Sun Peaks Independent News - Vol 16 Issue 12 by Sun Peaks Independent News

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VOLUME 16 ISSUE 12

NOVEMBER 30 — DECEMBER 20, 2018

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

NANCY GREENE RAINE INDUCTED INTO TOURISM HALL OF FAME WHAT’S NEW IN THE VILLAGE PAGE 5 PAGE 7

Back to where it began

The rise of the West Village

AS SUN PEAKS EXPANDS THE WEST VILLAGE IS BECOMING A HUB ONCE AGAIN. Photo Spin

JEAN STRONG

THE WEST VILLAGE IS WHERE THE SEED THAT SPROUTED SUN PEAKS WAS PLANTED. AS THE COMMUNITY GREW IT SEEMED SOMEWHAT LEFT BEHIND, AN AREA FOR LONG TIME LOCALS OR STAFF AT THE EDGE OF THE VILLAGE. But as one project after another is announced in the area, eyes have turned to the West Village as a place for growth in the place where it all began. Meghan Kolodka has lived in Sun Peaks for eight years and she

and her partner are now raising a family of their own. After having a child they felt the squeeze in their current home and were looking for something larger but still affordable they could grow into. That led them to purchasing a home in one of Sun Peaks’ newest developments, Peaks West. “We needed a garage,” Kolodka said. “We have an expanding family and with that comes more stuff and we need space to put it. The price is right, it’s the most affordable we’ve seen here for a while.” They’re also looking forward to the change of pace being just outside of the core of the resort

and near family and friends. “I’m very excited, my sister and her fiance are right across from us and one of my best friends will be sharing a wall.” Kolodka and her friends aren’t the only locals drawn to the two and three bedroom condos. Of both sold out phases, 46 per cent of buyers are from Kamloops or Sun Peaks and another 36 per cent are from elsewhere in B.C. Only six per cent of buyers were international. Darcy Franklin, developer of Peaks West and owner of Meranti Developments, built his first duplex on Burfield Dr. in 2016 and has since completed three more multi-family homes. As a long

term resident he saw what the area could be. “For years there has always been a stigma attached to Burfield, it was seen as the other side of the tracks. It has traditionally been owned by long time ‘Toddies’... When we started looking we really saw the potential for families,” he said. The lot had been on the market for years but zoning that allowed for residential or commercial development made it attractive to the partners. With construction underway the first phase should be complete in November 2019. Twelve thousand square feet of commercial space will also be built on the ground floor and leased out by Peaks West Properties. “We receive enquiries (for commercial space) every day,” Franklin said. “There’s tons of interest and lots of ideas...we wanted that commercial space to anchor the development.” It isn’t the only place in the West Village attracting long term residents. This year a group of Burfield homeowners came together to collaborate on projects, with up to 40 owners attending meetings. One of the first goals was cleaning up two lots owned by the east and west ends of the street. At the west end of the street the lot was cleared to create a space for biking, where kids are now seen playing all day. Now owners of the east end have plans to remove abandoned vehicles and make a community space. Member Rob O’Toole said

they plan to have it surveyed before getting rid of garbage and controlling access. “We’ve talked about different ideas like a park, we’d love to see if we can do something like that with a play structure and picnic tables.” “It’s quieter now,” O’Toole said about living on the street. “But it’s quieter at different times of the day. It’s quiet at 10 or 11 p.m. but not quieter on Sunday at 3 p.m., that’s the dynamic now.” But growing pains have come alongside improvement. On Burfield Dr. some homeowners could face paying for utility upgrades as illegal suites were added over the years, putting stress on water and wastewater systems. Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) Mayor Al Raine said before municipal incorporation many people built homes that weren’t within code or zoning. “A lot of people were supposed to build duplexes, then a lot of the duplexes became fourplexes,” Raine said. “That was not in the original zoning.” SPMRM hosted a public meeting and asked homeowners with issues to identify themselves and work to bring additions to code. Only one homeowner has come forward. “The only way forward is to legalize those that meet code... there is going to be a day of reckoning. If they don’t meet code...that’s ugly,” Raine said, adding illegal additions may have to be removed or blocked off.

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VOL 16 ISSUE 12 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 20, 2018

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CONTINUED FROM COVER As the only year-round entrance to the resort for the foreseeable future, Raine said he understands the need for traffic calming. He said SPMRM is considering the addition of a roundabout at the intersection of Sun Peaks Rd., Alpine Rd. and Burfield Dr. “My hope is that we can build Sun Peaks without traffic lights.” As work began at Peaks West another problem needed to be solved; a road used to access Burfield Heights units on the east side of the complex since its construction in the early 1970s was on Peaks West property and would soon be inaccessible. David Cane, owner in Burfield Heights and secretary treasurer of their strata, said the road was used long before he purchased in 1991. “Best we can tell nobody was really paying attention to zoning or building codes,” he said. “It was built with no vehicle access or parking.” Cane said the strata council knew it may be an issue in the future and made attempts to purchase the land without response from the sellers. “We’ve been really fortunate Peaks West have let us use it for this winter,” Cane said. The strata was recently able to purchase a large lot above their own to develop into parking. “Many of us are excited about the Peaks West development. It’s also kind of exciting to see this kind of development over here.” Cane’s neighbour Neil Otsig, echoed his thoughts. “A lot of people didn’t even know we were up here until they took the trees out. We’ve got a great view now that we didn’t have before, more light, a view of the golf course. “And when the Burfield is running it’s the best ski in, ski out on the mountain.” That skiing could change with plans from Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) to alter the Burfield chairlift. SPR manager Darcy Alexander said their focus is on the East Village right now but in the future the chairlift, once the longest in North America, will likely be shortened just beyond the existing mid-station and have capacity doubled to least 900 riders per hour.

VOL 16 ISSUE 12 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 20, 2018

He added SPR’s master plan includes day parking and day visitor services in the area, but those improvements are years away. “Right now our focus is on the East Village and around there,” he said. “We need to get the existing village stable before we spread out. “There’s not a lot of land down there...we’re approaching it more from a day skier perspective, not (overnight) guests.” However there is one space in the West Village SPR continues to add to. The first staff accommodation building was built in 1999, then another in 2004. This year construction began on a third, and a fourth should be underway next year when SPR’s temporary use permit expires for portable buildings erected in 2016 during a staff housing crunch. The additions will provide nearly 200 beds. Alexander said SPR may look at adding other buildings throughout the resort because community planning recommends staff accomodation be spread out. But he said building costs in the East Village are significantly higher as things like utilities and roads need to be added where in the West Village infrastructure is already

established. SPR has 12 lots above Peaks West which Alexander said they are debating between developing as single family lots or another multi-family build. Other affordable housing is on the horizon in the area as the Sun Peaks Housing Authority starts work, securing land for housing for employees and locals. Two lots, one near the community’s mailboxes and another near the base of the Burfield chairlift, will soon be ready for the authority’s use. In the meantime more construction is set to begin beside The Burfield as developer Ash Hanna continues with plans for around 11 units in a multifamily development with a small commercial space, likely used for food and beverage. Hanna said the project will be designed for those who want to live in the resort full time. He added current plans see construction begin when the ground thaws in 2019 for an estimated November 2020 completion. As Hanna proceeds, he said it’s key the area sees other infrastructure investment, especially adding more well lit

walkways. “We need the footpath on the other side extended, we have too many staff here and across the road walking...if we don’t do something for public safety we’re going to have a serious accident.” He said he is happy to see commercial space being added to Peaks West and would like to see other plans, like a gas station, move ahead. Alexander said SPR is currently working towards securing a contract to have a gas station developed at Sun Peaks Rd. and Alpine Rd. but it’s probably two years away. Meanwhile Hanna’s two buildings will represent more than $10 million in investment and he said he hopes the latest building will get the same warm welcome and feedback as the first. “It’s important people see the village as a whole, east to west and all in between...It’s not just the resort, it’s the greater community.” As the long neglected area begins to grow again it faces both unique opportunities and challenges but one thing everyone involved has in common is their excitement to be a part of it all. “I’m so excited, I wish it would be ready tomorrow,” Kolodka said.

