasn’t a surprise to me…I didn’t know if they’d go in with a win or whether they’d go in based on points,” said SPAC U16 coach Bill Rublee. “The fact that they had good solid wins was actually quite rewarding.” Going on to acknowledge the strength of this year’s U16 team,

Rublee said for him and program director Wade Rettie, performance has been more important than results. He added they were impressed with how the athletes performed opening weekend. “For us, that’s really more important than the results right now because it shows they’re building skills, they’re building platforms to move forward,” he said. The athletes’ accomplishment of qualifying for the upcoming games highlights the strength and continued growth of the club for Rublee. “These kids…they’re talented skiers but they’ve been working hard. They’re really focused paying attention to what they’re doing.” Veteran members of the Sun Peaks Racers, the three have been involved in the club for “forever” according to Rublee, advancing from the Nancy Greene Ski League to second-year U16’s. Competing provincially for years, he expected Team BC to form a tight-knit group this year with 14 athletes representing the province and former SPAC program director

NOA HOOTON IS AMONG THREE SUN PEAKS RACERS COMPETING AT CANADA WINTER GAMES. Photo Johnny Crichton

Montana Molyneux as a coach. Applegath, Hooton, and Jacoby had a final competition in Kimberley, B.C., Feb. 9 and 10 where they took top 10 finishes before preparing to head to Alberta where they’ll meet their team. Rublee said his advice for the young athletes is to focus on the performance task at hand. “Be prepared mentally and physically but it’s really about skiing the best they can and let the outcome look after itself.” The athletes will compete in four events at Canada Winter Games; Super-G, GS, Slalom and Ski Cross.

Freestyle athletes slay Timber Tour NIKKI FREDRIKSON

THE SUN PEAKS FREESTYLE CLUB CONTINUED TO DOMINATE THE TIMBER TOUR SERIES BRINGING HOME 15 PODIUM FINISHES AT MOUNT WASHINGTON FEB. 7 TO 10. THE PROGRAM’S SUPER YOUTH ATHLETES SHOWED CONSISTENCY AND THEIR HARD WORK PAID OFF WITH MULTIPLE TOP 10 FINISHES IN SLOPESTYLE, MOGULS AND BIG AIR. “This year we’re training both Saturdays and Sundays so we have a whole extra day every single week that we are out there training with the kids. I think that’s played a big part in how they’re doing in competitions,” said Graeme McKay, head coach of the club. In the female U12 division competitors Annika Roberts and Sadie Grunling were neck and neck in each event.

Roberts finished fifth in Slopestyle, ninth in Moguls and was able to make the podium in Big Air with a third place finish. Grunling finished sixth in Slopestyle, eighth in Moguls and seventh in Big Air. The U14 girls stood on the podium all weekend with Paige Franklin earning first place in each category. She was joined on the podium by Malea Davidson who took third in Slopestyle and Emily Hooper who earned silver in Moguls and third in Big Air. Davidson was just off the podium in Big Air with a fifth place performance. McKay said assistant coach Cody MacKinnon felt Franklin’s incredible ability to send a jump to the bottom and land extremely clean is what secured her podium finishes. She wasn’t the only athlete to sweep the podium. In the men’s U10 division Wren Grunling earned first in each category. Mackinnon explained it was Grunling’s perfect form and strong air awareness that

VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22

led to his three golds. In the men’s U12 division Morgan Franklin captured first in Big Air, third in Slopestyle and finished seventh in Moguls.

PAIGE FRANKLIN DISPLAYING ONE OF HER GOLD MEDALS. Photo Supplied

Competing in the Timber Tour, Charlie Roberts earned silver in the U14 Big Air competition with a score of 66. He placed fifth in Moguls and seventh overall in Slopestyle. Also cracking top ten in Slopestyle was Riley McClymont in fourth and David McClymont in 10th. The club continued to dominate in the U16 category

as Mastin Hooper earned a seventh place finish in Slopestyle. He followed teammate Luc Dallaire who took silver in both Slopestyle and Big Air. Next up for the athletes will be airbag certification on Feb. 22 before heading to Big White March 2 and 3 for the Huck Tuck and Stomp competition.

WREN GRUNLING RECEIVING HIS MEDAL IN THE MEN’S U10 DIVISION AT MOUNT WASHINGTON. Photo Supplied

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

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2220 SUNBURST DRIVE | $889, 000 Fantastic location for skiers! This spectacular family home, just minutes to skiing, features 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and panoramic views to both Tod and Morrisey. Sunny southern exposure is great for warmth in the winter. Gather with friends for après ski in the family room, the kitchen, or in the formal living room; each room features a cozy fireplace. Bright selfcontained spacious 2 bedroom suite in the basement. This property is offered fully furnished with hot tub; GST paid.

#4 THE CABINS | $649,000 LOCATION! Charming 3 bedroom cedar Cabin with full basement backs onto the 5th tee box of the Sun Peaks Golf Course with views of the valley. Main floor is level entry and features 2 bedrooms with a bright open living area, vaulted ceiling and beautiful rock-faced gas fireplace with direct access outside to a roman stone patio where you will enjoy stunning sunsets. Upper level is an open loft space and private master bedroom with walk-in closet and ensuite. GST is not applicable.

