Sun Peaks Independent News - VOL 19 Issue 10

December 17, 2021 - January 20, 2022

Vol. 19, Issue 10

free

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New Resident Guide: The must-knows of living in Sun Peaks.

New Resident Guide: How Sun Peaks is governed.

An early December day on the Elevation chairlift.

Photo by Zuzy Rocka.

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sunpeaksnews.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS! FROM THE TEAM AT BEAR COUNTRY sunpeakscondos.ca | (1) 250-578-6969 | info@bearcountry.ca

IN THIS ISSUE 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.

For comments, questions and concerns contact us at: brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

BRANDI SCHIER Publisher & Managing Editor brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

KAYLA EMPEY Community Journalist kayla@sunpeaksnews.com

SONIA GARCÍA Layout & Graphic Designer sonia@sunpeaksnews.com

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250 578 0276 editor@sunpeaksnews.com 213 - 1130 Sun Peaks Rd. Sun Peaks, B.C.

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LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

HOT TUB AND BARBECUE STORE TO OPEN IN DECEMBER

An update on the new reservoir and the consultant for affordable employee housing.

A new home leisure store is coming to Burfield West.

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EXPLAINER: HOW SUN PEAKS IS GOVERNED

WEST BOWL BECOMES HIKE-IN ONLY AFTER RETIREMENT OF HISTORIC T-BAR

Part of our new resident guide: The responsibilities of Sun Peaks Resort LLP, Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality and Tourism Sun Peaks.

The lift needed too many repairs to get it back up and running.

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LOCAL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS TO KNOW

TOP STORIES OF 2021

SPIN spoke with a few local organizations to get a sense of what they’re all about.

10 THE MUST-KNOWS OF LIVING IN SUN PEAKS A cheat sheet of everything new residents need to know.

30 BUSINESS LISTINGS & PUZZLES

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local news

NEW WATER RESERVOIR READY FOR SPRING Construction on the reservoir has wrapped up, with some final minor details left to complete

By Kayla Empey

MUNICIPALITY SELECTS CONSULTANT TO PLAN FOR AFFORDABLE EMPLOYEE HOUSING The consultant has assembled a team of experts with experience in developing affordable housing in tourism communities

By Kayla Empey

The new reservoir is located between Mt. Tod and the top of the Sundance chairlift.

Photo by Kyle James.

Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality’s (SPMRM) water reservoir project is almost complete and will be ready to catch water when the snow begins to melt in the spring.

The reservoir, located between Mt. Tod and the top of the Sundance Chair, will double the amount of potable water available for the community.

Omar Butt, SPMRM’s director of public works, said the reservoir is now in place and there are only final details to complete, such as fencing to keep animals out.

“It can hold water now, and there's probably some in there,” said Butt. “The idea is that in the spring freshet, it'll be filled up.”

The municipality is able to open their reservoir over the winter, as long as the environmental flow needs are still met. But it won’t begin really filling up until March or April, said Butt.

“Normally, the resort opens theirs April 1 and within about three weeks, the reservoir is full,” said Butt. “Ours will be about the same size as theirs, so it'll be about double that to fill it all up. And then realistically, we can start using the water as we're diverting.”

Since there aren’t as many people in Sun Peaks during the spring, Butt said SPMRM will take advantage of this time to do their annual water system flushing. Then next winter, the extra water will really come into use.

About two years ago, SPMRM realized that their ground water supply could not keep up with the demand for water in the winter. Following the lead of how Sun Peaks Resort (SPR) obtains water for snowmaking, the municipality received the community’s consent to invest $6.5 million in a new water reservoir project to reduce the amount being pumped from the ground.

In the meantime, SPR has agreed to reduce their snowmaking operations to give water to the municipality.

“This winter, it's almost half of their reservoir we're holding on to for potable water use,” said Butt. “It's hard to tell how [occupancy] will be with COVID and now with the highways shut down, if we will need that full amount, but better to be safe than sorry.”

When the new reservoir’s water supply is used next winter, Butt said it will be most beneficial for SPR because they will be able to use their entire reservoir for snowmaking again.

“They're definitely looking to expand that as part of their part of the Resort Master Plan and so we're looking to work together on this,” said Butt.

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The goal is to provide more affordable options for both long term rentals and home ownership. Photo by Kyle James.

Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) will be moving forward with consultant Whistler Centre for Sustainability (WCS) Engagement + Planning, to develop an affordable employee non-market housing strategy.

At the Sun Peaks Housing Authority’s (SPHA) AGM on Oct. 19, the board supported a request by SPMRM to seek an experienced project-based housing consultant.

At a regular council meeting on Nov. 7, chief administrative officer Shane Bourke revealed they have chosen WCS Engagement + Planning, and council approved proceeding with the selected firm.

“I am pleased to say that we've had discussions with a number of firms with experience in this area, but that WCS Engagement + Planning have brought forward a really worthwhile proposal within our expected budget,” said Bourke at the meeting.

