SPIN Volume 17 Issue 5 by Sun Peaks Independent News

VOLUME 17 ISSUE 05 MAY 17 — JUNE 14, 2019

SNOWMOBILE CRASH CLAIMS LIFE OF SUN PEAKS HOMEOWNER PAGE 19

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TAKING ON EVEREST FOR CHAIRTY PAGE 8

Number of students grows, district and parents plan for future Permanent school a shared goal TWO PORTABLES ARE JOINED UNDER ONE ROOF TO CREATE CLASSROOMS, WORKSPACE FOR TEACHERS AND A LUNCH AREA. Photo SPIN

JEAN STRONG

THIS YEAR 103 STUDENTS ATTENDED THE PUBLIC SUN PEAKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FROM KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE SEVEN AND ANOTHER 29 STUDENTS FILLED THE HIGH SCHOOL RUN BY THE SUN PEAKS EDUCATION SOCIETY (SPES). Next year 12 students have already been pre-registered for kindergarten and more are expected to arrive by September. This kind of growth isn’t unusual for the school. Since its inception in 2010, the school has seen more families move to the resort each year, many attracted to the idea of their children taking the magic carpet to class and spending hours skiing each year. In 2015, for example, around 30 new students enrolled. For Caroline Thompson and

her family the school was a bonus. “We moved here for a season and when we found out there was a school we were so surprised and so excited,” Caroline said. A few years later, with one child enrolled and another soon to be, Thompson sits on the board of directors for SPES, ran for trustee for School District 73 last year and is an outspoken advocate for students and the school. One of her focuses has been working to relieve the stress of crowded classrooms and upgrade other spaces and resources. Joining her are other parents like Yolanda Dye, elementary school PAC chair, and Maria Cannon, President of SPES. Last year the elementary school was placed fifth on the capital funding list in School District 73 (SD73). The list acts as a tool for the district to tell the province which projects

or schools in their area are priorities. This year’s list will be released mid-June. “Our capital list that we submit in June is a wishlist of projects we’d like to see funded but the ultimate decision comes down to the board of education,” said Kathleen Karpuk, chair of the SD73 board. “They pick the best ones.” Being placed on the list was a big step forward in the eyes of Cannon. “Since the beginning it’s been a step-by-step process,” she said. “It’s been partnerships, community building, strategic planning. It takes constant work and effort with all of the parts involved.” Dye said a presentation to the district last year focused on showing growth and expected enrollment in an effort to get the school on the list. “The steady incline for growth has been constant,” she said.

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LELILANI ORTNER WORKS IN HER CLASSROOM AT SUN PEAKS. Photo SPIN

BACKPACKS HANG IN A PORTABLE AT SUN PEAKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. Photo SPIN

VOL 17 ISSUE 5 MAY 17 — JUNE 14

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continued from cover “And constant enough and steady enough that they’ve had to look at the catchment area.” “New kids need a Sun Peaks address or if an older sibling attends the younger sibling can,” added Thompson. Despite cracking down on enforcing the catchment area students and parents have faced other challenges. Thompson pointed to a lack of auxiliary breakout space as causing difficulties. “It’s a small space with varying ages, hormones, varying characters and being in close quarters is a challenge... in elementary a lot of kids have various characters or behaviours.” Without offices, a library, a multipurpose room or extra

spaces activities like one-onone reading sessions take place in a mixed use lunch and locker room to the side of a classroom. Currently the school is made of four portables. Two under one roof house the kindergartenone and four-five classrooms, a principal’s office, teacher work space and a lunch room area. Two seperate portables just above the others house the remaining students. Five fulltime teachers, one part-time teacher, two certified education assistants and a principal make up the staff. When thinking of the future, Dye, Thompson and Cannon agreed on what they’d like to see in a dream scenario. “A K-to-12 school plus a library, gym, auxiliary space and community space,” Cannon said. “Something that makes

sense for a smaller community is multipurpose space.” “A school, playground, any venue that brings people together will always become a community focal point,” Thompson agreed. Those goals align with what SD73 would like to see in the community eventually—a permanent school. “We’d actually like to see a new school there,” Karpuk said. “We’ve created a short-term committee to address shortterm over capacity issues to get something in place as fast as we can. We’re also looking at a steering committee to come up with what a long-term school could look like at Sun Peaks.” But when the next capital list is released Sun Peaks may not be in fourth place, despite one school ahead of them in

SPFR RESPONDS TO FATAL CRASH

GRAPHIC ARTIST Frankie Knight

frankie@sunpeaksnews.com

EDITOR Jean Strong

jean@sunpeaksnews.com

Sun Peaks Fire Rescue responded to a fatal crash on Heffley Louis Creek Rd. on April 29. A c e m e n t m i xe r t r u c k d r i v e n by a Kamloops man left the road near 2933 Heffley Louis C r e e k R d . j u s t b e fo r e 9 a . m. and flipped upside down over an embankment. The driver and only o c c u p a n t , a m a n i n h i s 5 0 ’s , was declared deceased on scene. The cause is still unknown and under investigation by

Kamloops receiving funding. “This coming year we can say we have one new school priority and one expansion priority. Not just one top school,” Karpuk explained. “So not necessarily in fourth, it could change as we reassess.” While waiting for the decision the Sun Peaks parents are staying positive. “We’ve come so far in such a short amount of time,” Dye said. “We’re being mindful for what we have and are so grateful for our successes and to be able to continue this journey,” Cannon added. “We’re really trying to find a long term vision and a long term solution for this school,” Karpuk said. “We don’t want to keep doing temporary fixes, it’s more than a school for the community, it’s a real asset.”

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RESPONDERS FROM KAMLOOPS AND SUN PEAKS WERE ON SCENE OF THE CRASH. Photo SPIN

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POOL SHUTS FOR SUMMER REPORTER Nikki Fredikson

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CONTRIBUTORS Mel Rothenburger Ron Betts 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.

VOL 17 ISSUE 5 MAY 17 — JUNE 14

Future uncertain for community staple As temperatures rise this summer the community ’s pool won’t be open to provide relief. Work has started on the Sun Peaks Centre, a multimillion dollar project which will enclose the ice rink and expand the existing pool building to add offices, fitness space and event rooms. In addition to work being under way Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) is reviewing the future of the facility long term. SPMRM chief administrative officer Rob Bremner said they are looking at what needs to be repaired in order to

continue operations of the site. “The health department reviewed and she said we would have to have a full engineering report done...it’s older and needs retrofits. It’s old, it’s costly to run,” he said. At the five year financial plan presentation Mayor Al Raine said with current regulations should the municipality continue to run the pool it would require extensive repairs and to employ lifeguards. Bremner said while reviewing future options they will research and consider a splash pad replacement.

SUN PEAKS’ POOL WILL BE CLOSED THIS SUMMER, AND POSSIBLY NEVER REOPEN. Photo SPIN

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Alexander and O’Toole oppose cannabis retail rezoning Public input sought on proposal in June JEAN STRONG

A PROPOSAL TO REZONE A SUN PEAKS PROPERTY TO ALLOW CANNABIS SALES CAME BEFORE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL APRIL 16 AND RECEIVED FIRST AND SECOND READING WITH COUNCILLORS DARCY ALEXANDER AND ROB O’TOOLE VOTING OPPOSED TO BOTH. It’s the second cannabis proposal to make it before council. The first, from Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR), was presented in February and was unopposed by all councillors. The rezoning proposal is scheduled for a public hearing on June 4. It is still unknown if the first application will go

ahead as it faces challenges with traffic flow. During the April 16 meeting councillor and SPR general manager Darcy Alexander expressed concern about the second proposal and questioned if the community wanted a retail cannabis store. “This is difficult for every small community in the country right now,” he said. “We really don’t know what this looks like in the future...we don’t know if the community even wants this. “We’ve spent 25, 30 years developing a family resort community here and I’m not sure our community is ready for this.” The position differed from his statements on SPR’s application, which included

a gas station and cannabis retail store on a lot at 1235 Alpine Road. It’s unknown who would operate said store. Alexander said SPR is applying for rezoning on behalf of an applicant and would have no part in the cannabis retail operation but may have an agreement to support the gas station. In an interview after SPR’s application Alexander stated whether a cannabis retail location was within two or 20 kilometres of the village it wouldn’t make a difference and it was now a legal substance. When asked why his position differed for the second proposal Alexander said he was concerned about access from Sun Peaks Rd. “There were questions raised on the first proposal around access that I don’t think have been addressed

in this proposal either. And I question whether the process has been level for both.” Councillor Mario Pozza didn’t agree. “I would disagree, I think they’ve got a traffic engineer and they’ve looked at the road access and they’ve presented something that’s done professionally.” O’Toole said in his opinion the applications weren’t treated equally. “My biggest concern... was we sent away the first application requiring traffic engineering work,” he said. “I didn’t feel that the second application was given the same level of scrutiny.” Some of council and staff’s concerns around the SPR application included

fuel truck access to the site, buildings being too close to property lines, pedestrian traffic flow through the lot from staff accommodation and the proposed driveway onto Sun Peaks Rd. O’Toole added he did more research after the first cannabis proposal and was approached by community members. “I think there’s a level of discussion needed around if this is really something for this community.” Pozza and councillor Ines Popig agreed cannabis is legal so in their opinions it comes down to the wants of the community. “It’s a legal substance and if the public desires it then so be it,” Pozza said.

“I started talking with Joey a while back and to see all they’ve done over the winter to take their team to the next level is something. Working with Wight Motorsports Inc. to prepare cars, I can’t wait to get on track. I did a quick shakedown of the car at CTMP and man was it fast, I can’t wait to get going in a couple of weeks,” he said.

White plans to get his fans involved with celebrating his career’s success and will be putting out some “cool things to chronicle not just the lead up to the season but from past events too.” To keep up with Racin’ Jason White this season the community is encouraged to follow his hashtag #RaceTo100.

Racin’ Jason speeds toward 100 career races NIKKI FREDRIKSON

REVVING UP FOR THE NASCAR PINTY’S SERIES SEASON OPENER MAY 19 AT THE CANADIAN TIRE MOTORSPORT PARK IN BOWMANVILLE, ONT., SUN PEAKS LOCAL AND RACING

VOL 17 ISSUE 5 MAY 17 — JUNE 14

VETERAN JASON WHITE IS PREPARING FOR A HISTORIC SEASON. White is closing in on his 100th start in the series which will earn him the title of the longest standing western driver in the Pinty’s Series. The milestone achievement will happen at Wyant Group Raceway in Saskatoon, Sask. on July 24 during the second

of two races. “I’ve had my eye on that number for a while,” said White in a press release. “A few years ago it seemed far away, but now that it’s getting closer I’m super proud to hitting that mark in this great series”. This season White will take part in six races for Canada’s Best Racing Team as he races to his goal.