#36 FOREST TRAILS | $378,900 Immaculate, south facing, ground floor 1 bedroom condo with private garage, nestled next to a forested area and year round creek, and steps from the Village. Features 12 ft ceilings, open kitchen/dining area with living room, cozy river rock fireplace, heated tile floors, in suite laundry and a spacious bedroom with a private patio. Peaceful setting, beautiful mountain & valley views, and a great place for family and friends. Where mountain memories are made! Offered largely furnished with private hot tub; GST paid.

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2203 SUNBURST DRIVE | $798,000 3 bedroom, ski-in chalet with separate self-contained 2 bedroom legal suite backing onto forested ski terrain. This home presents solid revenue options and ample space to relax and enjoy the resort lifestyle. Main floor is an inviting open living space that features a cozy gas fireplace, vaulted ceiling, soaring windows and direct access to a spacious sunny deck. Additional sleeping space in the loft area and private bedroom on the upper level. Offered furnished with private hot tub; GST not applicable.

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1379 BURFIELD DRIVE | $619,000 BRAND NEW ski-in half duplex under construction with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, located in the family friendly neighbourhood of ‘Burfield’. Basement entry with an over height garage plus additional living area that can be developed. Timber posts and gable accents with front stone detail will accent this mountain home with timeless finishing. Open concept main floor living area with 9 foot ceiling, engineered hardwood flooring, and so much more! 2/5/10 New Home Warranty. GST applies.

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Exceptional top floor studio in one of the best ski-in, ski-out village locations in Sun Peaks with a spacious covered sundeck and private hot tub with views overlooking the valley and mountains. This comfortable south facing condo features an open living area with full kitchen, heated tile floors, jetted tub in bathroom and is offered furnished. Low monthly strata fees and costs associated with ownership. New hot water tank 2016. GST paid.

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4151 SUNDANCE DRIVE | $1,279,000 Exceptional light and views from this quality built Sundance Estates home nothing was missed! From deluxe cabinetry and appliances, high end lighting and bathroom fixtures, to tasteful use of tile and hardwood, this home speaks quality. Massive great room with floor to ceiling rock fireplace, large partially covered decks provide for hot tub and great outdoor access. Tandem garage plus carport and large driveway provides ample parking and storage. Ski easement adjoins the property. Offered furnished with hot tub; GST paid.

#101/103 CAHILTY HOTEL & SUITES | $189,900 Beautiful and practical at the same time! Ground level one bedroom lock-off suite with 10 foot ceiling and custom built-in cabinetry is fully furnished and offers a flexible floor plan for personal use and rental. Efficiency kitchen with queen size Murphy bed, pullout sofa and full bath on one side that connects to the adjacent room with two double beds and an additional bathroom. Unrestricted owner use with positive rental income. Make it your family getaway for years to come! GST applies.

#405 SUNDANCE LODGE | $45,900 Coast Sundance Lodge is full ownership-with the ultimate ski-in, ski-out location! Adjacent studio (#407) is available for sale and has easy access with connecting door. Owners have 180 days per year personal use. This studio suite features 2 beds to accommodate a family of 4, kitchenette with fridge and stove top and covered sundeck with views of Mt. Morrisey. Custom pine furniture and cabinetry compliment this south facing suite. Great lifestyle investment. GST applies.

NEW LISTING

#264 CAHILTY HOTEL & SUITES | $94,000 Second floor studio apartment with desirable full kitchen and mountain views. Slope side location with ski-in, ski-out access, offered fully furnished with murphy bed which is set up as the perfect couples retreat. Located on the end of the complex, the extra windowing on the south wall offers a bright, warm and inviting space. Unlimited owner use and a professional in-house management team in place. The perfect turnkey lifestyle! GST paid.

#10 THE CABINS | $649,000 Charming 2 storey cedar cabin features 4 bedrooms plus loft, and partially finished basement with separate family room. Spacious comfort, open kitchen with centre island and heated tile area, living room with vaulted ceiling and rock-faced gas fireplace. Main floor has three bedrooms, exclusive top floor master suite with ensuite and walk-in closet. Level parking and entrance to the main floor, with a covered front and side porch. Designed for ease of living with a welcoming and flexible space for the whole family. Fully furnished; GST not applicable. Bareland strata fee $175/month.

2581 MOUNTAINVIEW DRIVE | $262,500 Residential building lot conveniently located at the base of Mt. Morrisey with great ski-in access and stunning mountain views. Quiet cul-de-sac location backing onto forested ski terrain. With no time limit to build out you can relax & take time to plan your perfect mountain getaway. Design guidelines in place and zoning allows fora two bedroom legal revenue suite. Underground services installed to the lot line. GST is not applicable.

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VOL 17 ISSUE 02 FEBRUARY 22 — MARCH 22