The goal is to provide more affordable options for both rentals and home ownership. Bourke said they were specifically looking for a consultant who understands the unique challenges presented by being a resort municipality, such as only having a fixed amount of land and housing prices increasing faster than the average community.

“They've assembled a team of experts with experience in developing affordable housing in resort communities, including Whistler and Tofino,” said Bourke. “I think we would definitely benefit from their work.”

WCS Engagement + Planning have proposed two phases. The first phase will focus on background research to establish what the non-market housing options are for Sun Peaks moving forward. The second phase will focus on developing the implementation and financial plan that they select.

They held a project kickoff meeting on Dec. 13, and will begin establishing a project committee to provide the consultants with advice and feedback throughout the process. The committee will include representatives from council, administration and SPHA. Representation from Sun Peaks Resort and Tourism Sun Peaks is also being considered.

COVID-19 TESTING ONCE AGAIN AVAILABLE THIS WINTER

By Kayla Empey

Sun Peaks will have COVID-19 testing available for both symptomatic residents or guests who think they may have contracted the virus, as well as asymptomatic visitors who require a test prior to returning home.

For those experiencing symptoms, the Sun Peaks Community Health Centre has partnered with Interior Health to make COVID-19 testing available beginning Dec. 17 with a few initial dates before Christmas. In January, testing will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The tests will be taken by doctors at the clinic, then sent to Kamloops for the results. This is intended only for people who think they may have contracted the virus, not for fulfilling travel requirements. Residents or visitors can book a test by calling the clinic.

For those who are travelling, Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) has confirmed that there will be tests available for guests as well.

The test will be provided by RN Collaborate, an independent testing company, beginning Dec. 21 beside the TSP office. For guests who require a test before Dec. 21, RN Collaborate will arrange a time and location with the visitor once they book.

They will offer Rapid Antigen, Molecular, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). A PCR test costs $200 per person and Rapid Antigen $100 per person.

This testing is for travelling purposes only and must be pre-booked at least 14 days before departure. Visitors can book a test by completing the pre-departure form.

Nurses testing for COVID-19 last winter. Photo SPIN.

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new resident guide

Defining the distinct responsibilities of Sun Peaks Resort LLP, Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality and Tourism Sun Peaks

Photo by Zuzy Rocka.

By Kayla Empey

EXPLAINER: HOW SUN PEAKS IS GOVERNED This story is part of a three part series introducing Sun Peaks to new residents, or anyone who wants to brush up on their local knowledge.

Since becoming the community reporter for SPIN, there has been a lot of information about Sun Peaks I have had to fill my brain with.

As most people face when moving to a new place, it can be difficult to understand exactly how certain aspects of the community work, especially in a place as unique as Sun Peaks.

One thing in particular that took me a while to wrap my head around is the differences between Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality, Sun Peaks Resort LLP and Tourism Sun Peaks. After speaking with some other new residents, I learned I wasn’t the only one who wasn’t completely sure at first.

For answers on the role each of these organizations play, and how they work together to keep Sun Peaks functioning, I reached out to Mayor Al Raine.

Raine said in general, the municipality is responsible for maintaining services for property owners. This includes zoning and land use, building permits, water, sewer, snow removal, road maintenance, bylaw enforcement and noise complaints.

“Day to day, people expect the water to come out the tap when they turn it on, and they expect the water to disappear when you flush the toilet,” said Raine.

The municipality also creates an Official Community Plan (OCP), which lays out the direction they think the community is headed in the next five to 10 years and dictates public policy.

“We are working on the normal municipal things,” said Raine. “But we are very different than many municipalities in that most municipalities don't have the influence of one corporation, like we do with Sun Peaks Resort.”

Sun Peaks Resort LLP is responsible for the ski lifts and terrain.

They have a long term Master Development Agreement (MDA) with the provincial government that allows them to build ski lifts on the mountain up to a certain capacity. Raine said the capacity is around double the amount of terrain and lifts that are currently in place.

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The resort also has the right to purchase Crown land from the province to expand resort operations further, including housing developments and other services.

This gives the resort a significant role in determining how the community will develop, and largely impacts the municipality’s OCP. While the municipality has the final say on zoning densities, they still must follow the MDA that the resort and province have agreed upon.

“Sun Peaks Resort LLP is the developer, and in that way we are kind of a unique beast in that we are almost a little bit like a company town. You know, they are the major economic driving force,” said Raine.

To help drive those economics is where Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) comes into play. TSP is a not-for-profit organization that markets and promotes Sun Peaks to raise the community’s profile as a tourist destination.

TSP is membership based, meaning every property or business owner in Sun Peaks is a compulsory member of the association and pays them quarterly fees.

Some residents may dispute whether they are getting value out of their money, but Raine said Sun Peaks is likely one of the most tourism dependent communities in the province and relies on TSP’s ability to draw people to the area.

