Volume 18 Issue 2 by Sun Peaks Independent News

VOLUME 18 ISSUE 2

YOURS FREE TO TAKE HOME

FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 19, 2020

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

DISAPPEARANCE OF RYAN SHTUKA REACHES TWO YEAR MARK PAGE 4

MULTIPLE PODIUM SWEEPS FOR YOUNG COMPETITORS PAGE 20

Teens save life of classmate on school trip Sun Peaks students complete CPR and AED training after incident

JAMES CANNON AND TYLER DICKSON SAVED A CLASSMATE’S LIFE IN THE FALL. Photo SPIN

JEAN STRONG

LAST SUMMER 15-YEAR-OLD JAMES CANNON WORKED AS A SAILING COACH AND COMPLETED THE REQUIRED FIRST AID TRAINING, INCLUDING LEARNING HOW TO DO CPR.

Last fall 17-year-old Tyler Dickson decided to join Canadian Ski Patrol to volunteer at Sun Peaks in the winter. In September he completed his training on basic life support and CPR and the next week he learned how to use an AED. “I thought I was just going to use it for patrol,” he said. But just two months later on Nov. 18 Dickson did use

his training, and saved a life alongside his classmate and friend Cannon. Dickson and Cannon had travelled to Vancouver with Sun Peaks Secondary Academy students and chaperones to attend WE Day. After spending the afternoon exploring the city the group returned to the hotel and decided to take advantage of the

pool. Cannon and Dickson left the sauna and went to the pool when they realized a classmate was struggling. “There were a few of us in the pool and we saw a student struggling,” said Cannon. “There was a moment of ‘stop messing around’ but then reality set in.” They pulled the teen, who SPIN will keep anonymous, out of the water and began CPR

while a chaperone called for help. Soon a security guard arrived to help the duo continue performing CPR until the ambulance arrived. “When they arrived I thought ‘it’s about time,’” Dickson said.

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VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 19

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CONTINUED FROM COVER “After the paramedics took over I stood there with Tyler and our legs were shaking, we could step back and see it from the outside. Reality hits,” Cannon said. The student was taken to hospital for further care and is now back skiing. “It’s difficult to find the right words to adequately express how we feel,” his parents wrote in a statement to SPIN. “Tyler and James are our heros! We are so thankful that because of their courage, compassion and willingness to act quickly our son’s life was saved. “His medical team were

also all amazed to learn of the age of these young heroes and commented on what an amazing job they did.” Cannon and Dickson have also returned to ‘normal’ life with the realization the training they both completed can save lives. “I think it’s really important. We were able to do something that really helped someone,” Cannon said. “Go do the training, get it, it’s something you think you’ll never need but just having it is super important. The investment paid off 1000 times over.” Dickson agreed. “We automatically knew what to do, we knew what the other person was doing and what

we should do...take a first aid course, you’ll hopefully never use it, probably never use it, but if you use it you’ll be glad you’ll have it.” SPSA students were some of the first to take the boys advice; the school took part in CPR and AED training for all students in February. The family of the 14-yearold are also speaking of the importance of getting training. “Because of their heroic actions our son’s journey did not end that day. They have gifted us with more time, more memories and the ultimate gift of his life. We are forever grateful and they will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

In Sun Peaks, training is being offered this winter by the Sun Peaks Mountain Rescue Society. Meanwhile the boys are at home and school and Dickson is continuing to patrol. Both are considering how this event will shape their future. “I was already into sciences,” Dickson said. “I think it was a good experience, it changed my life because now I kind of want to be a doctor.” “You never do something like that and are the same person,” Cannon said. “I’ve always been into math, science and been logical. Maybe I’ll move towards more medical things, I find it interesting. Maybe this is what I was meant to do.”

PUBLISHER

Brandi Schier

brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

Perfect sips for all

GRAPHIC ARTIST

JEAN STRONG

Frankie Knight

frankie@sunpeaksnews.com

WINE LOVERS WILL BE IN GOOD COMPANY AT THIS YEAR’S SUN PEAKS WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL FROM MARCH 5 TO 8. EDITOR Jean Strong

jean@sunpeaksnews.com

CONTRIBUTORS Courtney Jones Emily Perrins Justin Moore Kyle James Louise Hudson Perri Digby 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.

The replacement for the long-running festival of year’s past is bringing revamped events to the village. Carmen Ruiz from Tourism Sun Peaks said the festival has been well received so far. “In previous years, ticket sales were last-minute mainly due to the event being so close after the holiday season,” she said. “Now having the event in March has allowed for both international and local guests to make plans well in advance. There is also more accommodation available at this time than there was in January, so this is helping ticket sales.”

So far eight of the 13 events have sold out. Ribs & Reds, Fizz & Fries, Brushes and Berens and a Tutored seven course tasting menu and Explorer Dinner were quick to sell tickets. “In the past we were limited to highlighting wines from just one region of B.C.,” Ruiz said. “But now we are able to celebrate wines from all over the province. Our restaurant partners have also come up with creative ways to feature local flavours.” Serious wine-os and casual sippers each have something to get excited about. The Italian Snack Bar event on March 5 pairs Italian appies with Italian style wines and beverages from the Okanagan while the Best of the West Grand tasting pairs a wider selection of B.C. wines with food from B.C. and neighbours in both Canada and the United States. Brunches, snowshoeing and

Thank you for voting us Best Bucket List Activity in the 2020 SPIN Awards! www.mountainmanadventures.ca

a fun and casual setting while also partaking in all of Sun Peaks winter activities.” More information on events and tickets can be found at sunpeaksresort.com/sunpeaks-wine-food-festival.

SPINAWARDS best of 2020

WI N E R N

Thank you Sun Peaks for voting Peter Wilson as Favourite Ski / Board Tuner and Matthias Schmid as Favourite Local Business Person!

ON THE COVER

SPINAWARDS best of 2020

PHOTO SPIN

grilled cheese have also been paired with wine for unique events with a mountain twist. “Our goal is for all guests, both new and returning, to discover the wines of British Columbia and indulge in local flavours in

VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 19

WI N E R N

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True ski-in/out to main chairlifts and a short walk to the village from this 3 level townhouse with huge garage for your cars and gear. Many updates including paint, furniture, appliances, HWT, mattresses, hot tub. Peaceful, creekside location with evergreen trees. Zoned Residential.

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FOR LEASE: 837 sq. ft. or 1,346 sq. ft. spaces in new mixed use complex. High visibility in this developing centre next to main road into Sun Peaks. Nearby residences & Burfield chair. Walk to Village. Existing businesses: Yoga/dance, Deli, Diner/Pub, Meranti office and Pharmacy.

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Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Independently Owned and Operated. E.&O.E.: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal.

VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 30

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Two years of searching Heather Shtuka reflects on personal journey while looking for missing son JEAN STRONG

FOR DECADES THE COMMUNITY OF SUN PEAKS HAS OFFERED PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD AN ESCAPE. Many come, and stay, in search of a fresh start and to get away from their past. For Heather Shtuka, it’s an escape despite the fact she’s returning to the location of the most significant trauma in her life. In February of 2018 her son, Ryan Shtuka, went missing in Sun Peaks after a night out with friends. No trace of Ryan has never been found. Two years later Heather returns as often as she can. From the day he was reported missing Heather has been open with her experience on social media, at first to raise awareness and share information, and then as a kind of therapy, sharing and reliving memories with those who

knew Ryan or those who have never even been to the province or country. She’s able to carry the torch of Ryan’s legacy online and has been applauded for her strength, but even two years later the wound of the loss is still fresh. On top of online attacks, Heather and her family face other reminders behind the scenes that few people know about. “You get the violations from his credit card and bank. We have no access to that at all...they will send us letters and send us to collections agencies….so every month I get a thing from the bank saying he has bad credit now.” Heather remains on unpaid leave from her job, and constantly faces well meaning questions that sting. “I feel like I’ve lost so much. Not just my son and whatever future would’ve come from that and from him, but I’ve lost my job essentially, I’ve lost me, that person that loved experiences, was frivolous sometimes, would look

for intentional joy.” In an effort to find purpose in the tragedy, Heather has joined forces with others who have experienced searching for a loved one to work on the Free Bird Project. The goal of the project is to create a website that can act as a free resource for anyone who needs information on searching for a missing person anywhere in Canada, from what search and rescue teams are available, to waivers for volunteer searchers, to advice on media relations. With the help of a group of women who first bonded helping search for Ryan, the project wants to cover every province and territory. In the end, she said, the experience has taught her about herself. “People search for a child they don’t know. I always think ‘would I have been that person?’ It’s humbling to reflect and say I don’t know if I was. I would be now, I

