Sun Peaks Independent News - Volume 19 Issue 01 by Sun Peaks Independent News

JANUARY 15 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 Volume 19 Issue 1

SUN PEAKS’ TOP VALUED HOMES IN 2020 Page 4

LITTLE HEFFLEY LAKE SKATERS IN DECEMBER PHOTO LAURA STRONG

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MOUNTAIN SPORTS TEAMS IN ACTION

Page 7

Volume 19 Issue 1 January 15 - February 11 1

LOCAL News Residents warn of dangerously thin ice on Heffley Lake PUBLIC CONTINUES TO COME DESPITE DOCUMENTED RISK AND HOLES IN SOME AREAS

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JOEL BARDE

Thin, unevenly-frozen ice on Heffley Lake, just down the road from Sun Peaks, poses a serious safety risk to the public, according to a group familiar with the area and threat. Despite this, people continue to visit the area and step on to the ice—some even take their heavy snowmobiles onto it. In the days before Christmas, Campbell Bryk, who operates ice fishing business Elevated Fishing Adventures on a secure tract of the ice sheet, watched as two snowmobilers unloaded near the boat launch and blasted by him. “They flew past me a full speed out to the main body of the lake where there was maybe an inch of ice,’” said Bryk. “It was not safe to walk on there as a person, let alone on a snowmobile. It’s lucky those people didn’t slow down, or they would have fallen right

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through.” In a Facebook post from Jan. 7—a day after Sun Peaks Independent News spoke with him—Bryk posted that he’d read a report that an ice fisher had actually fallen through an area of thin ice, though those close by were able to get them out. According to Bryk, the area never received a significant spell of cold weather to allow the lake to develop a thick layer of ice, and the changes in temperature this winter have left the lake weak and thin in places. “On a normal year, we’ll get a cold snap and there will be four to six inches of solid ice, which is great,” he said, adding then snow will fall on it. The snow and ice can then freeze together, making a solid foundation. Bryk’s message—that the ice is unsafe and the public should steer clear—is also being voiced by the Heffley Lake Community Association (HLCA). HLCA president Fergus Alexander said members of the

group recently installed signage at certain popular areas of the lake in a bid to discourage people from going onto it. They’ve also posted their concerns and warnings on social media. “We’re concerned that someone’s going to get hurt, if not killed,” said Alexander. Alexander added that residents are not equipped to make a rescue if someone should fall through. “And ultimately, we don’t really have facilities to go out and help necessarily...We don’t have like a search and rescue crew here,” he said. Alexander added that in a normal year locals flock to the ice “like ants” when it’s safe. But he’s not seeing any locals out there this year. “There’s nobody out there now,” he said. “If we’re being that cautious, [others should be as well].” Bryk echoed this, saying that in normal years he will set up a fishing spot and allow guests to roam around the general area,

Community continues to donate during pandemic

knowing that it’s safe. But he no longer feels comfortable doing this. “I tell my guests exactly where we’re allowed to go,” he said. “I make a big circle around the hut.” In his fifth year of operation, Bryk added he brings a raft of rescue and self-rescue equipment every time he heads out. This includes a spud bar (a big chisel he uses to check the ice thickness), retractable ice picks for self-rescue, and a throw bag designed for water rescues. He said he often receives messages through social media asking about the health of the ice. “Even in a normal year, I’ll never say it is safe, because ice is so unpredictable, ice changes and moves. But this year I’m absolutely telling people, ‘no it’s not safe.’ “There are spots that I could put a leg through easily. It’s a very unsafe year for Heffley Lake.”

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FALL EVENTS RAISE THOUSANDS @sunpeaksnews JEAN STRONG

Sun Peaks has once again shown up to support local causes, despite the COVID-19 pandemic putting a damper on annual events. The annual gala hosted by the Sun Peaks Firefighter Society pivoted to an online event, the Sun Peaks Virtual Gala, which raised $26,000 for the Sun Peaks Education Society (SPES) and the Sun Peaks Skate Park Foundation.

The Sun Peaks Alpine Club also moved their annual Oktoberfest event online, however they did not respond to SPIN’s request for information prior to publication. A fundraiser for SPES, the Sotheby’s International Realty Benefit Art Auction offered online bidding on donated art pieces instead of the usual night of food and drink and raised $9,000 for

Volume 19 Issue 1 January 15 - February 11

the cause. Events usually hosted in the spring which benefit causes such as the Bluebird Day Fund, SPES and the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation Emergency Department fund, are still caught in limbo waiting for further information on COVID-19 restrictions. SPIN will continue to update the status of such events or any alternatives.

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Local Journalism Initiative Reporter JOEL BARDE joel@sunpeaksnews.com

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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DECEMBER 18 - JANUARY 15, 2020 Volume 18 Issue 13

NEW ICE SURFACE OPENS DEC. 18

Page 2

COVID-19 TESTING NOW AVAILABLE IN RESORT

Page 6

CHARLIE KINLOCH SURFACES THE ICE AT THE SUN PEAKS CENTRE BEFORE ITS DECEMBER OPENING. PHOTO CHRISTOPHER NICOLSON

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YOUR GUIDE TO HOLIDAY EVENTS

Page 12

Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15 1

LOCAL News Ice rink opens Dec. 18 JEAN STRONG

Sun Peaks will have an ice rink again this winter, after the completion of construction of the Sun Peaks Centre and associated roof over the outdoor ice rink.

The municipality said the rink will open Dec. 18, with a public skate available each day except Christmas Day. A maximum of 20 people will be allowed in the facility at one time with other protocols in place, including wearing a face covering at all times. Skaters are encouraged to

check the website prior to arrival in case of last minute changes. The tentative schedule for the rink is as follows but is subject to change: Mid-Week - Public Skate 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m., 4 p.m. - 5:15 p.m., 6 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Weekends - Public Skate 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m. - 2:15

SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS INC. 102-3270 VILLAGE WAY SUN PEAKS BC V0E 5N0 Phone 250.578.0276

p.m., 4 p.m. - 5:15 p.m., 6 p.m. 7:15 p.m. The rink will be available for private bookings. A limited number of skates will be available for rent; it’s recommended that guests bring their own. No helmet or hockey stick rentals will be available.

Local transportation gets you where you need to go

Sun Peaks residents and visitors often need transportation options due to the village’s remote location and chilly temperatures. The options below have you covered. IN-RESORT SHUTTLE Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) and Sun Peaks Shuttle have teamed up to offer residents and guests a free in-resort shuttle to get passengers to and from their homes, jobs and the village. The shuttle starts at the Village Day Lodge (VDL) and heads toward the east end of the village before looping back west stopping again at the VDL, along Fairways Dr. and Burﬁeld Dr. It completes its one hour journey back at the VDL. Each bus stop is marked by a red “Bus Stop” sign. Each of the six stops are separated by approximately 10 minutes. The shuttle runs daily Dec. 5 to March 28 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and every evening from Dec. 19 to March 28 from 5 p.m. to 9:50 p.m. While on the bus, passengers can ride with peace of mind knowing the bus is disinfected daily with a sanitizing spray, wiped down throughout the day and that the shuttle follows the same guidelines as BC Translink, which includes mandatory masks for riders and drivers. More details can be found on the Sun Peaks Resort website. KAMLOOPS AND AIRPORT SHUTTLES There are three shuttle services