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Strong skier numbers despite unseasonable winter

New lift changes skier flow NIKKI FREDRIKSON

A SLOW START TO THE WINTER AND EARLY SPRING MELT DIDN’T STOP SUN PEAKS RESORT LLP (SPR) FROM HAVING ONE OF THEIR BIGGEST SEASONS TO DATE. CHIEF MARKETING DIRECTOR AIDAN KELLY SAID THE RESORT SAW JUST UNDER 400,000 SKIER VISITS THIS SEASON, MAKING IT WHAT HE BELIEVES TO BE THE SECOND BIGGEST SEASON, JUST BEHIND LAST YEAR. “When you look at it, over the course of the year and all the hurdles we had to jump through, and then you look where we ended up numbers-wise, I think we’re overall pretty pleased,” he said. This past season was the first year of the new date for the Family Day weekend which saw a decrease in visitation between the previous holiday weekend and the new one, which is also Presidents’ Day weekend in the U.S. “When you roll it up

together it was a net loss in visitation and business for the resort overall with a big decline in the second weekend and then a small increase in the third weekend,” said Kelly. Another hurdle for SPR was the weather conditions which presented a challenge with the local and regional markets. However, Kelly said, the resort saw good growth in international visitation, particularly from Australian skiers who made January an extremely busy month. “The people in the MIKE WILLIAMS, LIAM SIMONS, MYA SIMONS AND CHRIS SIMONS WERE THE FIRST GUESTS TO LOAD THE ORIENT QUAD. Photo SPIN international markets are committed well ahead of time and for us, that’s a good boost in traffic from the created to be a commuter Morrissey and even using P5 thing because Sun Peaks has international market as the lift, designed to bring those as their launching point for a reputation for being very new lift has increased the staying in the East Village the day. consistent even on lower number of ski-in ski-out to the village core, but SPR “It was good, it sort of snow years. When a lot of accommodations available in found skiers were lapping distributed the skiers all our international visitation the East Village. the terrain as well. around the resort a little is coming in January into “I think it ended up being “They were using it as a bit bit more. And I think made February there was still really even more positive than we of a new pod because there’s for an overall better resort good skiing at Sun Peaks.” originally anticipated. If you some really nice skiing there, experience, which is what Looking long-term at the were out that end any single albeit shorter vertical skiing, we were aiming for, but it growth of the resort, Kelly day of the season, from when some really nice skiing,” said happened quicker than we said he believes the new it opened over Christmas Kelly. had anticipated,” he said. Orient Quad chairlift, which holidays, all day, every day With skiers taking Kelly said looking at the opened in December, will there was people loading that advantage of the Orient there number of visitors this season help increase business even chair,” said Kelly. was a spillover effect where bodes well for sustained more. They already saw a The new lift was originally more skiers were skiing Mt. success and growth in future

First asset management plan complete for SPMRM JEAN STRONG

IN ANOTHER STEP TOWARD MATURITY THE MUNICIPALITY NOW HAS ITS FIRST ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN. At an April 16 council meeting Urban Systems presented the plan. The report covered what assets the municipality has, what they’re worth, their condition and expected lifespan, what is required to manage risk and meet service levels, a timeline and costs and a discussion of

long term affordability. Rob Bremner, chief administrative officer for Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality, said the plan is an important step in laying out a time frame of when assets come to the end of their lives and it allows staff to look ahead and plan around that lifespan. Some of the assets included in the plan include water facilities, wastewater facilities and roadway infrastructure valued at $11.2 million each, water distribution at $7.8 million, wastewater collection at $9.6 million and the storm

collection system at $6 million. Priorities identified for the municipality by Urban Systems included continuing work to meet expected drinking water quantity expectations and work on roadways throughout the community. Bremner said the system will change and be updated over time and guide council and staff in decision making for capital projects. It will, he said, also be an important piece of applying for grants for such projects. “Going forward a strong asset management plan will be part of any grant application.”

RFP NOTICE Sun Peaks Volunteer Firefighter Department Society is requesting proposals for benefit charity participation in the 2018 9 Firefighters Charity Gala Please include a one page synopsis of the charity including a description, goals and a contact number. Submit to Tarrah Karmann silvermoose@rocketmail.com

by June 15, 2019

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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.

WILL THE PHASING OUT OF GASOLINE-FUELED AUTOMOBILES SPELL THE END OF ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SOURCES OF REVENUE FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES? THAT COULD PROVE THE CASE IN THE NOT-TOO-DISTANT FUTURE. REGIONAL DISTRICTS— AND, TO A LESSER EXTENT, M U N I C I PA L I T I E S — A R E HEAVILY DEPENDENT ON GAS-TAX FUNDING FOR A LOT OF VERY IMPORTANT FINANCIAL SUPPORT. Because of small rural populations, communities outside major centres don’t have the tax base for many things cities take for granted. As I’ve written in the past, items like community halls, recreational facilities and even basics connected to water and sewer service

would be very hard to afford if not for the federal government’s gas-tax program. Each year, this funding is provided to local governments to spend as they see fit within some very specific criteria. In the TNRD, that money is spread around among electoral areas based on population. There’s no requirement the money be spent within the calendar year, so unspent allotments go into the bank for future projects. This year’s federal budget included a one-time doubling of gas-tax allotments to local governments, and that’s excellent news for rural areas. In the case of the TNRD, it will mean more than $1 million in gas-tax funding in addition to what would normally be received based on the regional district’s total population. The one perceived weakness of the current gastax program is that criteria are too restrictive. For example, they can’t be used to build a

COLUMNIST VIEWS RON BETTS RESIDENT SKI 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.

I WAS 48-YEARS-OLD WHEN MY WIFE AND I PICKED UP OUR NEWEST FAMILY MEMBER, A 4-MONTH-OLD CHOCOLATE LAB WE NAMED TAMAITI (TOM-A-EAT-E). THAT WAS SIX WEEKS AGO; I’M NOW 84 YEARS OLD. THAT’S WHAT A NEW PUPPY DOES TO YOU, THEY MAKE YOU LOOK LIKE BARACK OBAMA AFTER HIS SECOND TERM IN OFFICE. REMEMBER WHEN HE WAS FIRST ELECTED? HE WAS A YOUTHFUL, ENERGETIC, IDEALISTIC PRESIDENT, FULL OF HOPE AND VIGOUR. WHEN HE LEFT THE WHITE HOUSE EIGHT YEARS LATER, HE WAS A CHANGED MAN. THE HAIR WAS GREYER, HE HAD A FEW MORE WRINKLES – HE LOOKED WORN DOWN. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE WEIGHT OF THE OFFICE THAT

DID IT, I’VE NOW REALIZED THE OBAMA’S GOT A PUPPY. THAT WOULD EXPLAIN A LOT. My wife and I used to enjoy the occasional lazy weekend sleep in without a care in the world. That all changed the day we brought a 40 lb eating and pooping machine into our lives. You’ll notice I didn’t say sleeping? That’s because I’m pretty sure our dog is somehow getting supplied with either Red Bulls or espressos. For a young pup, the thing has more energy than BC Hydro. How else can you explain getting up at 6 a.m. every day, going for an hour-long walk, doing a few zoomies in the yard for good measure and then still having the energy to attempt to eat a coffee table with a side of running shoe. Our family room has been cleared of anything of value. We’ve lost the room, it now belongs to the dog. It’s so empty, I feel like a first-year ski instructor, the only things missing are the Ichiban noodles, pizza boxes and empty beer cans.

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Replacement for gas-tax funding will be needed soon new community hall or fire hall, or buy a new fire truck (a loophole for the latter was closed a few years ago). And, strata or society operated utilities aren’t eligible, even though they operate on a similar basis to those owned by the regional district. I’ve lobbied for changes to the criteria specific to some of these situations, and so have others in various communities. Changes are slow in coming. The rationale for not including these things in the gas-tax criteria seems to be that funding should be available from other sources. For example, something as important as fire protection should logically be taxed in the communities that are served by it. In reality, of course, small communities often can’t afford to build the infrastructure and buy the necessary equipment. But I digress. My original point was the long-term

availability of gas-tax funding. It stands to reason that the fewer automobiles powered by gasoline, the lower the consumption is going to be, and therefore the less gas taxes will be available for community needs. That might be considered a price we have to pay for doing the environment a favour, but it’s a big one. It’s not an exaggeration to say that if and when gas-tax funding dries up, rural living is going to take a big hit. The only way to avoid it is for senior governments to start planning for the point of no return on the demise of the internal combustion engine. Logically, one would think the alternative would be a tax on electrical energy, assuming plug-in technology becomes the common choice. There’s already some debate around the issue of who’s going to pay for

A dog’s life - part two We did manage to do a few things right. After all, this wasn’t our first rodeo. Regular readers will remember a column I wrote back in November called A Dog’s Life. In it, I talked about saying goodbye to our 13-year-old Lab, Cuilean. Lora and I knew what we were getting into, it’s just that we somehow forgot that dogs don’t always come with an instruction manual, or an off switch. Our last guy was something special, he was one-of-a-kind. I guess we forgot he didn’t start out that way. So, our first stop with Tamaiti was puppy class to give him a solid foundation. It was here we figured out all the hard work and training that we’d been doing was paying off. At risk of sounding like the overbearing hockey parent who’s convinced their kid is the next Sidney Crosby, we’re pretty sure our dog was the best in the class. I only say that because our dog was the best in the class. One new owner was reduced to tears in week one by her extremely energetic Blue Heeler. By week

three it was apparent that a Labradoodle pup was going to make a grown man have a breakdown or cause a divorce, maybe both. Through it all, our guy was learning to sit, stay, to walk politely and to come when we called him. All it took was a steady stream of freshly grilled chicken, organic hot dogs and the best cheese money can buy. To top it off, last week he learned to roll over – on both sides! That’s my boy!

VOL 17 ISSUE 5 MAY 17 — JUNE 14

Having a dog’s energy in our household was something we missed. Tama has given us that in spades, and so much more. He’s still got some learning to do; a few days ago he got his head stuck in a garbage can opening. He looked like a baby hammerhead shark during a feeding frenzy as he tried to get it off. That’s what dogs do, they make you smile, once in a while they make you cry but they always make you try to be the person they think you are.

