Sun Peaks Independent News - Vol 20 Issue 7

July 8 - August 11, 2022

Vol. 20, Issue 7

free

12.

Community takes steps to become Bear Aware.

Health care expansion breaks ground.

Opening week in the Bike Park. Rider Kathleen McDonald on the Canada Line Trail.

Photo by Andrea Heath.

6.

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IN THIS ISSUE

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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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LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

A NEW WAY TO DOWNHILL

Executive director of health centre recognized and bike park opens.

Unicycler takes on trails.

6 BRANDI SCHIER Publisher & Managing Editor brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

TEGWYN HUGHES Community Editor tegwyn@sunpeaksnews.com

HEALTH CARE EXPANSION BREAKS GROUND Expanded services expected by fall.

10 MOUNTAIN LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER SKI PATROLLERS Resort sees decrease in volunteers.

12 KAYLA EMPEY Community Journalist kayla@sunpeaksnews.com

COMMUNITY TAKES STEPS TO BECOME BEAR AWARE Initiatives begin for wildlife safety.

15 SONIA GARCÍA Layout & Graphic Designer sonia@sunpeaksnews.com

BUSINESS LISTINGS & PUZZLES

local news

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH CENTRE RECOGNIZED FOR WORK DURING PANDEMIC Laura Bantock receives certificate from Interior Health

By Kayla Empey

The Sun Peaks Community Health Centre (SPCHC) executive director has been recognized for leading community support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Laura Bantock, executive director of SPCHC, recently received a certificate of appreciation from Interior Health. However, she added there is a strong team of physicians and staff at the health centre who deserve to be recognized for their work throughout the pandemic, too.

“Behind me is a team of people who each have an incredible role,” Bantock said. “We've tried to represent our community and take advantage of bringing services to our community so that people didn't have to travel, and the access was fair and equitable.”

Early on in the pandemic, Bantock secured a testing site on the mountain with help from the municipality and a strong relationship with Interior Health. The health authority provided the service itself, but Bantock said the Sun Peaks team played a big role in supporting the site and communicating with patients.

“There were a lot of people in our community who were away from home for the first time, who didn't have a lot of family supports,” she said.

“If they were unwell, we were asking them what kind of support they needed. Was somebody bringing food? Were they able to isolate away from people?”

Bantock said her team also used social media to provide the community with information and to guide conversations. Once vaccinations were available, SPCHC staff promoted vaccination clinics in Sun Peaks and ensured all appointments were filled.

Bantock added staff also took time to answer questions and have conversations with those who were hesitant about receiving the vaccine.

“I think as a clinic, we were more accessible for those conversations with people,” she said. “[We] advocate for the needs of people here, to make sure that we get the best kind of health care services that we can possibly get.”

Looking forward, Bantock said the pandemic isn’t officially over yet. SPCHC continues to offer COVID-19 PCR testing for symptomatic people on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The health centre is also offering more in-clinic appointments and looking at ways to increase access. Bantock said SPCHC is currently at capacity for taking on new patients and is in the process of trying to recruit physicians, but the clinic is having some challenges due to the shortage of healthcare providers across the province. However, community members should contact the health centre if they are unwell or injured.

BIKE PARK OPENS AFTER DELAY Sun Peaks Resort LLP opened over 20 trails in June

By Kayla Empey

Sundance Mountain bike park build in-progress last summer.

Photo supplied from Sun Peaks Resort.

After a wet and rainy spring caused delays, the Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) bike park officially opened on June 27.

The original projected opening date for the park was June 17. In the interest of long-term quality and sustainability, SPR pushed the date to let trails dry out more.

On June 27, sections of Mt. Tod opened with over 20 trails ready to ride. This included bike trails for all skill levels, the progression park and a few hiking trails.

SPR warned bikers to expect wet and muddy conditions in the early season, but reported lots of bikers took to the trails on opening day.