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VOL 16 ISSUE 12 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 20, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

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Raine welcomes O’Toole at inaugural meeting JEAN STRONG

SUN PEAKS MOUNTAIN RESORT MUNICIPALITY (SPMRM) COUNCIL MET FOR THEIR INAUGURAL MEETING ON NOV. 6. IT WAS THE FIRST MEETING FOR NEW COUNCILLOR ROB O’TOOLE. RETURNING COUNCILLORS MARIO POZZA, INES POPIG AND DARCY ALEXANDER WERE ALSO IN ATTENDANCE. Each councillor and Mayor Al Raine was sworn in before attending to minor business. Raine, acclaimed for his fourth term leading the community, addressed the small crowd. He thanked retired councillor

Mike Forster for his time with SPMRM. “Our appreciation and thanks to former councillor Mike Forster. Mike Forster has served our community for eight years with strong common sense decision making and full commitment.” Raine also thanked Popig, Pozza and Alexander for their time on council and reflected on collective previous achievements. “We are very proud of the past accomplishments. Since incorporation, we have been able to make Sun Peaks an attractive and livable community,” he said. “This was achieved thanks to the efforts of so many in Sun Peaks. Looking back at 2014, I trust that we

will all agree that we are truly a stronger community and a better resort.” The health centre was recognized as an asset to the community and Raine acknowledged the work Laura Bantock has put in as executive director. Some topics Raine identified as key in the next four years and beyond were diversifying attractions, utilities, maintaining reasonable tax rates, the Sun Peaks Centre, public safety and development standards. “As you can see, there are a lot of pans in the fire,” Raine continued. “I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the commitment and dedication of our staff led by our CAO, Rob

MARIO POZZA, INES POPIG, AL RAINE, ROB O’TOOLE AND DARCY ALEXANDER AT THEIR INAUGURAL MEETING. Photo SPIN

Bremner, and corporate officer Nicky Braithwaite, as well as our public works team led by Arne Fevang and our accounting and reception teams.” Raine said in order to complete said goals more committees will be added for community input. “Sun Peaks has a ‘can do’ positive attitude and council will try to harness

this community energy. This energy has built a community school that continues to grow each year and has also built a million dollar Health Centre building...Speaking on behalf of all council members, I can assure the community that we are all very proud to represent Sun Peaks wherever we go.”

Ambulance coverage returns to village for peak season EMILY PERRINS B.C. EMERGENCY HEALTH SERVICES (BCEHS) IS REESTABLISHING AMBULANCE COVERAGE IN SUN PEAKS ON WEEKENDS AND OTHER PEAK PERIODS THIS WINTER. Last winter was the first time the initiative was tested entailing an ambulance from Kamloops being stationed in anticipation of increased call volume during busier times. A memo released by BCEHS announced this season’s policy in effect from Nov. 17, 2018 to April 14, 2019. The memo stated between those dates an ambulance will be staffed at Sun Peaks Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The memo also listed Christmas break, spring break, and other popular events in the village, including High

Five Day, B.C. Family Day and Snowbombing, as dates when an ambulance will be present. BCEHS district manager, Brian Silvester, said the move intends “to meet the predictable work demand without depleting the available emergency resources in Kamloops,” while providing a “quicker response [that] ultimately results in better patient care.” Ambulances travelling from Kamloops to Sun Peaks have a minimum response time of 40 minutes in the winter. A BCEHS helicopter can be activated in critical cases but it’s weather dependent and not always available. Having an ambulance on the mountain decreases wait times for ill or injured patients to access definitive care in hospital. According to the BCEHS memo, if the ambulance in

VOL 16 ISSUE 12 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 20, 2018

Sun Peaks is in use within its coverage hours, another standby unit is expected to be deployed to cover the village in its place. While the ambulance is not in use, it will be stationed outside the Sun Peaks Health Centre building. Outside of coverage hours, Sun Peaks Fire Rescue will continue to respond to 911 medical calls, ahead of the arrival of ambulance crews. On-mountain emergency responses will continue to be managed by ski patrol. Rob Bremner, chief administrative officer for Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality, was enthusiastic about the return of the ambulance coverage. “Obviously it’s great,” he said. “It just gives us another level of service for the ski hill and it enhances the five-days-a-week

AN AMBULANCE WILL BE STATIONED AT SUN PEAKS FOR PEAK PERIODS THIS WINTER. Photo SPIN

service that we have now at our health clinic and our family practice. It all works very well to gives us a safer environment here in Sun Peaks.” There has been no ambulance coverage prearranged for busier periods over the summer yet, and BCEHS would not comment on whether this might change moving forward. Bremner said the establishment of permanent ambulance coverage in the area is likely a few years away but it’s

an idea that has been discussed previously with BCEHS. “This community is rapidly growing with full time residents, and as we grow our product to become a four season resort, we could be able to show that there’s a need for twelve months of the year [ambulance coverage],” he said. “But at this point we’re extremely happy with what we’ve been getting.”

LOCAL NEWS

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Tourism Hall of Fame welcomes Nancy Greene Raine JEAN STRONG

NANCY GREENE RAINE WAS INDUCTED INTO THE TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF CANADA CANADIAN TOURISM HALL OF FAME ON NOV. 27. Raine serves as the director of skiing for Sun Peaks Resort LLP and has played a pivotal role in the development of ski and race programs at Sun Peaks and Whistler. “It’s a very unexpected honour, I’m very pleased,” said Raine. “The industry is pretty

big across Canada and a lot of people have done a lot of great things.” From working to promote Canada to Asian markets to promoting skiing, Raine has spent the majority of her life highlighting Canada. “I’ve been plugging away at it for 50 years...working to promote skiing as a valuable part of Canadian tourism, that’s been my goal.” She was named Canada’s Female Athlete of the 20th Century, won gold and silver medals in alpine skiing at the 1968 Grenoble Olympics and overall World Cup titles in

NANCY GREENE RAINE WAS INDUCTED NOV. 27. | Photo Tourism Industry Association of Canada

1967 and 1968. Raine holds the Canadian record of 13 World Cup titles. Raine is also an Officer of the Order of Canada, Member of the Order of British Columbia, a member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and Canada’s Walk of

Fame and is Chancellor Emerita of Thompson Rivers University. From January 2009 to May 2018 Raine served on the Canadian Senate. She will join other industry leaders in the hall of fame such as Peter Armstrong, founder of

Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, Rick Antonson, president of Tourism Vancouver, Hans Gmoser, founder of Canadian Mountain Holidays and Ian Ross, owner and operator of The Butchart Gardens.

Alpine dreams Sun Peaks first mountain open in B.C. NIKKI FREDRIKSON

BETWEEN 3,500 AND 4,000 SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS VISITED SUN PEAKS RESORT ON NOV. 17 AND 18 FOR OPENING WEEKEND. But for three lifelong Sun Peaks skiers the wait for their favourite mountain to open was too much. They were found camping out overnight at the Sunburst lift to ensure they’d be the first chair Saturday morning. “It’s something we’ve always wanted to do, so we finally decided to do it,” said Gavin Coyne. Equipped with a catalytic heater, camp stove and an ice fishing tent, the trio was cooking breakfast sausages before the crowds started to arrive. “We’re trying to bring back something, back in the ‘70s people used to camp out all the time and skiing’s been getting pretty serious and we figured let’s start something fun and maybe join in on it,” said Dayon Traynor.

The trio wasn’t the only group with dreams of being the first group riding up the lift and were woken up by their tent being vigorously shaken around 5 a.m. by members of the Sun Peaks Freestyle Team who were determined to be the first chair. “We’ve got a bunch of young kids who have challenged us to first chair (next year). Everyone, that morning was excited,” said Traynor. Sun Peaks Resort was the first resort in British Columbia to open for winter operations with 21 runs open that Saturday morning. By lunchtime there was skiing to the base via 5 Mile. Adian Kelly, chief marketing officer for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR), explained they needed to make snow with a few nights of consistent cool temperatures to create a wide enough run so skiing to the village would be safe. “We got that. The temperatures were good Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, the temperatures were nice and cool back towards seasonal temperatures, which we haven’t really been seeing lately,” said Kelly. “The crew did

GAVIN COYNE, DAYON TRAYNOR, PATRICK GRAVELLE AND MASTIN HOOPER WERE THIS YEAR’S FIRST CHAIR RIDERS | Photo SPIN

a really really good job in terms of pulling that off and getting us a product to the bottom. I think it’s getting better by the day.” Being able to be the first mountain open in B.C. was a testament to the operations crew and the work they were able to do in order to get a quality skiing product, said Kelly. For the opening chair trio,

the bluebird day was the perfect start to their ski season with knee deep powder in the alpine. Starting their day on Spillway they were able to get close to 10 runs in. “Points straight down the hill, just got going as fast as I could and it was amazing. I’ve been waiting six months for that,” said Patrick Gravelle.

Chasing powder all day the group was eager for what the ski season will bring and is already making plans to be first in line when the new Orient chairlift opens in December.