Public asked for input on provincial trail strategy JUSTIN MOORE BRITISH COLUMBIANS ARE BEING ASKED TO VOICE THEIR OPINIONS AND FEEDBACK AS PART OF A FORMAL REVIEW OF THE PROVINCE’S TRAILS STRATEGY AND THE SUN PEAKS RECREATIONAL TRAIL ASSOCIATION IS ECHOING THE CALL LOCALLY. The Trails Strategy for B.C., which outlined a ten-year framework for

the development, maintenance and sustainable stewardship of the province’s network of over 30,000 kilometres of formally recognized trails, was created in 2012. Later adopted by the province in 2013, the strategy was an ongoing collaboration between local and provincial governments, land users, Indigenous First Nations, as well as recreational organizations. According to the provincial government, the overall goal is to create a world-renowned,

sustainable network of trails, with opportunities for all, and to provide benefits for trails users, communities and the province. In 2019, the managing Provincial Trails Advisory Body (PTAB) came together with Recreations Sites and Trails B.C. to formally review the strategy. The plan, said a statement from the B.C. government, is to ensure the continued relevance and importance of the Trails Strategy to recreationists, communities,

HEATHER SHTUKA SEARCHING FOR HER SON IN SUN PEAKS. Photo Allan McVicar, Past 11 Productions

hope I would have been then, but I’ve never been tested.” She said her family is also more communicative now and more open with sharing support and love for each other openly. They’ve also experienced a deep appreciation for the community of Sun Peaks. “Even to this day people have always made us feel welcome like we were part of the community and we didn’t hinder or detract from what Sun Peaks was trying to

First Nations, tourism proponents and the province as a whole. In doing so, the province has outlined the work involved to conduct the review, speaking with key stakeholders across the outdoor recreation sector and government, requesting feedback from various trail users across the province, identifying current trends in trail usage, including benefits and challenges, researching the importance and value of trails through literature, and determining the implementation status of 22 previous action items. In the current strategy, each of the 22 items, accompanied by the benefits and challenges of each action, form the six key

create.” While more days pass without answers, Heather and her family will continue to return to Sun Peaks. “I had somebody go ‘oh my god, two years, how fast time flies.’ No, not for us. It doesn’t really fly for us...I most likely will never get a happy ending. I may find closure in this lifetime, I may not, there’s no guarantee.” For an extended version of this story go to sunpeaksnews.com.

components of the strategy— environmental stewardship, collaborative planning, good governance through policy and legislation, sustainable funding, effective management and strategic information and marketing of trail networks. At this time, the Province is looking for the public’s feedback on the Trails Strategy for B.C. by participating in an online engagement process at engage. gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/ consultation/trails-strategyreview. Feedback will be accepted until Feb. 28, 2020, at 4 p.m. Public responses will be compiled into a feedback report used to influence future changes to the Trail Strategy.

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Spirit of the grizzly bear dances on

GRIZZLY BEARS WILL HAVE FREEDOM TO ROAM IN PERPETUITY. Photo Calgary Photo Pro

COURTNEY JONES JUMBO WILL OFFICIALLY STAY WILD FOREVER AFTER THE DEVELOPMENT OF JUMBO GLACIER RESORT WAS CANCELLED ON JAN. 18. More than 150 people gathered with the Ktunaxa Nation to celebrate and honour the return of Qat’muk to the Ktunaxa people, and the creation of an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA). The Jumbo Valley, or Qat’muk in Ktunaxa, is nestled deep in the Purcell Mountains and is a place with deep cultural significance and also an important passageway for grizzlies to move between habitats, provinces and countries. For more than a quarter century, residents, biologists, conservationists, hunters, hikers and the Ktunaxa First Nation have been fighting to keep it safe against the impending threat of a fourseason ski resort. Wildsight, a Canadian nonprofit that works to protect wildlife, wilderness and clean water, and cultivate sustainable communities in Canada’s Columbia and Rocky Mountain regions, has worked with the community and the Ktunaxa First Nation for more than 25 years. The announcement last

month was a huge relief and brought a lot of excitement after an extensive fight. Wildsight Conservation Director John Bergenske was extremely proud and happy about the outcome and looked forward to seeing the rights of the Ktunaxa First Nation to manage their own land implemented. “We fought proudly alongside the Ktunaxa people to protect the home of the Grizzly Bear spirit,” Bergenske said. “Now, this sacred place has been returned to the Ktunaxa people, to protect for grizzly bears and for all living things. We acknowledge and thank the thousands of people both locally and around the world who assisted us to make Jumbo wild again.

“The Ktunaxa Nation have a fundamental principle to protect all living things, which is the guiding objective to how they manage their land and I’m proud that their right to manage their own land has been recognized. This is where they believe the grizzly bear spirit comes to dance, and now that will live on forever.” The protected area will be much more than just the Jumbo Valley. Stretching over an anticipated 700 square kilometres of Purcell Mountain wilderness, the protected area will include glaciers, rocky peaks, rushing rivers, dense forests and deep mountain valleys spreading out in all directions from Jumbo. To the south, it will connect with the vast Purcell Wilderness

Conservancy, giving grizzly bears and creatures of all kinds an expanse of connected habitat with few equals in Southern Canada. As one of the only wildlife corridors left for the bears to travel north-south between the United States and Canada, the protection of Qat’muk is much needed news for the grizzly population across the continent. Chair of the Ktunaxa Nation Council, Kathryn Teneese, is looking forward to the future and reconciliation amongst the land and people. “We have an opportunity in the region to work together, to work on something that’s really positive, and it’s going to be led by the Ktunaxa people,” Teneese said. “My hope out of

this whole thing is that we will emerge with a relationship that acknowledges who the Ktunaxa are, what our connection to our homeland is, and our ability to express our path forward in a way that is reflective of a positive and, dare I say, reconciled approach. “Boundaries are not yet defined, but we do know that they will be designed to protect diversity and Indigenous cultural value and use, and that the area will join the northern boundary of the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy. It will include all of Jumbo Valley and parts of the adjoining watersheds.” To learn more about how Jumbo was kept wild or to assist in future Wildsight projects, visit www.keepitwild.ca.

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VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 19

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The benefits of canine massage JEAN STRONG

MASSAGE HAS BECOME A REGULAR PART OF WELLNESS AND REHABILITATION FOR MANY PEOPLE. WITH BENEFITS LIKE RELAXATION, IMPROVED CIRCULATION AND PAIN RELIEF, IT’S NO WONDER THE TREATMENT IS A POPULAR ADDITION TO HEALTH CARE. One Heffley valley resident is bringing the healing powers of massage to our four legged friends. Sarah Rose has worked in the community as a positive reinforcement based trainer for years and is now transitioning her businesses to treat dogs through rehabilitative and maintenance massages. She joins a growing body of workers, including British Columbia Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork Professionals, which was founded in 2009 with the mission of creating and maintaining regulated standards for animal massage. Rose’s passion for helping animals was immediately clear

when we met one afternoon for a demonstration. With a mat laid out on the ground she began working with the dog, Jane, very gently. Most of the time was spent making her feel comfortable. Future sessions, she said, would contain more physical work. “As we learned from Jane the very first step is to ask for permission from the dog...I remember when I first learned of asking permission from the animal and it was a thought provoking concept.” Once the animal is comfortable, Rose can begin massage work, including teaching the owners specific skills to use at home on their own. More than just being relaxing, the work can help to prevent and treat injury. As many Sun Peaks dogs enjoy outdoor activities as much as their owners, it’s a good idea to make sure they are up to the tasks we put in front of them. “By building strong muscles around the joints, we can support the physical demands that many movements take

SARAH ROSE DOES MASSAGE WORK WITH OCEAN. Photo Supplied

on these structures. Canine massage plays an important role in reducing tension, chemical build up and compensation on the muscles, but it can also support homeostasis in the body.

“When muscle tension sets in due to movement patterns or an injury, we can intervene with massage and other techniques to possibly prevent a cycle of recurring injury.” Rose said the healing process

often includes vet visits and anti inflammatory medications, but sometimes misses treating and repairing the root cause, which can result in re-injury. Rose can be found at Let’s Go K9 on Facebook.

Mountain homes win Keystone awards Meranti Developments and Klein Homes recognized JEAN STRONG

SUN PEAKS HOMES AND DEVELOPERS WERE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING WORK AT THE KEYSTONE AWARDS IN EARLY FEBRUARY. Meranti Developments, who had 11 silver awards, also took home gold for their Iliffe Residence in the Best Bathroom $30,000 and over category. Darcy Franklin of Meranti

said they were proud of their work. “The whole team is excited and flattered to have been recognized at the recent Keystones,” he said. “I myself have been on judging panels for similar awards and it is always nice to be recognized by your peers. We work with amazing clients, trades and suppliers. It’s the whole team that makes it possible and we are very grateful for everyone’s input.” Another local build, Klein

VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 30

Homes Ltd.’s Contemporary Mountain Home won for Best Single Family Detached Home from $1 million to $1.5 million. “The team at Klein Homes Ltd. is thrilled to receive this Keystone award,” said Bona Odian, owner and project manager. “This project was a collaborative effort from initial conception by Blue Jaye Design and attention to the smallest of finishing details by a team of dedicated tradespeople that we are proud to work alongside.”