The resort is hoping to open more hiking trails and the Sundance Mountain expansion by early July. Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association (SPRTA) is also planning to open its free pedal-access trails on Mt. Morrisey by mid-July.

For further updates and information, visit sunpeaksresort.com.

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local news

A rendering of the health centre expansion. Photo provided.

HEALTH CARE EXPANSION BREAKS GROUND Project completion, expanded services expected by fall

By Kayla Empey

School Trustee Candidate Information Session Join us to learn about SD73, the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Education, and of the School Trustee.

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RSVP to Dawn Forsey at dforsey@sd73.bc.ca or call (250) 374-0679

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Members of the municipality and Community Health Centre Association. Photo provided.

The Sun Peaks Community Health Centre (SPCHC) expansion has officially begun after a ground-breaking ceremony.

Representatives from SPCHC, the health association board and Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) gathered to commemorate the start of construction on June 22.

The project will provide additional space to help expand health services for residents and visitors. The expansion will include an additional storey and ambulance bays to support patient transfer and health education.

In July 2021, the project received grants through the Canada Infrastructure Program. The federal government provided $653,598 and the province contributed $163,400.

“Improved access to health and wellness services for our community and visitors has been a goal for over 20 years,” said Chris Hollstedt, president of the Sun Peaks Health Association. “This project moves us closer to achieving our vision and we can’t thank the province and federal government enough.”

Tolko Industries donated 150 sheets of plywood and SPMRM agreed to contribute up to $200,000 to ensure the project is completed. The municipality is also helping with management support.

“We hope to make our health centre one of the bestequipped small community clinics in British Columbia,” Mayor Al Raine said. “The Health Centre has been an important community project since its inception.”

Newport Structures will be leading the construction, and hope to complete the project by fall 2022.

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local news

GRADUATES OF 2022

By Kayla Empey

On June 21, four Sun Peaks Secondary Academy (SPSA) students received their diplomas and officially said goodbye to high school.

SPIN caught up with graduates to hear a bit more about their most memorable experiences and what their plans are for the future.

Mathew Zandstra Zandstra started school in Sun Peaks in 2019.

Before, he lived back and forth between Canada and Scotland while doing an open learning course.

He said his favourite part about going to school in Sun Peaks is the freedom to do extracurriculars.

“Not many schools you can say that you ski on your lunch break, or that I had the opportunity to ski patrol while I was up here,” Zandstra said. “I had the ability to basically volunteer my time whenever I had it, which was great.”

Zandstra said since he enjoyed the first response aspect of ski patrol, he’s planning to attend the Justice Institute of B.C. in Kelowna next year to train for his primary care paramedic certification.

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Landon Oevermann Oevermann has attended school in Sun Peaks since it first opened in 2010, when he was entering grade one.

“I used to go to Heffley with James [Cannon].

Then when that school shut down, both of our parents and a few others started fundraising for this school up here,” Oevermann said.

“Back then it was maybe 19 students.”

Oevermann said he enjoyed SPSA's online aspect because it allowed him to guide himself from early on in the year. While that might be tricky for some students, Oevermann said it worked well for him.

Last year, Oevermann attended a film school in Powell River for a semester. Looking forward, he plans to eventually pursue secondary education in film.

James Cannon Similarly to Oevermann, Cannon has attended school in Sun Peaks since grade one after his parents helped fundraise to get it started.

“The opportunities that the school gives you outside of school is pretty cool. I've been able to travel a lot with my family,” Cannon said. “Obviously I like skiing, being on the mountain and being outside.”

Cannon jokingly added having a school on the mountain also saves him several hours a day taking the bus into town — which gets him a lot of extra ski time.

He is planning to take the next year off school to get his Canadian Ski Instructors' Alliance level three certification. The following year, Cannon wants to attend university to study sciences.

Seth Bourke Bourke’s grade 12 year was his first attending school in Sun Peaks. He grew up in Ottawa, and moved to Grand Prairie, Alta. in grade eight.

