Sun Peaks Independent News Volume 19 Issue 7

"The village of Sun Peaks in the fall, resting between the mountains of Mt. Tod, Sundance and Morrisey." -Photo Kyle James.

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Municipality to support pharmacy’s effort to become Canada Post outlet

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Swelkwek’welt: The ongoing cultural significance of the Sun Peaks area to the Secwépemc peoples

September 3 - October 21. 2021 Vol. 19, Issue 7

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IN THIS ISSUE FEDERAL ELECTION

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.

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14 For comments, questions and concerns contact us at: brandi@sunpeaksnews.com Visit us: sunpeaksnews.com 250 578 0276 editor@sunpeaksnews.com Sun Peaks, B.C.

Publisher & Managing Editor brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

JARRETT HOFMANN Community Journalist jarrett@sunpeaksnews.com

JOEL BARDE Community Journalist joel@sunpeaksnews.com

11

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

MUNICIPALITY TO SUPPORT PHARMACY’S EFFORT TO BECOME CANADA POST OUTLET

The Health Centre and Sun Peaks Resort react to the latest health information, and the municipality extends the deadline to legalize Burfield Dr. suites.

NEW HISTORICAL SOCIETY DOCUMENTS COMMUNITY'S PAST The new initiative spearheaded by several area locals will seek to document the community's history and display it to the public in new and novel ways.

8 SWELKWEK’WELT: THE ONGOING CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SUN PEAKS AREA TO THE SECWÉPEMC PEOPLES SPIN explores Indigenous traditional land usage and cultural meaning in Sun Peaks, and recent steps to recognize its significance.

10 MEET NEW CAO SHANE BOURKE

SONIA GARCÍA Layout & Graphic Designer sonia@sunpeaksnews.com

TTY 1-800-361-8935

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BRANDI SCHIER

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1-800-463-6868

The municipality's new CAO shares his goals for the position and initial impressions of the community.

The municipality and Sun Peaks Pharmacy feel there is a significant demand for a postal outlet in the community.

18 LOCAL RACERS WERE A FORCE AT RECENT MOUNTAIN BIKE EVENTS The 2021 Dunbar Summer Series and BC Cup DH Provincial Championships recently wrapped up with impressive finishes for area athletes.

20 SUN PEAKS RESORT REGULAR COMPETES IN INAUGURAL ADAPTIVE MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE Landon McGauley clinched podium finishes at every stop of the recent series.

22 CRANKWORX RETURNING TO SUN PEAKS Crankworx event scheduled for Sun Peaks, and other B.C. resorts, after the organization called off its traditional Whistler venue due to the pandemic.

local news

SUN PEAKS RESIDENTS ASKED TO ‘SOLDIER FORWARD’ DURING NEW PROVINCIAL HEALTH RESTRICTIONS

BURFIELD SUITE COMPLIANCE REZONING DEADLINE EXTENDED INTO SPRING 2022

By Jarrett Hofmann

By SPIN

828 vaccinations were administered in Sun Peaks at two rural vaccination clinics.

Photo SPIN.

Burfield Dr. is one of the original residential areas in the village and can be seen on the bottom right of the image. Photo Kyle James.

In late August, Dr. Bonnie Henry, the provincial health officer, issued new temporary health restrictions on gathering and events for the Interior, followed by a mask mandate for all of B.C. the following week.

Laura Bantock, executive director of the Sun Peaks Community Health Centre, is asking Sun Peaks residents to “soldier forward.”

While Bantock, or Interior Health Authority (IHA), don’t have public numbers on positive COVID-19 cases specific to the Sun Peaks area, Bantock said there are a few recent positive cases in our region.

“We’re only getting results on our registered patients,” Bantock said “I have to say, within our patient population, which includes Sun Peaks, the surrounding valleys and Kamloops, there are some positive COVID test results, but of course that doesn’t mean they’re in Sun Peaks.”

“I think that we just have to soldier forward, pay strict attention to public health guidelines and importantly having the mindset that we do have COVID circulating in our community and we should take every step to protect ourselves, even if you’re fully vaccinated.”

IHA told SPIN in an email a total of 828 vaccinations were distributed in Sun Peaks’ rural vaccination clinics to date, 721 of which were first doses and 97 second doses.

However, the number does not account for those who may have been vaccinated at other clinics. Sun Peaks second vaccination clinic was rescheduled due to the Embleton Mountain wildfire in July.

Bantock added although it’s hard to judge whether cases will trend up or down, it's best to look at the general, increasing trend in the health region.

“Just assume Sun Peaks is the same as any other small municipality or town [and know] the Interior is a bit of a hot spot.”

When asked about if the community generally seemed eager to get their vaccines, Bantock said the majority of people she’s spoken with are either fully vaccinated, or waiting for their second dose.

“I did speak to some residents who did have some hesitancy about getting the vaccine. One thing I heard a few times was they were afraid it would affect their fertility. My daughter and daughter-in-law are in that age group and I had no qualms, no questions, no hesitation [for them to be vaccinated] because it’s simply not true.”

In general though, Bantock said Sun Peaks has been very responsive to public health guidelines.

“I really do feel the shop owners, and everyone in the community, they’re very quick to act and very respectful.”

Bantock said if anyone has concerns about the vaccine, they are encouraged to call the clinic to schedule an appointment to speak with a health care provider about their concerns.

“I would welcome it if people had questions and just need some information, we’re happy to discuss this. We want people to get vaccinated and to clear up any misunderstandings.”

At the Aug. 17 regular council meeting Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipal (SPMRM) council decided to extend the application deadline for rezoning illegal suites on Burfieid Dr. to April 30, 2022.

Municipal staff cited several reasons for recommending the extension, including multiple complaints received from rental tenants of ‘renovictions’ at a crucial time to find accommodation for winter staff in an already extremely tight rental housing market. Council also noted it was a short-term solution to the larger housing scarcity issue and mentioned an upcoming request for proposals regarding a non-market employee housing strategy.

Staff also explained there were delays related to COVID-19, limited availability of building inspectors and application processing services through the Thompson Nicola Regional District.

Efforts to legalize suites have been underway since 2017. By the end of 2019 few applications had been submitted and council set a deadline of Oct. 31, 2021.

To date, only seven properties have been rezoned, with a dozen others currently undergoing the process. The majority of the 45 occupied lots on Burfield Dr. are stratified duplexes.

To legalize suites property owners must submit a site-specific rezoning amendment that includes a report by a certified code consultant outlining requirements to bring the property up to date with all code and bylaw regulations. Under current legislation, stratified duplexes are permitted only one auxiliary suite per side and any additional suites must be decommissioned.

Council stated they will be sending out an updated information package to owners on Burfield Dr. and said they do not force tenants to move out unless a suite is being decommissioned.

Property owners found to be in violation of the regulations after the deadline can face fines up to $1,000 per day and a bylaw contravention notice placed on the property title.

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RESORT REACTS TO VACCINE PASSPORTS, NEW RESTRICTIONS Keeping up with the new regulations is like trying to score a goal in soccer, “but the goalposts are on wheels,” Aidan Kelly said about the new provincial health mandate

By Jarrett Hofmann

Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, briefed the province on new health measures including a proof of vaccination program and reinstated restrictions on gatherings, events and restaurants for the Interior and a mask mandate last updated Aug. 26.

Now, businesses like Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) are trying to strategize on how to comply with new rules while remaining operable with the new vaccine passport program that comes into effect on Sept. 13.