Kamloops this season: Mostly Mental Shuttles, Sun Star Shuttles and TasteFull Excursions. Mostly Mental Shuttles specializes in transporting Kamloops residents to and from the village for $100 each way, which can be split by up to eight passengers. “We’ve always concentrated on that (local) side of it. I like having fellow gravity seekers in the van so we can talk about gear and what kind of runs you like,” said owner and operator Dylan Methot. Airport drop off and pick up is also available for an extra $25. Rides can be booked via their social media pages or by phone at 250-828-2558. COVID-19 precautions are in place to keep Methot and his passengers safe which includes physical distancing, mandatory masks, no eating or drinking, no out-of-region guests during the current travel restrictions, contact free payment options and reupholstered seats to make disinfecting the van easier before and after each ride. “I do all the loading and unloading of gear, I get the door for passengers so that they don’t have to worry about (touching) and of those areas,” said Methot. Sun Star Shuttles is one of two shuttle operations in Kamloops that typically focus on airport transportation but can accommodate various transportation needs and can be booked over the phone by calling 250-554-8005. “We’re mostly focused on the airport passengers, but we’re open to everything, grocery shopping options and anything like that,”

Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15

said Simmerdeep Nijjer, office manager of Sun Star Shuttles. Airport transport to Sun Peaks costs $99 plus GST for one way (price is subject to reduction depending on the number of passengers). Sun Star Shuttles also offers bus station pick-ups for an extra $25 and private charters for $350. The private charter option can accommodate up to 25 people in normal circumstances, but at this time space is limited depending on their ability to allow for social distancing. “We try to not put different social groups together, we have a bigger bus we will use if we have more people. We social distance as much as we can,” Nijjer said. Other precautions include vehicle sanitization every trip, provided hand sanitizer for passengers, mandatory masks and no seating immediately adjacent to the driver. TasteFull Excursions also offers airport and bus station pick-ups and charters upon request for Kamloopsians, staff and Sun Peaks residents, but the group must be from a single social bubble. A minimum of two passengers is necessary to cover the cost of the trip at $40 each. If there is a single rider, they must pay the equivalent of two passengers. Rides can be booked via their website www.tastefullexcursions. ca or by calling 1-844-314-4555. TasteFull’s precautions include plexiglass shields to separate driver and passengers, mandatory masks, physical distancing, provided hand sanitizer and vehicle disinfection every trip. “We look forward to being able to service the pent up demand that

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NEED A RIDE? CHECK OUT THESE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS TO GET YOU TO AND FROM YOUR HOME, TOWN, THE GROCERY STORE, THE AIRPORT AND MORE. JARRETT HOFFMAN that will offer rides to and from

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we know is building for once this pandemic is behind us and we’re going to basically do everything we can to provide services to Sun Peaks,” said Matjee StampVincent, chief executive officer of TasteFull Excursions. RIDE-HAILING SERVICE Kamloops’ only ride hailing service is also available for Sun Peaks guests and residents through the Kabu Ride app which is available on the App store and Google Play store. A ride between Kamloops and Sun Peaks can cost passengers around $120-$130 each way and depends on the distance between destinations, which Kabu Ride director of communications Martin Van Den Hemel said is competitive with local taxi companies. “We also have COVID-19 protocols in place, which means all occupants of the vehicle must wear a mask and the vehicle is wiped down before and after every trip and the vehicle is aired out between trips,” Van Den Hemmel added. Other COVID precautions include a mandatory mask policy, contact free payment through the app, transparent barriers between the driver and rear passengers and it is up to the drivers discretion whether or not the front passenger seat is open to customers.

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Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15 3

LOCAL News

Developments move ahead among steady market MANAGING BROKER SAYS DEMAND FOR RECREATIONAL HOMES IS STRONG

JEAN STRONG

Two new developments announced this month will bring more inventory of condos and townhomes to Sun Peaks. Altitude, announced Dec. 3, is from A&T Project Developments who have a long history of building in the village, including recently ﬁnishing Village Walk and Echo Landing. The new project will be located in the East Village on the site of the previously planned Elevation project which did not go ahead. However, Altitude is different from the previous plan, offering 40, two and three bedroom condos and townhomes, similar to Echo Landing, across four phases. The units feature storage and their own hot tub hookups at a ski-in and out location. In the West Village, Meranti

Developments has announced the third phase of Peaks West, their ﬁrst project of this size in Sun Peaks, will be available for sale in early 2021. While the ﬁrst two phases featured two and three bedroom condos and some commercial space, the third will be made up of 14 larger townhomes. They will feature oversize garages, two decks each and room for a family. Both developments are offered for sale by Sotheby’s International Realty Sun Peaks. “Pricing has been steadily rising across the market, and we are seeing an increase in sales across all types of real estate, including single family homes, townhomes, condominiums and undeveloped lots,” wrote Sotheby’s managing broker Gianpiero Furfaro in a release. “In addition to healthy local demand, Sun Peaks is experiencing an uptick in interest from recreational and vacation real estate buyers

The third and ﬁnal phase of Peaks West boasts modern townhomes. RENDERING SUPPLIED

coming from other parts of British Columbia, Canada and internationally.” He explained he expected pent up demand for housing, but the speed at which the market has rebounded was a surprise.

“As we entered the second quarter of 2020, we expected a delay in home buying and selling given the uncertainty brought on by COVID, but we foresaw pent-up demand. We did not anticipate the velocity of the market rebound, or that the rebound

would occur so soon after the initial onslaught of the pandemic.” Furfaro added the Burﬁeld West project, by ISENX, in the West Village is now 50 per cent sold and expected to be completed in the ﬁrst quarter of 2021.

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Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15

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LOCAL News Municipality signs agreement to formally work with Little Shuswap Lake Band JEAN STRONG

Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) and the Little Shuswap Lake Band (LSLB) have taken a step to formalize their partnership with the signing of a protocol agreement between the two governments. At a Nov. 3 SPMRM council meeting the agreement was presented to council. Created with funds from a Union of British Columbia Municipalities communityto-community grant, the document is a way for both to formally commit to working together in the future and establish shared priorities. Five key shared goals are outlined in the agreement. The first is to maintain and build upon a long-term, cooperative government-togovernment relationship and open communications. The second and third are to work collaboratively on economic development opportunities and new recreation, tourism, cultural, educational and marketing opportunities and improved access between the two communities.

The road from Sun Peaks past McGillivray lake is one of the priorities in the agreement. PHOTO SPIN

The fourth goal is to provide a strong and united voice to other governments on common issues and work on a revenue sharing agreement with the province in regards to taxes and other payments to the provincial government. The fifth and final goal is to improve community relations

and cultural awareness. In addition to the five overall goals, opportunities for collaboration were identified. A road between the communities, a cultural installation at the Sun Peaks Centre, a gas station and land acquisition for eco-cultural tourism development in the

McGillivray Lake were all identified as high-priority. Other priorities were training and employment opportunities, joint marketing, solid waste services, joint meetings with other Secwépmec Pespesellkwe bands and joint meetings with relevant provincial ministries. Also included in the

document are a number of agreements such as to be open and honest about interests, values and desired outcomes, to honour and respect each other’s interests, commit to work together instead of in isolation and to participate in annual meetings with each other.

Capones Italian Kitchen offers new dining option in village JEAN STRONG

Sun Peaks has a brand new restaurant with a unique vibe to visit this winter. Capones Italian Kitchen opened in midNovember in the Hearthstone Lodge and has been well received by residents and guests alike since.