Bourke agreed he appreciates living on the mountain because of the outdoor lifestyle it allows for.

“My favourite part is exploring the nonacademic parts of education and having the opportunity to do disc golf and ski,” he said. “I believe education is more than just academics.”

Bourke will be attending the University of Ottawa this fall for a commerce and accounting program. He is also going to participate in the House of Commons Page Program, which is an internship that accepts 40 undergraduate students a year.

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The graduates celebrate their achievement on the mountain. Photos by Kyle James.

local news

Perks include first aid training, free season pass and strong connections

By Kayla Empey

Photo by Zuzy Rocka.

MOUNTAIN SEEKING VOLUNTEER SKI PATROLLERS Canadian Ski Patrol (CSP) is looking for passionate skiers or snowboarders to volunteer at Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) for the upcoming winter season.

Aut-Lin Foster, head of recruitment, said since the pandemic CSP has seen a decrease in ski patrol volunteers on the mountain. CSP volunteers are crucial for SPR, especially on weekends and holidays.

“Sun Peaks has a pretty big paid crew but because of how big Sun Peaks is, they also rely quite a bit on CSP volunteers,” he said.

“We're pretty much part of the backbone of the mountain that keeps things going on through the winter.”

When Foster joined in 2019, the team had around 40 members. He said the decrease in volunteers is likely a combination of people being too busy, the mandatory vaccine requirement this past winter and the heavy commitment becoming a volunteer requires.

“For first-year recruits, it's a pretty intense fall [season],” he said. “They start in September, and they do Monday and 10

Wednesday nights all the way pretty much until the season starts...Once people signed up and then found out about that, they backed out last minute.”

Although it’s a lot of responsibility, Foster said there are quite a few benefits to volunteering. Firstly, all volunteers who commit to at least 12 shifts receive a free season pass to use any time.

Any new recruit who joins also receives first aid training. The CSP course is AFA-Advanced First Aid, which Foster said is comparable to an Occupational First Aid level three certificate, only geared more towards the mountain environment.

Volunteering also provides the opportunity to train with the paid patrollers at SPR, if desired, to learn new techniques and skills.

Beyond training, ski patrol also allows for hands-on experience and is a great way to make connections.

“I've made friends with quite a few people on the paid team and on the volunteer team,” Foster said. “Even some people that moved

away, I still keep in contact with ... It's a lifelong friendship that you make during ski patrol.”

Foster added the pandemic damaged the social aspect of patrol, but said CSP hopes to bring back a more social atmosphere this year. One member has stepped up as an event coordinator and hopes to get volunteers together every couple of weeks.

Foster said SPR has also approached CSP and offered opportunities for bike patrol this summer. Anyone willing to join for the ski season may be able to try their hand at crosscountry or downhill mountain biking patrol as well.

While looking for recruits, Foster said he’s hoping to find volunteers who are willing to help out for the long term, rather than just for the year.

“The ideal candidate would be a passionate skier or snowboarder that wants to do first aid and help out around the hill.”

Anyone who is interested or would like to learn more can email Foster at Aut-LinDF@outlook.com.

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A Bear Aware sign at the entrance to Sun Peaks. Photo SPIN.

COMMUNITY TAKES STEPS TO BECOME BEAR AWARE Local residents, resort and municipality start initiatives for wildlife safety

By Kayla Empey

Community members are stepping up to make the village more bear aware and manage attractants, alongside Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) and Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR).

Last fall, a mother bear and two cubs had to be destroyed after becoming too comfortable around people as a result of accessing unnatural food sources.

Following the event, local community member Kim Grunling said she was encouraged by Stg. Mike Sanderson of the Conservation Officer Service to get a Bear Aware committee together.

Grunling began posting important bear information on social media, and this spring officially formed a group with fellow community members Karen Lara and Irene Kastner.