“The current guidelines and program direction we’ve seen from the province of B.C., outdoor activities are not lumped in there at this time.” said Aidan Kelly, SPR’s chief marketing officer. “There’s no short-term impact for us in terms of the access for biking or skiing this winter.”

However, things are likely to change.

“The information is relatively new for everybody and we’ll learn more in the coming weeks as the [vaccine passport] programs deploy,” Kelly said.

“The way that you can continue to be successful is to be able to adjust quickly and efficiently. I think we've mostly proven our ability to do that. We and our guests were quite happy with how our operations were executed last summer, last winter, and this summer from a health and safety perspective. But we need to keep in mind the goalposts seem to be on wheels.”

SPR’s primary focus will be to put proof of vaccination programs in place for their indoor food and beverage outlets, any indoor events or gatherings and comply 100 per cent with up-to-date provincial health orders.

It’s yet to be decided if guests will require proof of vaccination come the winter.

“It’s not like all things indoors require proof of vaccination, like retail for example.

Once we get programs in place for food and beverage, that will then bring on more internal conversation for us in terms of, are there any other elements of the business where we feel it is important and do we have the ability to implement it for things? [like warming huts or other indoor areas of the resort].

Another ongoing conversation for SPR, and the province, is whether or not to require employees to prove their vaccination status, which they don’t currently require.

“It turns into a fairly complex scenario with a lot of nuances to it; it’s something we are paying fairly close attention to,” Kelly said.

“I would imagine that things will probably look fairly different come winter compared to what they look like today. What that is is anybody’s guess.”

The resort and village businesses are preparing for a second winter season under provincial health restrictions. Photo Zuzy Rocka.

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Residents of Kamloops and the Sun Peaks area save 20% on 18-hole green fees, Monday through Thursday.

Visit SunPeaksResort.com/golf or call 250.578.5431 to book your tee time.

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local news

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NEW HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO DOCUMENT COMMUNITY’S PAST The Sun Peaks Historical Society was recently incorporated as a non-profit society

By Joel Barde

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Though still a young resort community, the journey of the small Tod Mountain ski hill to international tourism destination will be the focus of the new Sun Peaks Historical Society.

The new initiative spearheaded by several area locals will seek to document the community's history and display it to the public in new and novel ways.

The Sun Peaks Historical Society was recently incorporated as a non-profit organization.

Over coffee at Bolacco Café (a Sun Peaks institution in and of itself), Nancy Greene Raine, one of the directors-at-large, noted some of the original founders of Tod Mountain are getting on in age.

"All of us agreed that it's a good time to form some kind of a history society in Sun Peaks, because the old timers are passing on," said Greene Raine.

In addition to Green Raine's support, the organization is being led by Kristin Passmore (president), Candise White (vice president), and archivist Peggy Leduc (secretary/treasurer).

Passmore's stepfather, Ian Mclaren, is the original owner of McSporties, and an iconic ski racer and local businessman whose father was one of the founders of Tod Mountain lift company.

"We have a lot of pictures and documents and trophies and things that we want to see go somewhere eventually," explained Passmore.

"So, that's something that motivates my involvement in the project."

Peggy Leduc will be spearheading the society's oral history project.

Leduc has written up procedures for interviewing people.

These will in turn be used to conduct interviews with key players in a historically sound manner.

In terms of inspiration, the society is looking at the Kamloops Museum and Archive Society as a strong example.

During coffee, Candice White explained her husband's family were among the early settlers of the Whitecroft Valley and helped

show early resort investors the lay of the land. "[My husband's] father took Harry Burfield and all the original investors up on horseback, up the mountain," she said.

The Society is committed to showing how surrounding area locals played a major role in the community and the resort's development.

"Sun Peaks is like a tree with roots that go deep into the valleys, and lots of people up and down the Heffley Louis Creek Valley were involved in the early days here," said Greene Raine.

Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality Councillor Mario Pozza is also volunteering with the society.

A longtime local who began coming to the mountain in the mid 80s, Pozza's ties run deep to the community.

"I've got several friends that have been here since the early 60s," he said.

The society will also take a look at the Indigenous history of the area and the First Nations demonstrations that took place in the early 2000s.

"It's very important to include an accurate history of what happened," said Passmore.

The society will ultimately look for grants, but Passmore said they will soon start asking the public to join on as members.

Membership will be offered for a modest price of between $15 and $20.

Greene Raine said in her view, the project will benefit from participation and once people join as a supporter, they will be able to upgrade their membership to be a voting member.

"An organization like this really does depend on people who are interested in doing some work," she said.

1. Pictured from left to right, leadership from the Sun Peaks Historical Association: Mario Pozza, Nancy Greene Raine, Kristin Passmore and Candise White.

2. The last ride on the old Burfiled chairlift in the early 2000s. On the chair is Maureen Kelly, then Ski Patrol Director, and Candise White, then Sports School Kids Supervisor. Also in the photo are Mark Faubert; the mountain manager, Dr. John Gossage, a young Justin Terwiel, Kay Chesley; former ski school director, Bridget Hemsted; a senior instructor and a host of others.

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FRANK CAPUTO ON SEPTEMBER 20

Conservative Candidate Frank Caputo with outgoing MP Cathy McLeod

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feature story

SWELKWEK’WELT: THE ONGOING CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SUN PEAKS AREA TO THE SECWÉPEMC PEOPLES Since time immemorial, the Secwépemc peoples have been travelling to Swelkwek’welt, now known as Sun Peaks, to learn about medicines, hunt and gather for sustenance and to take part in important spiritual training and ceremonies

By Jarrett Hofmann

long before the rapid development of sun peaks resort and surrounding community, Indigenous peoples from all the Secwépemc nation communities would gather at the Skwelkwek’welt campfire to take part in traditional teachings, ceremonies and practices.

The Skwelkwek’welt, or high alpine area, provided Secwépemc peoples with many important components of their lives, such as a variety of plant foods, hunting and fishing, and other necessities to sustain their traditional semi nomadic way of life. It was also a place to learn about and gather powerful medicines and to practise spiritual traditions and ceremonies.

“It’s what makes the Secwépemc peoples who they are,” said Tk’emlúps (Kamloops) Indian Band (KIB) councillor Jeanette Jules, who oversees titles and rights, legal files, community services, traditional language and cultural education for the KIB. “Without the area there would be no healing from medicines, no spiritual training to help people forge a path in life and no food to help the [Secwépemc peoples] live their way of life or thrive.”

Skwelkwek’welt is the traditional name of the area that emcompasses the settler-named Mt. Tod, Mt. Cahility, Mt. Morissey and Mt. Lolo areas, as well as Morrisey, McGillivary, Cahility and Eileen Lakes and all associated watershed systems.

The area is the shared responsibility of the lake district communities including Sexqeltqín (Adams Lake), Sk’atsin (Neskonlith) and Qw7ewt (Little Shuswap) bands. Originally these First Nations bands were one, but have since been divided. Many other Secwépemc peoples also have deep roots in the area.

According to Kúkpi7 (Chief) Judy Wilson of the Sk’atsin (Neskonlith) Indian Band, an ongoing traditional use study between Sk’atsin (Neskonlith) and Sexqeltqín (Adams Lake) 8

Indian Bands have documented and mapped traditional use sites for fishing, harvesting, hunting and significant and sacred cultural areas in the Skwelkwek’welt area.

“When I looked at the map there was a big bullseye right over the whole Sun Peaks area, meaning it was a heavily used area,” she explained. “That’s an important historical area to us, and well within our claims area.”

Swelkwek’welt was an important seasonal gathering area and different families had different gathering areas within Skwelkwek’welt.