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Owners Yolanda and Kelly Dye also own and operate local favourite Cahilty Kitchen + Taproom. Yolanda said the idea for Capones was to create a gathering place for friends and family in a more upscale

but fun environment. They offer all kinds of Italian eats, from a tasty tagliatelle to delicious seafood ravioli and sweet olive oil and orange cake. There are options for all kinds of dietary requirements including a gluten free pasta.

Currently they are open seven days a week and offer a discount of 15 per cent off the Family Option One from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for dine in or take out. For more information visit their Facebook page.

Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15 5

LOCAL News COVID-19 testing now available in village

Nurses are at the Sun Peaks Centre for testing three times a week. PHOTO SPIN

JEAN STRONG

One week after the Sun Peaks Community Health Centre team began pushing, testing for COVID-19 is available in the community. Residents and guests are now able to access testing at the Sun Peaks Centre by appointment only. Appointments will be available

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and can be booked online at InteriorHealth. ca or by calling 1-877-740-7747 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Those from out of country or province can be tested with an appointment but are required to bring work visa documents and/or their passport. Children can also be tested. “If you look at what’s happening in Whistler, Revelstoke and in Banff I think it’s pretty evident we’re a

destination with lots of people from all over the place,” said Laura Bantock, executive director of the Sun Peaks Community Health Centre, referring to COVID-19 outbreaks in other mountain communities. “It just makes sense to try to get ahead of it and make it easy for people who may have no transport.” Bantock also emphasized the importance of those who may become sick while visiting the resort community to be tested.

“I think it’s critical to remaining open and having a viable community.” The nasopharyngeal swab and gargle test are both available. Patients are asked not to wear ski boots as the ﬂoor inside is very slippery, they are also asked not too arrive early or they will have to wait outside prior to the appointment time. They are asked to bring their care card but avoid bringing additional items to carry. A statement from Bantock said no

aggressive behaviour or language will be tolerated and patients must carefully follow all signage during the process. Testing will be completed by a pair of nurses from Interior Health and hours may expand in the future if there is a need. Parking is available at the Sun Peaks Centre across from the Village Walk development, near the ice rink with the building entrance on the east end, facing the ice surface.

On the village walk

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Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15

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LOCAL News Village braces for quiet holiday season MAYOR SAYS ANY SECOND-HOME OWNERS COMING TO COMMUNITY SHOULD TAKE SERIOUS PRECAUTIONS

JOEL BARDE

As you probably heard, the province extended its orders limiting social interactions until Jan. 8, 2021, meaning Sun Peaks is going to look and feel a lot different this holiday season. First announced in November, the measures include restrictions designed to cut down on social interactions. Residents are able to socialize only with people in their own household, save for people who live alone, who can visit for one or two people. The province is also recommending against nonessential travel, a move that will have major repercussions for Sun Peaks and other resort communities. On its website, the province explicitly recommends against travel for vacation. Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) Mayor Al Raine said the initial travel restriction recommendation announced last month kicked off a wave of cancellations, and he expects more to follow. “The vast majority of people are listening and taking the recommendations seriously,” he said. Raine said while he is hopeful most visitors will follow the recommendations, his interpretation of the rules and regulations is that homeowners can come, provided that they take adequate precautions to keep the community safe. “They could come, but they should probably buy their supplies and everything they need at home, travel to Sun Peaks, [and] self-isolate as much as possible,” said Raine. Raine added that looking around at what’s happening in other resorts is a bit scary of late,

Winter may be quieter in Sun Peaks this year. PHOTO SPIN

with Whistler, B.C., and Banff, Alta., seeing high caseloads of COVID-19 in recent weeks. Raine said he has been impressed with the way the community members and Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) are responding to the pandemic. “I think one of the good things is that the businesses and (SPR) are all using the same kind of information sheets and information notice boards, which I think helps drive the message home,” said Raine. Raine added that he and his wife Nancy Greene Raine are still skiing and feel safe, but are taking added precautions, such as avoiding using on-mountain facilities. Canada Ski West Area Association chief executive

officer, Christopher Nicolson said at this point, the ski industry is focused on what it can control, which is to create a safe experience for skiers and snowboarders. “It puts strain on the industry, which isn’t a surprise, but we’re fully supportive of the Health Authority and the decisions it has made,” said Nicolson. Nicolson said resorts gleaned a lot of best practices from those operating in New Zealand and Australia, some of which were able to operate throughout their winter season with precautions. Nicolson added that guests have been very respectful of the new rules. “From an industry perspective, we certainly appreciate the fact that people have been

respectful with the protocols that have been put in place,” he said. Nicolson encouraged skiers to check out the Ski Well, Be Well website. It was developed by the National Ski Areas Association as a way to share best practices protocol for individual skiers and resorts. Nicolson also advised checking the websites of individual resorts to see if they have specific requirements in place. While B.C. ski resorts are open and the province hasn’t indicated they may be shut down, this isn’t the case abroad. There has been much consternation in Europe regarding whether or not ski resorts should remain open, with France, Germany and Italy

choosing to shut theirs down as a way to stop the spread of COVID-19. The German government is pressuring all resorts on the continent to close over the holiday season; Austrian resorts are open to locals and Swiss resorts are open to anyone. In her Dec. 10 news conference, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said while British Columbians can “take some heart” in the fact that the province will receive the first of its vaccines the following week, residents need to buckle down in order to get through this difficult period. “We are not yet through this storm,” she said. “Staying small, saves lives. Staying close to home, saves lives.”

SNOWSHOE GUIDED TOURS & RENTALS Enjoy the fresh mountain air on a snowshoe experience set in Sun Peaks’ winter wonderland.

For reservations, call or stop in at the Activities Desk in the main Village Daylodge.

250.578.5542 or 250.319.6064 discoversunpeaks.com

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Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15 7

LOCAL News

Pharmacy opens with full time pharmacist on site

Clancy O’Malley and Tony Rinaldi in the Sun Peaks Pharmacy. PHOTO SPIN

JEAN STRONG

Sun Peaks’ first pharmacy officially opened in October, after the pandemic delayed previous plans for a February start. Sun Peaks Pharmacy owner Clancy O’Malley said during the first few months of the pandemic he focused on his first pharmacy in Kamloops. He said it was a challenge, but he committed to delivering prescriptions and other pharmacy products to Sun Peaks residents on his way home from Kamloops each day. “It’s a struggle, and you kind of get demoralized,” he said. “But I

started doing more deliveries...I met a lot more people in the community and realized how much support there would be and what the business would be like. “It was definitely worth it, being able to meet people and prevent people from having to go to town when you’re really focussed on staying home. Part of it was I felt bad for not being open, because I was committed to that...so I felt guilty. And the big thing was just to help people not have to go to town.” After realizing the amount of need for local pharmacy services, O’Malley struck the telepharmacy part of his plan. That move was also helped by finding a pharmacist who now lives full time in the community.

Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15

Pharmacist Tony Rinaldi and his family were already moving from Kamloops to Sun Peaks this spring when he learned O’Malley would be opening Sun Peaks Pharmacy. Soon he committed to the new businesses and left his corporate pharmacy job behind. “He actually needed somebody so it worked out really well...we moved up here and we’re not looking back,” Rinaldi said. With two children in Sun Peaks Elementary, Rinaldi has quickly acclimatized to the new town. “I think a small town community pharmacy is kind of the best place to practice as a pharmacist,” he said. “Because you get to know everybody and

be an invested member of the community which is fantastic.” The addition further rounds out healthcare services for residents, complementing the official opening of the Sun Peaks Community Health Centre in 2018. “It’s definitely a service that we didn’t have. There is limited pharmacy stuff at the grocery store but there are obviously things they can’t carry like prescriptions, any over the counter medications that are regulated at all...and having someone to ask questions about minor ailments or when you have sick kids,” said O’Malley. He added they can be quite responsive to customer needs, with the ability to order most products or medication in within

a few days if needed. In addition to pharmacy service they offer things like hair and hygiene products, oral care, first aid supplies, braces and crutches, toilet paper and more. “It’s nothing amazing, we’ve just got everything that a pharmacy would. We have all the regular pharmacy stuff...or we can get it.” Currently Sun Peaks Pharmacy is open Monday through Friday with hopes to open on weekends when possible. “The support has been so great and that’s been true since we opened,” O’Malley said. “The clinic has been so supportive. The whole team there has been so positive...wanting to make sure we’re successful,

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

GET OUT There New initiative shares lessons learned from tragic avalanche event BACKCOUNTRY SAFE HIGHLIGHTS BEST PRACTICES FOR BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL

JOEL BARDE

A group of avalanche survivors want to get the word out about the dangers inherent to backcountry travel. They’ve recently launched a website and documentary to share some of the important lessons they’ve learned. “We’ve come to the realization that we have a story to tell, and it bears repeating at the beginning of every ski season,” explained one of the creators, Sheila Churchill. Churchill, along with eight friends and her husband, was caught in an avalanche while backcountry skiing outside of Golden, B.C. in February 2016. The group sustained a widerange of injuries, with Churchill suffering a broken leg. Her husband, Doug Churchill, passed away from his injuries three days later after being airlifted to a Calgary hospital. Along with fellow survivors Dave Crompton and Mitch Putnam, Churchill is now hoping to draw attention to the story and the important lessons they learned. The project is called Backcountry Safe and can be found at www.backcountrysafe.ca. The tragedy occurred during the group’s first full day of skiing on a multi-day trip, when their guide led them to a north-facing slope known as Hogzilla. There they found a steep narrow chute that would change their lives irrevocably. One by one, the group, which was thirteen people in total, made their way down the run, enjoying some exhilarating turns. That joy quickly changed to

terror when the last person of the group set off a large avalanche that swept the group around a kilometre down the slope. “I remember being hit as if I was hit by a freight train and just being thrown and tossed,” said Churchill, who broke her leg and was knocked out during the ordeal. She regained consciousness after being dug out. Churchill said many lessons came out of the tragedy. In her view, one of the major ones is to never underestimate the importance of good communication in the backcountry. “Whether you choose to have a guide, or you go unguided, you have to communicate,” she said. People can have different priorities, objectives, and levels of experience when they get together on a trip. It’s important for everyone to feel comfortable and to speak up if they are concerned. “How do you accommodate all the members [of a trip] so that no one is pushed out of the comfort zone or their risk tolerance?” she asked. Putman describes getting caught in the avalanche as a “hellish” ride. When he came to a stop he was only partially buried. “When I was travelling in the avalanche, my biggest fear [was that] I’m going to hit a tree or something,” he said. The group is also seeking to raise awareness about how the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) reacts to such tragedies and the protocols they have in place to discipline their guides if need be. Following the incident, lawyers and insurance companies became involved. The group says that they were unhappy with the ACMG’s

disciplinary/post-incident process. “The goal was to [also] take ACMG to task,” said Crompton, describing the genesis of the project. “We were more frustrated after a four year process than when we started.” The group said the ACMG has taken some positive steps forward and is now working with them to further improve things. “We went from being adversarial

to being collaborative, and now, they brought us in to help them establish a list of changes that need to be made” he said. Backcountry Safe will also serve to keep the memory of Doug Churchill alive. A biography section of the website is dedicated to his memory. It explains that he was a father of two with a passion for tinkering with things. Churchill said that he could

build anything and was a fabulous partner and father. The two met when they were living and working at Sunshine Village, and quickly fell in love. “He was my unequivocal soulmate,” said Churchill. “Basically, from the first time I met him, I knew that this is going to be my forever person. He was just that beautiful blend of fun, adventure and kindness and compassion.”

DEVELOPMENT OF A PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN Pest Management Plan Number: TNRD-MOSQ-2020 Applicant: The Thompson-Nicola Regional District, 300- 465 Victoria St, Kamloops, BC V2C 2A9 Tel: (250) 377-7199 Fax: 250-374-6489 Attention: Martin Dickson, Environmental Services Technologist Location: The TNRD intends to apply pesticides to reduce mosquitoes within designated mosquito surveillance and reduction areas in Electoral Area ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘J’, ‘L’, ‘M’, ‘N’, ‘O’, & ‘P’. This includes the municipalities of Kamloops, Sun Peaks, Logan Lake, Chase, Barriere, & Clearwater but excludes the City of Merritt. Pesticides: The active ingredients and trade names of the Pesticides proposed for use under this plan are as follows:

Larvicides: Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis Strain H-14 (AM65-52) (Vectobac 200G & Vectobac 1200L); Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis Strain H-14 (BMP-144) (Mosquito Dunks, Aquabac XT & Aquabac 200G); Bacillus sphaericus (VectoLex WSP, VectoLex CG & VectoLex WDG); Methoprene (Altosid XR briquets & Altosid Pellets). Adulticides: ADULTICIDES WILL ONLY BE USED UNDER ORDER FROM A MEDICAL HEALTH OFFICER malathion (Fyfanon ULV Concentrate, & Malathion 95 ULV insecticide), pyrethrin +piperonyl butoxide (Pyrocide Fogging Formula 7067), pyrethrin + piperonyl butoxide+ N-Octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide (Gardex Commercial Industrial micro spray concentrate). Application Methods: Larvicides: Backpack applicator, granular spreader, & manual placement for Vectobac 200G, Aquabac 200G & Altosid Pellets. Manual placement only for Mosquito Dunks, Altosid XR Briquettes & VectoLex WSP. Backpack sprayer & truck/ATV mounted sprayer for Vectobac 1200L, VectoLex WDG & Aquabac XT. Helicopter or fixed wing aircraft for Vectobac 200G, Vectobac 1200L, Aquabac 200G, Aquabac XT, VectoLex CG & VectoLex WDG. If the use of Drones is approved and added to any larvicide label during the term of the PMP, they may also be used for treatments. Adulticides: Truck/ATV mounted or backpack, non-thermal ULV generators for all adulticides as listed above. The selection of insecticides has been chosen to target mosquito populations in the most environmentally responsible manner. The pesticide applications will occur within the boundary areas outlined in the Pest Management Plan. The proposed duration of the Pest Management Plan is from March 1, 2021 to Feb 28, 2026. A draft copy of the Pest Management Plan may be viewed online at www.tnrd.ca or a hardcopy can be viewed at the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, 4th Floor, 465 Victoria Street, Kamloops, V2C 2A9 A person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment site, relevant to the development of the Pest Management Plan, may send copies of the information to the consultant at the address below within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

SUN PEAKS’ SOURCE FOR

BWP Consulting Inc Attention: Cheryl Phippen 6211 Meadowland Cres S Kamloops, BC V2C 6X3 Email: BWP@shaw.ca Phone: 250-573-1750