“My guess would be that 90 per cent plus of our economy is driven by tourism,” said Raine. “Twenty years ago, most people didn't even know what Sun Peaks was. Today, there certainly is a much broader appreciation for what's available, both winter and summer.”

Even many businesses and infrastructures that are not directly related to tourism might not be possible without the tourism industry. Raine said a community with Sun Peaks’ population would not be able to have such plentiful amenities, including the skating rink and other recreation facilities, without non-locals visiting and using them.

Raine said it’s important that all three organizations work together.

Recently, they all met to discuss common interests and to ensure they are in sync with one another to provide the best possible community for residents and visitors alike.

“We will never achieve any kind of optimum level in the lifestyle and livelihood that residents can earn without having a strong balance and great communication between the three entities,” said Raine.

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new resident guide

LOCAL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS TO KNOW From painting workshops to first aid courses, Sun Peaks has many not-for-profits to be proud of

By Kayla Empey

This story is part of a three part series introducing Sun Peaks to new residents, or anyone who wants to brush up on their local knowledge.

Sun Peaks is all about community, so it makes sense that the area has many great not-for-profit organizations that all benefit the community in unique ways.

For residents wondering what is being done in the community or how to get involved, SPIN spoke with a few local organizations to get a sense of what they’re all about.

Mountain Rescue Society Sun Peaks Mountain Rescue Society raises money for equipment, training and resources for first responders and community members in the local area.

Chris Mark, president of the Mountain Rescue Society, said their goal is to fundraise money to provide free resources to Sun Peaks Fire Rescue and Sun Peaks Ski Patrol, as well as provide residents with first aid courses to help strengthen local first response.

“We live so far away from any sort of first aid response, apart from what we can provide in the fire hall and ski patrol, so we’re just trying to help the locals learn some new stuff and get the equipment to do it,” said Mark.

In November, the society held two Red Cross Basic Life Support courses. They have certified over 80 people in the past two years.

The Mountain Rescue Society fundraises in many different ways, including raffles, fire truck pulls, selling baked goods and auctioning off items. They also have a collection box at Sun Peaks Ski Patrol full time for anyone who would like to donate.

Rotary Club Rotary Club of Sun Peaks is a group of people who are passionate about making positive changes in the community.

Catherine Tarasoff, president of Rotary Club, said they focus on local as well as international community. Tarasoff said they host local events and work with youth in the Sun Peaks schools, but are also a part of the Rotary International Polio Campaign to put an end to polio worldwide.

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“There's no real limit to what you can do if you're involved with Rotary,” said Tarasoff.

“Some people choose to focus on the bigger initiatives and others choose to focus on the community ground-level, grassroots initiatives.”

A big initiative they have taken on is the bottle depot, which collects returnables to raise money for Rotary and other non-for-profits in Sun Peaks. Anyone in the community can volunteer to help sort the bottles and cans that are donated.

Tarasoff said as a newer club, they are always open to new ideas, initiatives and community projects. Rotary currently has 14 members, but welcome new members to join.

“People can get kind of involved as much as they want to,” said Tarasoff. “It's a great way to meet new people.”

Rotary meets the first and third Thursday of every month at 8:30 a.m. at the Cahilty Hotel.

Tarasoff said anyone is invited to sit in during a meeting.

ArtZone ArtZone Sun Peaks is a community-based group of artists and culture enthusiasts.

“We work with our community at all levels, to organize festivals, events, workshops, exhibits, art demonstrations, and cultural events to showcase this beautiful place we call home,” said Marj Knive, the president of ArtZone.

The art mediums that ArtZone covers are vast. Members create visual arts, painting, photography, music, fiber arts, mixed art and digital arts. They also have a writers group, as well as hold workshops for people interested in film. Each year, ArtZone hosts the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, which this season will take place in January 2022.

ArtZone has around 50 members, made up of artists and people who want to support the arts. Their funding largely comes from a registration fee to become a member, as well as through the fee they charge to participate in workshops. Despite the shift to online events, ArtZone has still been able to thrive.

“I'm actually really pleased at how we've been able to kind of carry on, despite the virus for the most part in the last couple of years,” said Knive. “We've certainly had to cancel some events and that sort of thing. But we've tried to carry on with our exhibitions and everything as best we can even though we can't all get together.”

Other local non-for-profit organizations to check out Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association Aims to promote a healthy community lifestyle and an appreciation for the environment by helping in the development and maintenance of recreational trails around Sun Peaks.

Adaptive Sports Sun Peaks Provides opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in snow sports and recreational programs.

Sun Peaks Volunteer Firefighters’ Society Maintains the safety of community members and visitors through training, responding to emergencies and helping with fire prevention and reduction initiatives.

Sun Peaks Secondary Academy Offers education to students in grades 10 to 12, focusing on non-traditional classroom settings to teach about healthy outdoor lifestyles and global stewardship.