Jules said her mother’s family gathered where the golf course currently sits and her grandmother’s family on her father’s side would gather between the village and Morrissey Lake.

Kúkpi7 (Chief) Wilson recalled a time when her family would travel up the mountain to forage different spiritual medicines, berries and basket weaving materials.

Her family and other Secwépemc peoples would travel on well known ancestral trails to move from Neskonlith to McGillavry Lake, and connect to other trail networks leading to the Simpcw (North Thompson) First Nation, Little Fort area, even as far as Williams Lake and other northern Secwépemc communities.

“We did research on the trail and it’s quite heavily indented from years of use. It was a bit overgrown but we were able to map it out,” Chief Wilson said.

The area of Sun Peaks is located in a larger historical region known as the Neskonlith Douglas Reserve set out by the first governor of B.C. James Douglas in 1862, encompassing over a million acres. This land claim was rejected by the federal government in the late 1990s. Like 95 per cent of the province, Sun Peaks sits on unceded land.

“We still have a claim of our entire initial reserve set out by James Douglas,” explained Kúkpi7 (Chief) Wilson.

Traditional land use People from all Secwépemc communities would gather in Skwelkwek’welt for many personal or seasonally significant reasons such as healing ceremonies, to celebrate and gather the first berries or fish of the season, learn about medicines or take part in spiritual journeys.

Secwépemc sweat lodge prayers, meditation and fasting, or E’tsxe, have been a long standing tradition of the Secwépemc peoples in the area between Mt. Tod, Mt. Cahilty, Mt. Morrisey and Mt. Lolo. Part of their E'tsxe was to set out for several days to find their Sné7e (guardian spirit).

In fact, a Secwépemc spiritual gathering was recently held on Mt. Lolo. “[Sné7e] would come and talk to you and help you in your path in life,” explained Jules. “A Sné7e can take the form of a grizzly bear, deer, owl, eagle or other spiritual animal form.”

Young Secwépemc peoples, who were deemed to have a gift for healing by elders, would come to the area to learn about the medicines from Shamans (medicine doctors) in the area, to learn how to mix and how or when to apply medicines.

“Balsam pitch, bark and inner bark that grows in the springtime were used [to strengthen your vascular system],” Jules explained. “Different columbines, which they called star medicines, were also gathered for medicinal purposes.”

Further information on the traditional uses of medicine was not disclosed by Jules to help protect her heritage.

“In order to learn all of the other pieces, you would have to go through your training, your E’tsxe,” said Jules.

Healing ceremonies were also important in the Skwelkwek’welt area, according to Kúkpi7 (Chief) Wilson.

“One elder in our community asked to be taken to the mountain when he was sick and

Left: Heffley Lake is part of the watershed of the traditionally significant area. SPIN photo.

Right: The view from the settler-named Mt. Morrisey area looking onto Mt. Tod, which make up part of a large historically and culturally important area to Secwepemc peoples.

asked to be left alone and picked up several days later. The elder foraged for medicine, called out to his spirit and sang his healing songs,” Kúkpi7 (Chief) Wilson said.

Kúkpi7 (Chief) Wilson said after the ceremony, the elder regained their health and lived to be quite old.

“That’s just an example of one ceremony and how our people can be healed, and the power of the medicines and the power of the connection we have with Mother Earth, the water and the animals of creation.”

Basic necessities gathered in the Skwelkwek’welt area by Secwépemc peoples include soapberry, blueberry, Saskatoon berries and huckleberry, Jules said.

Much of the teachings and knowledge shared by Jules and Kúkpi7 (Chief) Wilson has been passed down through generations orally.

Limited acknowledgement and archaeology SPMRM Mayor Al Raine opened a virtual council meeting with a territorial acknowledgment for the first time on Aug. 17, following suit with the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD).

“Obviously we have to be showing respect, so when the TNRD did a study and said ‘hey, it’s time to be doing the acknowledgements at a regional level,’ then we should support that by having acknowledgements at a municipal level. And I apologize, I should have done them sooner,” Raine said.

Kúkpi7 Chief Wilson said traditional land acknowledgments are the least SPMRM could currently do, and is something they have no choice on.

“Under UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples), municipalities are obligated [to acknowledge land]. It's part of our rights and they must be one of the last communities to do it,” Kúkpi7 (Chief) Wilson said.

Abby Wilson, (no relation to Kúkpi7 Wilson), a former Sun Peaks resident, has been an archaeologist for two years, and has been working with local First Nations in cultural resource management.

Part of her job is to go into areas being developed and see if there’s archaeological potential, test sites and evaluate findings.

“[Skwelkwek’welt] was a huge [cultural] area and right up until the resort was exponentially expanded it was regularly used [by the Secwépemc]. I think it is really important for people of Sun Peaks to understand and appreciate the rich history, and that there is in fact important history, and that white people didn’t create anything; we ruined it for them if anything.”

Abby said during her time in Sun Peaks, she was like many other residents and visitors, “ignorantly blissful,” unaware and uneducated on the cultural significance of the Skwelkwek’welt area and the impacts of rapid development by the resort on the local Indigenous peoples.

The Sun Peaks development took off in the early 2000s well before the Heritage Conservation Amendment Act by the order of B.C. 's minister of forests, lands and natural resources in 2019.

The amendment enabled the government to take more decisive action to conserve heritage and archeological sites and objects, said Doug Donaldson, then minister of forests, lands, natural resource operations and rural development.

Abby pointed to two existing archaeological inspection orders, one from 2000 regarding ski run expansion on Mt. Morrisey and one from 2013 for expansion into Gil’s ski area.

Sun Peaks Resort LLP did not comment on, or provide, archaeological reports in time for publication, however an archaeological assessment is planned for future village development.

“For the employee housing property that we’re looking at, that’s one of the reasons why we haven’t proceeded any quicker, is we haven’t yet got the approvals from the archaeological branch to conduct studies for those sites,” Raine said.

“The fact that there was reserve land here 150 years ago really means that they should be doing more archaeology,” Abby said.

Kúkpi7 (Chief) Wison echoed the sentiment.

“We had ministers tell us right out there was no consultation, no environmental studies. They have to correct the past. They have to be able to engage us in a respectful way, especially our people who are proper title holders.”

A return to Sun Peaks Today in Sun Peaks, visitors will see limited physical signs of the ongoing cultural significance of the area, however recent events point to potential better representation in the future and improved relations with specific First Nations bands in the region.

Eventually, cultural acknowledgments, including petroglyphs and historical photos of Secwépemc peoples, and historical representations are planned to be included on the floors and walls in the Sun Peaks Grand Hall in the newly built Sun Peaks Centre, according to Raine.

Recently, the Little Shuswap Band Chief, Oliver Arnouse accompanied by band councillors, blessed the Grand Hall and those working on the building.

Raine, SPMRM CAO Shane Bourke, and SPR general manager Darcy Alexander, also met with newly elected Adams Lake Indian Band Chief and band councillors.

“It’s extremely important that we continue to nurture a relationship with the bands,” said Raine. “It was a very positive start for building a relationship with Adams Lake [Indian Band].

We had an open, frank and honest discussion.

It was a very important step in building that relationship.”

For Jules, it’s important that residents and visitors understand Sun Peaks has thousands of years of history of Indigenous peoples, knowledge and teachings, not just chairlifts, hotels and recreation.

“My mom could not [believe] it when we brought her up to where she used to gather,” said Jules. “As we drove she’s looking around and everything’s changed. We went to the area where her family used to gather [and] where they would camp. Now there’s nothing but a golf course.