THE KITCHEN OF KLEIN HOME’S WINNING BUILD. Photo Dom Koric Photography

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Counsellors keeping mental health top of mind COURTNEY JONES SINCE EARLY LAST YEAR, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN SUN PEAKS HAVE CONTINUED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SUN PEAKS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE, INCREASING ACCESS TO AN IMPORTANT COMMUNITY SERVICE. Local resident Karen Lara, began her practice Antares Counselling in July 2019, splitting her time between Kamloops and the mountain. “I’m a registered therapist and currently running a private practice two days per week (Mondays and Thursdays) in the Sun Peaks Community Health Centre,” Lara said. “I’ve worked in humanitarian aid and community development for almost 25 years. However, for the past eight now, I have been solely counselling and doing clinical supervision...I practise equine therapy as part of my services in Kamloops, which is a holistic team approach that utilizes horses as a therapeutic tool. Counselling is amazing work and I feel a lot of gratitude to be involved in it.” Living in a mountain region brings its own challenges when it comes to managing mental health, a factor Lara is aware of. “People living in resort communities tend to be quite physically active, which has a really positive impact on overall wellbeing,” she said. “Although, people can

also experience the effects of long winters, excessive substance use, and /or social isolation strongly in smaller communities, particularly when there may be fewer support resources. This can contribute to common mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and relationship issues.” The health centre has been taking steps since last year to encourage more residents to seek support, with executive director Laura Bantock becoming a strong advocate for speaking up. Each season Bantock addresses new staff in the community about the importance of general and mental health and the accessibility of help. “We take it really seriously when somebody calls,” Bantock told SPIN earlier last year. “They can call the desk or ask to speak to a nurse and get a nurse to phone you back. The community can be assured of confidentiality. Don’t be afraid to call, so many people are but there’s no judgement in it. It’s a safe space.” Lara believes the weather can have a significant impact on mental health and encourages locals to recognize the changes. “If you feel like hibernating or flying south in winter months, it’s not your imagination. The decrease in sunlight is linked to a drop in serotonin levels in our brain and an increase in melatonin. Serotonin is a hormone that

THE SUN PEAKS HEALTH CENTRE IS NOW HOME TO MORE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS. Photo SPIN

boosts our mood and helps us to feel calm and focused, while melatonin triggers sleep. People can experience seasonal depression or feel stress more keenly. “Checking in with your family doctor or a counsellor, using light therapy, or practising yoga and meditation can be helpful ways to manage symptoms.” Lara is proud of the conversation Sun Peaks is having about mental health and believes it’s still a learning process. “It’s so great to have conversations with people in our community about mental health. Sometimes it takes a bit of searching around until you find what works best for you. Many counsellors, (myself) included, will do free consults to help people sort through options.”

Another counsellor, Lisa Bentz, has started working in the community on Tuesday afternoons and evenings. Bentz has over 25 years of experience with trauma, critical incidents, stress

debriefing, depression and anxiety. She works with individuals, couples and families and can be contacted at sunpeakscounselling@ gmail.com.

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Free Red Cross training on offer EMILY PERRINS SUN PEAKS MOUNTAIN RESCUE SOCIETY (SPMRS) IS PROVIDING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS TO GET CERTIFIED IN FIRST AID AND, SO FAR, THE INITIATIVE IS PROVING POPULAR. Participants in its fourhour course are taught lifesaving measures like airway control, rescue breathing and CPR technique, and walk away with a Canadian Red Cross Basic Life Support certificate. The training is open to anybody aged 12 and over, and is facilitated by volunteers at no cost. Those who would like a copy of the certificate can pay a small fee. Previously, SPMRS hosted naloxone administration and CPR education events that did not provide certification. SPMRS member, Joss Advocaat, also training officer for Sun Peaks Fire Rescue (SPFR), is a licensed Red Cross instructor and leads the first aid instruction. Dr. Shane Barclay is also offering his support overseeing the training. Advocaat said he believes it’s invaluable for community members to know and be confident using first aid skills. He cited the delay in ambulances responding to Sun Peaks and in SPFR being paged out in emergencies. “Those minutes can definitely mean a huge difference if someone does initiate CPR,” he said. “The goal is to get people comfortable with using those skills and being able to use the AEDs (automated external defibrillators) that we have in the community.” So far reception to the course has been very positive, according to SPMRS founder, Chris Mark. Twenty-four spots were made available for the first course, held Jan. 26, and these were filled within 36 hours of the event being

posted online, Mark said. Another 24 spots for the second course, scheduled for Feb. 17, filled even quicker, Mark added, with many others showing interest. The next course is slated for the end of March. Sun Peaks local, Catherine Tarasoff, attended the Jan. 26 course. “I think that the distance to Kamloops is a huge barrier to people for taking courses,” she said. “We’re isolated and we need to be self-sufficient, at least until the helicopter or the ambulance arrives. We need to have some basic skills to keep our community safe and to be able to look after one another.” Janna Brown also attended the course, along with her 12-year-old son, Ryland. “I really wanted to get my boys in first aid and CPR,” Brown said. She said she wanted them prepared in case they or their friends are injured on the mountain. Ryland enjoyed how hands-on the course was, she said, and learning how to use an AED. Brown’s older son is now also certified in first aid, having been trained at Sun Peaks Secondary School on Feb. 5 and 6 by Valley First Aid. It’s the first time the Kamloops-based company has taught the seven-hour course in Sun Peaks and its spokesperson, Tina Bellamy, said they hope to get the

VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 30

LEARNING CPR SKILLS AT FIRST AID COURSE ON JAN. 26 . Photo SPMRS

opportunity to return. Having high schoolers educated in first aid complements the SPMRS initiative to get as many people in the community trained up in important skills like CPR, Advocaat said. SPMRS intends to facilitate more courses on a regular basis, so long as demand continues, he added. For more information, and to sign up for a course, monitor the group’s Facebook page.

Open since 1998, this shop has become a favourite of Sun Peaks’ guests. New feature artists such as David Langevin, jewellery, many gift ideas & memorable souvenirs.

Located in the Coast Sundance Lodge

250 578 2673

PROTECT YOUR GAS METER Sun Peaks is preparing for snow. While this is great for snow sports, it’s not so good for your gas meter. Remember to keep your gas meter set clear of snow and ice. Do not use the area around your gas meter for storage of items such as skis, shovels, snow-blowers, wood, etc., such that access by Utility staff or emergency personnel is obstructed. In an emergency, a ﬁrst responder may need to shut your gas service off at the meter set. Don’t forget overhead ice can fall off your roof and break the meter set causing uncontrolled release of gas. Utility staff can assist you in clearing the heavy snow and ice covering your gas meter set. Please do not try and remove any ice coating the gas meter yourself. Remember, that if Utility’s staff must clear the gas meter during monthly meter reading or for safety reasons, you will be charged a fee of $50 for the 1st incident & $100 for each additional time. If you have any questions regarding this notice please contact the Utility’s ofﬁce at info@sunpeaksutilities.com or call 250.578.2020 Monday to Friday After Hour Emergency 250.319.0629

In an emergency, please call 9-1-1

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KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL

VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 19

COMMUNITY

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COLUMNIST VIEWS

Bringing the business community together BRANDI SCHIER PUBLISHER’S NOTE

brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING PARTS OF LIVING IN SUN PEAKS IS THE FACT WE ARE A YOUNG COMMUNITY THAT’S STILL GROWING INTO ITSELF. PEOPLE ARE COMING AND GOING, DECIDING TO SETTLE IN OR MOVE ON, AND BRINGING THEIR IDEAS AND LIFE EXPERIENCES WITH THEM. In the last census, Sun Peaks was the fastest growing municipality in the province, and we can see evidence of this population increase in the number of new students,

record breaking real estate sales and also in the number of newly established businesses. Most Sun Peaks businesses rely on tourism dollars, however some new entrepreneurs are beginning to sense the growing resident market and launching more service based businesses. And many more are establishing themselves as consultants, freelancers or telecommuters, setting up home based opportunities. It’s exciting to see people identifying gaps in the community and investing their time, energy and resources into addressing them. But with so many new business professionals in Sun Peaks, one gap that remains

is how we aren’t always coming together as a business community. Throughout the last several months, myself and my friend Caroline Thompson asked the business owners and entrepreneurs in Sun Peaks how we can address this gap, and the answers have been thoughtful, sometimes surprising, but consistently enthusiastic. As always in this Sun Peaks, people were ready to contribute and help shape their community into their collective vision. We clearly heard our strengths—passion, diversity of knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit. But we also heard frustrations such as a lack of collective voice, fragmented communication,

A place where time stands still RON BETTS RESIDENT SKI WRITER A native of Cape Breton Island, Ron Betts has called Sun Peaks his home mountain since 2008. Ron splits his winter between guiding heliskiers in the central Monashees and working with the Sun Peaks Ski School. He is a frequent contributor to Ski Canada Magazine.