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road construction and maintenance without fossil fuels. To my knowledge, a replacement for the gastax revenue currently made available to local governments hasn’t been a part of the discussion. It might seem like an issue that’s still a long way off, but it was only a few short years ago when people were still skeptical that electric vehicles would ever make a dent in the market. Now, both federal and provincial governments offer subsidies for those who buy zero-emission vehicles. And Premier John Horgan has set a target of 2040 for all new vehicle sales to be zero-emission. That’s an ambitious deadline, whether or not it becomes common across the country. It doesn’t leave much time to make sure the rush to phase out fossil fuels doesn’t leave rural communities out in the cold.

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STAFF HOUSING COSMOPOLITAN AT HIGHEND HOTEL IN WHISTLER WHIS T LE R, B .C . – In ad d ition t o t h e Sy ri a n f amily of f ive wh o a r rive d i n Wh i st l er in 2 0 1 6 , e ight more ref ug ees, f rom b o t h Sy ria a nd Afg ha n i s t a n , plan to m a ke th ei r h om e s i n Wh i stl er . A lux u r y m o u nt ai n re s ort town is nea r ly a n o t h e r plane t wh en comp a re d to th e wa r- t or n M i ddl e E ast, p oi nt ed o ut P i q ue News m ag a zi ne. B ut s o f a r , at least on t h e s urf a c e , it look s l i ke a s p l e n di d succes s. Five of t h e eig ht n e w res idents h ave j o b s at th e Fai r m ont C h at e au Wh is tle r , wh ere th e y work i n h ousekeep ing . Th e y l ive i n staff h o u sing . One of t h e re f uge e s , 3 0 - yea r- o ld Murh a f Gh aib o u r , sp ent ye a rs l iving in L e b a n on , sometim es illeg ally, wh il e awaitin g reset t l e m e nt . He say s he l i ke s the i nternat ional m ake up of th e s ta f f h o u si ng a n d, for th at mat ter , t h e re s ort altog et h er . Two of h i s ro om m at e s are from E ng l and a n d on e f rom In d i a. “ So I don’t seem l i ke a strange r ,” h e ex p l a i n e d. “Everyone ca m e f rom somepl ace else, so I don’ t fee l like – h ow to say?— l i ke I’m in sp eci al con dit ion s . I jus t feel like I’ m l i ke everyone h ere.”

WHISTLER UPDATES E VACUATION PL ANS AMID WORRIES OF WILDFIRE WHIS T LE R, B .C . – Te mpe r at u res s o a re d i n Briti sh C o l u mb i a t h e second week of M ay, scuttlin g o ld re c ords and s p arki ng wor rie s of sparks, cig aret te but t s , a n d wh atever else m ig ht s t a rt a fore st f i re. In W h ist l er , mu n ic ip al official s i ssued a w a r n i n g th at th e f i re d a ng e r w a s expect ed to cli m b to extreme. It wa s a n o t h e r reminder t o h om e ow n e rs to m ove com bu sti b l e s at l east 10 m etres aw ay f rom hom es a nd t ake o t h e r me as ures to ret ard w il df i re sh ould it o ccu r .

T h e c om mu n it y ha s b een work i n g on revisin g it s e v a c uat ion p l a n for w ildf ire and other c on c ern s. Si n c e 2014 t he resort c om mun it y h as ha d what t h e e m e rge n cy pla n n in g c o -ordi n at or desc rib ed a s a “ f a i rly ro b us t ” pla n . B ut t h at p l a n did n ot c ont e mp l at e t he n eed for a m a s s e v a c u at ion . The n e w p l a n do e s . On a pea k s u m m e r day n ea rly 49 ,000 p e op l e wo ul d have t o b e e v a c uat e d, of whom 17,000 wo ul d b e w it h out c a rs. On p e a k w i nt e r d ays Whist ler has 53,000 people. Of t h e m , al m o s t 22,000 would b e w it h o ut c a r s. Ave r a ge days t he num b e r s s ay 3 3 ,000 would h ave t o b e e v a c u at ed, a n d t h e y wo ul d h ave a c c ess t o 1 2 , 70 0 ve h ic l e s. The v all e y ha s b een s p l ic e d i nt o 2 9 eva c u at ion z on e s w it h six mu st er p oi nt s wh e re people c ould a r rive a n d e xpec t t o b e p ic ke d up by bu ses. In C o lor a do, Pit kin C o u nt y c ommission ers m e e t i n g i n Asp en have a gre e d to a p erp et u al summer f i re works ban. T h e i s s ue w ill have t o b e re v i s it e d e a c h yea r, b ut S h e r i f f Jo e DiS alvo seems t o t h i n k t h at lif t in g t he b a n b e c au s e t here is so muc h m oi s t u re w ill b e t he e xc e p t ion . “ T h i s i s t h e n ew n ormal,” h e s a i d at a meet in g c ove re d by The Asp en Ti m e s . A s t u dy c omplet ed on t he We s t C o a s t h a s c ome t o t he s a m e c on c l us ion a b out a n e w n or m al . The resea rc h, published in Nat u re C om mun ic at ion s, fou n d fore s t f i re s a re c au sin g s n ow t o m e lt ea rlier in t h e s e a s on , a t ren d a c ross t h e We s t e rn U.S . t hat may a f fe c t w at e r s upp lies a n d, i n t u rn , t r igger even more f i re s . T h e y fo un d more t ha n 1 1 p e r c e nt of all forest s i n t h e We s t a re c u rrent ly e x p e rie n c i n g ea rly s n ow m e lt . T he sn ow is m e lt i n g a n avera g e f ive day s e a r l ie r a f t er a f ire, b ut t h e a c c e l e rat ed t imin g of t h e s n ow m e lt c ont inues for a s lon g a s 15 yea rs. Ke lly G l e a s on , of Port la n d St at e Un ive r s ity, ex pla in ed t h e s h a de p rov ided by t he t re e c a n opy get s removed

by a f ire, allow in g more su n shin e t o hit t he sn ow. More imp ort a nt , t he soot (also kn ow n as b la c k c a rb on ) and c ha rred wood, b a rk, a n d deb ris lef t b ehin d f rom a f ire da rken s t he sn ow a n d lowers it s ref lec t iven ess, c alled alb edo.

ANNOYANCES FESTER AT HUT HIGH IN ROCKY MOUNTAINS BA NFF, Alb ert a – Ab b ot Pa ss Hut , a p ic t u resq ue st on e b u ildin g t hat sit s hig h in t he Roc ky Mou nt a in s of B a n f f Nat ion al Pa rk, ha s b een a ref ug e for ha rdc ore c limb ers sin c e it s c on st ruc t ion in 19 22. Now it ’s draw in g a n ew c at egory of u sers, hikers who see it n ot a s a lau n c hin g p la c e b ut in st ea d a s a dest in at ion . Con f lic t s have b een b rew in g , represent at ives of t he Alpin e Clu b of Ca n a da t old t he Roc ky Mou nt a in Out look. “ Not everyb ody is t here for t he sa me rea son s…so it ’s b et t er n ot t o pa rt y,” ex pla in ed Pet er Hoa n g , of t he Alp in e Clu b . Climb ers, he a dded, somet imes st a rt t heir day at 2 a .m. The p rob lem is b ig en oug h t he Alpin e Clu b ha s b een sen din g p eop le t o t he hut s t o ex pla in , more or less, what t he et iq uet t e is.

t he Jack son Hol e Mountain Resor t, an atte mpt to p roduce he al ing and p rot ective ne ss at the resort. The y we re pl ace d t here l ast winte r indire ctly b ec ause of the re tire me nt of Jerry Bl ann, the longt erm chie f e xe cutive of the ski a re a. “ We name d a ( run) afte r him, Je rry’s Way, but that got me think ing: what would I want as my l e gacy on t he mountain?” Connie Kemme re r, the re sort’s coow n er , tol d the Jack son Hole Ne ws&Guide . Ab out the same time , she was introduce d to M a rt a Barre ras, a Hawaiib a sed fe ng shui maste r who had worke d with Rob De sl aurie rs since 2015. De sl aurie rs is a sk i mou ntaine e r of note ( he ha s sk ie d from the summit of Mt. Eve re st) and a re al est at e age nt in Jack son Hole, a vall e y fre que nte d by a n uncommon numbe r of b ill ionaire s. He al so is a c ryst al use r. On e thing l e d to anothe r a n d ultimate ly a smok y q u a rt z, a stone be l ie ve d t o he l p with l e tting go, w a s pl ace d at Sol itude St at ion, a two-minute ride

up the gondol a from the base . The l arge r crystal , a 3,000-pound chunk of mil k y white quartz mine d in Brazil was locate d at the base call e d Te ton Vill age . It’s suppose d to he l p re l ie ve stre ss. K athie Chandl e r, who use s crystal s in a hol istic he al ing practice at Wil son, a haml e t ne ar the sk i are a, tol d the Ne ws&Guide that she be l ie ve s she has de te cte d a diffe re nt e ne rgy in Te ton Vill age since the crystal s we re pl ace d the re . “The y’re inte nse ly powe rful and inte nse ly huge .”

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A RECORD PRICE FOR L AND SALE AT ENTR ANCE TO BANFF CA NMORE, Alb ert a – Two resident ial lot s alon g t he B ow River in Ca n more, at t he g at ew ay t o B a n f f Nat ion al Pa rk, rec ent ly sold for $6 million . That ’s b elieved t o b e a rec ord for resident ial la n d in Ca n more, rep ort ed t he Roc ky Mou nt a in Out look. The p reviou s hig hest w a s $4.3 million at a sit e b ein g redeveloped int o t ow n hou ses a n d c on dos. The t wo va c a nt lot s have 6 4 met res of riverview f ront a g e as well as u n en c u mb ered view s of Mou nt L a dy M a c don ald. Of c ou rse, t here a re n o b a d view s in Ca n more.