Sun Peaks Community Garden Society Plants and maintains a community garden near the entrance to Sun Peaks, and will offer educational programming about gardening during the spring and summer seasons.

Sun Peaks Skate Park Foundation Fundraises for the future design and construction of a free use skate park.

Sun Peaks Nordic Club Encourages participation in cross country skiing and offers programs, coaching and social outings.

Sun Peaks Freestyle Club Promotes competitive freestyle skiing and snowboarding for athletes in Sun Peaks, Kamloops and surrounding areas.

Sun Peaks Alpine Club Promotes alpine sports as a healthy and enjoyable activity for people of all ages and abilities.

Bluebird Day Fund Society Provides opportunities for economically and/ or socially disadvantaged youth to participate in athletic and recreational programs.

Sun Peaks Community Helps Provides information and assistance to residents of Sun Peaks and Whitecroft during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sun Peaks Health Association Works to provide health services for residents, including raising funds for the Sun Peaks Health Centre and required equipment.

Photo: Grant Gunderson

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new resident guide

Photo by Zuzy Rocka.

THE MUST-KNOWS OF LIVING IN SUN PEAKS The ins and outs of transportation, groceries, waste management and health

By Kayla Empey

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This story is part of a three part series introducing Sun Peaks to new residents, or anyone who wants to brush up on their local knowledge.

Moving to a new place can bring upon a lot of questions, especially in a community as unique as Sun Peaks. Where to get groceries? What to do with garbage? How to get around?

To help, SPIN put together a cheat sheet of everything new residents need to know.

Transportation Like many small communities, public transportation is limited. There is no taxi or public bus system, however there is a shuttle that only runs in the winter. The shuttle, which is free of charge, runs daily from December to early April from 8 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. There is also an evening shuttle that runs mid-December to March from 5 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.

The shuttle runs through every area of Sun Peaks. Visit Sun Peaks Resort’s “getting here and around” page on their website for more information on bus stop locations and schedules. As there is only one vehicle on a large loop with many stops, this option can take a while to get from one end of the village to the other, so plan accordingly.

For residents who have a vehicle, parking can often be limited. There is no parking on the street during the winter due to snow removal, and many residential units have more vehicles than spaces. Be sure to work this out with your landlord and other tenants. Parking around the main lifts is often limited during busy times so leave early to make sure you get a space.

If you’re on foot, there is a walking trail called the Valley Trail Network, that stretches from east of the village to Burfield Dr. It’s recommended to use the trail rather than walk on the road, which can be dangerous!

Groceries & Essentials You won’t find any big box stores in Sun Peaks, however there are options to get everything you need without leaving the mountain. When it comes to shopping, there are two grocery stores, a grocery delivery service and a pharmacy.

The Bluebird Market, located in the village core, is great for picking up snacks, and essentials like bread, milk, meat and other staples.

Ohana Market & Deli, located in the west village, is best for fresh foods and produce, and has many gluten free items. They have a deli section that stocks lots of meats,

cheeses, and ready made items like dips, salads and sandwiches. They also have a freezer section full of house made frozen meals if you don’t have time or energy to cook after a long day on the mountain.

For bigger shops, Sun Peaks Cargo is a transportation service that delivers straight to your door from Save On Foods, Brocklehurst. Deliveries are available Monday to Friday for any residents of Sun Peaks, Whitecroft or Heffley Lake. For more information on how to order, visit sunpeakscargo.com.

New to the village, Sun Peaks Pharmacy is best for toiletries and household items. It’s also the place to pick up prescription or non-prescription medications, and provides Canada Post pick up and drop off services.

Waste Management Surprisingly to many residents coming from larger centres, there is no garbage pick up service. All garbage and recycling must be sorted and taken to the transfer station, located at 1320 Industrial Way, just off the main road by the Burfield chairlift.

In the summer (April to November), the transfer station is open Saturday to Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In the winter (December to March), it is open every day for the same hours. While transporting your own garbage can seem inconvenient, it’s important to manage it properly so it doesn't become an attractant for bears and other wildlife. Do not store your garbage outside under any circumstances and never leave bags outside the transfer station if it’s closed.

There is also a bottle depot, where residents can drop off their returnables. The cans and bottles are sorted by volunteers and money raised from the returns goes towards local non-profit organizations. The bottle depot is located on the south side of the transfer station, and is open 24/7.

Health & Wellness If you’re injured while skiing, mountain ski patrol will be there to assist you. However, for issues taking place off the mountain there is a Community Health Centre in Sun Peaks that provides medical services and assists people with their physical or mental health.

The clinic is open for regular or urgent appointments, for both registered patients and visitors. Mental health services are also available. Contact the centre to arrange an appointment with one of their physicians.

There are also two mental health counsellors based in Sun Peaks, Karen Lara at Antares Counselling and Lisa Bentz at Sun Peaks Counselling.