Located in

Peaks West Next to the Firehall

#8 1280 Alpine Rd

Sun Peaks BC

www.ohanasunpeaks.ca | 250-578-0852

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Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15 9

GET OUT There Backcountry lodges able to accommodate provincial health orders COMMERCIAL BACKCOUNTRY SKI LODGES AIM TO KEEP THEIR TIPS UP DURING THE PANDEMIC

JARRET HOFFMAN

Sol Mountain Lodge and other Backcountry Lodges of British Columbia Association (BLBCA) members hope to make the most of this ski season despite current travel restrictions. Sol Mountain Lodge is one of 32 BLBCA members, a home-style lodge nestled in the Monashee mountains between Vernon and Revelstoke, and is prepared to operate this winter under new restrictions and protocols set by the province. The BLBCA’s executive director, Brad Harrison, said they’ve been working closely with the province to make sure lodges can safely operate during the pandemic. “I think we both have our concerns, we want to keep the lights on so we need to work in the constraints that the PHO [provincial health officer] thinks is necessary. We need to make sure they understand how our business operates and make them comfortable with what we’re doing,” said Harrison. Sol Mountain Lodge, and some of the other members, are well equipped to operate under new restrictions and guidelines which Harrison helped construct. “It’s an overall guidance document to help people and those individual businesses create their own plan that’s specific to their operation. We tried to do a lot of the heavy lifting to make it easier for these independent operators to adapt, get their plan in place. Typically small operations are mom and pop shops and don’t have a huge capacity for this kind of work,” Harrison said. Sol was quick to get their plan in place to be able to operate over the summer. “We reduced capacity back in June after the COVID guidelines

Sol Mountain Lodge. PHOTO SUPPLIED

came out in May,” said Aaron Cooperman owner and operator of Sol Mountain Lodge. “With reduced capacity we can ensure private rooms for guests, dining is physically distanced just the same as any restaurant and of course there’s all the protocols for staff. We’ve got increased hygiene and cleaning protocols, but our biggest defense is the pre-screening. We know who is coming through our doors.” Even though Cooperman has been able to continue operating, keeping the doors open will remain a struggle as long as restrictions are in place. “Essentially our business plan right now is to keep the lights on, which under the current restrictions means we can stay open until mid-January. We’re not

looking at any revenues as long as the restrictions are in place,” Cooperman said. One of the most difficult restrictions set by provincial health for tourism operators is the travel restriction recommendations, but Cooperman and Harrison said they plan to fully oblige in helping reduce the spread of the virus. “The way we’re coining it is if the Monashees are in your backyard, which it is for our guests from Kamloops, Okanagan, Revelstoke and a little bit of the west Kootenays, then you’re welcome at Sol,” said Cooperman. Many of the BLBCA members neighbour a small community which allows locals to take advantage of getting into the

backcountry and utilize lodges in their region that would typically be booked up. “Almost all the lodges have some regional center reasonably close by. I think it’s good because of the accessibility and price point, there’s good opportunities for local people to get into deluxe backcountry facilities in their region and be comfortable not having to travel outside of their region like Dr. Henry suggested,” Harrison explained. Sol had to cancel bookings after the Nov. 18 announcement from provincial health. “Normally we would have opened Nov. 20 but those were bookings from out-of-province guests and assuming the same travel restrictions continue, we will only have local guests

for December 10 onwards,” explained Cooperman. Despite surmounting difficulties and unknowns, Cooperman and the association’s top priority is to remain diligent in reducing the spread of the virus and co-operating with provincial health orders. “We are totally behind Dr. Bonnie Henry. She says ski local and that’s our plan, we can do this,” Cooperman insisted. “We make sure that everyone is tuned into the most recent orders. Whenever possible [the lodges] follow their best practices plan that is posted on their website.” Harrison added. *Editor’s note: These interviews took place before an update on the travel restrictions was given on Dec. 7 from the PHO.

MOUNTAIN MAN DOG SLED ADVENTURES JOIN US FOR A MEMORABLE TRIP THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL SUN PEAKS BACKCOUNTRY. GUESTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO EXPERIENCE DRIVING THE SLED, OR LEAVE YOUR GUIDE AT THE HELM AND ENJOY THE RIDE. OUR ALASKAN HUSKIES ARE FRIENDLY AND LOVE PEOPLE. DRESS WARM AND BRING YOUR CAMERAS. GUESTS MUST BE AT LEAST 4 YEARS OLD TO PARTICIPATE.

Tours available daily. Online booking preferred.

250 319 7205 | mountainmanadventures.ca 10

Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15

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

“…brown paper packages tied up with string…”

All those online orders comes with extra packaging, from boxes to bubble wrap make sure you know where to recycle it properly. Download the Recycle Coach App today. Sun Peaks Transfer Station is open all regularly scheduled holidays

tnrd.ca/holiday 250-377-2596 SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15 11

EVENTS Holiday events, activities and tours in Sun Peaks and Kamloops ROUND OUT YOUR HOLIDAY WITH THOSE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD BY PARTAKING IN THE FOLLOWING EVENTS, TOURS AND ACTIVITIES. JARRETT HOFFMAN

This holiday season, keep things local, festive, fun and within your household by participating in one of the many activities and events that can be found right in our backyards. CARRIAGE RIDES Ride through the village in a two horse open sleigh this winter. Sun Peaks Stables’ sleigh rides take guests through the village and out onto the trails to take in the sights and sounds of the village, valley and mountains. Sleighs depart from outside the Village Day Lodge and the Coast Sundance Lodge and take approximately 40 minutes. Due to COVID-19, blankets will not be provided so guests are asked to dress accordingly and are welcome to bring their own hot drinks. To reserve a sleigh ride visit www. sunpeaksstables.com DOGSLEDDING TOURS Get ushered through private trails in Sun Peaks’ backcountry by Alaskan huskies who live to run through Mountain Man Adventures. Tour offerings include 60 minutes at $250 for two people and 90 minutes for $350 for a two-person sled or, if you just want to meet the dogs, guests can interact with them for $30 for a half an hour with them. Face coverings are mandatory, physical distancing will occur whenever possible and equipment will be sanitized between tours. To book, go to mountainmanadventures.ca or call 250-319-7205. SNOWSHOE RENTALS AND TOURS Sun Peaks has extensive snowshoe trails, rentals and tours available to guests. Rentals cost on average $20 a day and include a trail pass. Tours can be booked through sunpeaksresort.com/

snowshoe and are led by professional guides. Options for tours include private small group tours, which cost $200 for two guests and up to $650 for eight guests for a two and a half hour tour. Snowshoe Fondue includes hot drinks around an evening campfire at a cozy winter camp before returning to the Sun Peaks Lodge for fondue with a variety of cheese and chocolate at $95 per adult and $65 per child aged five to 12. For those with a strict sweet tooth, the Moonlight Snowshoe and S’mores tour is for you with a 1km snowshoe to the winter camp where guests enjoy s’mores, hot apple cider and a roaring fire costing $52/ adult, $48/youth (13-18), senior (65+), and $28/child (5-12). Day time tours include the Winter Wonderland tour which includes snowshoe lessons coupled with snowshoe history and nature exploration or an alpine tour on Tod Mountain above the Sunburst Express chairlift for approximately $50/person. Private groups and custom tours are also available. All tours can be booked on the Sun Peaks website or by phone at 250578-5542. GUIDED ICE FISHING Local guide Campbell Bryk of Elevated Fishing is available to accompany all ages and experience levels. The trip includes pick up and drop off, a heated ice fishing tent and all the fishing equipment required to be a successful angler. Tours can accommodate up to five guests for standard trips or eight to ten guests for custom trips. Tours take place at either sunrise from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. or sunset from noon to 4 p.m. Rates are $400 for one or two people, $500 for three to five and the cost of a fishing license for each angler is not included. ICE SKATING Sun Peaks skating rink opens Dec. 18 with public skates available each day except for Christmas Day. A maximum of 20 people are allowed in the facility at