“I think what draws a lot of people to live up here is that you have that connection and wanting to be in nature, so that comes with responsibility,” Grunling said.

“We have to learn, how do we all co-exist? I think by kind of building that relationship with the community and connecting like-minded people together gives a sense of buy-in.”

Lara said after what happened last fall, many community members were upset. She said their goal is to create a collaborative pathway for action without placing blame on anyone.

Lara added this Bear Aware initiative is a collaboration between SPR, SPMRM and the conservation office.

“We're all equally engaged, active and supporting each other in this process,” she said. “All of these parts have to move together in a really supportive way. Otherwise, we run into too many barriers.”

Currently, the Bear Aware group is in the process of registering as a non-profit organization. Its role is community education, fundraising and liaising between the other stakeholders.

SPR’s role is to support the efforts of the group with a resort employee representative. Christina 12

Antoniak, director of communications, said the team has been working with WildSafe B.C. to arrange several initiatives for the summer.

“We’re so pleased to see a community initiative taking shape and look forward to contributing to the committee,” Antoniak said.

“Sun Peaks Resort is committed to its role in the community in continuing to create a safe and responsible environment for wildlife.”

SPR kicked off its part of the initiative in June with bear safety training and a bear spray workshop for employees. Antoniak said employees had the opportunity to speak with experts, especially staff members who have never lived in a bear populated area before.

The resort will continue the momentum throughout the summer with wildlife e-training and a WildSafe B.C. booth at community and staff events. Informational signage has been added on the mountain for guests as well.

“We’ve also taken steps at our food and beverage outlets to further protect and deter wildlife,” Antoniak said. “Notably, we’ve removed all outdoor grease storage bins and used oil is now stored indoors. Previous sites have been deep cleaned.”

SPMRM also plays a key role in the initiative by ensuring the wider community is aware of how to manage their attractants.

On June 21, council passed a solid waste bylaw, allowing the municipality to fine anyone who has not properly dealt with wildlife attractants. This includes any items that could reasonably attract a bear such as garbage, unclean barbeques, pet food, bird feeders, restaurant grease or unmanaged compost.

Previously, SPMRM had no way of enforcing where solid waste is kept.

“I think we would give most people a fair warning,” Mayor Al Raine said. “If they don’t react and do the right thing, then we do have a bylaw that can go after them.”

In the council meeting, SPMRM staff said they received reports of garbage being left

outside this spring, but that those residents didn’t realize it would attract bears and responded positively when informed.

Stg. Mike Sanderson of Conservation Officer Service said he is happy to see steps being taken to raise awareness and manage attractants. He said if there are no unnatural food sources, bears won’t become as comfortable around people.

“We're going to have bears in Sun Peaks.

It's a very natural habitat,” Sanderson said.

“But Sun Peaks is a bit unique in that it has a lot of visitors, and so people living and working there also need to be extra vigilant to make sure that visitors that may not be as knowledgeable about the risk of bear encounters or bear conflict in the area are also practising those things.”

Sanderson said this is why the community group is important to ensure all residents are doing their part.

“If it's coming from government, whether that's a municipal government or provincial government such as me, it's less likely to be received or understood,” he said.

Moving forward, the community Bear Aware group hopes to put resources together to do door-to-door canvassing, have information tables at farmers’ markets, visit the school and engage with the community in any way they can.

“Our approach is really based on relationship with the community, as opposed to a rule set,” Lara said. “How can we support all of us to be successful in this? That’s kind of our long term.”

Grunling, Lara and Kastner are also completing bear training themselves to be fully educated, and to select training they think is appropriate as they look for other volunteers as well.

Anyone who is interested in getting involved or keeping up with the committee can follow Sun Peaks Bear Aware on Facebook.

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arts

ARTZONE RAMPS UP ACTIVITIES FOR SUMMER Music, painting and exhibits planned for July

By Kayla Empey

ArtZone Sun Peaks has a busy summer ahead as the non-profit encourages residents to spark their creative side through workshops, exhibitions and interactive art installations.