I CAN’T BELIEVE, IN ALL MY YEARS OF SKIING, I’VE NEVER COME ACROSS A SKI AREA WITH A TRAIL CALLED ‘MEMORY LANE.’ HOW GREAT WOULD IT BE TO SIT ON A CHAIR WITH YOUR CREW AND HAVE SOMEONE ASK, “WHERE SHOULD WE GO NEXT?” AND BE ABLE TO REPLY, “LET’S TAKE A RUN DOWN MEMORY LANE.” THINK ABOUT IT, WE ALL HAVE MEMORIES OF SPECIAL PEOPLE AND PLACES. IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE SOMEWHERE TO GO AND THINK ABOUT THEM. THE PEOPLE WHO ARE NO LONGER WITH US, A TIME IN OUR LIFE WHEN WE WERE COMPLETELY CONTENT, A MOMENT THAT DEFINED US,

A CATALYST FOR CHANGE. Those are memories that should be revisited in a special place and where better than on a mountainside? I’ll go on record by saying that if Sun Peaks commits to renaming one of its runs, I’ll donate a bench at the top for guests to spend some time in quiet reflection...maybe I need a petition. This sudden wave of nostalgia came as the result of a recent trip to Nova Scotia. I set a goal of doing a daily double—surf in the morning, ski in the afternoon. The only kink in my plan was that the air temp had dipped to -15 C and the thought of paddling out into the frigid North Atlantic lost some of its appeal when I stepped out of my warm rental car. Fortune favours the brave, so on went the wetsuit and out I paddled. After the initial ice cream headache wore off, I had a fun session with only a few other brave souls out. When my fingers thawed enough,

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I got out of my wetsuit and headed north toward Cape Breton Island, the home of Ski Ben Eoin, the loveliest little ski area you’ve ever seen. Ben Eoin overlooks the beautiful Bras D’or Lake; because the lake is saltwater, it doesn’t freeze very often. The views from every run of this little gem are spectacular. I got to the ski hill late in the afternoon, just as the Saturday crowds were starting to head for home. The mountain has night skiing, so my plan was to catch the end of the daylight and get a couple of runs under the lights. As soon as I walked into the small day lodge, something washed over me. Maybe it was the familiar smell of ski hill burgers and fries, or maybe it was something deeper. I started reminiscing about how many times my mom had driven me out to the hill after school and sat in the lodge reading a book or knitting. Patiently waiting until 10 p.m. when the lift

and isolation in dealing with resort town realities such as seasonality and employee turnover. But loudest of all came the call to meet opportunities. Opportunities for networking, collaboration and mentorship. Opportunities to be sustainable, innovative and strategic. Opportunities to come together to continue to shape Sun Peaks into a healthy, thriving and welcoming mountain town. While we are still analyzing all the answers, consulting experts and listening to the business community, we hope to incorporate a new nonprofit association to give a voice and collective purpose to the business community by the spring. We are currently making the decision regarding the model that will best serve our unique needs, whether it be a chamber of commerce or economic development chapter, or as is usually the case in Sun Peaks, an ad hoc solution blending the best what’s out there. In the meantime we are still inviting the community to let us know their thoughts,

feedback and ideas. Please email brandi@sunpeaksnews. com if you’d like to chat or if you’re a business person who hasn’t yet filled out the survey. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our efforts so far and has had patience with ensuring we set this up correctly from the outset. Stay

stopped turning. As that thought lingered, I turned to put my gear in the public storage, secure in the knowledge that, like at most small ski areas, it would be perfectly safe sitting out in the open. I looked on the wall and saw a photograph of Kevin MacInnis. Kevin was the General Manager at Ben Eoin from 1984 until his passing, much too early, in 2016. When we were young skiers, we had to ask his permission if we wanted to build a hay bale jump on any of the runs. I don’t remember Kevin ever

saying no. It was the kind of place where everyone knew one another, and Kevin knew all of us by name, and our parents’ names. He kept us honest. So that day, seeing his photo, at a place that helped set me on a course in my life that continues to this day, every run was one down Memory Lane. I encourage everyone to spend a bit of time in their day thinking about someone, or something, special. Oh, and if Sun Peaks decides to take my suggestion and name a run, ‘Memory Lane,’ the offer on the bench is an open one.

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“Snowmageddon” brings in the new year EMILY PERRINS SUN PEAKS RECEIVED AN UNPRECEDENTED AMOUNT OF SNOW AT THE BEGINNING OF JANUARY THAT MADE UP FOR A SLOW START TO THE SEASON AND CREATED OPTIMAL SKI CONDITIONS THAT HAVE CONTINUED INTO FEBRUARY. Kit Nilsson, avalanche forecaster for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR), explained the abundant snowfall was a result of a complex storm cycle in the week following New Year’s Day. Each storm in a quick series produced well over 30 centimetres of snow—one alone produced 64 cm—and ultimately doubled the existing snowpack, he said. In total, the resort received 178 cm of snowfall in January, compared to its monthly

average of 107 cm, according to Christina Antoniak, SPR marketing director. Not surprisingly, the influx of fresh powder made more than just the locals happy. “When we have fresh snowfall, and particularly abundant and continuous snowfall like we saw in January, it immediately drives impulse buys and visitation, which we see through increases in online ticket sales, increases in season pass holder visitation, and overnight visits from the regional area,” Antoniak explained. But, while the snow turned a grim season into one of the best in recent memory, the short time frame between the storms put a strain on resort staff and snow removers, who faced the challenge of ensuring ski conditions and village infrastructure

remained safe. The snow on building roofs and chairlift stations had to be cleared repeatedly, the ski area boundary checked, and, Nilsson said, everything had to be dug out—the magic carpet, bottoms of chairlifts, and fences around lifts, buildings and the T-bar. His team also faced a challenge accessing areas that needed avalanche control work, due to the quantity of snow. “For the first time since I’ve worked here, the Gil’s was closed for three days because we couldn’t get out there,” Nilsson said. Groomers worked overtime to keep up with the snow that kept falling, and were used off mountain too, to clear snow from buried vehicles in the Annex parking lot, needing two days to clear it completely.

Jason White is the owner of White Lyon Road Maintenance and Snow Removal which is responsible for the plowing of Sun Peaks roads and has lived in the community for 25 years. “I’ve never seen that much snow in a 36-hour period,” he said. “We were working 15hour days there for a good five or six days just to get caught up on it.” Two of the company’s dirt sheds collapsed under the weight of snow during the period, and the power outages on New Year’s Eve meant it had to suspend operations until power was restored. “As it got dark with no lights out on the roads and no lights on houses and stuff, and people walking everywhere, we just had to stop because it wasn’t going to be safe,” White said. He said he’s grateful for

the patience shown by the community during ”snowmageddon,” as he named it, during which his team hauled around 1,500 loads of snow away from village roads and buildings. Nilsson said he believes the resort will receive more snow this year, and potentially exceed a three metre snowpack, but is unlikely to get a repeat of early January’s snowfall.

Mar 7-8

March 7-8 March 7 Youth Day March 8 Skiers & Boarders

Great lineup of events & après including a parade ski! peakpride.lgbt/sunpeaks2020

Feb 26 - Mar 1

All proceeds going to Bluebird Day Fund.

Over 25 brands in attendance!

March 14-15 Teck Nordic Sprint Challenge Sun Peaks Loppet VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 19