CRYSTALS AT JACKSON HOLE INTENDED TO AID HEALING JACKS ON, Wyo. – Two c ryst als c a n b e fou n d at VOL 17 ISSUE 5 MAY 17 — JUNE 14

GET OUT THERE

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Taking on Everest for charity Local hikers prepare for their longest trek yet NIKKI FREDRIKSON

IT WILL BE THREE YEARS, ALMOST TO THE DAY, SINCE HELEN AND MARK JONES SET OFF ON THEIR CLIMB OF MOUNT KILIMANJARO WHEN THEY BEGIN THEIR ASCENT TO MOUNT EVEREST BASE CAMP IN OCTOBER. The pair was planning a trip to Africa in 2016 when they decided to hike Kilimanjaro to check it off Mark’s bucket list and wanted to use the opportunity to fundraise for the local Adaptive Sports program in Sun Peaks. “We just thought it would be nice to actually do this and raise some money because lots of people do it for charity and I went ‘maybe we should do that’,” said Mark. “You see them (Adaptive Sports Sun Peaks) out there every winter doing their thing, and it’s just amazing to see what those guys achieve. It felt nice to give back.” Following their hike Mark said he knew Mount Everest had to be their next trek. While Helen was initially reluctant she got on board with

Mark’s plan and the duo will again raise money for their favourite local organization. “It does help with the motivation of finishing because you’re like ‘think of the kids, think of the kids, you’ve got to keep going, don’t stop.’ It does push you on a bit more,” explained Helen. ASSP program manager Jenny Hawes said their board, membership, and families will be following Helen and Mark’s journey and look forward to seeing their flag mounted at basecamp. She added they’re grateful the couple have decided to campaign for their program again. “This excursion presents a great opportunity to not only fundraise, but create an awareness about the benefits of our program— making the mountain experience accessible to all...whether that is to be a student or volunteer instructor, the experience is a skill and confidence builder all around,” said Hawes. Having Mt. Kilimanjaro under their belts, the couple said they feel more than able to take on the 130 kilometre climb to Base Camp, a

distance over double what they climbed in 2016. Both suffered from mild altitude sickness, a condition which is caused by the body not getting enough oxygen from the air at high altitude, but aren’t too concerned about being affected by the condition at Everest. “With some respects, it’s an easier climb because you have entire climatization days. Whereas with Kilimanjaro we didn’t have that, but you’re staying up there for longer. If your body’s not dealing with it you’re potentially in even more trouble,” said Mark. To prepare for this year’s climb, the couple will walk and hike as much as possible and eventually add weight to their backpacks. “My plan is to hike up (the mountain) after work to get the lift down at 7 p.m.. It means I’ve got to get up there for 7 p.m. because I don’t want to walk down,” said Helen, adding her goal is to walk or hike at least 10 km a day in preparation. She plans to head out on the trails before work, on her lunch break and after work, as well as doing longer hikes up Tod Mountain and in Wells Grey

HELEN AND MARK JONES AT THE TOP OF MOUNT KILIMANJARO IN 2016. . Photo Submitted

Provincial Park on days off. The couple took advice from other locals who’ve hiked to Base Camp to reassure them they shouldn’t have an issue completing the hike physically. Recalling advice from a friend they met during their 2016 trip, Helen said the mental challenge faced on climatization days will be the real test of their strength. “The hardest thing is when you’re on your rest days trying to keep warm because it’s so cold and you have so many hours. He said

Fishing guide hooked on outdoor education JEAN STRONG

GROWING UP DOWNTOWN TORONTO, ONT. CAMPBELL BRYK DIDN’T FIT IN. LIFE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY, TAKING THE SUBWAY TO AND FROM SCHOOL AND NO FRIENDS WITH AN INTEREST IN THE OUTDOORS MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SUCCEED IN ACADEMICS. It wasn’t until enrolling in Lakefield College School for grades 11 and 12 he found his groove. “I can’t learn from a textbook,” he said. It was Lakefield’s focus on incorporating outdoor education, Bryk said, that helped him finally excel. “I wanted to learn, I wanted to be there and my grades went way up,” he said. “Math and physics suddenly made sense when they were connected to my hobbies. It made it so I liked learning rather than having to learn for the sake of success.” While there Bryk said he loved taking part in sports and outdoor education nearly every day. “It becomes an integral part of your life. I loved sharing that with people that aren’t like me (experience-wise) because we’re all there for the same goal. You

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don’t think you’re learning when you’re out there.” Years later, after moving to B.C., Bryk opened his own business Elevated Fishing Adventures serving Sun Peaks’ tourist base. The business has roots in his Ontario past. “Outdoor education brought it to life for me that you can have your hobbies for the rest of your life. It’s not about working all your life for two weeks of vacation.” What started as a university project blossomed to a successful venture with Bryk guiding unique ice fishing experiences on lakes around the area.. Since 2016 Bryk has not only met tourists from around the world but has learned even more about the importance of being outside, especially for kids and families. “We sit in a hut and we’re facing each other and there’s no cell phone signal,” he said. “Parents say ‘this is the most present and focused my child has been since they got their phone.’ “They’re only worried about what’s going on in front of them. Putting the electronics down and getting outside is huge. It teaches you how to be present and shares with people that you can do an activity as a family.” He added skills from math to art

can be taught through activities like fly or ice fishing. In an effort to further spread outdoor education programming, Bryk accepted an invitation to speak to the board of trustees from Lakefield alongside other alumni. The group met in Victoria, B.C. in early May at Power to Be, a nine course golf course on Prospect Lake which is in the process of becoming a camp for those living with a disability or barrier to better access to nature and enjoy the outdoors. Bryk said he shared the impact outdoor education had on his life, teaching him academic subjects and life skills.

“What I explained in Victoria is it (outdoor education) made the world feel like a smaller place. I have friends all over the world and they made it seem like one community.” Tim Cormode, executive director of Power to Be and Lakefield alumnus, said the programs are for those with more difficult barriers in their lives to connect to the outdoors, develop social skills and grow relationships and connections. “First and foremost the outdoors to me has been a real place for me to be myself,” he said. “Lakefield was critical to (me for) using outdoor ed as a vehicle to learn

that’s where the mental torture is because you want to keep moving,” she said. The Joneses plan to hold a fundraiser in the community as well as create a GoFundMe page (launching early July) to raise funds for ASSP before they leave for their trip. The pair is encouraging the community to keep an eye on their Instagram @thejonesdobc2019 for updates and to join them on their training hikes throughout the summer.

more as a person.” Cormode hoped the Prospect Lake site will become the best outdoor education centre in Canada when complete. “It speaks to nature and activity and belonging. It will give kids the opportunity to call this place home. Our hope is it inspires other communities to do something similar in their community.” For Bryk, Power to Be and his own experience are inspiring him to look for more ways to give back closer to home. The fishing lover who went out more than 100 times last winter is hooked on the feeling of sharing his passion with others. “It feels incredible, that’s why I love work. It feels incredible to do what you want to do and share that with people.”

COMMUNITY

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SPFR smokes national average for female firefighters Hall stands out as welcoming in sometimes tough industry ERIN MENDAY IS ONE OF MANY WOMEN WHO VOLUNTEER FOR SUN PEAKS FIRE RESCUE. Photo SPIN

JEAN STRONG

ACROSS CANADA AROUND FOUR PER CENT OF FIREFIGHTERS ARE WOMEN. AT SUN PEAKS FIRE RESCUE (SPFR) 28 PER CENT OF THEIR VOLUNTEER CREW IS MADE UP OF FEMALE FIREFIGHTERS. Erin Menday said having so many women at the hall made her more comfortable when she joined in January. “(It) gave me the confidence to know that I would be accepted as a valuable member of the department (and) team,” she said. “I really like that I don’t feel like I’m one of the few girls in the hall. I just feel like I’m another one of the group.” The 27-year-old is part of SPFR’s most recent recruit class, in joining she brought the number of girls at the hall to seven.

It’s something fire chief Colin Cannon said he’s happy to see. “It’s great,” he said. “I haven’t done anything special other than to welcome everybody... It doesn’t matter whether you’re a man or a woman as long as you can do the job.” That welcoming atmosphere has been well received by recruits. Volunteer Abby Wilson said she’s felt welcome since she joined over two years ago. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt treated differently because I’m a girl,” she said. WIlson pointed to Kyle Vike as a member who’s been especially supportive. “We were in the same recruit class. He’s always there to back me up and tell me I can do it.” The industry has drawn criticism in the past for a lack of female representation and inappropriate behavior. A 2015 investigation by

CBC found some female firefighters face bullying and sexual harassment, but the women of SPFR said they’ve always felt like part of the team. “Everyone was super warm and welcoming,” said Lindsay Smyth. “I can’t see it being different than anyone else’s experience.” Wilson and a few other members mentioned their size can pose a challenge, but nothing they can’t overcome. In fact, SPFR work experience program member Sammie Mayor said she’s found being smaller can be a benefit. She pointed to using less oxygen from her tank, fitting more easily into confined spaces and being able to enter a vehicle to comfort a patient as examples. “I’ve definitely been underestimated based on physical strength (at other departments),” she said. “But I’m the type of person when someone tells me I can’t do something I want it even more.”

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Mayor added on some calls being a female can help with patient experience and comfort. Smyth, Menday and Wilson agreed. “There are certain calls where (having a woman respond) makes a patient more comfortable,” Cannon said. “They will be more open with a female than a male.” Tarrah Karmann joined in 2015 and realized she was passionate about the job. It led to her becoming a paramedic and she now works for BC Ambulance Service. “My experience has been amazing and challenging,” she said. “Being a woman adds some challenges in the fire and first responder community, but not at all with SPFR. This organization is very welcoming.” She added being a single parent can add more hurdles but the SPFR team is understanding when she can’t attend a practice and supports her in balancing her family and other responsibilities. “I hope I can be an example of what’s possible and perhaps give others encouragement to get involved,” she said. Mayor also hopes to show other women what is possible. “My goal (while in Sun Peaks) is to reach out to women in the community and volunteer girls and just mentor them,” she said. “I want to be there for other women trying to get into the field. I’d love to work one-on-one with other girls.” But why are so many women joining SPFR? Aside from being welcoming Cannon pointed to the

strong ski patrol team that works for Sun Peaks Resort LLP. “The overlap is excellent. They can make a living in Sun Peaks and join the fire department. If patrol didn’t exist there might be less female firefighters because patrol has a balance of male and female...they’re people who are hardwired to help people.” In fact Smyth, Wilson and Menday all have varying levels of experience working in ski patrol. Smyth said training and experience from SPFR has improved her work patrolling, especially as many calls are medical emergencies. Menday, who started as a dispatcher, is considering taking on patrol shifts since completing her emergency medical responder certification through SPFR. “I saw them (patrollers) bringing in patients and was like ‘this is really cool,’” she said. “I just signed year round with patrol… Doing that (SPFR) has really made me realize I want a career in first response. “I feel like the hall has tied in with patrol and given me a real purpose in Sun Peaks. I’ve always had a job in Sun Peaks but never really felt like I was moving forward.” For Cannon, the environment at the hall is something he’s proud of. “With Bill (Stoner, the previous chief), and with me there is no old boys club. It’s never been acceptable for the last 20 years. “The population is 50-50 and you should represent the community that you’re in.”