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HOT TUB AND BARBECUE STORE TO OPEN IN DECEMBER Store owner brings 22 years of experience in the home leisure business

By Kayla Empey

A new home leisure store will be opening this month in the recently completed Burfield West development.

The store, Tod Mountain Home Leisure, will focus on selling hot tubs, barbecues and pellet grills, as well as patio furniture in the summer.

Owner Rob Keep said they will also do servicing and carry all kinds of other products such as hot tub accessories, barbecue sauces, spices, rubs and ice melt.

“I'm kind of wide open to look at carrying anything,” said Keep. “Obviously, we're not just going to bring in every single thing. But if there's demand and we can get it, then we will.”

Keep has owned home leisure stores for 22 years. His store in Saskatchewan, R&R Home Leisure, won a Consumers’ Choice Award for 12 years in a row. Keep said he hopes this business in Sun Peaks will be just as successful.

Keep has been a property owner in Sun Peaks since 2015, but recently made it his permanent home.

“We kind of fell in love with Sun Peaks and made some good friends here and kind of always wanted to make the move out here,” he said. “When the world got so screwed up and went upside down with COVID, we said well we might as well go now.”

Keep sold his store in Saskatchewan and moved to Sun Peaks to make his new business a reality.

Tod Mountain Home Leisure is set to open sometime in December. Keep said he hopes to have a soft opening before the end of the year, and then have an event or grand opening in January.

The store will be open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“It's kind of different than a shop in the village.

We're not really here for the tourists,” said Keep.

“So we're thinking we're just going to open in the afternoons...The way I'm thinking about it is if I'm going to go ski, it's going to be in the morning.”

Once the store is open, Keep said he is willing to adjust the hours for whatever he finds works best for the community. But since he will be living in the same building as the store will be in, Keep’s hours can be flexible.

“We're going to do by appointment anytime,” said Keep. “My number will be on the door. I mean, I live here too. So if I'm home, I'll just come up the elevator.”

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The outside of Tod Mountain Home Leisure. Photo SPIN.

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The West Bowl. File photo.

WEST BOWL BECOMES HIKE-IN ONLY AFTER RETIREMENT OF HISTORIC T-BAR Despite its history, the lift needed too many repairs to get it back up and running

By Kayla Empey After serving Sun Peaks Resort (SPR) for decades and undergoing several modifications, the West Bowl T-bar lift has been retired.

Aidan Kelly, SPR’s chief marketing officer, said the lift served its purpose for a long time, but they decided it needed too many repairs to get it functioning again.

“That lift has had a great run and I think its a good and natural time for it to move into its well deserved retirement,” said Kelly. “It's a little bit long in the tooth and it was just time to let it go.”

The West Bowl T-bar holds a lot of history in Sun Peaks as a key part of the lift infrastructure in the upper alpine. Kelly said it was originally installed in the 1960s near the Burfield Lodge, but was later moved near the Lower Exhibition ski run.

In the mid 1990s, the lift was modified again and moved into its current location in the West Bowl.

Last winter the lift was closed due to work it needed and SPR trying to streamline their operations due to the pandemic.

Kelly said they reassessed what it would take to get the lift functioning again after it not running for a year, and decided it was in the best interest of the resort to make its closure permanent.

“From a cost benefit analysis, it didn't necessarily make sense to do all of the work and upgrades required to keep that lift functioning,” said Kelly. “It makes more sense to put our efforts and resources into coming up with a longer term plan for lift service access in that area of the resort.”

Kelly said SPR is in the process of planning future lift access in the West Bowl as part of their master plan for the resort.

In the meantime, they are maintaining access to the West Bowl as a hike-in and ski-out area, similar to Gil’s Zone. Kelly said the West Bowl terrain will receive regular grooming for those who still want to use that area.

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local news

REMEMBERING ANDREW CAPPER

Alice Capper presenting the cheque to Adaptive Sports.

Photo from Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks on Facebook.

By Kayla Empey

Adaptive Sports Sun Peaks (ASSP) recently received a $1,700 donation on behalf of former Sun Peaks Resort Sun Host and local resident Andrew Capper, who passed away this summer.

Capper was a well-known community member, originally from England.

His daughter, Alice Capper, said he began spending his winters skiing in Sun Peaks after being diagnosed with cancer and being forced to retire.

“Sun Peaks was definitely like his home,” she said. “England is his home, but this was like his spiritual home for sure.”

Alice presented the cheque to ASSP on behalf of her father, and said it felt great because she knew it was what he wanted.

“He wanted everybody to be able to enjoy Sun Peaks, regardless of disability,” she said. “It'll go a long way to enabling more people onto the mountain, which is all he really cared about. He just wanted people to be here and enjoy it and love it as much as he did.”