The events include art for all ages. For children, ArtZone’s art tent will return to the Sun Peaks Market every Sunday, offering art kits while supplies last.

Paintings by the local kindergarten class will also be featured throughout the summer in the village level of the Grand Hotel & Conference Centre. The exhibition features the childrens’ depictions of sea otters and flowers.

For any age, ArtZone plans to place a painted piano by the clock tower for the public to play

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at any time. This interactive art installation is called “Tickle Me Please” and will be available starting July 6 for the remainder of the summer.

The organization will encourage piano players to take pictures or videos and share it to social media with the hashtags #streetpianosunpeaks and #artzonesunpeaks.

ArtZone is also offering guitar lessons every week throughout July. Kyle James, who has played guitar for almost 20 years and has toured with a band, will be teaching lessons for new, beginner and intermediate players.

Throughout the summer, ArtZone will continue to have exhibits throughout the village as well. The ongoing exhibits in guest services and Tourism Sun Peaks were recently rotated and now feature nine new artists.

Additionally, Vertical Cafe will display fibre art by Ruth Fane.

For more information on upcoming events or exhibits, visit artzonesunpeaks.com.

Part of the Otters and Flowers art exhibit by the kindergarten class. Photo provided.

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sports

Charlie Roberts mogul skiing. Photo provided.

LOCAL SKIER MAKES PROVINCIAL MOGUL TEAM Sun Peaks Freestyle Club athlete Charlie Roberts takes skiing to next level

By Kayla Empey

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Local skier Charlie Roberts has made the Freestyle B.C. Mogul Team and is excited for what’s ahead.

The 16-year-old Sun Peaks Freestyle Club member began moguls skiing around 10 years ago and has been climbing his way to the top since. Last season, he travelled to Quebec City and Fredericton for national events.

“I definitely wouldn’t have gotten a spot [on the provincial team] if I weren’t able to go out there,” Roberts said. “It was very important and I learned lots while I was there.”

After having been on the prospect moguls team last year, Roberts found out he made the official B.C. team a couple months ago and has already participated in his first training camps. It’s an intensive commitment with around 200 training days throughout the year.

“It’s year-round with summertime water ramps and lots of dryland training in the gym, as well as skiing wherever there's snow,” he said. “And doing lots of competitions over the winter.”

He said he will compete and train often in Whistler and Apex, and also hopes to travel to Sweden in the fall to train on a local preseason course.

Looking forward, Roberts’ long-term goal is to eventually make the Canadian National Team. He also has his sights set on the Olympics, especially if he doesn’t have to travel too far from home.

“With the Sun Peaks bid for the 2030 Olympics, that'd be pretty awesome. That’s a big goal now for me.”

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sports

A NEW WAY TO DOWNHILL Local unicycler prepares to take on downhill trails

By Kayla Empey

Some local trails are challenging enough on a regular mountain bike, but imagine attempting them with only one wheel.

Zack Brock, a bike patroller for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR), is planning to do just that when he takes a mountain unicycle on the trails this summer.

Brock first tried unicycling around the age of 10, after his friend bought one and decided they should learn together. But it wasn’t easy — Brock said it took tons of practice before he could even pedal on it.

“Even then, I was only able to pedal 10 or 15 feet. I got so frustrated, I just quit riding,” Brock said. “Then I came back to it when I was 15 or so. And I kind of just hopped onto the unicycle at that point.”

This time it felt easier, Brock said, and soon he was taking his unicycle to terrain parks and learning tricks. Since then he’s continued to push himself and feels ready to tackle the bike park’s downhill trails.

Brock said there’s a rising culture of mountain unicycling that made him consider how fun it would be to ride on his favourite bike runs, so he spoke to those in charge of liability for the resort and got permission.