one time with face coverings mandatory. Skates are available to rent but there is limited supply. For more information and schedule details call 250-578-2020. WINTER PHOTO SHOOTS Shoots are available for one person, couples, large families, on mountain action shots and everything in between with professional photographers at Alpine Images Photography. Timings and locations are flexible to suit client needs and pictures can be delivered digitally or printed on paper or canvas. To enquire, go to the Alpine Images Photography shop in the village or email info@alpineimages.ca. SKI BIKING Love skiing and mountain biking but can’t decide which to do? Guests can take part in a coaching session before taking to the slopes on a guided tour. Riders must be 12 years of age or older, purchase their own lift ticket beforehand and have boots and a helmet. Offerings include a level one instruction which costs $59/person for a two hour introductory clinic, two hour guided mountain tour for $49/person to a maximum of eight people or just rent the bikes for between $49 and $69 for the day. To book your bike or tour or to get more information contact the activities desk at 250-578-5542 or go to skibikecanada.com. SNOW LIMO TOURS These private tours are offered daily from Dec. 1 to March 20 based on availability and range from half an hour to two and a half hours. The Five Mile tour costs $59, Sundance Explorer $109, Otchuka’s Secret $199 and the Snow Ghost and Top of the World tour costs $249. For more information or to book, call the activities desk at 250-578-5542 or go to www.snowlimotours.com. SNOWMOBILE TOURS This experience is offered seven

days a week on a variety of trails such as frozen lakes or clear meadows. Gorgeous views of the region are also included in either the two or four hour tours. Valid driver’s licenses are required. Two hour tours cost $184 for drivers and $75 for passengers or the four hour tour costs $295 for drivers and $109 for passengers. To book contact the activities desk by calling 250-578-5542 or email activites@sunpeaksresort.com. ART EXHIBITIONS Presented by ArtZone Sun Peaks, they feature local artists with showings at various locations throughout the village. Featured artist Bev Muldoon will be showing their artwork from Dec. 23 to Jan. 29 featuring watercolours. For more information contact ArtZone Sun Peaks Arts Society by email at hello@ artzonesunpeaks.com. HOLIDAY DINNERS The planned meals will be offered on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve this holiday season from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mantles Restaurant. The three-course dinner costs $56/ person, is available for dine-in and take out and it is strongly recommended that diners make a reservation. For more information call Mantles Restaurant at 250-578-6000. Ohana Market and Sun Peaks Catering have paired up to offer a takeaway turkey dinner available for pick up Dec. 23 and 24 starting at $39/person with a minimum of 2 people per order. Email info@ohanasunpeaks.ca or call 250-578-0852 for details. Cahility Creek Kitchen will offer a special meal on Christmas Day for a maximum of six people starting at $47 per adult and $19 per child 12 and under. Their menu includes three-courses and features glazed ham, roast turkey and all the fixings plus dessert. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 250-434-0279. The Steakhouse at Sun Peaks Lodge

will offer a three-course Christmas Day dinner from 4:30 p.m. to close starting at $39 per person. Take out is also available and reservations are recommended. Call 250-578-7878 ext. 0 for more information. To see menus, find dates and for more information on the holiday dinner events, go to the Sun Peaks website and click on the ‘Events & Things to Do’ tab and scroll down to Christmas Eve dinners, Christmas Day Menus, or New Years Eve dinners. KAMLOOPS DOWNTOWN STORYBOOK VILLAGE This ‘drive-through parade’ is presented by Thompson Rivers University from Nov. 29 until Dec 29. The city’s downtown will have Santa and his elves, a candy cane forest and 11 reworded Christmas themed story books such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Nutcracker which can be found at various store locations with an interactive online map to locate each storybook page for a family scavenger hunt. Store fronts will also be decorated with lights, ornaments, characters, music and window paint. Vote for your favourite and be entered to win a $250 gift card. To find that map, vote for your favorite decorated storefront or for more information, go to www.downtownkamloops.com SUN PEAKS FIRE RESCUE SANTA VISIT This year Santa must visit Sun Peaks a little differently and is trading in his shiny red sleigh for a fire truck. Santa and Sun Peaks Fire Rescue (SPFR) will be touring the community of Sun Peaks on Christmas Eve spreading holiday cheer before he takes off to deliver gifts. Santa will start in the East Village in the evening of Dec. 24 and work his way west. Make sure to wave at him as he passes by. This event has kindly been sponsored by Meranti Developments and the Rotary Club of Sun Peaks. Stay tuned to SPIN and SPFR online for more details.

e best B.C. boutique wine selection!

Order online for pickup or delivery at sundanceliquor.ca from 11am to 7pm

Located in the residences at Sun Peaks Grand | 250.578.0420 | 30 min parking available in designated stalls 12

Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

ARTS

Sun Peaks gets official district tartan MASTER WEAVER STUDENT REGISTERS TARTAN

JEAN STRONG

Soon Sun Peaks will have its own official district tartan, thanks to the hard work of local master weaver student and ArtZone Sun Peaks president Marj Knive. The tartan was first created for sale in the annual art auction last year. Knive said she was inspired by a meadow of wildflowers during a hike on the mountain and thought she could incorporate the colours in her auction piece. She started with matching colours of yarn with the colours from the photo and also took inspiration from a plaid jacket she saw which incorporated some similar colours. “I thought, I can figure this out,” she said. Currently she’s enrolled in a master weavers program at Olds College and despite not having to make a tartan for school until next year Knive went ahead with the project. “I had been studying how to design a plaid and then I thought I can incorporate what I’m learning…let’s see what I can come up with.” She started by drawing it out and then with her daughter’s help they tweaked the colours and design. Once the colours were chosen they took a photo and made it black and white to see the values of the colour, slightly changing the yarn until they all had different values. They also had to use fibonacci number sequences to determine how many threads to use to make the design appealing. In the end the plaid has a balance of small and large squares and with some mixed

and some solid colours. “In this particular plaid there’s a black square and then yellow-green colour. And those are the pivot points of the tartan, so you can look at it either direction and they’re exactly the same.” Once she finalized her design, Knive got to work weaving, which took two or three weeks. Once completed she used the tartan to make a purse for the auction, and quickly decided to add a matching scarf. When both were completed and in the auction, Knive said it was Nancy Greene Raine who encouraged her to register it as an official tartan. “I thought that was a really neat idea…and there seems to be a lot of interest in it and it seems like a lot of people really liked it.” With the help of Linda Strachan, Knive prepared her application, which included making slight adjustments to the design, getting a letter of support from the municipality and submitting it to the Scottish Register of Tartans. Once her registration is accepted anyone who wishes to use it must have Knive’s permission. She will also be trademarking the tartan in Canada. “I didn’t set out to make a district tartan, that was never in my mind. But as it turns out it’s kind of neat how it transpired and I’m just tickled pink that it’s so well accepted and people have really encouraged me to do that.” Knive is currently weaving another tartan scarf, but due to the long hours weaving takes she has made it a digital file which anyone interested could purchase items made of.