In the winters, Capper was a Sun Host to help guests explore the area and would hike up to Skunk at the top of Mt. Tod almost every day. After a few years in Sun Peaks, Capper began getting into downhill biking as well and stayed in the area year-round. Alice said that initially her father was only given two years to live, but ended up fighting for an additional six to seven years.

Pat McKimmon, past president of ASSP, said any donation is a big help for their organization. But also as a friend of Capper, McKimmon said she admired his determination to always keep going.

“He was an example of just living life to the fullest,” said McKimmon.

“In his first surgery, he had lost most of one lung, but he still did everything he wanted to do. So he was a good reflection of what our program does for people.”

A trail sign will soon be placed at the top of Skunk, to honour the many times Capper hiked there. It will read “Capper’s Cliff,” with an emblem of his home cricket club and a picture of a red fedora, which he was known for wearing. Capper’s family will also be spreading his ashes at the top of Skunk next summer.

“It will be nice for people to have a place where they can go and remember him. It’s been very comforting seeing how many people’s lives he was a big part of,” said Alice.

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Christmas is different this year, make it different for the planet too.

“…brown paper packages tied up with string…”

All those online orders comes with extra packaging, from boxes to bubble wrap make sure you know where to recycle it properly. Download the Recycle Coach App today.

Sun Peaks Transfer Station is open all regularly scheduled holidays

tnrd.ca/holiday | 250-377-2596

19

life as a local

LIFE AS A LOCAL: RETURNING TO THE VILLAGE PART- TIM

E

Louise Hudson first visited Sun Peaks about a decade ago.

Working for various newspapers, Hudson visited resorts all around Alberta and British Columbia to ski, meet people and write about her experiences.

Being originally from England and having spent 20 years skiing at resorts in Europe, Hudson was immediately drawn to the architecture and atmosphere in Sun Peaks. After getting to know the community a little bit, Hudson said her and her husband, Simon, felt at home.

“We sort of got slightly into the social life as well,” said Hudson. “Enough to see that there was a very vibrant social life, and not just for the 20-somethings, for the 50-somethings.”

When planning their semi-retirement, the Hudsons decided to spend eight months of the year in Portugal, and the other four in Sun Peaks.

After three days of travelling, a taxi, two trains, two planes, a shuttle and several COVID-19 tests, the Hudsons are back in Sun Peaks for the winter

By Kayla Empey

Louise and Simon Hudson on a snowy day in Sun Peaks. Photo provided.

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“We like to feel part of a community and we felt it would be easier to do that here than it would somewhere else,” said Hudson.

In 2019, their plan sprung into action and they were able to spend the winter in Sun Peaks. But last year, it came screeching to a halt due to the pandemic. Hudson said they had booked everything for the season, but their travel plans fell through a week before they were supposed to leave.

“It became obvious that travel was not a responsible thing to be doing at that time,” said Hudson. “We are Canadian citizens, so we could have come. But we made the decision, which was the most painful decision of our entire lives, not to come.”

Hudson said they had been plotting and scheming their return to Sun Peaks since then. This year, they decided to leave before Christmas to avoid travelling during any

Hudson on her first day back in Sun Peaks.

Photo provided.

potential COVID-19 outbreaks due to people gathering for the holidays.

After three days of travelling, a taxi, two trains, two planes, a shuttle and several COVID-19 tests, they finally made it back to Sun Peaks.

“The first feeling was relief, mixed with incredulity, mixed with gratitude,” said Hudson. “So we feel it's our duty to ski every day and enjoy every condition...Just be out there and enjoy every second. And that's what we're doing.”

Hudson’s desire to return to Sun Peaks was to enjoy the mountain once again, but also to be able to see their two sons in Vancouver, who they have not seen for 20 months.

Their original plan was to drive to Vancouver as soon as they arrived in Canada, but with ongoing road closures due to unprecedented flooding in November, that was not possible right away. Hudson said they are working out a plan for them to all be together for Christmas.

While in Sun Peaks, Hudson is working as a freelance journalist for ski publications. She is also the North American editor for online magazine Style Altitude, and writes for her personal blog One Two Ski. Hudson said this is the perfect place for them and their lifestyle right now, and that they have received such a warm welcome since returning.

“The day that we arrived, friends had come for dinner,” said Hudson.

“Because we hadn't been able to go shopping from Kamloops because we just came up on the shuttle, they gave us enough food to last the whole weekend before our delivery could arrive with Sun Peaks Cargo.”

Hudson said they also had friends give them a Christmas tree and decorations. She said community members are always willing to offer help and it’s easy to make new friends all the time.

“It is a very friendly, welcoming community, which I think is pretty unique,” said Hudson. “Amongst all the ski resorts I've been to, it really stands out. It is what makes you feel at home right away.”

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get out there

Photo by Paxson Woelber.

By Kayla Empey

BACKCOUNTRY ENTHUSIASTS ENCOURAGED TO PLAN AHEAD 22

With the current strain on first responders due to flooding across the province and the ongoing pandemic, Kamloops Search and Rescue (KSAR) wants to remind outdoor enthusiasts to properly prepare before heading out into the backcountry to help limit rescue calls.