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VOL 17 ISSUE 5 MAY 17 — JUNE 14

Life as a local: Giving back through fire training

JOSS ADVOCAAT DURING A TRAINING EXERCISE. Photos Supplied

SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS THOSE WHO KNOW JOSS ADVOCAAT IN HIS PROFESSIONAL LIFE, AS TRAINING OFFICER FOR SUN PEAKS FIRE RESCUE (SPFR), KNOW A 23-YEAR-OLD WHO IS RESPONSIBLE AND MATURE BEYOND HIS AGE. But between 2011 and 2016 he focused on going as fast as he could on skis as he competed in speed skiing races in Sun Peaks and around the world. Throwing caution to the wind he flew down steep courses without fear. Advocaat was born in Kamloops and returned with his family in 2009 to live on a property near Whitecroft. He commuted to school in Kamloops each day until graduating in 2013. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” he said. So he tried a bit of everything. Despite not being a golfer he worked on the golf course; he spent late nights smoothing runs as a groomer, and years in maintenance at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel. In 2009 he saw the Velocity Challenge for the first time and decided to take part. In his first year he took home gold in the junior category. “It felt good, I got hooked.” The next year Advocaat donned the tight rubber suit, aerodynamic helmet and 238cm skis to compete in

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the Speed One category. A few years later at 20-years-old he qualified to compete abroad, travelling to Grandvalira, Andorra. After his personal best performance he was invited to compete in Vars, France. “In Andorra I got invited to France. I just agreed because I knew that things would work out regardless of what was going on, but I didn’t expect the response from the community that I got.” A fundraiser at home and donations from businesses and individuals in Sun Peaks raised funds for the extended trip. But his racing career came to a halt after two accidents on the course in France. “I crashed in training, then had to race the next day or disqualify,” he said. “I didn’t want to let anyone down. It was super disorienting, I couldn’t comprehend what was going on until I stopped sliding. “It felt really good to be home after nearly a month. I didn’t accomplish my goal but people were still stoked for me. I felt down on myself but coming back was a good feeling.” He no longer races but still sits on the board of directors for the Sun Peaks Speed Skiing Club and helps the group when he can. In 2015 he joined SPFR as a volunteer and after his return to Canada it became a way for him to give back to the community that

supported him while he competed and chased his dream. “I didn’t think of it as a career,” he said. “I realized halfway through (training) this was something I wanted to pursue.” He completed courses like driving, first aid and firefighter training. After realizing how much he enjoyed teaching others he completed countless instructor training courses to become an instructor. “There was lots of courses and training to do,” he said. “And I still have tons to do. It really appeals to me because 30 years from now I’ll still have lots to learn.” After two years of training Advocaat had the opportunity to take over from the previous training officer and jumped in.

“A job in Sun Peaks never crossed my mind, I thought I would have to move. I definitely got lucky. “Now in my job and not in speed skiing, I can’t give back to speed skiing as much. But I can give back to the community. The thing about being a local is making other people better in Sun Peaks.” For Advocaat that can be helping someone through work or showing a tourist a sweet spot on a powder day. “One part of my job that’s super satisfying is to see other people succeed and get their careers started and see these people go out and make a difference in and out of Sun Peaks. “It’s our duty to show people what it’s like, to interact with guests and be

a bit of a tour guide. It’s cool that you get to meet a random person on the chair and go ski with them.” He isn’t sure what the future holds but said no matter what Sun Peaks will have a special place in his heart. “Whenever anything bad happens in our community I think back to that (the help he received in France) and think that we’ll rally behind them no matter who or what it is and that’s been demonstrated a number of times. It makes me feel happy knowing if anybody in our community would ever need help that we’re quite capable of providing that help for them. “My family is here but also a lot of people I have as an extended family.”

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ArtVenture Sun Peaks creates monthly programming

“I was also teaching paint night and could see that the adults were getting bored of just doing paintings then I started incorporating adult classes into ArtVenture as well,” said Williston Eight months ago she moved to Sun Peaks and quickly realized that there were tons of art workshops in Kamloops, but they weren’t accessible for people living in Sun Peaks without a vehicle. “I notice there’s big, expensive ticketed events up here and those are great. I thought a more friendly priced ranged program up here would do well,” she said.

events cater to everyone. “They’re geared towards everyone. Everything will be step-by-step with the option to, as I like to say, freestyle,” said Williston. “I hope that the people that come to the first couple events enjoy the atmosphere and the activity and so they come (back). I hope there’s enough variety in each event that I offer each month that it’ll appeal to new people, that maybe wouldn’t go out to teacups gardens but they’ll come and do macrame.” ArtVenture will hold adult workshops on the second Tuesday of each month and youth nights on the fourth Thursday. For more information and details about the upcoming workshops visit ArtVenture Sun Peaks on Facebook.

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PEAKS SUN

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 5:30 PM Tuesday June 4, 2019

Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality Council gives notice that it will hold a Public Hearing at the Hearthstone Lodge, 3170 N A BC, to consider Creekside Way, Sun Peaks, S proposed Bylaw No. L T R AIL A 0134, 2019.

A NEW ART INITIATIVE IN THE COMMUNITY IS MAKING ART MORE ACCESSIBLE. KNOWN AS ARTVENTURE SUN PEAKS IT OFFERS MONTHLY WORKSHOPS AND HOSTED THE FIRST CRAFT AND COFFEE NIGHT AT VERTICAL CAFÉ ON MAY 9. THE NEW-TO-SUN-PEAKS ORGANIZATION FORMED LAST YEAR IN CALGARY, ALTA. WHEN KAYLEEN WILLISTON WAS WORKING AS A NANNY AND SAW AN OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE A KIDS CLUB.

Her new venture will bring monthly programming for youth, adults and even a parents and tots class as well. “I’m also trying to do a lot of art projects that incorporate recycled or reused products. So all the teacups for our first event, those have been either a garage sale or thrifted or Value Village so we’re reusing them rather than buying brand new ones.” Along with her art workshops, Williston is offering birthday parties and private parties. Because everyone has different skill levels her

R E C R E AT

NIKKI FREDRIKSON

Making art accessible

Mountain B uild i ke B Summe s Tr Us i r h ai ! p T l ls e P E H N A

R E C R E AT

The event, the brainchild of local artist Bill Fell, is a collaborative project between the Rotary Club and Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP). “He came up with the whole idea, we’ve just been expanding on it,” said Wilkinson.

THE SECOND ANNUAL ART SUMMIT IS SET TO RETURN JULY 27. Photo

Submitted

TIO N

THE ROTARY CLUB OF SUN PEAKS IS WELL ON THEIR WAY TO ACHIEVING THEIR GOAL OF MORE THAN DOUBLING VENDORS FOR THIS SUMMER’S SECOND ANNUAL ROTARY CLUB ART SUMMIT ON JULY 27. WITH EIGHT ARTISTS CONFIRMED TO ATTEND THIS YEAR’S EVENT, CLUB SECRETARY BRENDA WILKINSON SAID THE EVENT IS A GREAT WAY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LOCAL AND REGIONAL ARTISTS.

The Art Summit is an opportunity for regional artists to showcase their work along the village stroll while raising funds for community initiatives. “The artists were really happy last year, they did very well, and this year it’s the same day as Serena Ryder (concert),” said Wilkinson. As it’s a fundraiser for Rotary the club donates artist registration fees back into the community as well as putting funds raised from prize bags towards future projects. “Last year we put out a call for artists, and we ended up with 13, so we’re making around $1,000 from those 13 artists. Some paid the $75 early bird fee before May 31 then after that it was $100 if they wanted to come and be in it,” she explained. With the help of TSP, they sold snack bags for the event which included three drink tickets for

NIKKI FREDRIKSON

CIA

Rotary Club seeking vendors for Art Summit

a wine, beer and cider tasting, Skippy’s Kettle Corn, Fresh is Best tortilla chips as well as a ticket to the grand prize draw. This year they plan to offer even more. “It’s still going to be $20 (per bag) this year, but it’s going to be for two people because we realized couples were only buying one (bag). This year there will be two tastings in each bag so that’s a nice change and we feel it’s a better value for two,” said Wilkinson. New to this year’s event will be Red Collar Brewery, Monte Creek Winery and Wards Hard Cider for the tasting portion. With plans well underway for this year’s event a call for artists has been put out for those who are creating a minimum of 75 per cent original work. Confirmed vendors for this year’s event include Doreen Fedor (jewellery), Cathy Healey (mixed media), Tim Francis (acrylic painting and giclee prints), Karen Clark (pottery) and more. The early bird rate for vendors closes May 31. To apply as an artist or to learn more visit sunpeaksresort.com/events.

Call for artists

What is Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 0134, 2019? It is a change to Zoning Bylaw No. 1400 to rezone 1160 Sun Peaks Road (legally described Lot A, District Lot 5957, KDYD, Plan KAP60466) as shown shaded in bold on the map at right, from CL1: Commercial Local One to CL-1: Commercial Local One with a site specific amendment to enable retail sale of cannabis. The store is proposed to be located within the existing building on the property. All persons who believe that their interest in property may be affected by the proposed Bylaws shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard at the Public Hearing. Additionally, they may make written submissions on the matter of the Bylaws (via any of the below options) which must be received at our office prior to 4:30 p.m. on the 3rd day of June, 2019. The entire content of all submissions will be made public and form a part of the public record for this matter. How do I get more information? A copy of the proposed Bylaws and all supporting information can be inspected from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday (except statutory holidays) at our office from May 20, 2019 until 4:00 p.m. the day of the Hearing; or please contact us via any of the below options. No representations will be received by Council after the Public Hearing has been concluded.