“Her great grandchildren really like skiing and snowboarding so she said ‘Okay, it’s another use for this, [I] don’t agree with that, but I understand it.’”

She said even though her mother could see the bright side, she said “It’s like a big piece of you has been ripped away.”

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local news

MEET NEW CAO SHANE BOURKE The following interview has been edited for clarity.

SPIN caught up with Shane Bourke, Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality’s (SPMRM) new chief administrative officer (CAO), while he was reviewing capital projects “to see what [SPMRM] can wrap up before the snow flies.”

SPIN: Can you introduce yourself to SPIN’s readers?

Bourke: I am 46 years old, I was born just north of Edmonton in a small community of 600 people. After university, where I studied political science with a minor in commerce, I moved to Ottawa for 18 years where I worked for the federal government dealing in things like economic development and infrastructure in different public safety and national security files. Then I moved to Grand Prairie, [Alta.] where I joined the municipality for a number of roles including director of corporate services.

SPIN: What brought you to the mountains and why did you choose Sun Peaks?

Bourke: I moved here August long weekend with my wife Robin, 17-year-old son Seth and 12-year-old daughter Reese who is going into grade seven here while [Seth] splits his time between South Kamloops [Highschool] for a semester to finish his French immersion [requirements].

It was the mountain that brought me here.

I always had a plan to move to the Interior of B.C. and to join a growing municipality where I had a chance to get a few ski days in. It was tough to pass up [the opportunity]. My family is always up for some adventure so it really is about quality of life and it’s tough to beat what Sun Peaks has to offer.

SPIN: For sure, I think Sun Peaks is a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to resort municipalities in B.C. Bourke: For me it really was about being able to see what it has to offer and how ambitious everybody is to deliver a small town feeling but willing to see some growth and some changes in the municipality. We have that chance to be a world class mountain resort community and I want to be a part of that plan to grow it.

SPIN: So what are your goals for the municipality in your first year as CAO? Bourke: A lot of that is still being worked out with [SPMRM] council. Really, it’s to come up with a plan to grow and to provide more recreation opportunities and services for the community that we can afford⸺that always has to be a key piece of this as we keep growing, the demand on the services and facilities that we provide. We are also hoping to secure a few grants to speed those things up.

SPIN: Can you provide some examples?

Bourke: High on the list is making sure our health facility is meeting the needs. I know they’re working on the expansion to put in an ambulance bay. There’s a little work to do on the rink to make it a little more functional too.

Some of the things that are big on my list is to work with the school board and community to provide increased daycare opportunities and education facilities through permanent infrastructure here for our growing community.

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SPIN spoke with new SPMRM CAO Shane Bourke about stepping into his new role

By Jarrett Hofmann

Shane Bourke. Photo provided.

Adding on to that is to look at the housing affordability and availability for those working in the community. Council and I will be having lots of discussion to find out what model makes sense to add some more supply to make that available to those working in our community.

SPIN: That’s definitely a major crux across a lot of B.C. resort communities.

Bourke: The fortunate thing is that there’s lots [of communities] that are a little bit ahead of us.

There’s lots of models, it’s just now how do we decide the structure of it, how do we assemble land, how do we start securing other levels of government funding for these things and how do we start building structures so they’re available.

We’re going to look at what worked for those other communities, let's talk to them and then write down a plan. There are still some steps to take before there are shovels in the ground, but the supply issue on non-market housing is a high priority for council to address.

SPIN: What are those steps?

Bourke: Talking to those communities that have different models in place. Council just passed a motion to allow us to hire a consultant to do some of that leg work for us and write a report so we have a playbook that we can start actioning. Earlier in the spring there was a needs assessment, so we know there’s demand and the municipality has a housing authority structured, now we need to put some resources into that to get it doing some work. When we talk in a year, I hope to show some action but it’s a long-term thing.

SPIN: What action would make you feel like you’re moving toward that goal in one year?

Bourke: Within a year, if we can find a project that we are ready to invest in and have secured grant funding for. Really, having a project to start moving forward on and getting

some buy-in from the community would be good within a year.

SPIN: Any other big issues you want to talk about besides housing, childcare and school?

Bourke: No, really I’m just learning about all the nuances of living in Sun Peaks and I want to make sure I’m not heading down a path that someone has already tried. I’m definitely open to new ideas to find out what’s best for all of us here.

SPIN: There was a CAO vacancy for a long time. What does it look like for you getting started?

Bourke: I’ve got to say that I’m really proud of the employees that kept files moving over the last seven months. Coming here they really provided me with a chance to get my feet wet and to learn some things before moving into anything critical. They did the community proud during COVID and the wildfire and managed things well and really stepped up. Now I am hoping to take some weight off them to move some files forward before the snow flies.

SPIN: And how about those capital projects you mentioned you were looking at? What’s going on there?

Bourke: Just buttoning up some small things on the rink to finalize, the Health Association secured that grant for the ambulance bays, which we are going to help out with some of the project since we and the resort own the main building there. And then with the rink it’s just some odds and ends to polish it off like that score clock, change rooms and curtains.

SPIN: What’s the biggest difference you’ve noticed moving from Grand Prairie to Sun Peaks in your short time here so far?

Bourke: Municipal issues are the same, no matter the municipality that you come from.

You still have to have a plan to plow the roads and provide water. Really it’s just the scale; Grand Prairie was a little more advanced in their infrastructure so I’m hopeful I can use the lessons learned in Grand Prairie to help us advance some of the projects here.

The biggest difference here is the small town.

It's been great to do the village stroll and have people introduce me to others and hear about their experience in the community. That’s really what I wanted was to have a community where I could know about all the things that are happening and to be a part of making it better.

SPIN: And what is your favorite part of Sun Peaks so far?

Bourke: I have to say, I enjoy the morning walk to work when it’s a little crisp out and clear of smoke. Everything about mountain life and being able to walk everywhere in the fresh air, and the scenery has been good.

SPIN: Anything you’re really looking forward to?

Bourke: Ski season, the third week of November. I’m definitely looking to get in a few runs.

SPIN: Have you skied here before?

Bourke: Just a few days in February and I fell in love with it. The diversity of terrain and quality of snow makes it a great place to ski. So far The Sticks is my favourite and my family’s favourite run. It's such a unique experience and I look forward to hitting The Sticks as many times as I can.

MUNICIPALITY TO SUPPORT PHARMACY’S EFFORT TO BECOME CANADA POST OUTLET Federal government denied original application

By SPIN

OFFERING INDOOR AND OUTDOOR CLASSES ALL SUMMER LONG!

WWW.SUNPEAKSYOGA.CA Clancy O'Malley and Tony Rinaldi in the Sun Peaks Pharmacy.

Photo SPIN.

INFO@SUNPEAKSYOGA.CA At a July council meeting, Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) council agreed to provide a letter of support regarding the Sun Peaks Pharmacy’s application to become a Canada Post retailer by outlining the need for accessible postal service in the community.

“The council writing a letter will likely put a bit of pressure on Canada Post knowing the whole community wants it,” said Tony Rinalidi, manager of Sun Peaks Pharmacy, which opened its doors in October 2020. “I’m hoping with time and with that little pressure from the community that it’ll result in us being able to be some kind of outlet.”

In the meeting, council heard the pharmacy’s original application was denied based on a vague combination of location, accessibility and need.

Currently, the nearest location is in Heffley Creek, which is over 35 kilometers away and residents must have a permanent address to be given a community mailbox in Sun Peaks.