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Pair snowshoeing with fondue in newest tour Discover Sun Peaks combines moonlight snowshoeing with fondue in new tour JUSTIN MOORE AS THE SKI LIFTS CLOSE FOR THE EVENING AND THE VILLAGE WALKWAYS BRIGHTEN UNDER THE STRINGS OF HANGING LIGHTS, A CERTAIN SILENCE FALLS OVER THE WINTER EVENING. THAT WAS THE CASE ON A LATE JANUARY NIGHT UNTIL AN ENERGETIC COLIN CANNON ENTERED THE VILLAGE DAY LODGE TO MEET HIS FIRST GROUP ON THE NEWLY INTRODUCED SNOWSHOE AND FONDUE TOUR. Just before 6 p.m. introductions were already well underway as Cannon and his wife Maria fitted their guests with gaiters and snowshoes for the first tour combining classic snowshoeing with a fondue dinner at the newly established Fondue Stube restaurant. Just before the turn of the decade, Cannon moved to the mountain village and almost immediately began packing down the first snowshoe trails, a basis for what later became Discover Sun Peaks Adventures, a business the Cannon’s have committed to since 1998. And the enthusiasm for inviting others to adventure the mountain has not seemed to waver for Cannon in the past 20 years. In what felt like a few short minutes, Cannon had the entire group buckled into their snowshoes, many for their first time and after a full day of skiing. After a brief lesson in staying upright, something that can be unthinkably challenging for a first-time snowshoer, the group started down a compact, snowcovered trail that sneaks behind the golf course below—the first stretch of the 2.7 km tour. What unfolded was an evening of exploration under a cloudy night sky, high enough that the lights of the snow grooming machines could be spotted on the distant Exhibition and Broadway ski runs. With the shared perspective of the Cannons’, both long-time community members, the tour shed light on the growth of the

village, the local ecology of native plants and animals, as well as tips on the best ski runs found on the mountain. And as the group slowly ascended into the trees near the Morrisey Platter, a leadership change took place that saw Colin darting off into the darkened landscape and Maria taking his position at the group’s head. Near the halfway point of the tour, the group was asked to dim their headlamps. As the last fluorescent glow was extinguished, the smell of campfire smoke and the faintest orange glow began to appear through the moss-covered trees. Arriving at the fire pit, set aflame just before the tour’s arrival, the group received its first real taste of the journey with a cup of sweet apple cider given to the warming snowshoers while they sat on blanket-covered benches circling the flames. With warmed hands and many eager smiles for the fondue finale to come, the group illuminated their headlamps once again, Colin leading the group while Maria stayed behind to extinguish the flames. The trail had reached a level of easy elevation at this point, opening up a view of the village nestled below the Sundance and Orient chairlifts, geography pointed out by Colin as he alluded to the future expansion of the resort village towards the east. And before the distant machines had finished grooming their runs, the group arrived on the doorstep of Sun Peaks’ newest eatery, Fondue Stube. Concluding with seemingly endless pots of melted cheese, bowls of bread, as well as a warm dessert of decadent melted chocolate and platters of fruit, the first snowshoe and fondue tour of the season was a hit. Snowshoe and Fondue tours will be taking place every Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m. from the Activities Desk in the Village Day Lodge. Adult tickets are $85, children are $65 plus taxes and fees. Equipment and trail passes included.

THE GROUP GATHERED IN THE DARK BEFORE HEADING OUT ON THE TRAILS. Photo Justin Moore

WARM DRINKS BY A FIRE MADE FOR THE PERFECT MID-WALK BREAK. Photo Justin Moore

now open in peaks west next to the firehall

VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 30

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Gap years for grown ups

THIERRY NARDOZI TRADED SUITS FOR SKIS. Photo Supplied

LOUISE HUDSON FROM SINGAPORE TO SUN PEAKS, THIERRY NARDOZI HAS PRESSED PAUSE ON A LOFTY CAREER IN HIGH FINANCE TO TRAIN AS A SKI INSTRUCTOR. AT 50, HE’S REALIZING A YOUTHFUL AMBITION. “My mum couldn’t afford to pay for it when I was a kid so it is something I have always had in my mind,” he explained. Having completed the Canadian Ski Instructor Alliance level one and two courses, an Avalanche Safety Training course and first aid here, he took a well-earned week off for heli-skiing before returning for the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing level one program. Initially choosing Sun Peaks on the recommendation of friends he met on another heli trip, he’s even considering more permanent relocation to B.C. “I’ve always worked in big cities. Paris, London, Mumbai, Singapore, Dublin was the smallest—and in those places I was very much in the corporate world,” he said. “Somehow when I speak to people from Sun Peaks, I know I want something different.” Nardozi said he marveled at the friendliness of the community, easily finding new friends on chairlifts, hitchhiking rides from Sun Peaks Yoga, and joining courses. “There are lots of things happening here,” he said. “Even though it’s a small community, it’s a very interesting, active place.” Like many people nowadays, Nardozi is focused on becoming a digital nomad, working remotely

on entrepreneurial projects while following his downhill dream. “If you offered me a job in New York today, I wouldn’t go,” he said. “Time flies, I want to be able to do the things I really love. And I want to turn some business ideas I have into something I can live on.” Interestingly, Canadian Immigration is targeting the international digital nomad with a visa program designed especially for self-employed lifestyle migrants, especially those in agricultural, creative or sport related fields. Tourism professor Dr. Simon Hudson [the author’s husband] is also digital now. He’s researching, writing and teaching online from a condo in Forest Trails rented for the winter. Spending the whole ski season in Sun Peaks is all part of his grown up gap year, something he said he’s daydreamed about ever since kids and jobs reduced his time on snow. Hoping that having a spare bedroom would lure the now adult sons back for short visits throughout the season, he was astonished when they actually moved in, found themselves jobs - relatively easy when you already have accommodation and decided to stay for the winter. Somehow the hectic household is maintaining homey harmony, despite the practical pressures of two generations of ski bums living together. With around 57 million freelancers in the world, career and lifestyle are becoming intermingled. The advantages include flexi-time, more autonomy, and ability to work from anywhere. Alongside this trend, many preretirees are downsizing their work

BARRY AND THERESE MACDONALD ENJOY THEIR TIME SKIING IN SUN PEAKS. Photo Supplied

load to spend more time on hobbies, re-education, and self-care. And they are looking outside of city habitats to find the perfect balance. Focusing on healthful, attractive environments with outdoor opportunities, some prefer a ‘sea-change’ – moving to the coast–while others opt for a ‘treechange’–a rural destination. Chats on chairlifts will reveal many stories of ski-change relocations to Sun Peaks, whether it’s from Australia, USA, Europe, or other parts of Canada. Take Barry and Therese MacDonald, for example, both longtime family counsellors and mental health educators who split their time between Sun Peaks and the Lower Mainland. They bought a townhouse here four years ago and redesigned their working life to incorporate three weeks per month on the slopes. Equally passionate about the mountain lifestyle, they downhill ski with an ever-widening circle of friends, fit in some time on cross country trails, and also snowshoe. After twenty five years studying yoga and qualifying recently as instructors, the energetic couple also teach at the new Sun Peaks Yoga studio. Whether it’s a gap year, a gap season, or a gap month, snowy sabbaticals are definitely on the rise. Sun Peaks is likely to continue to be a prime target for this growing trend. VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 19

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Captured! Village Views KYLE JAMES

IT’S NOT OFTEN THAT AN IDEA FOR A PICTURE TRAVELS FROM THE MIND’S-EYE TO THE END PHOTO WITHOUT SOMETHING CHANGING. Usually my mental image will have a different angle, or more space than is in the physical area—as with any room I’ve ever tried to plan furniture in. However, on this occasion the image in

my head matched the final photo—quite remarkable. The location, as you may have guessed, is the covered bridge that leads to the Morrisey platter lift. I’ve walked this location so many times I’ve lost count. During the day, at night, snowboarding, photo walking...so it makes sense I have some good awareness of it. This idea came from chatting with a Snowsports School colleague of mine, Morgan, who is also a ballet

teacher. After we chatted I thought the idea of a silhouette ballet pose, backlit with a flash, in the covered bridge could be a cool image. Thankfully Morgan was into the idea and we arranged the photoshoot. What a trooper! She endured the cold night and snow (wearing only thin ballet socks to ensure silhouette quality!) for over an hour as I set up and arranged the location. I know Morgan is a perfectionist—we did multiple takes to get the

foot angles correctly and in the end I got the shot I had envisaged. We had a hoot taking the photos! I’d like to finish this story a little differently than normal. At the time of writing I have just found out that I have been voted as the winner of the SPIN Awards ‘Favourite Local Instagrammer.’ Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me! I really appreciate your support! I take pride in my Instagram feed appearance and

Thousand Islands Playhouse Gananoque, ON

SERVING ELIZABETH

CAFE DAUGHTER

Turning The Crown Upside Down

Starring Juno-Award winning Tiffany Ayalik

Johnson

FEB 20 — 29

By Kenneth

SAGEBRUSH THEATRE, KAMLOOPS

WCTL IVE. C A

Kyle James is a photographer & filmmaker from Sun Peaks. To see more of his work visit www.kylejames.co Contact: kylejamesimages@gmail.com

A Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre production in association with Alberta Aboriginal Arts

In association with

By Marcia

continuity so it means a lot to be recognized for my content. I’ll be adding in some different content in the weeks and months coming up so keep an eye on @kylejamesimage to see what’s up!

T. William

MAR 12 — 21

PAVILION THEATRE, KAMLOOPS

Live Professional Theatre in the Heart of B.C.

VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 30

Starring Juno-Award winning

Tiffany Ayalik

ARTS

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ArtZone on a roll with workshops PERRI DIGBY OVER THE PAST YEAR ARTZONE HAS FACED A SERIOUS REVAMP, OR AS KEY MEMBER MARJ KNIVE PUT IT, A REIMAGINING. WITH VOLUNTEERS PUTTING IN OVER 1,400 HOURS IN 2019, THE PROGRAM’S RECENT SUCCESS IS NO SURPRISE. ARTZONE AIMS TO INSPIRE AND EDUCATE IN THE COMMUNITY, AND IS STEADILY WORKING THEIR WAY TOWARDS ACHIEVING THAT GOAL. Although ArtZone has been running workshops for a while, their recent programs have expanded, going beyond just painting and into a variety of different artistic fields. Some of the new workshops include textiles, film and photography. Workshops have also been running more frequently than previous years. Most of the recent workshops have passed expectations, Knive said, and many have even sold out. ArtZone is also planning on continuing the expansion. They have a number of collectives, or groups of artists with particular interests. These collectives currently include; painters, photography, fibre arts, writers, music and performing arts. Each of these

collectives is a chance for artists to meet and share ideas and inspirations, plus there is currently at least an idea for a workshop of some style for nearly every collective. “I think it has got some new life and some excitement going on now,” said Knive. Each event is hosted by an artist with a speciality, training and a passion for sharing their skills. Perhaps a sign of ArtZone’s success, and its impact in the community, is that it is not just them reaching out to people for workshops. Knive said she regularly gets contacted by artists interested in running sessions and people expressing ideas for certain workshops. “We’re being contacted by people – it’s not us always having to go out and find people.” One of the recent events which was a success was the ‘2019 Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival’ that ArtZone ran in collaboration with Sun Peaks Resort LLP. The event sold out and was a very popular night. Knive and the rest of the ArtZone zone team are already looking ahead to next year, and planning ways to make it into an even bigger, more successful event. There are plenty of other plans for the future as well, for

ARTZONE IS OFFERING A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS WITH LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER AND FILMMAKER KYLE JAMES. Photo Natalie Sky

example a fun and inclusive helmet painting session with Susy Randell (March 18) that will result in some stand out helmets on the slopes. The group will also be around all summer, hosting kids tents at market days alongside workshops and events. “The goal is to heighten

the awareness of arts in the community, to be able to come into Sun Peaks and see it is an artist community as well. That does not happen overnight, we are just going to keep working away at it.” It’s a big goal, but the team at ArtZone are working hard to achieve it.

To find out more head to ArtZone’s website; ArtZonesunpeaks.com. Or visit them on Facebook; at ArtZone Sun Peaks. New members are always welcome. “Whether you’re an artist or a person who loves the arts we would love to have more members,” said Knive.

Shtuka documentary a hit at film festivals Documentary gains national audience JEAN STRONG

TWO YEARS AFTER THE DISAPPEARANCE OF RYAN SHTUKA, A SHORT FILM TELLING THE STORY OF WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE TRAGEDY IS GAINING A WIDER AUDIENCE. Peaks and Valleys was created by three Kamloops filmmakers, Jared Featherstone, Russ Walton and Allan McVicar, with the help of a Telus

Storyhive grant and premiered in Kamloops last year. Walton said since releasing the documentary on Youtube the response has been positive, with regular comments supporting the family or film. “It’s had more pickup than we expected,” Featherstone said. “I think it’s at the second highest view count for Storyhive documentaries... people connect with it. Now Peaks and Valleys will have a national reach as the trio enters it into festivals

across the country. So far it will be shown at the Toronto Documentary Short Film Festival, the Canadian Shorts Canadian & International Short Film Festival, the Winnipeg Real to Reel Film Festival and the North Bay Film Festival. Other festivals may also choose to show it as their application periods close and selections are made. “It’s surreal,” Featherstone said. “You put all these applications in and just hope

for the best. It’s validating seeing it does get recognition. It makes all the work you put into it worth it. “We’re hoping that by spreading it around Canada Ryan’s story gets a wider base.” Walton said as people come to Sun Peaks from all over the country there are a large number of people out there with connections to the community, story and film. While speculation has surrounded the case from the beginning, Walton said

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it was important to them to present the story as factually as possible. “It was important not to have open speculation that didn’t really add any value,” he said. “I like to think that we tried as much as we could to be respectful of those we interviewed and the story….we did it truthfully, respectfully and as fact based as we could.” “Just as much as the story was a tragedy it was a story about how stories are told,” Featherstone added.”

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ARTS

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collectives is a chance for artists to meet and share ideas and inspirations, plus there is currently at least an idea for a workshop of some style for nearly every collective. “I think it has got some new life and some excitement going on now,” said Knive. Each event is hosted by an artist with a speciality, training and a passion for sharing their skills. Perhaps a sign of ArtZone’s success, and its impact in the community, is that it is not just them reaching out to people for workshops. Knive said she regularly gets contacted by artists interested in running sessions and people expressing ideas for certain workshops. “We’re being contacted by people – it’s not us always having to go out and find people.” One of the recent events which was a success was the 2019 Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival that ArtZone ran in collaboration with Sun Peaks Resort LLP. The event sold out and was a very popular night. Knive and the rest of the ArtZone zone team are already looking ahead to next year, and planning ways to make it into an even bigger, more successful event. There are plenty of other

ARTZONE IS OFFERING A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS WITH LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER AND FILMMAKER KYLE JAMES. Photo Natalie Sky

plans for the future as well, for example a helmet painting session with Susy Randell (March 18) that will result in some stand out helmets on the slopes. The group will also be around all summer, hosting kids tents at market days alongside workshops and events.

“The goal is to heighten the awareness of arts in the community, to be able to come into Sun Peaks and see it is an artist community as well. That does not happen overnight, we are just going to keep working away at it.” It’s a big goal, but the team at ArtZone are working hard

to achieve it. To find out more head to ArtZonesunpeaks.com. Or visit them on Facebook at ArtZone Sun Peaks. New members are always welcome. “Whether you’re an artist or a person who loves the arts we would love to have more members,” said Knive.

Shtuka documentary shines at film festivals Documentary gains national audience JEAN STRONG

grant. The film premiered in Kamloops last year. Walton said since releasing the documentary on YouTube the response has been positive, with regular comments supporting the Shtuka family or film. “It’s had more pickup than we expected,” Featherstone said. “I think it’s at the second highest view count for Storyhive documentaries...people connect with it. Now Peaks and Valleys will have a national reach as the trio

enters it into festivals across the country. So far it will be shown at the Toronto Documentary Short Film Festival, the Canadian Shorts Canadian & International Short Film Festival, the Winnipeg Real to Reel Film Festival and the North Bay Film Festival. Other festivals may also choose to show it as their application periods close and selections are made. “It’s surreal,” Featherstone said. “You put all these

applications in and just hope for the best. It’s validating seeing it does get recognition. It makes all the work you put into it worth it. “We’re hoping that by spreading it around Canada Ryan’s story gets a wider base.” Walton said as people come to Sun Peaks from all over the country there are a large number of people out there with connections to the community, story and film. While speculation has surrounded the case from the

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beginning, Walton said it was important to them to present the story as factually as possible. “It was important not to have open speculation that didn’t really add any value,” he said. “I like to think that we tried as much as we could to be respectful of those we interviewed and the story….we did it truthfully, respectfully and as fact based as we could.” “Just as much as the story was a tragedy it was a story about how stories are told,” Featherstone added.

Call or text 250-318-8428 to view our projects

VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 30

MONTH IN PHOTOS

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BELOVED RESIDENT WILF BENNETT CELEBRATED 25 YEARS OF SOBRIETY WITH FRIENDS. Photo SPIN

COMMUNITY MEMBERS GATHERED TO LEARN LIFE SAVING SKILLS FROM THE SUN PEAKS MOUNTAIN RESCUE SOCIETY. Photo SPMRS

SAUSAGE SIZZLES AND OTHER FUNDRAISERS SENT MORE THAN $14,000 TO AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRE RELIEF IN JANUARY. Photo SPIN

LARK FROLEK DALE AND PETER WILSON ACCEPT OVER $7,500 RAISED BY THE SUN PEAKS ROTARY CLUB FOR THE SUN PEAKS SKATE PARK FOUNDATION. Photo SPIN

LANTERNS WERE RELEASED TO RECOGNIZE THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE DISAPPEARANCE OF RYAN SHTUKA. Photo Jo-Dell Stanley

SKIERS RISKED LIFE AND LIMB IN THE MCSPORTIES CUP, PART OF THE ANNUAL TELUS NANCY GREENE ALPINE CLASSIC. Photo Alpine Images

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ONG OI NG E V E N T S SUNDAY

Beats Served Chilled * Every second week Voyageur Bistro

MONDAY

Sun Peaks Yoga, 7p.m.

TUESDAY

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Men’s Night

Quizzy Rascal Quiz / Trivia Night Masa’s Bar + Grill, 8 p.m.

Locals’ Night

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

Wine Wednesday & Music Burfield Bistro

PABST Bingo Night

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Bottoms Bar & Grill

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The best spot in the village for live music!

LIVE MUSIC

FRIDAY

Karma Classes

Sun Peaks Yoga, 5:30p.m.

$5 donation drop in fee Sun Peaks Yoga, 7p.m.

Karaoke Party

Morrisey’s Public House, 9p.m.