Alan Hobler, KSAR manager, said being prepared for the conditions is crucial no matter where in the backcountry people are going out and what the elevation is.

“We're into winter travel conditions anywhere in the backcountry now, so we need to consider avalanche risks when people are entering avalanche terrain,” said Hobler.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Hobler said more people are seeking backcountry experiences as a way to abide by restrictions and get away from crowds. As a result, the number of search and rescue calls have increased across the province, often due to people getting stuck, lost or being unprepared for the elements.

Now the recent flooding is only adding more strain onto the rescue teams and their response time.

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alpineimages.ca | info@alpineimages.ca | 250-851-1905

“Those in the Lower Mainland, especially those teams down there, would be taxed right now,” said Hobler. “We want the public to ensure that they're doing their part not to create results in which we have to be called out to respond to them.”

Hobler said it’s not that KSAR is recommending people not go out into the backcountry, but that they ensure they have the knowledge and the means to keep themselves safe.

“Ensuring that they are fully prepared for the conditions they’re going out in,” said Hobler. “And prepared to either self rescue or have plans in place in case [search and rescue doesn’t] show up in time.”

Hobler said it also helps to travel in groups, so if someone is endangered they have support.

Anyone looking to plan a backcountry trip can visit adventuresmart.ca to ensure they have the essentials based on the activity they hope to do.

The area around Sun Peaks is part of the North Columbia avalanche forecast zone, which can be found here: www.avalanche.ca/map/forecasts/ north-columbia.

Connect with our readers www.sunpeaksnews.com/advertise

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events

Photo by Alpine Images.

HOLIDAY KICK-OFF PHOTOS Photos by Kayla Empey

The village played host to Sun Peaks' annual Holiday Kick-off event. People were treated to photos with Santa, hot chocolate, live music by the Lindsay May Trio and a fire dance performance by Kinshira Entertainment.

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events

EVENTS DEC. 17 TO JAN. 20 Weekly Mondays Quizzy Rascal's Quiz Night at Masa's Bar + Grill Tuesdays Locals' Night at Bottoms Bar + Grill Thursdays Open Mic at Morrisey's Public House

A few concerned citizens came together in late 2020 to form the Sun Peaks Community Helps group. Our goal was to help people in our community who might fall through the cracks during the sudden and unanticipated shut down of the resort due to the pandemic. Through the 2020/21 winter and summer seasons, we operated a food bank in space kindly donated by Meranti Developments.

As the need for a food bank has passed, the food bank location is now closed.

Although we no longer have a bricks and mortar location our group continues to be active and able to offer aid on request. We can be reached by email at spcommunityhelps@gmail.com and on our website, spcommunityhelps.ca We express our sincere appreciation to the community for their timely and generous donations. We were able to quickly provide needed services to suddenly unemployed staff who could not return to their international homes, distressed families and isolated seniors. Our focus on food security quickly expanded to include limited mental health support and creation of a website to share information during the early days of the pandemic.

The funds donated will continue to be used to support fellow community members who are in need and while the Covid restrictions continue to be reduced, Sun Peak Community Helps will continue to monitor the situation.

December Dec. 23 Bells of Note Handbell Choir Performance

At the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 23 & 24 Carolling with Nancy

Meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Village Day Lodge.

Dec. 24 & 25 Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner

Festive set menus and required reservations throughout the village restaurants.

Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Dinner

Look for amazing menus and buffets around the village.

Reservations required.

January Jan. 8 to 9 Glenn Bond Nordic Ski Camp

Whether it’s skate or classic, this camp will have you upping your game on the Nordic trails with the help of professional coaching.

Jan. 14 Sound Bath with Sound Quest

Sun Peaks Yoga is hosting this relaxing workshop series.

Jan. 19 to 21 Air Nation Sun Peaks

This invite-only competition features some of the best freestyle snowboarding athletes in North America. It’s all going down in the Terrain Park.

Jan. 20 to 22 ArtZone presents: The Vancouver International Film Festival Save the date for three nights of fantastic films!

Tickets available at artzonesunpeaks.com.

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We wish to thank all the community members who so generously contributed to the fund, the Kamloops Food Bank for a generous donation of non-perishable food and the following for donations and providing space and services for our food bank: • • • • • • • •

Rotary Club of Sun Peaks Powder Ventures Excavating NGR Resort Consultants Tawom Surveys Ltd I C Impact Communications ERBC Properties Sundance Liquor Store Bottoms Bar & Grill

• • • • • • •

Dynamic Reforestation Kyle James Porchtrait Project Ohana Deli Market Bluebird Market Meranti Developments Altitude Plumbing & Heating Vertical Café

P _ Kelly Funk

May your days be merry and deep.

Happy holidays.