WILLISTON HELD HER FIRST ARTVENTURE EVENT MAY 9. Photo SPIN

Rob Bremner, Chief Administrative Officer In Person: 106-3270 Village Way, Sun Peaks, BC V0E 5N0 Email: admin@sunpeaksmunicipality.ca Fax: 250-578-2023 VOL 17 ISSUE 5 MAY 17 — JUNE 14

EVENTS

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

Sipping through spring JEAN STRONG

THE SHOULDER SEASON IS A BREAK FROM THE CROWDS AND TIME TO BREATHE AFTER A BUSY WINTER. IT’S ALSO THE PERFECT TIME TO TREAT YOURSELF TO SOME OF THE AREA’S BEST BOOZY CREATIONS. WITH THREE EVENTS IN MAY THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. May 18: Woodward Cidery Grand Opening Kamloops’ first and only cidery’s grand opening event takes place at Privato Vineyard and Winery. Look forward to giveaways, games, music and snacks. Can’t make the event? They’ll be open weekends and holidays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the summer. May 24 to June 1: Kamloops Wine Festival The 21st annual Kamloops Wine Festival returns to fundraise for the Kamloops Art Gallery. Spend

SATURDAY MAY 18 GOLF COURSE OPENING DAY golf@sunpeaksresort.com

THURSDAY MAY 23 ARTVENTURE YOUTH NIGHT

Open to youth age 11 to 17 ArtVenture Sun Peak’s youth night is the perfect opportunity to come out create and make new friends. artventuresunpeaks.com

FRIDAY TO SATURDAY MAY 24 TO JUNE 1 KAMLOOPS WINE FESTIVAL

Wine lovers rejoice! Kamloops Wine Festival is back for another year. Join local restaurants and events for wine tastings and pairings. 250 377 2400

SATURDAY TO SUNDAY MAY 25 & 26 BREWLOOPS SPRING FESTIVAL

On May 25th & 26th BrewLoops Cultural Development Society will kick off the summer season with beer, food trucks, live music and a new collaboration featuring the 2019 Southern BC FireFit Regional Championships. The BrewLoops Downtown Block Party and FireFit competition will take place in the Sandman Centre parking lot. brewloopsfest.ca

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the week tasting local wines and eating delicious food. On May 24 enjoy a four-course dinner prepared before your eyes at Romeos Kitchen + Spirits. Local wine will be paired with the dishes. The next day head to Earl’s Restaurant’s patio for live music, snacks and tastings from The Hatch Winery. Paint your own wine label using wine on May 30 at the Kamloops Art Gallery or celebrate the week in style on June 1 at the Grande Finale wine tasting party with food and more than 150 wines to sample. May 25 & 26: Brewloops Spring Festival Downtown Kamloops comes alive with beer, music, food trucks and entertainment. On Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. firefighters will take part in a competition with FireFit Canada. During the day events are family friendly, Saturday night is 19+.

SATURDAY JUNE 1 NATIONAL HEALTH & FITNESS DAY

Celebrate National Health and Fitness Day at Sun Peaks with free golf and bike activities offered throughout the day. 250 578 5505

SUNDAY JUNE 2 HEFFLEY CREEK SHOW ‘N SHINE

The annual car show and craft fair has moved to Sunday but is set to be the same great show. Drivers of show cars receive a free $10 meal voucher – good for either breakfast or lunch – otherwise $10 adults or $5 for children under 10 250 852 1011

SUNDAY JUNE 2 CANADIAN ENDURO SERIES

SUPPORT LOCAL BY TASTING THE WINE, BEER AND CIDER OF THE REGION THIS SPRING. Photo Kym Ellis

up on the skills and technique of all aspects of your game, including overall set-up, chipping and pitching, driving, sand play, and putting. o Sun Valley Farms to our annual Pumpkin Patch. golf@sunpeaksresort.com

SATURDAY TO SUNDAY JUNE 8 TO 9 SKATE SUN PEAKS

Landyachtz and the Kamloops Longboard Club present the 4th Annual Skate Sun Peaks, boasting a tight and techy freeride with a ski lift back to the top. Exclusively on June 8 & 9, downhill skaters will get endless runs down 17 unique corners, 14 of which skaters will have to drift to control speed. kamloops.longboard@gmail.com

SUNDAY JUNE 9 NORTH FACE DIRTY FEET 6 HOUR RELAY KAMLOOPS

Round two of the Canadian National Enduro Series will be held at Harper Mountain. You are not required to hold any kind of Cycling BC, UCI, or ABA membership for the series. New expert men and expert women categories added for this year’s event.

Ride your bike with your friends on a team or take it on solo – grab a friend or three and come out and ride on some awesome mtn bike trails in the park in a six hour relay. Or ride solo and see how many laps you can complete in six hours. Either way it’s a fun and exciting atmosphere so grab your bike and sign up.

250 852 1011

info@dirtyfeet.ca

FRIDAY TO SUNDAY JUNE 7 TO 9 GOLF KICK-OFF CAMP

Start the golf season off right with the first ever Golf Kick-off Camp! CPGA professional Bill Bilton Jr. will guide you through three days of professional instruction to help you brush

SATURDAY JUNE 15 5K FOAM FEST

The 5K Foam Fest is back in Sun Peaks for the fourth year! This one-of-a-kind event is not a hardcore run, it’s a FUNCORE run. Grab your friends, family, or co-workers and take part in an exciting challenge for beginner and experienced runners alike. Festival

EVENT LISTINGS atmosphere offers activities for all ages. Kids eight years and up can participate in the run, but there are lots of activities for younger children as well. info@5Kfoamfest.com

SUNDAY JUNE 16 SUN PEAKS MARKET DAY

This is a perfect opportunity to bring local, sustainable food to your family’s dinner table. Enjoy live music in the village as you browse products from local farmers, ranchers, and artisans. events@sunpeakstourism.com

FRIDAY TO SUNDAY JUNE 21 TO 23 HIKING + BIKING OPENING WEEKEND

Sunburst chairlift operations officially get underway for summer hiking and biking on Friday, June 21 and continue daily until September 2, seven days a week from 10 am to 7 pm. Plus we’re extending the fun and keeping the chairlift spinning every weekend this September. guestservices@sunpeaksresort.com

PLANNING A COMMUNITY EVENT? ADD IT TO OUR EVENT LISTINGS AT SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM

MONTH IN PHOTOS

CANDICE BASKO AND CAROLINE THOMPSON CLEANING UP THE COMMUNITY DURING TRASH BASH. Photo SPIN

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

A MAMA BEAR AND HER TWO CUBS WERE SPOTTED BY THE ENTRANCE TO SUN PEAKS. Photo SPIN

MEMBERS OF HIKING GROUP MOUNTAIN MAVENS OUT ON THEIR FIRST TREK OF THE SEASON ON EMBLETON MOUNTAIN NEAR HEFFLEY LAKE. Photo SPIN

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT SUZANNE DUCHESNE, FIRE CHIEF COLIN CANNON, MARK JONES AND DAVE ROBERTS DURING TRASH BASH. Photo SPIN

UPWARDS OF 130 COMMUNITY MEMBERS ATTENDED THIS YEAR’S TRASH BASH WHICH WAS HELD MAY 7. Photo SPIN

MEMBERS OF INTERACT CLUBS ACROSS DISTRICTS FROM VANCOUVER TO PRINCE GEORGE JOINED FORCES DURING A CONFERENCE AT SUN PEAKS TO COMPLETE A ROCK GARDEN AS PART OF THEIR SERVICE PROJECT. Photo Submitted

INTERACT SUN PEAKS PRESIDENT DARBY O’TOOLE WITH A SERVICE PROJECT COMPLETED AT THE SUN PEAKS HEALTH CENTRE. Photo Submitted

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BOOK YOUR CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE AT

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SOLVE THIS CROSSWORD

EDITED BY MARGIE E. BURKE EDITED BY MARGIE E. BURKE

CROSSWORD ANSWERS VxIx

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FOR RENT 6 mos rental Summer/Fall. Fireside Lodge – One Bedroom Furnished turn key short term rental, June 1 – Nov 30 2019. $800 a month (includes utilities, cable & internet), no pets / no smoking. Contact:paw61@shawca, Cell 604-365-0835.

SODOKU ANSWERS VxIx

4 BDRM / 3 BATH, 3,200 sq. ft. luxury fully furnished ski-in home for RENT. N/S, N/P, available 7/15/2019 for min. 1 YR. lease. $3,750 + utilities. Winter driveway snow clearance, cable TV, internet, phone, and hot tub maintenance included. Call (250) 434-4243. Large, fully furnished ski-in/ski-out. MUST SEE. Large 2 bdrm suite, like new, full kitchen, 6 appliances, insuite laundry, gas fireplace, full bathroom. Very quiet. Includes internet, all utilities, cable. $1000/month for Summer (May-Oct), Call or text 604-671-9550 or tomgoode@shaw.ca.

WANT TO ADVERTISE A CLASSIFIED AD? Submit online at sunpeaksnews.com/classified or call 250.578.0276

SPRING Weather Forecast MAY 17 — 23

Rain, then sunny, cool

MAY 24 - 31

Rainy periods, cool

JUNE 1 - 14

Isolated showers, then sunny, warm

Reach one of Interiors BC’s most lucrative markets Call to arrange your winter promotion package today

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VOL 17 ISSUE 5 MAY 17 — JUNE 14

Do you enjoy our puzzles? Too easy? Too hard?