Mayor Al Raine stated he felt there was a clear need for a postal outlet in the community.

Raine noted Sun Peaks is home to 1,000 to 1,200 permanent and parttime residents, plus an additional 1,000 employees in peak periods.

The 2016 census put the population at 616 residents with a growth rate of around 13 per cent, making it the fastest growing municipality in the province. The 2020 census numbers have not yet been released.

Councillor Ines Popig said recipients of larger packages currently have trouble accessing their parcels, specifically seasonal residents with limited transportation to Heffley Creek.

“Canada Post only leaves parcels that fit in the larger compartments in the [community] mailboxes,” she said. “When we get a lot of temporary workers during the winter, they don’t have a postal address, they will not be given a postal box. So, if there was an arrangement made so there was a postal service up here and they can pick it up then that would be very helpful for those people.”

Rinaldi said the pharmacy has recently become a Purolator pick-up and drop-off location.

“I’m actually hoping that will work in our favor, the fact that we’re already doing some mail services.”

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Serving the Sun Peaks, Shuswap, Salmon Arm & Kamloops Regions 9 - 3 2 5 0 V I L L A G E W A Y, S U N P E A K S B C

S O T H E B Y S R E A LT Y. C A OPEN DAILY 9 TO 5 IN THE VILLAGE STROLL AT SUN PEAKS 250.578.7773 SUNPEAKSCOLLECTION.COM

Be a partBe of Sun Peaks a part newest community

of Sun Peaks newest community WHERE MODERN LIVING MEETS MOUNTAIN HISTORY

REGISTER NOW to ensure you are kept up to date on the next phase release for Peaks West.

WHERE MODERN LIVING MEETS MOUNTAIN HISTORY

PEAKSWEST.CA

The developer reserves the right to modify or change plans, specifications, features and prices without notice. Materials may be substituted with equivalent or better at the developer’s sole discretion. Variable conditions occur throughout the development. All dimensions and sizes are approximate and are based on architectural measurements. This is not an offering for sale and such offer can only be made by Disclosure Statement E.&O.E.

Coming soon PEAKS WEST PHASE 3 TOWNHOMES

REGISTER NOW to ensure you are kept up to date on the next phase release for Peaks West.

1240 ALPINE ROAD, SUN PEAKS, BC

Call our office 250.578.7773 or visit online to receive information on this project.

PEAKSWEST.CA

GST applicable along with Developers Disclosure Statement.

The developer reserves the right to modify or change plans, specifications, features and prices without notice. Materials may be substituted with equivalent or better at the developer’s sole discretion. Variable conditions occur throughout the development. All dimensions and sizes are approximate and are based on architectural measurements. This is not an offering for sale and such offer can only be made by Disclosure Statement E.&O.E.

PHASE 3 TOWNHOUSES OFFERED FOR SALE

Burfield West - 80% Sold out!

THE PENTHOUSE COMING SOON TO MARKET!

113 0 Sun PeakS Road Sun PeakS BC

1 1 3 0 S U N P E A K S R OBurfield A D ,West S captures U N the P Eessence A KofS , B C 2

oR

3 BED

2 B AT H

2 CAR

contemporary mountain living with sweeping mountain views. Burfield West is ideally located just steps away from the Burfield Chairlift. These

stylish and contemporary plus de n, Newly occupancy.

Burfield West 2isbedroom an architecturally P E N T H constructed O U S E - 5 B E D 4 Band AT H under 3 CAR 3 bedroom plus storage lock off condos and designed, five storey building featuring ten boutique condos, one luxury penthouse, commercial space, offer authentic mountain living FORand SALE retail commercial storage spaces. topsetting. floor Spacious penthouse has provide 5 bedrooms, 5 in The a natural floor plans Priced from $549,900 bathrooms, 2 outdoor decks, direct elevator outstanding 360 degree freedom toaccess play, restand and come together, with EXCLUSIVELY both indoor and outdoor areas designed for the mountain views.LISTED BY Gianpiero Furfaro FRI, Managing Broker

way you want to live, inspired and embraced by the vibrant landscape that surrounds you.

250 578 7773 Unit 202 is a two-bedroom, additionalCompletion FULL-SIZED den which can be easily used as expected early 2021.

W W W. B U R FI E L DW E S T.CO M a third bedroom, two bath mountain home features quartz countertops, stainless appliances, and a large covered deck with views directly to Mt. Tod. Building has secure heated parking and dedicated storage. Appliances & furnishings included.

Walk to chairlift. Zoned for short or long term rentals. Visit burfieldwest.com.

L I M I T E D R E M A I N . AC T N O W !

All plans are subject to any amendments approved by the relevant authority. Rendering and illustrations are artist’s impressions only and cannot be regarded as representations of facts. The developer reserves the right to modify or change plans, specifications, features and prices without notice. Materials may be substituted with equivalent or better at the developer’s sole discretion. All dimensions and sizes are approximate and are based on the architectural measurements. This is not an offering for sale and such can only be made by Disclosure Statement E&OE. Sotheby’s International Realty is Independently owned and operated.

AVAILABLE FOR SALE: UNIT 202 RETAIL SPACE COMMERCIAL STORAGE

E XC LU S I V E LY L I ST E D B Y

G I A N P I E R O F U R FA R O FRI, MANAGING BROKER

Call our office 250.578.7773 or visit online to receive information on this project.

GST applicable along with Developers Disclosure Statement.

burfieldwest.com All plans are subject to any amendments approved by the relevant authority. Rendering and illustrations are artist’s impressions only and cannot be regarded as representation of facts. The developer reserves the right to modify or change plans specifications, features and prices without notice. Materials may be substitute with equivalent or better at the developer’s sole discretion. All dimensions and sizes are approximate and are based on the architectural measurements. This is not an offering for sale and such can only be made by Disclosure Statement E&OE.

YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS

HELEN JONES OFFICE ADMIN

COSENS TEAM SALES REPRESENTATIVE & UNLICENSED ASSISTANT

DARLA MILLER PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

GIANPIERO FURFARO MANAGING BROKER

LYNN EWART SALES REPRESENTATIVE

RACHEL STONE SALES REPRESENTATIVE

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.

LIZZ LUZNY OFFICE ADMIN

SOTHEBYSREALTY.CA

C P T

Serving the Sun Peaks, Shuswap, Salmon Arm & Kamloops Regions 9 - 3 2 5 0 V I L L A G E W A Y, S U N P E A K S B C

S O T H E B Y S R E A LT Y. C A OPEN DAILY 9 TO 5 IN THE VILLAGE STROLL AT SUN PEAKS 250.578.7773 SUNPEAKSCOLLECTION.COM NEW LISTING

$1,695,000 gst applicable

$1,595,000 gst applicable

$1,190,000

2439 Fairways Drive, Sun Peaks, BC

2401 Fairways Drive, Sun Peaks, BC

23 Woodhaven, Sun Peaks, BC

BEDS: 5 BATHS: 5 3,923 SQ. FT.

BEDS: 5 BATHS: 4 3,167 SQ. FT.

BEDS: 4 BATHS: 3.5 1,820 SQ. FT.

Superb craftsmanship and creative design surround upon entering this remarkable custom log-built home. Open living area features a vaulted ceiling & panoramic views, natural rock fireplace, gourmet kitchen with custom cabinets. One bedroom furnished revenue suite. RS-1 zoning.

Highly sought after 3+2-bedroom with stunning panoramic views & near ski-way! Short walk to village & main lifts. Long term tenant in lower suite.