VOL 16 ISSUE 12 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 20, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

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Rezoning faces water concerns East village lot stalled while waiting on information

JEAN STRONG

TWO REZONING APPLICATIONS FROM SUN PEAKS RESORT LLP (SPR) AT SUN PEAKS MOUNTAIN RESORT MUNICIPALITY’S (SPMRM) COUNCIL MEETING NOV. 20 FACED COUNCILLORS CONCERNED WITH CAPACITY OF WATER AND WASTEWATER UTILITIES. A motion for the first reading of one rezoning application submitted by SPR failed without a councillor to second it and will be revisited in December. The application was for 5050 Valley Dr., a lot SPR is in the process of receiving from the Crown to be rezoned for multi-family housing and tourist accommodation (from RR-1 to TA-3). A&T Project Developments has announced a development named Elevation on the site which will include high density housing with two buildings for a total of 80 units, at least 240 new beds. The proposed rezoning fits with the Official Community Plan (OCP) but concerns included Sun Peaks Fire Rescue’s (SPFR) ability to reach top units and a sloped parking area which could be too steep for at least one SPFR truck. SPFR would also not be able to respond within 10 minutes which changes required building and fire codes. Some councillors’ main concerns were water and wastewater capabilities in the area, despite SPMRM staff recommending a voluntary covenant which would prohibit any construction until all concerns are addressed to their satisfaction. Councillor Ines Popig cautioned against moving

forward without completed water modelling and suggested revisiting the application when more information is available. Modelling is underway and expected to be completed by Christmas. It will provide detailed information on water requirements for current and future construction. Councillor Darcy Alexander said the covenant should appease any concerns around water. “There is no intention of building something the water doesn’t work for,” he stated. “Everybody take a deep breath... Nothing here is unmanageable or un-reconcilable, with the covenant you have complete and total control.” He continued, explaining the application needed to move forward to a public hearing for planning to continue. The motion for first reading was moved by Alexander but failed as it did not receive a seconder. A&T developer Frank Quinn said they are ready to go to market with the project as soon as rezoning is complete and he is confident any issues will be resolved. “They’re smart people,” he said. “I have to think that if council, which is a very progressive council, has that concern then it has to be addressed...We have a really great group of people at the municipality and a great group of people at SPR and I’m confident they can work it out.” Another rezoning application from SPR, for a lot at 1130 Sun Peaks Rd. next to The Burfield, also asked for first and second reading and moved to public hearing. If rezoned it would change from RR-1 to RC-1 for residential and commercial use. The application comes as Ash

THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT BY A&T AT 5050 VALLEY DR. | Photo SPMRM

Hanna, developer and owner of The Burfield, works on plans to build a multi-family residential development on the site. The proposed project includes around 11 units with a small amount of commercial space on the ground floor for a food and beverage outlet. In the OCP the property was designated institutional, originally meant for a city hall, church, school or other public use. That designation is designed to save space for families and employees. Chief administrative officer Rob Bremner said the project will stay within OCP policy if it provides staff and family accommodation. If a portion of the development isn’t set aside for staff accommodation

it would require an amendment to the OCP. Popig expressed concern at additional commercial space where parking alongside the road can be a challenge. Other councillors raised initial concerns regarding parking, snow storage and ensuring pedestrians have a safe area to walk. Popig added she was uncomfortable without the completed water modelling and voted as opposed to all three motions. However the motions passed and the application will move ahead to a public hearing. SPMRM staff recommended council require SPR to register a voluntary covenant barring construction until concerns are addressed.

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LOCAL NEWS

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

JEAN STRONG

WHAT’S NEW

this winter?

All day pizza delivery After a big night out nothing beats pizza delivered to your door. This season local favourite Mountain High Pizza will offer all day delivery on their famous pizzas. Mountain High is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Moe’s takes it to the next level Morrisey’s Public House has upped their patio, food and entertainment game this year. Now they will open for lunch and après on Saturdays and Sundays. In addition to evening entertainment, live music will be added in après slots and the patio will open in good weather.

Fresh rooms for a getaway If you’re after a luxurious weekend or just a staycation to escape from the stress of home, head to the Sun Peaks Grand. Newly renovated rooms feature modern design and all the comfort you desire.

Mantles tackles après Those looking for a refined après experience will appreciate the new menu debuting at Mantles, in the Sun Peaks Grand, on Dec. 15. Sample the new offerings while sipping a cocktail made with craft spirits or a local beer.

The start of a new winter is always an exciting time; new staff arrive, more snow comes each week and businesses debut new offerings and additions. We’ve collected some of this season’s changes for you to check out!

Sun Peaks Taxi adds gift cards If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your favourite Sun Peaks local look no further. Sun Peaks Taxi opened in October and is now selling gift cards. Pick one up and you and your loved ones will get home safe all winter.

Shuttle stays open late The complimentary shuttle service operated by Sun Peaks Resort LLP will expand its hours this winter. The new evening service, from 4:30 to 10 p.m., runs Dec. 14 to March 31. Regular hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m run the whole season to April 14.

Get the party started with a new DJ Whistler based DJ company, Trax DJ services, has moved to Sun Peaks and is ready take your party to the next level. The company, which travels with the 5K Foam Fest and worked this year’s ULLR party, will offer full DJ services, photobooths, up lighting, rentals and MCs.

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LOCAL NEWS The risks of ridesharing JEAN STRONG

WHILE THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT HAS INTRODUCED LEGISLATION TO ALLOW RIDE-HAILING IN 2019, IT MAY BE SOME TIME BEFORE SUN PEAKS SEES UBER OR LYFT. IN THE MEANTIME INFORMAL RIDESHARING IS LIKELY TO CONTINUE IN THE COMMUNITY. Despite the successful launch of Sun Peaks Taxi in October and increased shuttle service in the village, offers and requests for rides are posted online daily. But to avoid severe financial consequences those offering rides should be aware of what is legal. The Passenger Transportation Act of B.C. has strict definitions of what counts as carpooling. To meet the definition the driver must not receive any payment more than operating costs. The driver may also only transport passengers between the residences or workplaces of either the driver or passengers or a common destination, they

can also make only one round trip in a day. Drivers operating outside of this definition can face fines of $1,150 per day. The potential financial repercussions don’t stop there. If someone violates a term or condition of their policy with ICBC or fails to disclose required facts they can breach their policy. Those insured under “pleasure use” or “to/from work and school” rate classes who offer rides beyond the definition of carpooling would be in breach of their policy. Consequences of breaching include losing the right to claim certain benefits, to have accident related repairs paid for, to be defended by ICBC in a lawsuit related to damages and to have ICBC indemnify you for court judgements against you or settlements paid as a result of your negligence. In simple terms, breaching the terms of your insurance policy with ICBC would make you personally responsible for the costs of repairs to the vehicle and court judgements or settlements against you (third party liability) should an accident happen. Depending on the

harm caused settlements can quickly rise into the millions of dollars. Those who hold private insurance policies in addition to the minimum legally required with ICBC could face the same problems. If you’re looking for a safe way to get around this winter consider the shuttle service operated by Sun Peak Resort LLP (SPR). This winter the bus will operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.. A resort spokesperson said it’s a significant financial investment but it’s important for them to step in as the community grows. “An effective and efficient transportation system is an important part of almost every world class destination. As Sun Peaks continues to grow and see more guests, we want to make sure the experience continually improves. More and more people are engaging in non-ski experiences in resort, so it’s essential that we can move guests around the resort outside of regular lift operating hours.” Sun Peaks Taxi will also continue operations throughout the winter with two vehicles. Other shuttle services are available for

Sun Peaks is preparing for snow. While this is great for snow sports, it’s not so good for your gas meter. Remember to keep your gas meter set clear of snow and ice. Do not use the area around your gas meter for storage of items such as skis, shovels, snow-blowers, wood, etc., such that access by Utility staff or emergency personnel is obstructed. In an emergency, a ﬁrst responder may need to shut your gas service off at the meter set.

JEAN STRONG

THE SUN PEAKS ROTARY INTERACT CLUB HAS MET THEIR GOAL OF FUNDRAISING FOR AN AED AND IT WAS INSTALLED IN THE LOBBY OF THE SUN PEAKS GRAND RESIDENCES BY THE MUNICIPALITY.

MEMBERS OF THE ROTARY INTERACT CLUB WITH THE AED THEY FUNDRAISED FOR. Photo SPIN

Dr. Barclay from the Sun Peaks Health Centre helped chose the location for the AED. Barclay will also be hosting a free CPR and AED training night with Sun Peaks Fire Rescue on Dec. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m.

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those heading to Kamloops or beyond.

PROTECT YOUR GAS METER

Interact club provides AED

Club president Paul Fedor started the project last year. Some money was raised through private donations and from working at a dinner for the Sun Peaks Wine and Coffee Club. $1,800 was raised from a bake sale. This year Interact club members have chosen to fundraise for an automatic chest compression system.

THOSE OFFERING RIDES ONLINE SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS NOT TO BREACH INSURANCE POLICIES. | File photo

in the Burfield Lodge and a free presentation on recreational drug use and overdoses on Dec. 19 at the same time and location.