The tartan Knive created was made into a purse and scarf last year. PHOTO SPIN

On her recently launched RedBubble page one can find a a large variety of items featuring the design. She’s also researching ways to sell it as different types of fabric and home decor pieces. “[Then] the possibilities are endless when you use a digital file,” she said.

@sunpeaksnews

Join us for Dinner at

The Steakhouse and the Fondue Stube For reservations call 250 578 7878

Limited seating and COVID-19 protocols apply

More information on our website www.sunpeakslodge.com

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15 13

PUZZLES AND SERVICES Oh, You Beast! OH, YOU BEAST! Across 1 ___ the lily (adorns unnecessarily) 6 La ___, Bolivia 9 "Take a hike!" 14 France's longest river 15 Big British record label 16 19th c. author Virginia 17 "We're ___ own now" 18 Stupidly stubborn 20 Flies by the seat of one's pants 22 Go-getter's feeling 23 Principal bldgs.? 24 Metallic blue 26 Past its shelf life 29 Engrave a gravestone 31 Mirror-cracking 32 "___ Mine" (George Harrison book) 33 The Honeydrippers' "___ Love" 35 Halloween prankster's projectiles 36 Some diag. scans 37 Works by painter Emily 38 "___ willikers!" 39 Mountain's "backbone" 40 Kitchen extension? 41 Classical guitarist Liona 42 Spam container, perhaps 43 Victoria to Vancouver dir. 44 Bitty bit 45 Mouth-puckering 46 Mountain in B.C.'s Sun Peaks Ski Resort 47 In the centre of 49 Room in "una casa" 52 Seeing things, in poetry? 53 G'day sayers 55 Moving very stealthily 59 Language from which "pyjamas" is derived 60 Canadian pasta sauce brand 61 Not well 62 "Can ___ little help over here?" 63 Put back in the sty 64 Strategically shy 65 Off ___ (sporadically)

by Barbara Olson © ClassiCanadian Crosswords 1

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34 "... his wife could ___ lean..." 35 Overly "endowed" with selflove 36 It makes a difference to a math student? 39 ___ de Janeiro, Brazil 41 The-lights-are-on-butnobody's home type 44 Moron, to Bugs Bunny 45 R-V lineup? 48 "Sorry to say..." 50 Precipitated 51 Like David Suzuki, ancestrally 52 Steve Martin/Lily Tomlin film "All ___" 54 Sunni rival sect 55 Subj. of "The Last Spike" 56 "___ you kidding?" 57 Change in a coffee shop jar 58 "Xanadu" band, for short

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Down 1 Shines, like Rudolf's nose 2 Neither Doric nor Corinthian, architecturally 3 Highly courageous 4 Pharmacist's workplace 5 Talks for the flocks: Abbr. 6 ___-Bismol 7 Boucherville buddy 8 Followed a slalom course 9 Showing slickness in a sport? 10 Barbeque briquette 11 Fishing pole 12 Alexander Keith's quaff 13 Produced in a plant: Abbr. 19 Reality TV's "___ Kitchen" 21 First person in Düsseldorf? 25 Visibly alarmed 26 Mentally vacuous 27 Pamplona pal 28 Neuter 30 Some baseball fly-catchers: Abbr. 33 Bloodhound's lead

©C

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As the only local news source, Sun Peaks Independent News has been an intergral part of residents’ lives for over 17 years.

WE CAN’T DO THIS WITHOUT YOU. We need your support to keep providing loval news to thr Sun Peaks region - and keep it open and free of charge for everyone. WWW.SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM/SUPPORT-US

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You can’t get closer to the lifts than the Coast Sundance Lodge! We offer the best ski-in, ski-out accommodation in all of Sun Peaks, featuring a range of spacious suites and lofts, all of which come with kitchens or kitchenettes, so you can stock up with all the provisions you’ll need. Most of our rooms have beautiful, unobstructed views of the mountain and village. And should you find time to stay connected, you’ll have access to complimentary Wi-Fi.

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@sunpeaksnews

Alpine Images Photography Let us capture your Sun Peaks Memories with a photoshoot in our magical winter wonderland. for more information and to book please contact us at

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

Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15

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Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15 15

Seasons Greetings!

Serving Sun Peaks and area since 1995

ALPINE RESORT REALTY

EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

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

COMMERCIAL SPACE

4217 BELLA VISTA DRIVE | $3,595,000 Enter the front doors to the impressive Great Room - showcasing the panoramic vista of Sun Peaks Resort! Massive floor-to-ceiling windows and fireplace set the stage for entertaining. Unique materials were hand-selected, including massive beams and reclaimed barnwood. Beautifully planned four bedroom custom timber frame home captures your imagination. Gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, abundant custom cabinetry, stone center island with informal dining space allows access to an expansive all-season heated sundeck with private hot tub.

#102 KOOKABURRA LODGE | $239,000 Convenience and accessibility! This 327 square foot space has high traffic exposure and good storefront visibility with direct outside access. The Kookaburra Lodge is a ski-in, skiout, four storey concrete building with residential condos above and commercial/retail on the ground floor including restaurant, spa and Municipal offices. Great location in the heart of Sun Peaks with year-round community and school. Monthly strata fee is $274.86.

NEW LISTING

SOLD #4 SETTLER’S CROSSING | $569,000

This mountain condominium has a tasteful and timeless decor with private hot tub and convenient ski-in, ski-out access. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom is all on one level and is a corner location that features open kitchen/ dining area and living room with upgraded hardwood flooring, S/S appliances, heated tile floors and cozy gas fireplace. Located just steps from the 16th Fairway of the Sun Peaks golf course, Nordic skiing, and bike trails.

40 ACRES

5064 HEFFLEY-LOUIS CREEK RD | $790,000 Gorgeous country setting with 4 bdrm. log home overlooking the beautiful Louis Creek valley. Peace & tranquillity with breathtaking wraparound views! A walk in the back-yard leads to a private wooded forest and year-round Cahilty Creek, backing onto crown land. The main level living area is the heart of the home, which is flooded with great light passing through massive windows that bring the outdoors inside. The open floor plan with vaulted ceiling & rustic rock fireplace is perfect for family gatherings. Only 20 min to Sun Peaks/50 min to Kamloops.

HOTEL CONDOS • • • • • •

| $49,900

Enjoy the warm hospitality and peace of mind with professional in house management! Located in the heart of Sun Peaks Village Hassle free ski in ski out access Underground parking Variety of room configurations & owner use arrangements. Call one of our Real Estate Professionals today!

1323 BURFIELD DRIVE|

$539,000

This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, half duplex in the mountain community of Sun Peaks is a great family home with single car garage, low maintenance landscaped yard, storage shed and ski-in access off Mt. Morrisey. The covered entry strikes a welcoming note with an airy open layout on the main floor for seamless transitions from the living space to the kitchen and dining area. The second level features two bedrooms plus spacious master bedroom with ensuite, walk-in closet and jet tub, and direct access to the private back yard. Additional parking and storage available.

NEW LISTING

#308 FIRESIDE LODGE | $344,900 Location is everything! Close to all resort shopping and amenities - Ski-in and Ski-out from this bright one bedroom condo which features an open floor plan, cozy fireplace and covered deck overlooking the village. Property amenities include outdoor hot tub, heated underground parking, elevator, shared on floor laundry, ski and bike storage, and the convenience of in building restaurants and commercial outlets. Unlimited owner use, with short term rental allowed. Offered furnished; GST n/a.