Open concept living area, abundance of sunlight, chef style kitchen, quartz counters & more. RS-1 zoning.

Level entry, ski in/out end unit townhome. Beautifully crafted this home should not be missed! Offering privacy and sunny unobstructed views!

Meticulously maintained with plenty of updates and upgrades. Single car garage with additional storage in lower-level. TA-1 zoning.

NEW CONSTRUCTION | RETAIL SPACE

NEW CONSTRUCTION

$876,000 gst applicable

NEW CONSTRUCTION

$799,900 gst applicable

$749,900 gst applicable

CRU C Burfield West, Sun Peaks, BC

54 Peaks West, Sun Peaks, BC

202 Burfield West, Sun Peaks, BC

1,460 SQ. FT.

BEDS: 3 BATHS: 2.5 1,585 SQ. FT.

BEDS: 2 + DEN BATHS: 2 1,240 SQ. FT.

Commercial space 1,460 sq.ft. with 12 ft. ceilings, open space with loading bay. Corner location, ground level, loading bay, excellent exposure on the main road into Sun Peaks, directly across from Burfield Chairlift. Commercial Storage spaces also available for sale Visit burfieldwest.com. RC-1.

PHASE 3 - Final phase of the Peaks West Development! Ski-in/ski-out to the Burfield Chairlift, be inspired by the mountain and valley views and relish in the nostalgia of being a part of Sun Peaks newest community peakswest.ca. RC-1 zoning.

Ski in/out of this spacious and bright, mountain home. Quartz countertops, stainless appliances, large, covered deck with views directly to Mt. Tod, lockable owner storage in unit and underground garage, plus two heated parking spaces. Directly across the road from the Burfield chairlift. RS-1.

QUARTER OWNERSHIP

$349,900 gst applicable

$107,000 gst applicable

$225,000 gst applicable

312 Fireside Lodge, Sun Peaks, BC

308 Cahilty Hotel & Suites, Sun Peaks, BC

1310 B The Residences, Sun Peaks, BC

BEDS: 1 BATHS: 1 501 SQ. FT.

BEDS: 1 BATHS: 1 439 SQ. FT.

BEDS: 2 BATHS: 1 770 SQ. FT.

Gorgeously finished ski-in/out apartment. Full kitchen and private balcony. Turnkey investment or move in and enjoy resort lifestyle. Engineered wood flooring, granite countertops and beautifully decorated home make this mountain home feel luxurious. Furnished. CC-1 zoning.

Prime ski-in/out with unlimited owner use. Fully furnished, one bedroom loft with full kitchen, sofa bed & bathroom. Professionally managed with 24-hour concierge, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, exercise room, restaurant and secure underground heated parking. CC-1 zoning.

QUARTER OWNERSHIP Luxurious fully furnished apartment offers owners and guests true ski in/ski out convenience, central village location, and use of hotel amenities such as pools, hot tubs, gym, sauna, restaurants, ski & bike valet, room service and more. CC -1 zoning.

QUARTER OWNERSHIP

$89,500 gst applicable

1302 C The Residences, Sun Peaks, BC BEDS: 1 BATHS: 1 735 SQ. FT. QUARTER OWNERSHIP Luxurious fully furnished apartment offers owners and guests true ski in/ski out convenience, central village location, and use of hotel amenities such as pools, hot tubs, gym, sauna, restaurants, ski & bike valet, room service and more. CC-1 zoning.

HELEN JONES OFFICE ADMIN

COSENS TEAM SALES REPRESENTATIVE & UNLICENSED ASSISTANT

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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.

LIZZ LUZNY OFFICE ADMIN

SOTHEBYSREALTY.CA

arts

ONE DAY WITH DAVID Renowned artist David Langevin will teach workshop after two years of rescheduling due to the pandemic

By Jarrett Hofmann

SPIN spoke with David Langevin, who will be instructing a one-day painting workshop on Sept. 17 in Sun Peaks, while he was in the middle of working on an oil based painting collection that won’t be ready until Christmas.

The workshop will take place at the Sun Peaks skating rink from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and cost $100 for Sun Peaks ArtZone members and $120 for non-members.

The upcoming event has been “upcoming” for some time now, after being pushed back several times over the past two years due to COVID-19 provincial health restrictions.

Students will be required to bring their own acrylic paint (heavy body and fluid if possible), brushes, rags, water container, palettes, two canvases or boards approximately 16 by 20 inches in size and gloss or Golden Sac 500 mediums.

However, no previous experience is required of the students.

Langevin, who is known for his glazes, veils and layering, will guide students through the difficulties of using those

14

techniques to add water, whether it be a flat lake or dynamic waterfall, into their own art pieces.

“The advantage with acrylic [paints], especially for a workshop like this, is they dry much faster than oil [paints],” Langevin explained.

This means the acrylic paintings can be completed in a single day, perfect for the one-day workshop.

“I can do demonstrations of the glazing, veiling and multiple layering techniques quickly with the acrylic paint, with oil it would take days to dry.”

Langevin has depth of experience in the art realm. He holds a degree in Fine Arts, he self taught some of “the old masters” techniques from the Renaissance period, has several years of teaching high school art classes and 30 years of teaching workshops.

“I’ve been teaching all of the kind of stuff that I wish I would have learned when I was in art school,” Langevin said. “ I didn’t really enjoy my experience in school getting a degree in Fine Arts. It was a brutal waste of time because

The image is "A Lot of Everything", an acrylic work by workshop host and local artist David Langevin. Photo submitted.

I didn't learn how to be a better painter and I didn’t learn how to make a living at it.”

Langevin developed a central theme surrounding western landscapes which initially proved a difficult commodity to sell while living in eastern Canada.

“I came out west 30 years ago because of my style. I started painting these funky tree portraits, rocks, trees, stuff like that. I wasn’t getting my art career going very [well] in Montreal; a couple galleries said I’d probably do better out west.”

Langevin took their advice to heart and immediately relocated to continue painting his well known tree portraits as well as mountains, water and waterfalls which imitate western landscapes.

While the snow covered trees of Sun Peaks have been a regular motivation for Langevin, he admits he’s not the best skier, even though this year his art will be featured on a pair of skis from a company called J Skis, based out of the U.S. “They took a cross section of one of my paintings, put them on some limited edition skis which just became available this month. They also sent me a pair, which I’m going to bring up to Sun Peaks and try out.”

To find out more about Langevin, visit his website at davidlangevin.com or follow him on Instagram @langevin_david. To get your hands on a pair of skis featuring his artwork visit jskis.com and find the ‘Larches David Langevin x J Collab’ model.

Langevin’s work can also be found at the Lone Wolf Gallery in Sun Peaks’ village core.

ArtZone Sun Peaks is also holding a Macrame Workshop with local Susana Vijaya in late September. Additional information can be found at artzonesunpeaks.com/events.

15

events

HOW TO VOTE IN SUN PEAKS A voting options checklist curated by Elections Canada.

Photo provided.

The next federal election is set for Sept. 20

By SPIN

FEDERAL ELECTION

Voter’s checklist Get to know your voting options and choose what works best for you.

No matter how you vote, keeping you healthy and safe is our priority If you plan to vote by mail, don’t wait, apply now at elections.ca.

Make sure you’re registered at your current address

List of registered electors

At your assigned polling station on election day Voter Information Card

Federal Election

Carte d’information de l’électeur 3122778

Élection fédérale

To vote, you must: • be a Canadian citizen • be at least 18 years old on election day • prove your identity and address

Pour voter, vous devez : • être citoyen canadien • avoir au moins 18 ans le jour de l’élection • prouver votre identité et votre adresse

Visit elections.ca to know what ID is accepted.