Don’t forget overhead ice can fall off your roof and break the meter set causing uncontrolled release of gas. Utility staff can assist you in clearing the heavy snow and ice covering your gas meter set. Please do not try and remove any ice coating the gas meter yourself. Remember, that if Utility’s staff must clear the gas meter during monthly meter reading or for safety reasons, you will be charged a fee of $50 for the 1st incident & $100 for each additional time. If you have any questions regarding this notice please contact the Utility’s ofﬁce at info@sunpeaksutilities.com or call 250.578.2020 Monday to Friday After Hour Emergency 250.319.0629

In an emergency, please call 9-1-1

MOUNTAIN TOWN NEWS

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

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

EVEN AS SNOW FALLS, WORRIES RISE ABOUT FIRE SEASON WHISTLER, B.C. — As the snow falls, wildfire season weighs on many minds in ski towns of the West. California’s Camp Fire has been fully contained, but the still-rising death toll, the highest in that state’s history, gives new urgency to planning. Whistler has understood its vulnerability, already considerable but rising with the heat of every record-breaking summer. Winters haven’t changed all that much, more snow in the last 40 years on average and slightly increased temperatures. But in summer, temperatures have increased 2.3 degrees C, according to the weather records kept by Arthur De Jong, the long-time manager of mountain planning and environmental resources at Whistler Blackcomb. That summer heat has started to rapidly erode the mountain-top glaciers. De Jong pointed to several reminders of the community’s wildfire risk. One was a 2009 fire on the Blackcomb component of the ski area. Another was a fire in 2015, some 20 to 25 miles

away, that behaved differently than what was normal for fires in coastal mountains. It burned more intensely, similar to fires in the interior of British Columbia. Then there has been the smoke. British Columbia set a record for the number of wildfires this year, breaking the record set last year. Five of the top 10 years for fire in the province since 1950 have been in this decade. The smoke hasn’t dampened summer tourism in Whistler, but it has adulterated the experience. For weeks the smoke was like a cotton gauze draped over the community’s spectacular mountains. Whistler has been taking steps to reduce its risks. It has a goal of thinning 30 hectares of forested areas along the inhabited interface each year, but also 40 hectares of fuel breaks. But this is dwarfed by the 1,200 hectares within municipal boundaries recommended for treatment. What has been done has been remarkable, said De Jong, but what remains to be done is daunting, the pace must be accelerated. Recently elected to the municipal council, De Jong has been given the role of looking after environmental matters. The most sustainable action that

Relax

into your

Whistler can take, he said, will be to prevent the community from going up in smoke. What will Whistler do? Locals have a high awareness of the community’s risk, he says. There has been broad participation in a chipping program. Trees and other vegetation near homes can be taken to a chipper. The chips can be used for landscaping mulch or as an amendment in composting. For reasons unclear, some second-home owners—most of them from metropolitan Vancouver—have been resistant to vegetative removal. But the pace of thinning needs to be stepped up, De Jong believes. As the younger trees that most need to be removed have relatively little value, the thinning need to be subsidized. The province needs to be persuaded that it should absorb more of the cost, he said. Despite the smoke, Whistler’s longer, hotter summers are good for tourism. But the bigger picture is of rising temperatures that have outpaced the original projections of climate scientists. Feedback loops—such as thawing methane, a potent greenhouse gas—have caused the International Panel on Climate Change to warn that warming must be contained within 1.5 degrees C, instead of the previous 2 degrees C. Wildfire, said De Jong, is by far

the compelling statement on why greenhouse gas emissions must be slowed. Whitefish, the Montana ski town, has also been talking about wildfire as snow blankets Big Mountain, as the ski area used to be known. At a recent meeting covered by the Whitefish Pilot, city councillor Richard Hildner suggested that regulations that might be considered “government overreach” by some would actually be in the public’s best interest. He was talking about building regulations and yard maintenance requirements. He also pointed to the probability of a big fire at the ski area. The last one occurred just about a century ago. “So if the fire rotation is about 120 years in the lodgepole pine, we’re getting to that point again where we can expect fire to again sweep across the face of Big Mountain,” he said. “What do we do economically when that happens?” Nearby Glacier National Park has had moderate-sized fires during each of the last two years. Jeff Mow, park superintendent, said the relatively low elevation of Glacier compared to other parks in the Rocky Mountains makes it more vulnerable to wildfire s. Also contributing to the risk are the longer, warmer summers. In Canada, from a base near

Festive Bliss

Banff National Park, glaciologist Shawn Marshall has been studying the effect of smoke and ash from wildfires along with rising global temperatures on glaciers. “A big fire year is a really bad year for glaciers in the Rockies,” he said at an August presentation covered by the Rocky Mountain Outlook. When ash and debris from wildfires lands on the surface of glaciers, he explained, they cause the glaciers to absorb more solar radiation, hastening the melting process. Rising temperatures already imperil glaciers. Those in Glacier National Park will likely soon disappear, he said. Those in Canada will likely persist because they are larger and at higher elevations, but they will certainly shrivel, particularly if greenhouse gas emissions continue to accumulate as they have been. “We may get down to losing about 95 to 90 per cent of the ice in the Rockies by the end of the century,” he said. Marshall said when he began studying glaciers 25 years ago, he thought they were permanent parts of the landscape. “Now this idea that I might a outlive some of the glaciers I am studying is a bit disturbing.”

this Winter

Experience Winter at Sun Peaks Spa, Indulge in our outstanding Specials, Facials, Manicures & Pedicures. Be pampered with our Relaxation, Deep Tissue or Signature Massage. Slide from the slopes and onto our Hydromassage Beds. Give something special to someone you care about with our Gift Vouchers. Couples Treatments, Group Bookings & Individual sessions available

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250 578 0068 VOL 16 ISSUE 12 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 20, 2018

COMMUNITY 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.

THE NEW THOMPSONNICOLA REGIONAL DISTRICT (TNRD) BOARD HAS HELD ITS FIRST MEETING AS WELL AS A COUPLE OF ORIENTATION SESSIONS AND DIRECTORS ARE GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER. Since half the board is new, it will likely take a month or two to get in full swing. The newness of the board is a good thing. While I respected the previous board for the willingness of directors to be vocal with their opinions and to thrash out some difficult issues, bringing new points of view to the table always helps. Of the 26 directors, 13 weren’t in the room last term,

and quite a few of those are new to politics. There are nine women and 17 men, a ratio that needs to be improved. There’s another demographic on the board that I view as somewhat unfortunate—there’s a lot of white hair around the table. I’m in favour of white hair myself, and the older I get the more I become convinced that youth is overrated. Still, youth has its advantages. The presence of white and grey hair in the boardroom has been a characteristic of the regional district board as long as I can remember. With age comes experience but with youth comes vitality and a willingness to try things that the rest of us have already tried but might be worth taking another crack at. Regional districts were created to bring democracy closer to rural areas. Regional

COLUMNIST VIEWS

All about the accent 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.

GO TO ALMOST ANY SNOW RESORT IN NORTH AMERICA AND YOU’RE GUARANTEED TO HEAR SOME FOREIGN ACCENTS. AUSTRALIA IS USUALLY IN THE LEAD, FOLLOWED CLOSELY BY OTHER COMMONWEALTH NATIONS, NEW ZEALAND AND BRITAIN. IT’S ALMOST A RITE OF PASSAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE FROM OVERSEAS TO DO A SEASON IN CANADA. IN FACT, THE SNOW SPORT INDUSTRY WOULD FEEL BLAND WITHOUT THE SEASONAL INFLUX OF FOREIGN WORKERS, ALL KEEN ON LIVING THE DREAM IN CANADIAN RESORTS. One group that is giving Australia a run for its money, in terms of representation, is Denmark. For the past several years, Sun Peaks has welcomed a large contingent of Danish

youth. These Danes make Sun Peaks their winter home as part of a program called Snowminds, co-founded by Christoffer Vorre and Ottar Hjollum in 2012. Both had been teaching skiing in Austria and decided to find a way to share their love of the mountains with other young people who were hungry for adventure. While there are other gap-year programs operating throughout Western Canada, and abroad, Snowminds is fairly unique in that the graduates of the multiweek instructional program go on to become instructors with the Sun Peaks Snow Sport School. All of the program participants become certified through either the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance, or the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors. I spoke with nineteen-yearold Nikolaj Brix who grew up just north of Copenhagen. Brix learned to ski in neighbouring Norway as a youngster. Most Danes travel to Norway, Sweden or the Alps for ski holidays. Denmark is a flat country, with only very small hills, and no real skiing to speak of. The fact

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There’s too much white hair on the TNRD board boards exist to help people. Policies and regulations are there to benefit, not to hinder and restrict. Challenging boundaries is essential to the job we do. I’m not the greatest judge of people’s ages, but it’s safe to say there are no 20 or 30-year-olds on the board. There might be one or two in their 40s and there are a few in their 50s but the 60s and 70s are pretty clearly the dominant age bracket. There are reasons for this, one being time. Those among us who are retired have the flexibility—in our calendars if not in our bones—to attend board meetings and committee meetings that mostly happen in the middle of the day. If a pressing matter comes up in one of

that so many Danish kids are attracted to mountain sports is contrary to their environment, but there’s no doubt they are in love with skiing and snowboarding. The kids I’ve met over the years are some of the most dedicated skiers anywhere, they’ll often ride nearly every day of their trip and they never miss a powder day. When I asked Brix what the most exciting part was about coming to Canada was, his reply was the opportunity to be on snow every day. He had been planning this trip for over a year and said it would be an opportunity for him to learn life skills, as well as ski skills. He said he was most nervous about having to buy groceries, pay rent and be responsible for organizing his life, so far from his family. Another student, Lea Ajslev, from the small town of Fredensborg, was both excited and nervous about the chance to become a ski instructor and work with children. She said she was looking forward to seeing a child she had taught progress and find the same love of skiing that she had. She didn’t expect that she would be homesick, considering her parents and uncle have a trip to Sun Peaks planned for later in the winter. Having an influx of Danish youth into the Sun Peaks

our communities we don’t have to wait until the end of the work day or a weekend to go check it out. Those on municipal councils face the same challenges and yet the demographic there tends to be younger and there’s a reason for that, too. Some rural areas are very big geographically and very small in population in one electoral area only 90 people voted in this year’s civic election, yet the turnout was over 54 per cent. In several others, only a couple of hundred voted. Small populations in vast areas will inevitably result in fewer people being able to get involved. The other problem I see is that regional districts, including ours, remain a

mystery to most people. They don’t know about the many services they provide for the taxes they collect. In a village, town or city, City Hall is just down the street. In a regional district, the offices are a considerable drive away. I venture to say a lot of TNRD taxpayers don’t know that its offices are in the Civic Building on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Victoria Street in Kamloops. There are some exciting developments coming in the way the TNRD engages with residents and I think that will help get some younger people interested in being part of it. Until then us old farts will hold the fort, and the presence of new faces this coming term will refresh our thinking.