LET US KNOW! Send your thoughts to:

editor@sunpeaksnews.com

or phone 250 578 0276

BUSINESS LISTINGS

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SERVICES Residential and Commercial Security (250) 374-2577 kamloopsalarm.com “PROTECTING SUN PEAKS FOR OVER 25 YEARS”

Your Fireplace Experts Professional Service & Repairs Fireplace Replacement Specialists

Pain / alignment concerns with hiking, running & skiing

1200 Battle Street, Kamloops 250-372-3424 www.fireplacecentre.com

250.314.1203 progressivestep.ca

WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS? Find out more online at sunpeaksnews.com/advertise or call 250.578.0276

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION ROBERTS CONSTRUCTION PAUL ROBERTS CUSTOM BUILDER | PROJECT MANAGER NEW HOMES | ADDITIONS

PHONE: 250 371 4880 Looking for a business or service in Sun Peaks? Check out our online business directory at: local.sunpeaksnews.com

YOUR OPINIONS, COMMENTS OR COMMENDATIONS ARE WELCOME Send your letters & opinions by mail to: Sun Peaks Independent News 102 3270 Village Way, Sun Peaks, B.C. V0E 5N0 or by e-mail: editor@sunpeaksnews.com All correspondence must contain a last name & a contact number for verification—phone numbers won’t be published. Writers are encouraged to keep letters to 250 or fewer words. Letters submitted without the writer’s name won’t be published. Sun Peaks Independent News reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, legality & taste. Letters not published in Sun Peaks Independent News may be published online at www.sunpeaksnews.com

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SPORTS

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Staying competitive Local motocross rider Tavin Krutop focusing on summer series NIKKI FREDRIKSON

AFTER WORKING ALL DAY JEREMY KRUTOP PICKED UP HIS 10-YEAR-OLD SON TAVIN FROM SCHOOL TO TAKE HIM TO KAMLOOPS TO PRACTISE RIDING HIS DIRT BIKE IN PREPARATION FOR HIS THIRD RACE OF THE MOTOCROSS SEASON. DURING A LATE EVENING PHONE CALL TO SPIN JEREMY SAID HE KNOWS HIS SON NEEDS MORE TIME ON THE TRACK AND IS TRYING TO GET HIM OUT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO KEEP HIM COMPETITIVE. Tavin kicked off his season in early April at a Kelowna, B.C. race. It didn’t go as well as the pair hoped with Tavin finishing fifth in one class and seventh in

another, unusual for the regular podium finisher. “He was pretty bummed out when we drove home. He just said after that race ‘Dad, I don’t want to do it anymore,’” said Jeremy. “It was hard on him… driving home we had lots of time to talk about it, and he just said he wants to ride more and practise more.” Fast forward a few weeks and Tavin was back in the swing of things in Quesnel, B.C., taking first in both the 65cc open class and the 65 cc (10-11 yrs) category. “Tav just looked solid all weekend. It suited his style of riding. He liked that kind of track, it was good, he had a lot of fun,” said Jeremy. Having had more time on his bike before heading to Quesnel, B.C. and participating in a riding clinic with pro rider Ryan

Lockhart the Friday of the race weekend, Tavin was able to work on body positioning, cornering and keeping his weight on the bike in the sand, preparing him for the race weekend. “It was pretty hard conditions but the track is really fun. It’s really deep and super aggressive. He learned a lot.” The race series in Quesnel was part of the 2019 National qualifier for the Walton TransCan Grand National Championship. The three-part qualifying series will be one third of the races Tavin will participate in this season. Racing in a total of nine events this summer, the Krutops will travel to many new tracks and plan to participate in more race clinics with Lockhart so Tavin can learn how to succeed on each new track. Jeremy explained Lockhart rides each track and prepares participants for their motos by explaining techniques for that specific track. “Tav rides the same way. He’s never crazy, he just never rides

10-YEAR-OLD TAVIN KRUTOP IS SET TO RACE IN NINE EVENTS THIS SUMMER. Photo Instagram

over his head, he’s just always consistent. I think that’s the biggest thing and we talk about that longevity and get through the season safe and healthy and have fun.” Tavin travelled to his third event of the season May 5 in

Nanaimo, B.C. where he placed fifth in the 65cc (10-11 yrs) category and third in the 65cc open division. This season Tavin is sponsored by RTR Performance, Powder Ventures Excavating and Alpinestars.

Building the stoke Girlstylerz freestyle program a success for Sun Peaks club NIKKI FREDRIKSON FEMALE ATHLETES IN THE MALE-DOMINATED SPORT OF FREESTYLE SKIING ARE GAINING MORE SUPPORT AND ADVOCATES ACROSS BRITISH COLUMBIA AFTER VANCOUVER FREESTYLE SKI CLUB’S COACH DANIKA MAZUR’S GIRLSTYLERZ PROGRAM EXPANDED PROVINCIALLY. “At the heart of it all, it was just about giving the girls who were in the sport that identity,” said Mazur. The Girlstylerz program started three years ago when one of Mazur’s female athletes placed last at a competition and confided in her coach that she wanted to train and become an athlete. Mazur realized her athlete needed a group to rally behind her, have the same excitement for the sport and to train with other girls instead of the boys group. She created a spring camp for the female athletes in her club and spent the weekend skiing with six athletes. Mazur realized it was something her club needed every weekend and Girlstylerz was created. “There’s a good chunk of girls who wouldn’t be willing or capable to get involved in that setting (training

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with the boys). Having this option alongside training with your male peers and having a co-ed program, having it as an option has opened up the door and the opportunities for girls (who) otherwise wouldn’t want to participate,” she said. This past season Mazur and Freestyle BC launched a pilot program which saw almost 100 per cent participation from the freestyle clubs across the province to offer girl’s programming. “I think this is important because, like I said, having Girlstylerz offers more entry points for girls who don’t typically fit that mould of keeping up with the boys or being ‘tough,’” said Mazur. The girls-only programming has taken away the embarrassment factor and fear of falling creating an environment where girls feel safe trying something new. “Boys don’t care how they look. They don’t care if they look ugly or stupid when they fall. They just want to get the trick. There’s a well known idea boys perform to be accepted, and girls need to feel accepted before they can perform,” she said. “Having a program like a Girlstylerz program is really great for overcoming those types of barriers

GIRLS FROM ACROSS THE PROVINCE GATHERED IN WHISTLER FOR THE GIRLSTYLERZ SPRING CAMP APRIL 26 TO 28. Photo submitted

when you’re learning a new trick, or a new skill or you’re in a new terrain,” stated Mazur. The provincial program not only focused on creating advocates for female athletes in each club but also gave the girls a space to make friends with others in different clubs by hosting activities like tube nights or rail jams at provincial competitions. At Sun Peaks, assistant coach Cody Mackinnon was named program coordinator for the Girlstylerz initiative. He said he saw many athletes come out of their shell this season thanks to the program. “It was cool to see they made some new friends. They were definitely engaging with the other girls from the other clubs a lot more than they did at the start of the season,” he said. Mackinnon took 11 local athletes to Whistler Blackcomb for an end of season Girlstylerz camp to celebrate

how far they had progressed and to learn new skills. Focusing on park and rails, moguls and airbag training, the athletes worked with the Girlstylerz coaches, Olympic athletes and provincial level athletes in a three day progression camp. “A lot of girls got their first rails, first full rails, so it was a big learning opportunity for them as well, just to have a different coach and so many different points of view because every coach brings something new to the table which is really good for them,” said Mackinnon. Watching his athletes Mackinnon noticed a lot of progression over the course of the weekend, especially with getting over their fear of the airbag. Mackinnon said watching one athlete hit the bag after battling her own fear was incredible. “I sat with her for another half an hour, and she said she was too

scared. So I just talked to her, breathed through it, hungout, finally got her up and going,” he said. “I had to ski the inrun right beside her, cheering her on the whole time but she finally hit it. It was pretty cool, she was almost tearing up. I was stoked to see her conquer that fear.” When asked why he believes the pilot project is important for the sport, Mackinnon said to get more girls involved because it’s a male dominated sport and to introduce them to something new. Mackinnon said the Sun Peaks program is looking to develop and expand but in order to do that they will need more coaches, hopefully including female coaches. Next season McKinnon is hoping to see athletes build off the high note they ended the season on while the Girlstylerz provincial program continues to grow.

SPORTS

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Out of the frying pan into the fire Sun Peaks athletes seek redemption at Saudan Couloir Ski Race Extreme NIKKI FREDRIKSON

SUN PEAKS’ 2018 TOP TO BOTTOMS CHAMPION MATTIAS SCHMID HAS A NEW TITLE TO BRAG ABOUT, SILVER MEDALIST AT THE SAUDAN COULOIR RACE EXTREME. THE COMPETITION, WHICH TOOK PLACE AT WHISTLER BLACKCOMB DURING THE WORLD SKI & SNOWBOARD FESTIVAL ON APRIL 12, IS REGARDED AS THE HARDEST SKI RACE IN THE WORLD. This year marked the second time Schmid took part in the legendary competition, but the first time he’s placed in his age category. Race day conditions were perfect. With clear visibility and

KOZEVNIKOV, SCHMID, MUIRHEAD AND WILSON EACH COMPETED IN THE “WORLDS HARDEST SKI RACE” IN EARLY APRIL. Photo Supplied

hard snow competitors jumped right into the competition as race organizers skipped a training day to take advantage of the weather window. Schmid said the atmosphere at the top of the course was electric nervous energy amongst the competitors. “Especially with no training day a lot of people just showed up, and it’s out of the frying pan into the fire.”

S T RE ET S WEEP I N G May 21 - 24

Please ensure all vehicles, equipment and construction materials are off the road right of ways. There may be some dust in the air.

S PORTS CEN TRE

The tennis cou rts are open to the public with the pickle ball equipment available at Guest Services/Activities Desk. Entry to the courts is on the northwest corner as the regular entrance is closed for the Sun Peaks Centre construction. The pool will be closed this summer due to the construction of the Sun Peaks Centre, sorry for the inconvenience.

P ROP ERT Y TA X ES

2019 Property Tax Notices will be sent out in mid-May and are due by July 2, 2019, including homeowner grants if applicable. If you are going to mail your tax cheque, please ensure you mail it early as the Municipality can not waive the 10% late payment penalty that is set by the Provice. For your convenience, post dated cheques are accepted, please date them no later than July 2nd 2019.

Questions, comments and feedback can be sent to

www.sunpeaksmunicipality.ca

After one inspection run the competitors faced the 2,500 vertical metres of the couloir, taking on average two to four minutes to complete with athletes staggered one minute in between each start. “In racing it’s not just who’s the best skier. It’s who can ski the best on race day, who can get past the nerves, who can focus, who put the time in to get their skis right, get their equipment dialed during the season. There’s so many factors that lead to a good ski race,” said Schmid. Schmid said he entered to compete and was able to make up enough speed to pass the competitor ahead of him and finished 35 seconds ahead. “That was pretty sketchy. You have to yell at the guy as your skiing and be like ‘on your right,’ and you have to ski past a guy in a race course,” he said. Once at the bottom of the course he realized his time was incorrect and protested his finish. Upon review Schmid was awarded the silver medal in the Amateur Ski Men 35-39 division. Elated to receive his medal, he said his strategy for the competition was to look ahead and ski confidently. “You got to believe that you can maneuver your way down a really steep GS course,” said Schmid. “It’s not just steep, it’s also really rough because a lot of people have skied it.” “The first 11 gates that are in the couloir, I skied those safely, it wasn’t full charge … once you’re out of that hairy area you can really start to charge and turn it up.” Once out of the couloir Schmid had to focus on his fitness level and had to gauge when to “mash the gas pedal

and when to back off.” “That’s, I think, probably more dangerous than the couloir...how tired you are at the bottom when you’re trying to ski fast, that’s probably the most difficult thing.” Schmid wasn’t the only Sun Peaks athlete competing in the race. He was joined by Alice Muirhead, Kelly Kozevnikov and Peter Wilson. The four trained and travelled to the competition together, practising at home on OSV on a course specially set for them by Sun Peaks Alpine Club’s program director Wade Rettie. Supporting each other on race day, Schmid said all his fellow competitors made it down with Muirhead placing

sixth in her age category and Wilson finishing 33rd. Kozevnikov was disqualified due to a crash at the fifth gate but still managed to finish the course. Noting Wilson also competed in the race last year, Schmid called this year’s race a redemption year for him because he missed the last gate in the 2018 competition. “I think his only goal this year was to finish. For him, achievement unlocked. He set a goal to finish what’s considered the hardest ski race in the world,” said Schmid. Already looking ahead to next year, Schmid said he’ll enter the competition as long as he’s able.