Visitez elections.ca pour connaître les pièces d’identité acceptées.

Bring this card with you, along with ID, to make the voting process easier.

Apportez cette carte et vos pièces d’identité pour faciliter le vote.

Incorrect name or address?

Check your registration at elections.ca.

Nom ou adresse incorrects?

3122778

To the Elector : DOE, JOHN 123 MAIN STREET ANYTOWN ON K1A 5T7 À l’électeur : DOE, JOHN 123, RUE MAIN ANYTOWN ON K1A 5T7 35012 093-0

96

remplacement

Watch for your voter information card in the mail

elections.ca

At your assigned polling station on advance polling days Make a plan to vote

Find out who the candidates are in your riding

By mail: visit elections.ca to see if voting by mail is the right choice for you (deadlines apply)

At any Elections Canada office across Canada (deadlines apply) Bring ID when you go to vote

Visit elections.ca for the official information on voting and the health and safety measures in place 1-800-463-6868

16

elections.ca

TTY 1-800-361-8935

With the last federal election in the fall of 2019, followed by a provincial election in 2020, casting your vote may seem like an old hat. But just in case you’re looking for information on how to vote on or by Sept. 20, or are new to Sun Peaks, we’ve put together some facts for you.

Currently, the Sun Peaks election day voting station is set for the Sun Peaks Grand hotel. Be sure to double check this location on elections.ca or on sunpeaksnews.com in case of change before election day. It will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you registered to vote in the last federal election, a voter registration card will be on its way to you via your mailing address.

If all the included personal information is correct, simply bring this card with you along with your accepted ID for an easy voting process.

If you haven’t yet registered to vote, head online or to any Elections Canada office to do so by Sept. 14. You can also register to vote at your polling station on election day. If you’re unsure of your status, check the online voter registration service on elections.ca or at 1-800-463-6868.

If you prefer to avoid the busy election day, voters can choose to vote by mail or vote in advance. To vote by mail, head to the Elections Canada website to request your ballot by Sept. 14. Be sure you plan to vote this way, as once this ballot is issued you can’t vote using other methods.

Advance voting days take place from Sept. 10 to 13, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The nearest advance polling station is currently set to be located at Heffley Creek Elementary, in Heffley Creek about 35 km from Sun Peaks.

If you are living or working in Sun Peaks temporarily, and do not have a permanent address in the area, you can vote at any Elections Canada office before Sept. 14 using the special ballot process. This allows you to vote in your home riding, anywhere in Canada, by providing proof of address and accepted ID. The nearest office is located in the Northhills Shopping Centre in Kamloops.

For more information, go to elections.ca or visit the Elections Canada office for the Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo riding in the Northhills Shopping Centre, which is open Mondays to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.

puzzles

TOOLING AROUND

by Barbara Olson © ClassiCanadian Crosswords

Across 1 Min. concerned with farming 4 Toronto Raptors' org.

7 Betas' followers 13 After-dinner drinks swirled in snifters 16 Hands-on-hips stance 17 Smoothing tool used in churchy regions?

19 "___ Without a Cause" 20 Word said sternly while pointing at the door 21 Wing: Fr. 22 Boring tool for young feminists?

26 Dialogue writer's word 27 Taking Aleve, say 28 Country's econ. output 31 Happy Meal component 33 "Don't fall for it, it's ___!"

37 Whatchamacallit wood cutting tools?

42 Green growths in a fishtank 43 Low sound?

44 Its capital is Yellowknife: Abbr.

45 U.S. penny word 48 Drive home one's point?

51 Gadget for sizing up bureaucratic baloney?

57 Letters on a crucifix 58 Saturday churchgoers: Abbr.

59 Biden predecessor 61 Ceremonial smoking device

that doubles as a twisting tool?

65 Confessor's words 66 Hot remedy for a sore throat.

67 Rat out 68 "The ___ is near" (doomsday sign) 69 Nevertheless

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 18 23 24 25 28 29 30 32

For short, for short "Peer Gynt" composer Edvard Bar Mitzvah overseer Point of calligraphy?

Insect in a comb Equally base, or bass Intestinal opening?

Letters before an alias Slender mosque towers 2502, in Ancient Rome "That rings ___" Quebec city near Joliette Cardinals but not Jays, briefly ___ Falls, Canada's highest cascade (Strathcona Park, B.C.) Day 3, on a cal.

Donair bread Khloé Kardashian's ex Lamarr ___ "Rupaul's ___ Race" Ontario's cap. city and region Senators' club, for short Slop - or sloppy - eater Thanksgiving veggie

34 Wasn't colourfast 35 "Too cute!"

36 Levy not charged in 44-Across 38 Ship-related 39 Actress Rowlands of "The Notebook" 40 Ex- Blue Jay Bautista 41 Bitty bit 46 Sudden, spiralling rise 47 Health-related prefix 49 Houston baseball pro 50 Abigail Van ___, of "Dear Abby" fame 51 Red Bull rival 52 When the weather is nice "à Nice" 53 Speaking style in the U.S. South 54 Tree that may be tapped 55 Like the last of the litter 56 Awards show host 60 "Dandy," in hip hop-speak 62 "___ Beso" (Anka's "That Kiss!")

63 Tennyson's twilight 64 Hyped threat of the Iraq War, briefly

It's No Big Thing - solution

Down

17

sports

LOCAL RACERS WERE A FORCE AT RECENT MOUNTAIN BIKE EVENTS The 2021 Dunbar Summer Series and BC Cup DH Provincial Championships recently wrapped up with impressive finishes for area athletes

By Jarrett Hofmann

A group shot of some of the Sun Peaks racers at the Big White stop of the series.

Several locals reached the podium this season. Photo submitted.

18

Downhill mountain bike races, including the 2021 Dunbar Summer Series, which hosted combined Canada Cup and BC Cup DH events, and the BC Cup DH Provincial Championships, recently wrapped up with many locals reaching the podium in the various events.

The 2021 Dunbar Summer Series took place July 18 to 25 with stops in Fernie and Invermere, B.C. with two combined Canada Cup and BC Cup DH events and wrapped up with the Canadian National Championship at Kicking Horse Resort outside of Golden, B.C. Most recently, the BC Cup DH Provincial Championship took place at Big White from Aug. 6 to 8.

It was a rough start in Fernie as Brock Hawes and Drake Walker of Sun Peaks were both unable to finish their races. Hawes' woe was due to a flat tire and Walker’s a disqualification.

Mastin Hooper of Heffley Creek finished in a solid 10th place in the Junior Sport Men category and James Eastcott of Whitecroft was unable to complete the race due to mechanical issues.

At Panorama Resort in Invermere, B.C., things improved for the local racers.

Hawes found the top of the podium against the largest group of competitors with an eight second difference between himself and the next racer in the U17 Sport Men category. Meanwhile, Eastcott and Ethan Hooper of Heffley Creek finished 15 seconds apart placing 37th and 38th respectively.

Fellow Sun Peaks local, Walker, finished in the number two spot of the Sport/Expert Elite Men category with a time

Sunny

of 3 minutes and 25 seconds, only .37 seconds behind the winner Colby Pringle of North Vancouver.

In the 17 to 18 year-old Junior Sport Men category, Mastin Hooper improved on his 10th place finish in Fernie with a ninth place finish in Panorama.

At the Canadian Nationals held at Kicking Horse Resort in Golden, B.C. the men built on their forward momentum.