A FEW OF THE SNOWMINDS CREW, EXCITED TO BE CALLING SUN PEAKS THEIR WINTER HOME. Photo supplied

community is an opportunity, both for the Danes and for community members. These kids bring a passion and enthusiasm that is tangible and contagious. It gives our other instructors, and our mountain guests, a chance to meet people from another country and culture. My recommendation is that you listen closely the next time you find yourself on a chairlift with some strangers. One of my favourite questions is, “Where are you from?” I constantly find myself amazed by the answers

I get, and better for having the opportunity to learn about someone else’s home. I hope you’ll do the same and enjoy our winter for what it is, a melting pot of likeminded people from all over the world. In the end, us winter people have much more in common than that which divides us. The rest of the world should follow suit and take a winter off to chase the snow and discover what “living the dream” is all about.

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

Hiking the path of life JEAN STRONG

AS A FIVE YEAR OLD CORRY BONDINI REMEMBERS HIKING TO ALLSTONES LAKE IN ALBERTA WEARING HER GUM BOOTS. NOW TWENTY YEARS OLDER, THE LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS INSTILLED IN HER AS A CHILD HAS GUIDED HER LIFE DOWN A PATH SHE NEVER PICTURED AS AN INSTAGRAM INFLUENCER AND SUN PEAKS LOCAL. She and her then-boyfriend Harley moved to the mountain two years ago and have settled in as locals since. After working at a hotel she recently landed a dream gig as marketing co-ordinator at Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP), sharing her love of the community with people all over the world. Bondini grew up in Red Deer, Alta. where her parents Greg and Susan taught her to love and respect the outdoors. Family time was often outside and as she got older and eventually moved to Kamloops to attend Thompson Rivers University (TRU) it stuck with her. Bondini remembers filling a van with her friends and their packed lunches to ski at Sun Peaks for a day while at TRU. After graduating she moved to Whistler to live the mountain life she had dreamed about. While there she met Harley, who would later propose to her on a hike. Their wedding was idyllic and intimate on the slopes of Harper Mountain and he now regularly joins her on hikes and other explorations. All of these important moments have been documented on her Instagram account @hikingcorry, which she started on a whim to share photos of her adventures with friends. “I started the account five years ago now,” she said. “Mainly just to share my love for the outdoors with whoever was interested in that and to inspire people to get outside because lots of people think that they can’t go out hiking or that you need all this fancy equipment but you really don’t.” The account grew quickly to over 16,000 followers who appreciated the shots of Bondini and her friends in colourful clothing perched on mountains, overlooking lakes or exploring waterfalls. Bondini said when she started she was picky with what she posted, only wanting the perfect photos with filters and editing. Now she tries to be more open,

showing the real side of the adventures. But from the beginning she’s made a point of sharing information with others, giving directions to a cool spot or advice to those just starting out. Since moving to Sun Peaks she’s also become a source for those in the area looking for details on the mountain, like snow conditions or good ski runs. “Since moving up here I’ve been able to post a lot more of that content and I’ve found that people from Kamloops just love it,” she said. “They’re always messaging me. They think it’s cool to be able to see what’s going on in Sun Peaks.” Living here has meant an increase in winter sports posts like Nordic and downhill skiing, as well as snowshoeing. “We knew that we really wanted to be in the kind of ski town lifestyle, so Sun Peaks seemed like a good fit for us, a bit smaller and quieter and more of a community. We love it here and don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. “I’ve always been a skier but I was never able to live a ski lifestyle and go every single weekend.” Sun Peaks has given her more than pretty photos and Instagram stories. She and her husband are working towards purchasing a home in the resort and don’t see themselves leaving anytime soon. Especially as she gets more comfortable in her role at TSP. “I’ve always been passionate about sharing images that inspire people, so it’s cool to be able to do that for work now and continue to inspire people to come to Sun Peaks.” One of the things she hopes to show is that the life is attainable by everyone. “I’m always getting messages from people I went to high school with saying ‘I’m so jealous of you, you live such an amazing life’ but I say I live a normal life. I just made these choices to move to another province and maybe pay a bit more rent, or food is a bit more expensive but those are my choices that I made and it’s worth it.” For her being a local is getting to share her love of the lifestyle with those around her. “It means getting to share my love for all of these outdoor activities with a community of like-minded people. I’ve never lived somewhere where everyone is here for the same reason...Even in Whistler some people were just there to party, you don’t really get that in Sun Peaks. Even people who just come here for a season come here because they want to

get away from that kind of big party scene and they want to enjoy the mountain. “That’s a big part of being a local, being a part of that like minded community.” This winter she’ll stay put, taking full advantage of everything the mountain has to offer and digging into the new job. But she’s set her sights set on more hiking when the snow melts. “We just love how chill and quiet it is, we just love how everything is right at your front door in both the winter and the summer but in the winter especially we never leave, why would we?”

BONDINI ENJOYING MOUNTAIN LIFE AT SUN PEAKS. Photo supplied

BONDINI WITH HER PARENTS GREG AND SUSAN HALL. Photo Supplied

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GET OUT THERE

Behind the Green Gate JEAN STRONG

JUST OUTSIDE THE SKI AREA OF SUN PEAKS, OFF OF A LITTLETRAVELED ROAD, IS A SMALL CLEARING THAT HAS DRAWN LOCAL SHREDDERS FOR YEARS. Surrounded by snow dusted trees, it was described by one rider as “something you might just stumble on one day.” Which might have been how it was found, but nobody knows exactly how it was discovered or just how long early season keeners have been heading to the spot. That’s just part of its charm. The hideaway, known as Green Gate, is home to handmade park features from small jumps to pipes and rails. As soon as snow falls in early season, riders make their way up until lifts turn or enough snow piles up that it’s dismantled until the following year. Skiers and boarders who bring friends are careful not to reveal the location. Rumour has it in recent years riders have had passes taken away and attempts have been made to dismantle the retreat.

With even just a few inches of snow the group gets to work putting together new set ups each day. Aut-Lin Foster has spent time there for three seasons now, taking the time to build features with friends. “We built a wooden rail feature one year,” he said. “There were some old box features from Oronge (Boardshop) and I got two giant PVC pipes from my work.” Both new and experienced riders get together to enjoy the escape. “Every time I’ve been able to go I’ve learned something new,” he said, adding the pipes are softer and often lower to the ground than those in the terrain park, making for an easier landing. “My favourite part, and what makes Green Gate special to me, is that it’s a place where riders of all levels in the community gather for a singular purpose, to ride and have fun,” he said. “It’s a place where riders can ride without being judged on their abilities, and where they don’t feel the pressures you would normally get from riding the terrain park in the resort. You ride, try something new and fall

down, and everyone still cheers you on because you’re pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and trying something new. You go and try it again and you land it, and everyone cheers harder, stoke level rising in everyone there. No judgements, no drama, just riding and having fun.” That environment helped another rider, a snowboarder in her 20s, who wanted to learn more in a park setting. “They change it up everyday,” she said. “The best park riders are usually riding and if you learn something great, if not then oh well, everyone is always stoked on you trying.” She’s learned board slides and switch 180s but says she also likes to watch the pros experiment. “It’s like watching video games, seeing a video game right in front of my face.” The experience and community has kept her coming back for a few years. Foster said he likes this lesspolished side of the mountain and hopes people will recognize Sun Peaks for the ski town it’s becoming. “I feel like this is something that they should be embracing, not trying to hide or trying to

RIDERS BUILD THEIR OWN FEATURES TO PRACTICE AND GET OUT EARLY SEASON. | Photo Morgan Walter.

kick us out. Because Sun Peaks isn’t just about big family friendly events, big wine events, and ski racing. It’s also about grassroot initiatives like this that riders in the community take on,” he said. “The fact the we spend our own time setting it up come first snowfall, and now tearing it down and cleaning it up once the season starts, speaks volumes about the type of riders that are in our community.”

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He said there are a lot of things locals do in that aren’t seen at other resorts, and that it’s part of the charm. “Sun Peaks isn’t just a growing community of young families, it’s also a growing community of young adults as well. And I think we should be showcased, even just a little bit, not swept off to the side for the big name events.”