Burfield Bistro, 8p.m.

Karaoke Party

Meat Raffle for Australian Bushfire Relief

Burfield Bistro, 8p.m.

The Magic Cattleguard Diner, 6:30p.m.

SATURDAY

Yoga Workshops

DAILY

9-11:30pm every Saturday

Live Music

Masa’s Club Nights

Sun Peaks Yoga, 2 to 4p.m.

Morrisey’s Public House, 9 to 11:30p.m.

Masa’s Bar + Grill, 10p.m.

Tourism Sun Peaks monthly art exhibition, in collaboration with ArtZone Sun Peaks, in the Grand Residences.

Aprés Ski Italian Snack Bar

Daily Aprés Specials

Bella Italia, 3 to 5p.m.

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CU R R E N T E V E N T S Watch for special events to be announced throughout the winter.

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Feb

THE GARDEN RETOOLED RAIL JAM 5 to 9P.M. Village Stroll

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26Mar 1

PEAK PRIDE ALL DAY Various Locations

27Mar 1

FREEST YLE BC TIMBER TOUR SERIES AND SUPER YOUTH COMPETITIONS ALL DAY Terrain Park

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THE DIRT Y FEET SNOWSHOE AND FUN RUN & WALK: 5KM & 10KM 5:30 to 8P.M.

VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 30

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SPORTS Freestyle skiers dominate podiums, prepare to host Timber Tour stop JEAN STRONG

SUN PEAKS FREESTYLE CLUB ATHLETES DOMINATED THE PODIUM IN SILVERSTAR AT THE SEND IT, LAND IT, NAILED IT COMPETITION FEB. 15 TO 17. Twenty-seven athletes brought home 19 medals from mogul and slopestyle competitions. In moguls in U8 Flynn Grunling took second. In U10 Mila Roberts won first and Lauren Leduc won second for girls, and Wren Grunling took second and Cooper Basko won third for boys. In U12 moguls Jackson Atkinson won third. In U14 Annika Roberts won third and in U16 Charlie Roberts won second. In the next day’s slopestyle competition Flynn won first for U8. Sweeping the podium, Quinn Basko won first, Mila won second and Ali Thompson won third and Cooper and Wren tied for first in U10. Jaime Nadarozny won second in U12, Atkinson and Joe Burge

tied for second in U12, and Julia Leduc won third and Mitchell Nadarozny won second in U14. Coach Daniel Hoerz said he was happy with the results and encouraged the athletes to have fun, stay safe and always keep improving. In January seven athletes from the club travelled to Panorama for a Timber Tour event. In the U10 Logan Bown won third in moguls. In U12 Ryder Mackenzie-White won second in U12. The big air competition was also successful with Bown tied for first, Hoerz said the results were great for Bown’s first competition. Other athletes skipped the final day of the competition to return home for Party in the Park at Sun Peaks. Now the club is turning their attention to hosting a stop on the Timber Tour for the first time. From Feb. 27 to March 1, 200 athletes will compete in moguls, big air and slopestyle at Sun Peaks. In addition to competitions the athletes

THE TEAM IN SILVERSTAR. Photo Supplied

will be able to participate in fun social events like the Garden Retooled Rail Jam, a jam event that will be unmissable in the village core. Events specifically for boys and girls will be held in the platter park on the Thursday evening after participants

arrive. The event will focus on sportsmanship, girls in skiing and cheering each other on. “The evening events are for filling time but also for socializing afterwards... we find it promotes good interpersonal skills with the athletes,” Hoerz said. “It’s

Snowboard club U11’s sweep podium at SilverStar JEAN STRONG

THE SUN PEAKS SNOWBOARD CLUB IS BACK ON HOME SNOW AFTER A SUCCESSFUL WEEKEND COMPETING IN THE BC PROVINCIAL SERIES SLOPESTYLE IN SILVERSTAR ON FEB. 8 AND 9. Coach Richard Fonger said the team performed well and he was proud of them.

In the boy’s under 11 category Jack Mallinson and Blake Morrison each won a gold and bronze medal and Owen Thompson took home two silvers. Colton McHatten won gold and bronze medals in the under 13 group. Fonger said Nayte Brown also had strong runs on his time on the XL line. “The team had a wonderful time at SilverStar, both at the

VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 19

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

contest as well as sharing the experience of travel and competition with their families,” Fonger said. “As usual I was very proud of all the athletes for sticking to their training and contest plans and pushing through some variable conditions on training days. “We also couldn’t do any of this without the support of some really great families and a really amazing community here at Sun Peaks.”

a team sport and it’s cool to see that sportsmanship come out.” Volunteers are needed to help host the event. For information visit freestylebc.ski and go to the Timber Tour events page to find Sun Peaks and the volunteer sign up.

SPORTS

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Kamloops local wins gold at X-Games EMILY PERRINS LOCAL SNOW BIKE AND SNOWMOBILE LEGEND, BRETT TURCOTTE, COMPETED AT HIS TENTH X GAMES IN ASPEN, COLO., ON JAN. 22 TO 26, COMING HOME WITH HIS THIRD GOLD MEDAL—AND 8TH PODIUM FINISH—AT THE COMPETITION. Thirty-two ear old Turcotte grew up in Clearwater, B.C., and now lives in Kamloops. He’s been competing in extreme sports competitions since 2008 (he won the Yeah Bro! Bike Race in Sun Peaks in 2008 and 2009) but described this year’s X Games as one of the most emotionally draining. While Turcotte snared gold in the Snow Bike Best Trick category with a gravitydefying aerial maneuver—a superman backflip—he crashed on both of his attempts in the Snowmobile Freestyle category, in which he had won gold and silver in 2018 and 2019 respectively. “That was really hard on my body, but also on my mind. It was a trick that I’ve landed numerous times in training, which was frustrating for me because I knew that I had it,” Turcotte said. Nevertheless, it didn’t stop the good-natured rider—who placed 6th in the category— from celebrating when his teammate, and X Games rookie, Brandon Cormier, successfully landed the same trick that Turcotte attempted and won the event. “It turned out actually quite good for my teammate and this young protégé that I’ve been training with, so, in the agony of defeat, I was thoroughly impressed and happy for Brandon,” Turcotte said. “I was just happy to be a part of that.” Turcotte’s preparation for events like the X Games is intensive. He uses airbags, foam pits and video review to train for his aerial tricks. Often on the sidelines is Turcotte’s other protégéin-the-making and biggest supporter, his three-year-old daughter, Hudson. “She’s begging to ride the snowmobile around and saying, ‘I wanna backflip,’” Turcotte said. “She’s got a little Strider bike that we put skis on and she’s riding that thing

BRETT TURCOTTE PRACTICING HIS FAMOUS TSUNAMI FLIP AHEAD OF THE X GAMES. Photo Brett Turcotte and Monster Energy

steady…of the four kids, she’s the wildest one for sure!” So when he’s not training or spending time with his family, what does this extreme athlete like to do? “I actually really, really enjoy fly fishing,” Turcotte laughed, acknowledging the irony of his preference. “It’s like yin and yang, from the most extreme sports and athleticism to possibly the most relaxing and calming thing of all time, so that’s why it works so well for me.” No chance of Turcotte slowing down any more than that. He intends to get back

into dirt biking once the snow melts. “I would really like to get a Summer X Games medal,” Turcotte reasoned. “I eat, sleep and breathe action sports now, and that’s a really cool thing. I’m really grateful that I get to do backflips and pay bills.” Turcotte’s recent X Games success came after the announcement that Calgary has pulled out of hosting the event in 2021 and 2022, due to financial restraints. It would have been the first time Canada hosted the event and the first since 2002 to be hosted outside of Aspen.

Parking & Snow Removal With the amazing snow year we’re having, crews are working hard to keep the roads cleared and as wide as possible. Please be patient and help by ensuring snow is kept within the property lines and not pushed on or across the roads or in the road rights-of way. With the increased snowbanks and narrower roads, it is very important to abide by all “No Parking” signs. This is particularly important at the Umbrella Café and when dropping children off at the elementary school.

FireSmart! To save yourself some time and avoid using a ladder, why not take down some of those tree limbs while you can stand up high on the snowpack? Pruning your trees now might be easier, especially if you own a pair of snowshoes! FireSmart BC suggests you remove branches on your larger trees 2 meters (about 6 feet) from the ground. For more information on the FireSmart program, please contact info@sunpeaksfirerescue.com.