In the U17 Sport Men category, Hawes continued his dominance with another first place finish, this time snuffing out the competition by a whopping six seconds after overcoming mechanical challenges which took away his practice run.

Eastcott improved on his 37th place finish at Panorama Resort with a 32nd place finish in the U17 Sport Men category.

Walker was also forced to deal with mechanical issues but teamed up with fellow McSporties bike mechanic Hawes to swap out a flat front tire and defective front brake.

Walker defied the odds and topped the podium after narrowly completing the repair a mere two minutes before the beginning of the race and finished almost ten seconds faster than second place racer Marcus Cant from Kamloops, B.C. In the BC Cup DH Provincials at Big White more podium finishes were claimed by local father and daughter duo.

Kiera Melnechuk secured the silver medal in her race while her father, and Sun Peaks Resort’s Bike Park coordinator, Shawn Melnechuk, got the bronze medal in the Men’s 45-55 year-old Sport category.

A Lifetime of Bright Smiles

SHORES DENTAL

Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 4:30 pm 1-1222 Tranquille Road Kamloops, B.C V2B 3K2 (250) 554-2032

DR. PERRY VITORATOS DR. BRIAN FOO

SLEEP DENTISTRY | EMERGENCIES | DENTURES | IMPLANTS 19

sports

SUN PEAKS RESORT REGULAR COMPETES IN INAUGURAL ADAPTIVE MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE

Landon McGauley racing his way to a third place finish at the National Championship in Golden, B.C. Photo credit Adam Price.

20

Landon McGauley was the first ever athlete to race in the Adaptive E-Assist category at the 2021 Dunbar Series mountain bike race events

By Jarrett Hofmann

After a mountain bike race accident at Sun Peaks Resort caused Landon McGauley to become paraplegic in 2010, it was hard for him to believe he'd ever be back in the starting gate. But that's exactly what happened at the 2021 Dunbar Series, where he clinched podium finishes at every stop.

“All I wanted to do was ride my mountain bike when I was a kid, and that was taken away from me,” McGauley said. “It’s something I care about so much and to be able to do it at a fairly high level is pretty special and not something I am taking for granted.”

At the first stop in Fernie, B.C from July 16 to 18, McGauley’s name was drawn first in a seeding draw to determine the starting order of racers in the first ever Adaptive E-Assist category.

“I thought I did a pretty good run. And then, you know, thankfully everyone made it down and no one was able to knock me out of that top spot,” said McGauley. “It’s pretty cool to see everyone come down [while I] stayed in the hot seat. And also because the last race I did, I broke my back.”

Fraught with emotion, McGauley took a moment to collect himself before celebrating.

After his victory in Fernie, McGauley sought a repeat at the next, most difficult race course, in Panorama Resort outside of Invermere, B.C., which took place July 20 and 21.

“Panorama was definitely the gnarliest of the three, I loved it,” McGauley said. “There were root drops everywhere, no smooth corners, they were all rocky and steep which is what I really like to ride.”

Unfortunately McGauley’s aggressive strategy resulted in a crash during his practice lap, which shook his confidence.

“The crash got in my head, I needed to get through that section so I played it a little safer than I would have liked and ended up getting third,” he explained.

“Everyone was stoked at the bottom and there were no real bad crashes or anything like that. I think people were pretty amazed to see what the bikes were capable of in that race.”

The 2021 Dunbar Series ended with the National Championships at Kicking Horse Resort in Golden, B.C., the following weekend, where McGauley’s time of 8:14.07 had him sitting in second place.

“I got a fairly clean run down and it worked well. I was in second place until the last guy came down and beat me. It was pretty exciting,” McGauley remembered.

Overall, McGauley was “pretty stoked” to finish third at the National Championships and to have his parents there, who he said were “pretty emotional” to see him race on a mountain bike again.

McGauley also wanted to thank everyone who helped him get back into racing including the Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association, Dunbar Cycles and the High Five Foundation.

For the rest of the summer, McGauley can be caught riding his favourite Sun Peaks Resort Bike Park trails including Canada Line, Steam Shovel and Mach.

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21

sports

CRANKWORX RETURNING TO SUN PEAKS Crankworx event scheduled for Sun Peaks, and other B.C. resorts, after the organization called off its traditional Whistler venue due to the pandemic

FIRST EVER CANADIAN E-BIKE ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP SLATED FOR SUN PEAKS A first of its kind enduro event scheduled to hit the hill September 25 & 26

By Jarrett Hofmann

By Jarrett Hofmann

Verbeek keeping her eyes on the prize in dual slalom before clinching top spot during last year's Summer Series. Photo Clint Trahan, Crankworx.

Verbeek keeping her eyes on the prize in dual slalom before clinching top spot during last year's Summer Series. Photo Clint Trahan, Crankworx.

Crankworx is scheduled to return to Sun Peaks this summer as part of Crankworx B.C. The event will run from Sept. 22 to Oct. 2 with Sun Peaks kicking off the tour from Sept. 22 to 24.

After last season's successful Crankworx Summer Series event, the organization is looking to highlight the strengths of the Sun Peaks Bike Park.

The finals of the Dual Slalom and Downhill events, taking place Sept.

23 and 24 respectively, are slated to be broadcast live (barring any logistical issues) on Red Bull TV from Sun Peaks, and will take place alongside the Air DH event.

While this year's event will share some similarities to last year's Summer Series, this year will be closer to traditional Crankworx events such as those held in Whistler or Innsbruck, Austria.

“It’ll be similar in ways,” said Julia Montague, Crankworx’s director of marketing and communications. “It was an experimental pivot for us to bring B.C. athletes to B.C. resorts [last year] and share that with the world. [Crankworx B.C.] will be similar to a more traditional Crankworx formula, but we’re looking to add international athletes to the mix.”

While nothing is certain and events may change due to evolving health restrictions, Crankworx will be working closely with local health authorities and the resort to involve spectators.

“Spectators are a main building block for Crankworx as it brings a totally different vibe for when athletes are racing. If spectators are on site it will be free to watch from right beside the track, but will depend on safety and staffing at the resort.”

While the future of subsequent Crankworx events in Sun Peaks is uncertain, and with the Whistler event returning in 2022, Montague said working with Sun Peaks has been a wonderful experience.

“We’ve had such a great experience at these other resorts and are looking to explore options of how we can continue to build it for the future.”

The Norco Canadian E-Bike Championship and the Norco Canadian Enduro Series (NCES), presented by SMITH, will be in Sun Peaks this fall, and for the first time ever, a Canadian E-Bike enduro champion will be crowned.

While the E-Bike championship event will be the only of its kind this season, the non-E-bike race will be the second of the three part NCES. Throughout the series, riders accumulate points during the season and receive an overall ranking.

The Sun Peaks event is considered to be an expert level enduro event, meaning there will be 1,200 to 1,600 metres of elevation gain and a track length of 40 to 55 kilometres.

Specifics of the race course will not be released until the Thursday or Friday before the event.

For those who do not know, an enduro race has both untimed uphill climbs and timed descents.

“Think of it as having four to five downhill races in one day with some pedalling and chairlift assistance throughout the day,” explained Ted Morton, executive director of NCES. “It’s a great physical challenge, mental challenge and test of your technical riding ability.”

Morton said the race is first about having fun, followed by exploring new and unique trails.

“If you’re not fussy about coming in first, it's an amazing way to meet new friends and push your limits. [However], our races are not really for beginner level riders as the trails are quite technical,” added Morton.

22

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