GET OUT THERE

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

Flying solo JEAN STRONG

IF YOU HEAR A FAINT BUZZING THIS WINTER AND LOOK UP YOU MAY BE GREETED BY A STRANGE SIGHT. IT’S NEITHER A BIRD NOR A PLANE, IT’S JAN NEDEMLEJNSKY IN HIS TRIKE. THE MOTORIZED HANG GLIDER IS HOW NEDEMLEJNSKY CAPTURES STUNNING PHOTOS OF KAMLOOPS AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS FROM ABOVE. The trike, which he made himself, can fly up to 130 km per hour and up to 7,000 or 8,000 feet high, but Nedemlejnsky prefers to stick to 5,000 to 6,000 feet or lower where the views are the best. “It gives you more of a fun factor, when you’re lower you get more perception of speed.” Since moving to Kamloops in 2012 he has already flown more than 13,500 km in the area, making frequent trips over the Thompson River, to Barriere and to Sun Peaks. But he has logged far more kilometres than that since he started in the sport in 1974.

Motorized trike flights give birds eye view of mountains

He lived in the Czech Republic and he taught himself everything he needed to know, but had a large community of hang gliders around for support. “I had always wanted to fly but was getting airsick (in planes),” he said. “I would never pass the exam on a regular plane; tests with acrobatics were not for me.” Back then he was flying non-motorized hang gliders, dragging them up mountains, waiting for perfect conditions and taking off. From the start he recorded his flights, first with a wind up video camera with only a few minutes of film and now with multiple GoPros and cameras. When he made the move to Canada in 1979 he was excited by the thought of soaring from tall mountains and picturesque peaks. “I thought I would be in the Rockies...I then lived in Fort McMurray which is hopelessly flat.” Living at an altitude of 260 metres with few mountains around, Nedemlejnsky said he decided to build his own motorized version of the gliders he started with and began flights around the Alberta city.

He said it was beautiful and the clear skies couldn’t be beat, but since moving south to Kamloops he has fallen in love with how photogenic the area is. Nedemlejnsky said he especially loves seeing the sand bars move in the rivers. “I’ve seen much more than people born here,” he said. “When you live in Kamloops you only see the first layer of the mountains, the higher you go the more you see the terrain and beauty. Kamloops is photogenic. No matter where you look it looks good.” Nedemlejnsky shares his photos and videos on his Facebook, YouTube and website. Both scenic shots and educational videos are shared as a way to connect with a small community. He belongs to local flying clubs but is the only one with a trike. Through the years there have been close calls and crashes. He once spent seven weeks in hospital recovering and another time flipped the hang glider on a lake. But it hasn’t stopped him from taking to the skies again. “It looks cool and I like cool stuff...It’s one of the cheapest flying sports ever...It’s one of the

JAN NADEMLEJNSKY FLYING HIS APOLLO DELTAJET2 OVER KAMLOOPS. Photo supplied.

closest things to flying.” Nedemlejnsky has other passions too, including his motorcycle, but takes the time for a few flights each month. The trike can fly for up to four hours or so but he tends to go out for an hour at a time. A round trip to Sun Peaks or Barriere is around 45 minutes from where he takes off at the Kamloops airport. He also visits local groups and

retirement homes to share his images. “It’s unbelievable the reaction,” he said. “People love to see different views. Kids and people love to see it at the airport.” So next time you see Kamloops’ only trike flying over head wave hello; you may end up in one of Nedemlejnsky’s photos.

Mark your Calendars! Dec 3 Dec 7-9 Dec 8-9 Dec 13-16 Dec 22-24 Dec 23-24 Dec 31 Jan 5-6 Jan 12 Jan 11-20 Jan 19-20 Jan 22-24 Feb 1-2 Feb 10 Mar 1-3 Mar 2 Mar 9-10 Mar 9-10 Mar 16-17 Mar 22-23 Mar 31 Apr 5-7 Apr 13-14 Apr 19-21 Apr 21

High Five Day - $5 ticket with Food Bank donation Savour the Sun, Food & Wine Festival Glenn Bond Nordic Ski Camp Holiday Kick-Off Weekend Activities with Santa Caroling with Nancy Greene New Year’s Eve Celebrations Glenn Bond Nordic Ski Camp Sun Peaks Family Cup Alpine Race 20th Annual Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival Avalanche Awareness Days Air Nation Slopestyle & Big Air TELUS Nancy Greene Alpine Classic Party in the Park Rail Jam Peak Pride North Face Dirty Feet Snowshoe Fun Run & Walk Bluebird Banked Slalom Sun Peaks Demo Days Sun Peaks Nordic Festival HUB International Nancy Greene Festival The Garden Rail Jam Snowbombing Canada Tod Mountain Days Spring Festival Snowmobile Hill Climb Easter Extravaganza

SunPeaksResort.com/Events VOL 16 ISSUE 12 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 20, 2018

ABERDEEN MALL ALPINE IMAGES ALTITUDE PLUMBING AND HEATING LTD. ANDY AND LANA DEGAUST ANNE BRUNEAU ANNETTE ADLER BEAR COUNTRY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT BEAUTY HAS ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES BELLA ITALIA SUN PEAKS BEV BATCH BIGHORN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB BLACK BEAVER ATHLETIC BROOKGREEN ESTATES LTD. BRUCE MITCHELL CIBC PRIVATE WEALTH CLIFFSIDE CLIMBING GYM COAST SUNDANCE LODGE CONSIGNOR SPORTS CREEK TO PEAK CLEAN & PROPERTY SERVICE DISCOVER SUN PEAKS ADVENTURES

DOMINIC MAIKA DOWN THE ROAD WELLNESS ELEVATED FISHING ADVENTURES EMSLAND INSURANCE EXIT KAMLOOPS FALL LINE TUNING AND REPAIR CENTRE FAST ACTION FISHING ADVENTURES FEYCHYLDE DESIGNS FLNR - MOUNTAIN RESORTS BRANCH FOUR WINDS MASSAGE THERAPY FREEFALL FRICK AND FRACK TAP HOUSE GATHERCOLE CHIROPRACTIC AND MASSAGE HEATHER STRANKS AND JENS GOERNER HIGH COUNTRY STAINED GLASS JARDINES KAL TIRE KAMLOOOPS BLAZERS KAMLOOPS HOME HARDWARE

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KAMLOOPS INSPECTIONS KAMLOOPS KITCHEN HACKS KAMLOOPS THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION KIRSTY SALMON KMS TOOLS KNEE DEEP SPORT MASSAGE LA DOLCE VITA LIFEMARK PHYSIOTHERAPY, KAMLOOPS LONE WOLF GALLERY LYNNETTE SUKUT INDEPENDENT BRAND PARTNER MARA VITOLS MCALLISTER & HOWARD CLOTHIERS LTD. MCSPORTIES MELISSA VIKE PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION MICHAEL WOODWARD MIKE WIEGELE HELICOPTER SKIING MITCHELL POTTS MITTZ KITCHEN MONTE CREEK RANCH

WINERY MOUNTAIN MAN DOG SLED ADVENTURES NAN STEVENS NRI DISTRIBUTION INC. ORANGE THEORY FITNESS, KAMLOOPS ORONGE BOARDSHOP OVERTIME APPAREL PAT MCKIMMON PEAVEY MART PETALROOT REFLEXOLOGY & MASSAGE PHIL DABNER POWDER HOUNDS RESTAURANT REMAX ALPINE RESORT REALTY CORP. ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY ROGA CONTRACTING LTD. RUN CLUB KAMLOOPS RUSCH ENTERPRISES LTD. SOTHEBYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S REALTY STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANY STEAKHOUSE AT SUN PEAKS LODGE STEVE AND SUZANNE

TRAVIS STONEY CREEK CONTRACTING LTD. STYLE FOR EVERYONE SUNDANCE GUEST RANCH SUN PEAKS GRAND HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE SUN PEAKS HOCKEY LEAGUE SUN PEAKS LODGE SUN PEAKS RESORT SPORTS SCHOOL SUN PEAKS RESORT LLP SUN PEAKS SPA SUN PEAKS SUGAR SALON TASTEFULL EXCURSIONS THE HARVEST GOLF CLUB, KELOWNA TIPS AND TOES NAIL, HAIR & BEAUTY STUDIO TREE TOP FLYERS TRUE OUTDOORS KAMLOOPS TWISTED GOAT COFFEE ROASTERS TWISTED OLIVE STEAKHOUSE ZORBORATIC ZUZY ROCKA

MONTH IN PHOTOS

THIS YEAR’S ULLR PARTY RAISED JUST OVER $7,000 FOR THE SUN PEAKS SKATE PARK FOUNDATION. Photo Caroline Thompson