THE COULOIR’S 2,500 VERTICAL MAKES IT ONE OF THE MOST TERRIFYING SLOPES IN THE WORLD. Photo Supplied VOL 17 ISSUE 5 MAY 17 — JUNE 14

SPORTS

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Celebrating positivity and spirit SPAC racer takes home Abby Award JEAN STRONG

EACH SEASON MEMBERS OF THE SUN PEAKS ALPINE CLUB (SPAC) ARE REWARDED FOR THEIR PERFORMANCE. BUT THIS YEAR, FOR THE FIRST TIME, ONE RACER RECEIVED THE ABBY AWARD WHICH CELEBRATED MORE THAN NUMBERS AND PODIUMS. The award honours Abby Wunsch who had a joy for life and skiing. The nine-yearold from Calgary, Alta. passed away in a ski accident in 2015. Now the award is given to one U10 racer in each club across Canada, 60 in total, who is happy, high spirited and fun loving. This year, nine-year-old Trayle Porter of Sun Peaks received the first Abby Award from SPAC. “It’s a special award that

a girl died...and her parents made a foundation for their daughter and each club only one person gets it,” Trayle said. “Abby loved skiing, fun and always gave 110 per cent effort and passion.” Trayle has been skiing for three seasons, really getting into the sport when he and his family moved to Sun Peaks from Alberta. Now he takes part in the Freestyle ski club and alpine racing in U10. “It’s not that hard, it’s pretty easy,” he said of skiing. “This season was awesome, we did lots of cool stuff on the mountain.” He added he liked learning from his coach, Jamie Veillette. “I like him a lot and some things that he tells us to go do, I do it quickly and some things he tells me to do, it’s harder.” Veillette said Trayle was a natural choice for the award. “He’s super keen, listens,

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

TRAYLE PORTER POSES WITH HIS MEDAL. Photo SPIN

gets concepts and ideas and picked up a lot this season,” he said. “He’s super fun, always happy. He’s a go-getter with a positive attitude and lots of smiles.” Veillette spoke of one race where Trayle’s friend was on the podium while he wasn’t. Trayle was excited for his friend and cheered him on, not showing disappointment at his own result. It was a moment Trayle’s mother, Shawnee Porter, was especially proud of. She added she’d like to see more awards like the Abby Award given to SPAC racers. “I felt like they need to make

more awards like that. What is the point of skiing? To win all the time or have fun? For our family those core values are really important and what makes you a good adult,” she said. “I was really happy about Jamie all year, he understood that it needs to be fun but it can’t just be free time, they need to work hard.” While Trayle moves to the U12 accelerated program next year, his younger brother Houston is ready to follow in his footsteps. “I’m proud of him,” Houston said. “I’ll win the Abby Award one day.”

TRAYLE PORTER CELEBRATES A PODIUM FINISH. Photo Supplied

MAAX AMERICAN WHIRLPOOL SPRING SPECIAL – Place your order by March 31st and receive 6 months free water chemistry!

SPRING SPECIAL Place your order by July 31, 2019 and receive six months FREE water chemistry!* *AMERICAN WHIRLPOOL® only.

At Sun Peaks Aquatics, we understand the importance of a quality hot tub experience for your family and/or your renters. We also understand the value of choice, so we offer hot tub models for all budgets and comfort requirements. And, because we are located right here at Sun Peaks Resort, our sales service is nothing short of comprehensive including: Free initial on-site consultation Your choice of exceptional AMERICAN WHIRLPOOL® hot tubs from MAAX® Spas Hot tub installation Trade in or removal of your old hot tub After-market extras installed including lifts, steps, and locking systems Initial fill and chemical balance Annual water chemistry packages or water chemistry tutorials available

Resort Hot Tub Specialists For 21 Years!

VOL 17 ISSUE 5 MAY 17 — JUNE 14

SPORTS

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

Snowmobile crash claims life of Sun Peaks homeowner Everett Craig remembered by friends for loving nature, passion for life

JEAN STRONG

EVERETT CR AIG, FROM VALEMOUNT, B.C. HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AS THE COMPETITOR KILLED IN A SNOWMOBILE ACCIDENT AT SUN PEAKS DURING THE WESTERN CANADA HILL CROSS ASSOCIATION (WCHA) HILL CLIMB EVENT ON APRIL 20. Sun Peaks Ski Patrol, Sun Peaks Fire Rescue and BC Ambulance Service attended the call with an air ambulance also dispatched to the resort. In a statement posted to Facebook the WCHA said they’re working alongside RCMP and Sun Peaks Resort LLP staff to investigate the incident. “The WCHA is thankful for the support of the snowmobile community and Sun Peaks Resort,” the statement continued. “This tragedy has affected many people and our hearts go out to the family, friends, fellow riders, and all those involved.” Craig was a Sun Peaks homeowner with a passion for the outdoors and has been remembered by friends and loved ones as a

true friend with a sense of adventure. In one social media post he was described as larger than life and someone who never stopped smiling. Another remembered him as a kid who loved to snowmobile and make people laugh who grew into a young man with a passion for travel and a strong work ethic. A GoFundMe page created to help the family with funeral, medical and legal expenses had raised over $6,000 at press time. In its description a note from Craig’s partner, Karolyn Russ, reflected on their time together. “I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. I now realize you got to spend the rest of your life with me. Going forward you will forever be in my heart and mind. I am so grateful for your persistence and experiences we had together,” she wrote. “I am not the only one suffering a great loss. I am so sorry for all of your friends and family. The company you kept are amazing, incredible and strong. Thank you so much for sharing those connections with me.” EVERETT CRAIG’S LOVE OF ADVENTURE IS VISIBLE IN A PHOTO POSTED TO HIS FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

COMMERCIAL SPACE

107 KOOKABURRA LODGE | $559, 000 This 1076 sq.ft. space is available in the Kookaburra Lodge. High traffic corner exposure and great storefront visibility and patio area that offers the opportunity for significant growth. Concrete structure for strength, acoustic and fire qualities with sprinkler system in place. Great location adjacent to the village with year round community and school. Existing lease in place. Monthly strata fee $690.63.

#12 THE PEAKS | $549,000 Immaculate & bright 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhouse located on the second fairway of the Sun Peaks Golf Course. Basement entry with three levels and an open concept main floor, spacious dining area and living room with extra windows, cozy corner fireplace, heated tile flooring and 3 sundecks with south facing exposure and views of the ski runs on Mt. Morrisey. The garage space provides secure storage for skis, bikes, and a variety of toys with additional parking available. Offered furnished; GST paid.

#323 SUNDANCE LODGE | $49,900 Spacious 3rd floor studio suite in centrally located Coast Sundance Lodge. Great south facing views and private sun deck. Generous kitchen and a cozy corn gas fireplace. Shared amenities include an exercise room, an outdoor hot tub and secure underground parking. While at the Sundance you have immediate access to shops, restaurants and all Resort activities. Sale includes basement storage locker. Offered furnished. GST applicable.

NEW LISTING

SOLD 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.

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.

#152/154 CAHILTY HOTEL & SUITES |

$189,000

Enjoy one of the best ski-in, ski-out locations Sun Peaks has to offer, along with the flexibility and rental opportunity you’ve always been looking for! Conveniently located on the main floor, this fully furnished lock-off suite features a desirable full sized kitchen, perfect for extended year round getaways, with 1 queen sized bed and full bath, and 2 queen sized beds and full bath in the adjoining room. Ski storage, family restaurant, secure underground parking and laundry facilities. Truly an attractive family getaway and great investment; GST applicable.

SOLD #458 CAHILTY HOTEL & SUITES | $209,900 Extremely spacious deluxe studio with vaulted ceilings, corner fireplace, full kitchen and separate dining area. Elegantly appointed with one of the best views in the village. Watch panoramic sunsets or the bright morning sun on the face of Tod Mountain. Storage can be a premium, but this property features three different lockable storage areas. The Cahilty has a great slope side location, with true ski-in/ ski-out access. Short walk to all village amenities. Enjoy unlimited owner use plus the benefit of a professional in house rental management team. GST is paid.

#1208A GRAND RESIDENCES | $69,900 Luxury at its finest! This second floor one bedroom condo comes fully furnished and comfortably sleeps four. Prime village location with true ski-in, ski-out access and full use of hotel amenities such as hot tubs, swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurants, ski & bike valet, room service and more. This quarter ownership offering at Sun Peaks offers affordable accommodation and potential rental returns when you are not using with only a fraction of the cost associated with ownership. GST is applicable.

#3-1305 BURFIELD DRIVE | $549,900 This “like new” & spacious home is absolutely in pristine condition with 3 bedrooms plus den, two and a half baths over three levels within a welcoming building with 5 units. Designed for full time living or can be used as a short term rental property. Features quality finishing’s throughout with beautiful hardwood flooring, modern kitchen with quartz countertops, and large covered deck with timber detail and private hot tub with ski hill views. Upper level features three bedrooms, 2 with vaulted ceilings, laundry and extra storage. This home delivers and is offered largely furnished with 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.

#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.

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 is very private, backing onto forested ski terrain, and offers a great family friendly environment. No time limit to build out you can relax & take time to plan your perfect mountain getaway. Design guidelines in place and the residential zoning allows for a two bedroom legal revenue suite. Underground services are installed to the lot line. GST is not applicable.

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VOL 17 ISSUE 5 MAY 17 — JUNE 14