SunPeaksResort.com

27

local news

TOP STORIES OF 2021 This was a year unlike any other. Take a look at our top stories, as defined by our online reader traffic

By SPIN

1 Three year anniversary brings healing, new hope to family of Ryan Shtuka Feb. 16, 2021 · By Jean Strong

Heather and Scott Shtuka in 2021.

Photo supplied.

Almost four years after the tragic disappearance of Sun Peaks resident Ryan Shtuka, readers from around the world continue to follow his story. In this piece, Heather, Ryan’s mother, opened up about her feelings, their ongoing visits to the community, and her work with a nonprofit called Free Bird.

“It’s gradual, it’s not like this aha moment.

Ryan is still the first thing I think about in the morning and the last thing I think about before I go to bed. It’s not that I miss him less, talk about him less, that I don’t look at his pictures every single day…but I feel maybe less brittle. I feel like the edges aren’t quite as sharp as they were when this first happened.” - Heather Shutka Related top story: Weekend RCMP Search for missing person Ryan Shtuka concluded - June 2, 2021

2 Evacuation alert issued for Sun Peaks July 11, 2021 · By Joel Barde

This summer, Whitecroft residents faced an extended evacuation order while those in Sun Peaks and Heffley Lake had their bags packed under an evacuation alert due to the Embleton Mountain wildfire. BC Wildfire fought the blaze for 23 days and almost 950 hectares burned. This year is now recognized as one of the worst wildfire seasons on record in the province on record.

Related top story: Heffley Valley locals battle wildfire late into the night - July 20, 2021

The Embleton Mountain Wildfire in its beginning stages. Photo submitted.

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“Once I saw that the fire was so close, I was like, ‘Okay, that’s it. It’s going to come down. No one’s here [to fight it]….

Our houses are going to be gone tonight.”

- Clark Hooton

3 Concern grows about ski work exodus April 19, 2021 · By Joel Barde

A sign notifying residents and guests of a local COVID-19 outbreak in April 2021.

Photo by Joel Barde.

The pandemic and its effects on the local community was a top story throughout the year.

Sun Peaks saw a localized outbreak of positive cases in April, with just over 20 people testing positive. As seasonal workers across the province moved on after the end of the ski season, officials were concerned regarding the potential effects of those relocating to other communities.

“I think we’ve done the best we can.

Informing everybody. I would be shocked if there’s somebody in Sun Peaks today who is not aware that COVID is here and has been spread among a small group of people.” - Mayor Al Raine Related top story: COVID-19 testing to continue today as Sun Peaks cases rise - April 12, 2021

4 Adventure Studies course links mountain biking with reconciliation June 16, 2021 · Jarrett Hofmann

Exploring the beautiful trails of Chu Chua.

Photo supplied.

5 Family of bears destroyed in village Oct. 20, 2021 · Kayla Empey

A family of bears living in Sun Peaks.

File photo.

From our Bike Issue, this story looked north to the Simpcw First Nation’s partnership with Thompson Rivers University Adventure Studies 12 day field course, Trails to Reconciliation.

Students travel to different Indigenous communities in the Interior to help build biking trails while aiming to understand the impacts of community-based tourism development and learn about traditional land use.

“We’ve been in this valley forever. This valley was once a place where we roamed freely, hunted freely and [gathered] subsistence here. We live in harmony with nature and that doesn’t happen as easily now because of all the landowners. I want people to know we weren’t these people you see in movies that were poor starving Indians. [We] thrived and lived with nature, it wasn’t someplace where we suffered.” Thomas Eustache, Simpcw First Nation

A mother bear and her two cubs had to be euthanized this fall after becoming habituated to human sources of food. The loss of native wildlife has spurred some community members to revisit the community’s efforts towards a Bear Aware designation and resident education.

“It’s a sad situation that those bears had to pay the price for actions that could be improved.It’s the worst thing I’ve had to do in my career so far.” - Sgt. Mike Sanderson, Conservation Officer Service

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puzzles & business sports listings

IT'S A MYSTERY

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by Barbara Olson © ClassiCanadian Crosswords

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25 Apple messaging program 27 Fiction editor's pkgs.

28 "___ two, three, four!"(marching shout) 29 Fill fully, as a belly 31 Alastair of "A Christmas Carol" 32 Dot follower, on the Web 33 The other team

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37 Jimi Hendrix hairdo 39 French connections?

40 What a Catholic Father is not, ironically 41 Cleaned up the draft 43 Levy not charged in the N.W.T. 44 End of many religions 47 Nina and Santa Maria's companion 48 "?"

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51 Maj.'s superior 54 Prefix meaning "wine" 55 "?"

59 Large soup vessels 60 It "was white as snow," in a kid's song 61 Compound used to make plastic 62 Homeland, affectionately

1 Ethnic-based bigotry 2 Lyric poems 3 Some Dutch cheeses 4 "It's ___ nothing" 5 Law school deg.

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