SUN PEAKS FIRE AND RESCUE’S TEAM AT THE ANNUAL FIREFIGHTERS GALA. Photo SPIN

SUN PEAKS RESORT STAFF WERE ALL SMILES AS THEY PREPARED TO SEND THE FIRST CHAIR OF RIDERS UP THE MOUNTAIN. Photo SPIN

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

THE CIRCUS CAME TO TOWN FOR THE BLUEBIRD DAY FUND’S FALL BALL. Photo Alpine Images

MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY GATHERED TO HONOUR THE FALLEN ON REMEMBERENCE DAY. Photo Supplied

MARIO POZZA PRESENTED SUN PEAKS FIRE AND RESCUE CHIEF COLIN CANNON HIS 20 YEARS OF SERVICE AWARD AT THE FIREFIGHTERS GALA. Photo SPIN

SECOND CHAIR OF OPENING DAY WAS FULL OF MEMBERS OF THE SUN PEAKS FREESTYLE TEAM. Photo SPIN

SKIERS POSE FOR A PHOTO AFTER COMING DOWN 5 MILE ON OPENING WEEKEND. Photo SPIN

VOL 16 ISSUE 12 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 20, 2018

EVENTS

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Getting primed for the holiday season NIKKI FREDRIKSON

THE HOLIDAYS ARE A TIME TO SLOW DOWN, MAKE MEMORIES AND CREATE NEW TRADITIONS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR AN EVENT TO DAZZLE GUESTS OR SOME PLACE TO GET AWAY FOR THE DAY, THERE’S PLENTY HAPPENING IN AND AROUND SUN PEAKS TO GET YOU IN A FESTIVE MOOD THIS MONTH. Start your festivity preperations off at the Kamloops Christmas Craft Market, Friday, Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 at Mastermind Studios. With over 60 vendors selling their unique and locally made products this event is a great place to start your Christmas shopping and decorating. A production you don’t want to miss is Elf the Musical at Sagebrush Theatre. Based on the Christmas classic starring Will Ferrell, this play follows the journey of Buddy, an orphaned baby who winds up in the North Pole growing up in Santa’s workshop before embarking on a journey to New York City in search of his birth father. Catch it before it ends, shows run daily from

SATURDAY DECEMBER 1 BOWL BASH RAIL JAM

The first rail jam of the season is one not to miss.Sun Peaks Resort has partnered with Bowl Boys to bring a open format rail jam under the lights at the Learning Zone above The Annex. Jam runs from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. 250 578 5474

MONDAY DECEMBER 3 HIGH FIVE DAY

Sun Peaks Resort’s winter High Five Day raises awareness and donations for the Kamloops Food Bank. A donation of five dollars and a non-perishable food item will get you an alpine or Nordic lift ticket. 250 578 5474

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 5 SIGN WORKSHOP

Make your own Farm House Style Sign. Choose your own quote! $45 per sign. Choose background colour from white or black paint or espresso or grey stain. Loads of fun! Make for yourself or as a gift. to Sun

Valley Farms to our annual Pumpkin Patch. krkilba@gmail.com

FRIDAY TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 7 TO 9 SAVOUR THE SUN FESTIVAL

A weekend of food, wine and adventure! The first annual Savour the Sun Festival is a

Nov. 20 to Dec. 12. Cheers the holiday season with a frosty brew and your best plaid on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Welcome Winter Block Party in downtown Kamloops presented by Fulton and Company, Brewloops Beer Festival and KIA. This family-friendly event has something for everyone including an outdoor market, live DJ’s, ball hockey and other games. It’s the perfect way to spend a winter Saturday and make lasting memories. Celebrate in the snow in true Sun Peaks style with the favourite Holiday Kick-Off Weekend returning Dec. 13 to 16. Start the weekend off with an Alpine Fondue and Starlight Descent experience down 5 Mile. Saturday, take in a variety of events for the whole family from a holiday artisan market, photos with Santa, an ornament making station and a moonlight snowshoe & s’mores tour. Finish the weekend off with live music by Lindsay May, free hot chocolate and a welcome reception with Nancy Greene.

partnership between Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country and Sun Peaks Resort. 250 578 5442

FRIDAY DECEMBER 7 SAVOUR THE SUN AT SUNBURST

A ski-in ski-out, mid-mountain reception with a focus on private collection, never released wines presented and poured by the winemakers from Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country. From 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. 250 578 5442

FRIDAY DECEMBER 7 SAVOUR BUBBLES

Savour Bubbles is a progressive-style tasting at Masa’s Bar + Grill, focusing on sparkling wines and terroir expressive varietals from nine Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country winemakers. From 7:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. 250 578 5442

SATURDAY DECEMBER 8 UNCORK YOUR SENSES

Uncork Your Senses at The Annex rounds out the weekend with an elegant evening of food and wine, featuring twelve of the region’s most respected wineries. From 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

KIRK SMITH AS BUDDY THE ELF, WITH SOME OF THE CAST OF ELF–THE MUSICAL. Photo Supplied

DECEMBER 8 & 9 GLEN BOND NORDIC SKI CAMP

Nordic ski camps focused on you. Choose classic or skate skiing and coaches will provide instruction on either technique. Video analysis, trail passes, lunch and a souvenir included. glenn_bond@me.com

THURSDAY DECEMBER 13 11TH ANNUAL SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY ART AUCTION

Morrisey’s Public House will host the 11th Annual Sotheby’s International Realty Canada’s Benefit Art Auction which supports Sun Peaks Secondary Academy. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 250 578 7773

THURSDAY TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 13 TO 16 HOLIDAY KICK-OFF WEEKEND

Tourism Sun Peaks has partnered with Sun Peaks Grand Hotel to bring a weekend of free holiday activities to the Village. 250 578 5399

SATURDAY TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 15 T0 16 HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET

250 578 5442

Find the perfect gift for your loved ones this two day market will showcase multiple vendors in the lower lobby at the Sun Peaks Grand and in the Morrisey room at the Hearthstone.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

250 578 5399

VOL 16 ISSUE 12 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 20, 2018

EVENT LISTINGS SATURDAY DECEMBER 15 PHOTOS WITH SANTA

Santa will be in the village for photos from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm at the Clock Tower Square. 250 578 5399

MONDAY DECEMBER 17 CPR/AED TRAINING

Doctor Barclay and Sun Peaks Fire and Rescue will host free CPR/ AED training at the Burfield Lodge from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Limited enrollment, register at the Sun Peaks Health Centre. 778 644 0635

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 19 RECREATIONAL DRUG USE PRESENTATION Doctor Barclay will host a presentation on the types of party drugs in use, what they do and what to do if you see an overdose. The presentation will be held at Burfield Lodge from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. 778 644 0635

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Professional Couple age 50-60s looking for 3 month rental at/near Sun Peaks Jan-Mar 2019. Studio or 1bdrm, Ski&relax, non-smokers – Contact – jdn.photography.canada@gmail.com.

FOR RENT 4 bedroom + den house for rent on Sunburst Drive. NS/NP family home! $3200/month includes household bills. 1 year lease preferred. Contact Taralee at taraleerichards@gmail. com or 6048976430.

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Mom!! last night the elf ate the rest of my halloween candy!

yeah mine too!! and he cut my hair all dorky the way you like it!

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Staying consistent White keeps the pressure on in Phoenix NIKKI FREDRIKSON

COMPETING IN HIS SECOND NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES EVENT AND FIRST OVAL RACE OF THE SERIES, JASON WHITE HEADED TO PHOENIX, AZ ON NOV. 10 WITH ONE GOAL IN MIND, TO RACE CONSISTENTLY. White is no stranger to the ISM Raceway. He used to watch his dad compete on the same track as a kid. That came full circle for him as he had his dad join him in Phoenix for his oval race debut. “It was pretty neat to go back to that track...where I used to stand there as a kid with my eyes wide open watching. To be able to get there and race on it was pretty awesome,” he said. Comparing the event to his last appearance in the series, White said he was used to the

speed of road courses but had to get the hang of the corners on the oval course. “I thought it was absolutely mind-blowing keeping the corner speeds up. That was something that jumped out at me right away,” he said. “It was very humbling at first, but as I got used to it through the practice sessions I progressed. We were actually one of the most consistent speed trucks in practice.” Building on his progress, White was the ninth most consistent in the second practice increasing his speed by five miles an hour. His pace increased again in a qualifier race and by the official race White was able to turn his 10th lap half a second faster than his qualifying time. “We did exactly what we set out to do. To learn and get faster and get better and get comfortable. As we went and we obtained all those things,” he explained. The race, however, wasn’t

JASON WHITE AT THE ISM RACEWAY IN GOODYEAR, AZ. (TKP-Photography/Tami Pope)

smooth sailing for White who strugged with mechanical issues at 25 laps to go. He took a hit at 170 miles an hour and dropped a lap behind the pack. “I actually relate it to driving the Sun Peaks road on an icy winter night because when you feel (yourself) get sideways and lose control, it’s the same kind of scenario, you’re just going a lot faster,” he explained. “It’s the same reactions that you

have when you’re driving on a snowy or an icy road. Your natural instincts take over and you correct.” Able to keep the truck off the wall, White finished 24th out of 32 competitors. Now finished racing for the season he already has his sights set on attaining his next goal, racing at Daytona, FL. As NASCAR has a track graduation process, White will look to compete in the ARCA