Questions, comments and feedback can be sent to

www.sunpeaksmunicipality.ca VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 19

SPORTS

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

Racin’ Jason back on top in Florida JEAN STRONG

SUN PEAKS RESIDENT JASON WHITE WAS BACK ON THE TRACK RACING IN DAYTONA THIS MONTH AS PART OF THE ARCA RACING SERIES. On Saturday, Feb. 8, White qualified to start the race in fourth and ultimately placed sixth. “Last week was amazing,” said White. “In group qualifying we went way beyond our expectations to start the race fourth. Our initial plan was to hang at the back and stay out of trouble, instead we stayed up front and raced with the leaders all day and had a fantastic result.” On Feb. 14 he was back behind the wheel at the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Series. Heading into the race, White said he and his team were pumped up to compete as last year the team failed to qualify and were looking for a comeback. “We have some unfinished business” said White. “We just missed on speed last year getting in, but in the draft the truck ran well. So, everybody’s upped their game this year and once we do get in, I’ve got some other drivers that I’ve already connected with and we’ll be

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

WHITE PROVED HIMSELF IN #33. Photo Supplied

able to draft well together.” He ended the truck race with a top ten finish despite technical issues costing him practice time. “We had some technical issues and unfortunately only managed to get in three laps of practice,” explained White. “We were chasing them right up until qualifying. I literally went from inspection out onto the track for qualifying.” The team did manage to qualify. “Our plan was to stay at the back and stay out of trouble” explained White. “So, starting there wasn’t an issue. This race is about being in good position at the end and this was the right strategy for success, especially with our limited practice. “Huge thank you to Rob Zimmer and the Zimmer Auto Group, this is extra special because you are part of it. And to all my guys, Larry Jackson, Mike Ernst, my brother Jim, you couldn’t ask for a better group, thank you.” At the conclusion of the

JASON WHITE WITH WIFE MELISSA MCKENZIE AND CHILDREN RYDER AND JAIDA. Photo Supplied

Dayton 500 driver Ryan Newman was seriously injured during a crash in the final lap.

White and his team send thoughts and support to Newman, his family, team and fans.

join us for dinner At the Steakhouse and the Fondue Stube for Reservations

Call 250 578 7878

or see us at the desk of sun peaks lodge

Menus at sunpeakslodge.com 22

VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 19

# M Y S U N PE A KS

SPINAWARDS best of 2020

20 20 WINNERS BEST BC Cahilty Creek Kitchen WINE/CRAFT + Taproom BEER LIST BEST ON MOUNTAIN EVENT BEST BUCKET LIST ACTIVITY FAVOURITE TERRAIN PARK PERSONALITY FAVOURITE LOCAL

INSTAGRAMMER

FAVOURITE SCANNER/ LIFTY

BEST LIVE TUNES VENUE

Morrisey’s Public House

FAVOURITE BARISTA

Konrad & Elzbieta/ Bolacco Café

FAVOURITE BARTENDER

Brian Gillespie/ Bottoms Bar & Grill

Abby Lewis

FAVOURITE TUNER

Peter Wilson/ McSporties

@kylejamesimage

FAVOURITE LOCAL BUSINESS PERSON

Matthias Schmid/ McSporties

Riley Holowatiuk

FAVOURITE LOCAL VOLUNTEER

Ray & Sally Barker/ Sun Peaks Ski School

Outdoor Summer Concerts Mountain Man Dog Sled Adventures

VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 19

Serving Sun Peaks and area since 1995

ALPINE RESORT REALTY

EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

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

SOLD

NEW LISTING

#16 SETTLER’S CROSSING | $669, 000 On the 16th fairway of the Golf Course and with immediate ski-in/ski-out access, this upper level 3 bedroom condo is a great mountain home. Bright corner unit with large window package and vaulted ceiling. Open floor plan which features a cozy fireplace, large kitchen with granite counter tops and updated appliances. Large covered deck. The security of 2 secure parking places in the underground parking garage. Offered substantially furnished, GST paid.

2431 FAIRWAYS DRIVE | $1,399,000 Welcome home to this comfortable custom designed post & beam 4 bedroom home with additional 1 bedroom revenue suite. Expansive window packages take advantage of light and views. From the floor to ceiling rock fireplace in the living room, the custom hardwood cabinetry, granite countertops, deluxe appliances, tasteful mix of hardwood, stone and tile flooring - all is high end. Radiant floor heat throughout, vaulted ceilings, private deck, fireplace, plus large single garage of over 30 feet in length with additional storage mezzanine. Offered furnished with hot tub; GST paid.

#55 STONES THROW | $629,900 A charming mountain haven in Stone’s Throw, one of Sun Peaks’ most attractive ski-in, ski out complexes is located on the 16th fairway of the golf course, adjacent to the new Orient Chairlift. This well laid out 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo has no wasted space and offers excellent bedroom separation. The living room has dramatic vaulted ceiling with soaring windows, rock fireplace, and a large open kitchen with granite countertops and heated slate floor. This bright south facing home features two levels of living space. GST is applicable.

NEW LISTING

2215 SUNBURST DRIVE | $1,279,000

#308 FIRESIDE LODGE

The Auski Chalet is an alpine oasis and the perfect retreat after a long day of skiing on the slopes. Imagine your very own ski run that passes directly along the side of this home offering the best ski-in experience, and only a few steps to ski-out to the main village. The home’s main living area is flooded with great light passing through massive windows that bring the great outdoors inside. An airy open layout allows for seamless transitions from the living space to the kitchen and spacious dining area that will accommodate large family gatherings. Offered furnished with hot tub. GST applies.

| $352,900

Location is everything. Here you are close to all resort shopping and amenities. Ski-in and Ski-out from this bright one bedroom condo which features an open floor plan, cozy fireplace and covered deck overlooking the village. Property amenities include outdoor hot tub, heated underground parking, elevator, shared on floor laundry, ski and bike storage, and the convenience of in building restaurants and commercial outlets. Unlimited owner use, short term rental allowed. Offered furnished; GST paid.

NEW LISTING

#3 SUN MOUNTAIN VILLAS | $469,900 Spacious and bright 2 bedroom townhouse located a short walk along the valley trail from Sun Peaks Village. Enjoy the large covered deck with vaulted roof line, open kitchen, dining and living room with cozy gas fireplace with slate and rich timber mantel. Convenient ski-in access, steps to the golf course & easy walk to lifts. Features private tandem garage & workshop/ storage area. Offered largely furnished and GST is not applicable.

NEW PRICE!

#24 TRAILS EDGE |

$819,000

Location! location! Steps away to skiing from this 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom town home in popular Trail’s Edge. Ski out to the Morrissey and Orient chairs and ski home from the Sundance and Orient chairs. This mountain retreat offers a great open floor plan with expansive window packages and great ceiling height. Outdoor decks, patio plus a2 car garage for parking and storage. Offered furnished with hot tub, GST paid.

SOLD #24 CRYSTAL FOREST |

$359,000

This immaculate top floor one bedroom corner apartment has great ski access and loads of in suite storage and secure underground parking. Upgraded counters, vanities, flooring, and comes fully furnished. Heated tile floors, cozy two sided gas fireplace, in-suite laundry, open living with access to your private covered deck with great views to the top of Tod Mountain. GST paid.

#18 THE PEAKS | $549,000 This appealing 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhouse is located on the second fairway of the Sun Peaks Golf Course. This bright basement entry home has three levels with an open concept main floor, spacious dining area and living room, cozy corner fireplace, heated tile flooring and 3 sundecks with south facing exposure and views of the ski runs on Mt. Morrisey. The lower level of the home is comprised of a flex space for guests and more casual gathering spaces. This Golf course location with direct access to the valley trail is offered furnished with GST paid.

NEW PRICE!

#217/219 CAHILTY HOTEL | $211,000 This is a prime ski-in, ski-out location with spectacular slope side views of the ski hill in the heart of Sun Peaks. This fully furnished, one bedroom lock-off suite offers a flexible floor plan for personal use & rental. Efficiency kitchen with queen size murphy bed, pullout sofa and full bath on one side that connects to the adjacent room with two queen beds and an additional bathroom. This property is in the process of substantial remodelling and renovations, all at the expense of current owner. GST Paid.

#15 TIMBERLINE VILLAGE |

$579,000

This two bedroom townhouse with private heated garage is in the heart of Sun Peaks with easy ski-in, ski-out access. This bright and airy, three level home is located in Timberline Village where there’s plenty of room for family and friends. Relax in the open living area with cozy gas fireplace, the inviting central kitchen, or one of the spacious outdoor areas. The top level features two large bedrooms and shared bathroom. Offers plenty of storage and comes fully furnished with six appliances included. GST paid.

#221/223 CAHILTY HOTEL | $234,900 Welcome to the Cahilty Hotel & Suites! Sit back and take in the tranquil mountain views from this charming second floor studio lock-off, complete with fully upgraded kitchen in 2014. Maximum amount of flexibility allows unlimited owner use of either room, while “locking-off” the other to capture revenues. Studio room comfortably sleeps 4, features four full sized appliances, new plush Memory foam pull out double sofa bed, new stylish accent chair in the living room, plus new Murphy bed (2018). Adjacent hotel room sleeps 4 with 2 queen beds. GST applies.

SUNPEAKSREALTY.COM 24

VOL 18 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 21 - MARCH 30