“I don't think anybody's ever ridden a unicycle on Sun Peaks’ downhill course, so it'll be really cool to be the first person to do it,” Brock said. “It'll be a huge learning curve that I think will be extremely hard. But as difficult as it is, I think it's possible and within my wheelhouse.”

Brock said with time he hopes to start riding cross country trails and longer distances on his unicycle. If unicycling gains any traction in the area, he said he’d love to teach lessons as well.

Dreaming even bigger, Brock wants to become the first-ever unicycle patroller.

“I don't even know if it's ever been done anywhere,” he said. “The only way I'd be able to do it is just volunteering for shifts and hopefully being able to ride a unicycle instead of a mountain bike as an extra body, not being paid.”

But for now, Brock is looking forward to pushing himself and further developing his unicycling skills in his free time this season.

Zack Brock unicycling on the trails. Photos provided.

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#207 KOOKABURRA LODGE

$1,089,000

This is your opportunity to build the mountain home you've always dreamed of and be part of the desirable family friendly community of Sun Peaks. Situated to enjoy the spectacular mountain views and conveniently backing onto Sun Peaks Golf Course. With no time line to build, you can create your custom level entry home with walkout daylight basement, ski-in from across the street and just 200 meters from the proposed West Morrisey chairlift. Quick access to the free Resort shuttle, valley trail, on a paved and curbed non-through street.

This Dansk built town home is conveniently situated in popular ski-in/ ski-out Trail's Edge, with panoramic views of mountains and valley. Ski out to Orient or Morrissey lifts and ski home from Sundance and Orient chairs.

This property is extremely well kept and offers a large living room, well appointed kitchen, 2 bedrooms 2 and 1/2 baths and den. The large front deck and rear patio, with hot tub, provide for great all season Resort living. Trail's Edge provides the flexibility of the ability to rent short term or to pay the Residential Tourism Sun Peaks fee if not renting.

NEW LISTING

#70 CRYSTAL FOREST

$1,449,000

This centrally located Town Home is a corner unit with a great location in Crystal Forest. The property has easy access to skiing and all village amenities and boasts 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Kitchen counters, appliances and flooring throughout are all refurbished. The large primary bedroom is turret designed with higher ceilings, a soaring window package, and features a private covered deck and 3 piece ensuite.

Bright open design, and well appointed with a cozy fireplace, in suite laundry, relaxing steam shower, granite countertops, solid fir cabinetry, doors and trim, plus your very own ski and snowboard storage. Relax and take in the mountain views with family & friends after a day on the slopes or the golf course. Proven revenue generator – financial statements and revenues from rental bookings in place available to a buyer. Prime location, just steps from the ski through village with ultra convenient access to restaurants and shopping.

NEW LISTING

#26 FAIRWAYS COTTAGES

$897,000

$439,000

Set along McGillivray Creek, this meticulous and charming cedar & stone cottage with double cedar carport offers 2 bedrooms plus den and open air loft / 3 baths, in the desirable bare land strata community of 'Fairway Cottages'. Enjoy lush natural views from the abundant & bright window packaging throughout, quartz counter tops in the kitchen, cozy rock fireplace to gather around with family and friends after a round of golf or turns on the slopes, luxurious master suite with roomy loft occupying the entire upper floor, plenty of separation and space in the basement, main floor wrap around sunny deck with glass panes, attractive landscaping and true curb appeal.

ADJOINING ROOMS

#316 & #318 COAST SUNDANCE LODGE

$54,900 & $55,900

These 2 cozy studio units with efficiency kitchens & connected via walk through doors offer a prime ski-in/ski-out experience with immediate access to the two main lifts. Premium location, with quick access to village restaurants & shops, plus panoramic mountain views from your windows.

Coast Sundance Lodge offers the owner up to a generous 180 days of owner use. Hotel amenities include outdoor hot tub, exercise room, ski storage room, restaurants and shops, secure underground parking, and professional management in house.

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