Ava Dye makes history

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Becoming Sun Peaks’ first national taekwondo champion NIKKI FREDRIKSON

SUN PEAKS IS NOW HOME TO A NATIONAL TAEKWONDO CHAMPION, A FIRST FOR THE NORTHERN TAEKWONDO ACADEMY. SEVEN-YEAR-OLD YELLOW BELT COMPETITOR AVA DYE EARNED GOLD IN BOTH SPARRING AND PATTERN AT THE 2018 CANADIAN ITF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS HELD NOV. 10 TO 11 IN CALGARY, ALTA. “Double gold, that’s a huge accomplishment and the yellow belt category that she’s in is quite a big category as well,” said chief instructor Ryan Oevermann. It was the first time in the academy’s history that any competitors had attended a national event. Oevermann said he was proud of the way the seven competitors performed throughout the weekend with five coming home with medals. “It’s awesome. People are seeing what’s being taught works, people are seeing success in the school... a rising

tide raises all ships so (if) one person’s better, other students see that and they want to become better as well,” he said. Olivia Dye earned a bronze in pattern and silver in sparring, Annika Roberts finished with a bronze in sparring, Morgan Franklin also earned a bronze in sparring and in the super senior black belt division Lori McLean brought home a silver in sparring and bronze in pattern. Going forward in the competitive season Oevermann said he thinks the experience at the national event will provide the students with motivation to keep up their skills. “I think the ones that competed and got medals they’re going to want to defend that title. Someone like Ava who gets double gold she wants to defend that and maintain that,” explained Oevermann. “Someone who didn’t get as high as gold is going to want to achieve better next time.” Next up for the academy will be belt examinations at the end of November then students will begin preparing for a final competition in the spring.

series to earn certification to compete at Daytona in the Truck Series. “If you’ve made it to Daytona as a race car driver it’s one of those things. You’ve accomplished some pretty awesome goals.” White was proudly racing with Reaume Brothers Racing and was sponsored by YourGMCTruckStore.com, Zimmer Wheaton GMC and Powder Ventures Excavating.

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AVA DYE PROUDLY DISPLAYS HER TWO GOLD MEDALS. Photo supplied.

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VOL 16 ISSUE 12 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 20, 2018

SPORTS

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Making the snow accessible Adaptive Sports adds new programing NIKKI FREDRIKSON

A NEW PARTNERSHIP IS BENDING THE ADAPTIVE SPORTS SUN PEAKS (ASSP) MANTRA OF MAKING THE MOUNTAIN ACCESSIBLE TO ALL AND SUN PEAKS NORDIC CLUB’S MISSION OF CREATING SPORT FOR LIFE, AS ASSP EXPANDS INTO NORDIC SKIING. “It’s been part of the adaptive sports strategic plan to start branching into other winter activities,” said Veronica Connors, ASSP training lead. Throughout the summer the two programs began working together to build a partnership which will allow four adaptive sports coaches to work alongside Nordic instructors to offer lessons to adaptive students. “We’ve had, over the years, people asking when are we going to start a Nordic program. We’re very excited we can offer that this season,” said Connors. For the ASSP program, the opportunity to branch into

Nordic skiing came after receiving funding from the BC Interior Foundation for two Nordic sit skis and a grant from the Kamloops Sports Legacy Fund for training funds. “Our interest really started last year in November when 15 of our instructors attended, here at Sun Peaks, a Nordic adaptive workshop with Tony Chin, who’s one of the top Nordic adaptive coaches in Canada,” she explained, adding that both ASSP and the Nordic Club had mutual instructors who expressed an interest in offering a new program to their existing alpine students. “It just shows that our program is growing, we’re offering a different modality, a different sport that may appeal to our students. And why not? It’s all part of growing our program,” said Connors. The new lessons will be open to both local students and visitors to the resort and will begin in late January to early February. ASSP INSTRUCTOR TROY MORRISON TESTING THE NORDIC SIT SKI. | Photo Supplied

Avalanche Canada receives boost JEAN STRONG

BACKCOUNTRY LOVERS RECEIVED GOOD NEWS AS AVALANCHE CANADA WAS AWARDED A $25 MILLION ENDOWMENT FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced the one time payment during his fall economic statement in Ottawa on Nov. 21. “We are very grateful for this funding, and especially for the recognition that public avalanche safety is worthy of support,” said Gilles Valade, executive director of Avalanche Canada, in an emailed statement. “The federal government has made

a significant commitment to this cause. We hope the provinces involved in avalanche safety are able to follow this lead.” Avalanche Canada was formed in 2004 as a national public avalanche safety organization. It provides daily avalanche forecasts for areas in Western Canada, co-ordinates public safety programing, delivers safety programs and contributes to snow safety research. “Avalanche Canada has world-leading programs and we are pleased that we are now starting to be funded as world leaders,” Valade said. “We are grateful to Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government for leading the way. We look forward to working with the provinces to ensure this

funding announcement is the beginning of long-term sustainability for public avalanche safety.”

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WE’RE OPEN DAILY For all your grocery needs, see you at the Bluebird Market

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VOL 16 ISSUE 12 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 20, 2018

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Nordic club seeks coaches NIKKI FREDRIKSON

HEADING INTO A SEASON OF REBUILDING, THE SUN PEAKS NORDIC CLUB IS HOPEFUL THEY’LL SEE A FEW NEW FACES JOIN THEIR PROGRAM AS INSTRUCTORS FOR THEIR JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, KNOWN AS THE JACKRABBIT PROGRAM. A NUMBER OF THEIR COACHES MOVED THIS SEASON SO COACHING CO-ORDINATOR FOR THE CLUB, ANN CARTER, SAID SHE HOPES TO SEE FIVE NEW COACHES TO BRING THEIR ROSTER TO 12. “It’s a little more fun and yahoo now than it used to be, which makes it very fun to coach. Last year I had 10, seven to nineyear-olds and it was quite a lot

of fun,” she said. The club is offering to pay fees for a certification clinic from Dec. 15 to 16 of those who commit to volunteering as a coach this season. To be eligible for the course participants must hold the National Coaching Certification for Introduction to Community Coaching before participating in the December on-snow clinic. “Taking this course is a good way to improve your skiing because a lot of it is on snow,” said Carter. “Quite a bit of it is teaching games and activities to do with kids because Nordic skiing, like most sports, have really gotten away from teaching kids regimented skills at a young or even middling age.” Offering lessons for children from as young as four and up to 18, the junior development program focuses on making the

sport fun and stays away from the competitive side. “We’re looking more at this (as an) activity for life plan. Go out there have some fun learn the skills. It’s something you can do in the winter for the rest of your life. You don’t have to compete,” said Carter. Utilizing games throughout lessons, the Jackrabbit program relies on two coaches per age group to teach both classic and skate ski techniques. “It’s really good physically. You should see those kids playing British bulldog or soccer on skis. They can charge around,” she said. The 13-week program kicks off Dec. 1. Anyone interested in getting involved as a coach or a member can contact the club at sunpeaksnordicclub@gmail. com. SUN PEAKS NORDIC CLUB IS LOOKING FOR NEW COACHES. File Photo

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James Hamming receives Premier’s Award NIKKI FREDRIKSON

IN EARLY NOVEMBER, 47 ATHLETES FROM B.C. WERE HONOURED WITH A PREMIER’S AWARD FOR INDIGENOUS YOUTH EXCELLENCE IN SPORT. Among that group was Sun Peaks First Nations Snowboard Team (FNST) member James Hamming, who was selected for the award for his commitment to snowboarding and snowboardcross. This is the third consecutive year a Sun Peaks athlete has received the prestigious award after fellow FNST members Bill Brewer and Richie Celesta were recipients of the award in 2017 and 2016 respectively. “A lot of time when I’m racing and training I feel like it’s not worth it, (this award) just reaffirms that my work is paying off,” said Hamming.

The regional recognition serves as an automatic nomination for the provincial award given to 12 athletes in January 2019. “I felt pretty accomplished,” said Hamming. “When I was in there getting the award it felt like ‘wow this is really real’ before I didn’t really know completely what it was.” Spending two days a week training on the mountain and incorporating weightlifting as part of a dryland routine, Hamming said he mixes his days up by training for races and by having fun in the park. “Snowboarding was just a hobby. Once I joined the team (FNST) I learned way more. I wouldn’t be as good as I was if I didn’t join the team,” he said. Hamming started the sport at six and joined the Sun Peaks team when he was 12 or 13, racing three times a season. Now 17 years old, his racing schedule will increase as he was named to the BC

VOL 16 ISSUE 12 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 20, 2018

Snowboard Cross Team for this year’s race season. The Premier’s Award is a collaborative effort between Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council and the Province of British Columbia to recognize Indigenous athletes who are competing in sport and living healthy active lifestyles.

JAMES HAMMING INTERIOR PREMIER AWARD RECIPIENT 2018. Anne Keith

Photo

VOL 16 ISSUE 12 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 20, 2018