2215 SUNBURST DRIVE |

$1,179,000

Imagine your very own ski run that passes directly along the side of this home! An airy open layout allows for seamless transitions from the living space to the kitchen and spacious dining area that will accommodate large family gatherings. Custom built post & beam 6 bedroom home includes a self-contained suite and is just far enough away from the hustle and bustle to offer a peaceful retreat. Entire house has been re-zoned to allow for short term rentals. Offered furnished with hot tub. GST applies.

#28 MCGILLIVRAY CREEK | $929,000 This extremely desirable ski-in, ski-out townhome boasts 3 bedrooms plus large family room/bunk room and 3 baths, nestled in the McGillivray Creek Townhomes complex! Warm and inviting, with soaring windows, rich wood cabinetry and finishing throughout, new heated slate floors throughout the main level, beautiful kitchen with gas stove & granite counter tops, a cozy gas fireplace with custom built in cabinetry, and large sundeck.

COMMERCIAL SPACE

2431 FAIRWAYS DRIVE | $1,319,000 SKI IN AND WALKING DISTANCE TO THE VILLAGE! From the floor to ceiling rock fireplace in the living room, the custom hardwood cabinetry, granite countertops, deluxe appliances, tasteful mix of hardwood, stone and tile flooring - all is high end. Large master bedroom features vaulted ceilings, private deck, fireplace, 5 piece ensuite with large soaker tub, shower, separate vanities and large walk in closet. House your toys in the large single garage of over 30 feet in length with additional storage mezzanine. Offered furnished with hot tub; GST n/a.

#108 FIRESIDE LODGE |

$319,000

One bedroom, one-bathroom condo that sleeps 5 comfortably and is conveniently located in the Fireside Lodge. Great ski-in, ski-out access and is close to all resort amenities. This ground floor condo features higher ceilings, a full kitchen, private owner storage, cozy gas fireplace and private patio with mountain view. Unlimited owner use and zoning allows for short term rentals and the ability to self-manage, providing excellent rental potential. New fridge, paint, lighting and countertops in kitchen and bathroom. GST is applicable.

#107 KOOKABURRA LODGE | $559,000 High traffic corner exposure and great storefront visibility and patio area that offers the opportunity for significant growth, as Sun Peaks continues to improve and expand its development. Concrete structure for strength, acoustic and fire qualities with sprinkler system in place. Great location adjacent to the village with year round community and school. Existing lease in place. 1076 sq.ft. Monthly strata fee $690.63.

SUNPEAKSREALTY.COM 16

Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15

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LOCAL News

Property assessments increase average of 10 or 11 per cent JEAN STRONG

Property owners received their property assessment notices for 2021 in the mail in early January. Thompson area deputy assessor Tracy Shymko said most homeowners in the Thompson will see a zero to 10 per cent increase in value compared to 2020. “Housing demand has remained strong in our region with some communities such as Barriere, Cache Creek, Logan Lake, Sun Peaks and Merritt experiencing somewhat higher

Overnight and from first-light, as the snow keeps piling. Because of you, we're all safe, shredding, and smiling. Thank you to all outside ops and onmountain team members! SunPeaksResort.com

increases in the range of zero up to 20 per cent for residential values,” she said in a release. Province-wide both residential single family homes and residential strata homes saw a zero to 10 per cent increase. In Sun Peaks the average increase in value of a single family home was 11 per cent, from an average value of $829,000 in 2020 to $920,000 in 2021. Strata residences in Sun Peaks jumped by an average of 10 per cent, from an average value of $482,000 in 2020 to $531,000 in 2021. Should a homeowner have questions or concerns about their assessment they

are encouraged to access information on the BC Assessment website or contact them directly. Should they still be concerned about the value they may submit a notice of complaint by Feb. 1 for review by a panel. “It is important to understand that increases in property assessments do not automatically translate into a corresponding increase in property taxes,” Shymko added in the release. “As noted on your assessment notice, how your assessment changes relative to the average change in your community is what may affect your property taxes.” Photo: Kelly Funk

BC Assessment has released the top assessed residential properties in the province, including the top valued homes within Sun Peaks THE COMMUNITY IS HOME TO MANY GORGEOUS HOMES, BUT THESE ONES TOP THE LIST. JEAN STRONG

1. 4141 DOUGLAS COURT – $3,075,000 In 2019 this home was the second highest valued in the Thompson Region and often sits near the top of the list. 2. 4117 SUNDANCE DRIVE – $2,915,000 This four bedroom home sold in 2020. 3. 4121 SUNDANCE DRIVE – $2,894,000 This gorgeous home faces the bunny hill and features beautiful timber.

4. 4137 DOUGLAS COURT – $2,877,000 This Douglas Court home features natural rock, timber, panoramic views. and outdoor living space. 5. 4129 SUNDANCE DRIVE – $2,875,000 Just over 5,000 square feet with a wine cellar, games room, gym and movie room. 6. 4250 BELLA VISTA DRIVE – $2,702,000 In 2017 this home was valued in second place in the Thompson region.

7. 4127 SUNDANCE DRIVE – $2,492,000 This 4,000 square foot home sits slopeside and was built in 2005. 8. 5451 LOOKOUT RIDGE DRIVE – $2,448,000 9. 4133 DOUGLAS COURT – $2,387,000 Recently sold, this home has unique touches like carvings in the timber and custom furniture. 10. 4257 BELLA VISTA DRIVE – $2,241,000 Homes on Douglas Crt. and Sundance Dr. were often at the top of the list.

Volume 19 Issue 1 January 15 - February 11

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LOCAL News Tourism Sun Peaks supports task force PROVINCIAL TOURISM TASK FORCE HAS CALLED FOR CREATION OF A $95 MILLION EMERGENCY FUND FOR TOURISM

Are you ready for snow and spa days?

JOEL BARDE

Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) is throwing its support behind the recommendations of the provincial tourism task force appointed in September of last year, noting the ﬁnancial challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in for local businesses. “The need for additional ﬁnancial support was clearly articulated,” said TSP president and chief executive officer Arlene Schieven in an email to SPIN. “The tourism industry has been extremely hard hit by the pandemic and there are many operators who need support but who did not meet the criteria for the previous programs.” Among the recommendations included in the 27-page report

released in early December is for the province to double the $50-million it set aside for the tourism industry in September, and for this money to be used for the creation of a $95 million Emergency Fund for Tourism (made of new and existing funding), as well as a $5 million fund speciﬁcally for Indigenous businesses. Schieven noted current travel recommendations have had a negative impact on the local tourism industry. “The peak holiday season is an extremely important time for Sun Peaks businesses,” she said. “This year will look very different and we anticipate that business levels will be half of what they would normally be at this time of

year.” Looking forward, the report stated it’s unlikely that signiﬁcant demand for tourism will return before 2022 and it will take even longer for revenues and employment to return to prepandemic levels. The report also includes a number of recommendations, including the development of a safety certiﬁcate program and prioritizing innovative ways to lift travel restrictions. The tourism industry is thought to generate over $20.5 billion in revenue and employ some 160,000 people in B.C., according to the report. You can read the whole report on the provincial government’s website.

Book online 24 hours a day.

www.sunpeaksspa.com | info@sunpeaksspa.com | 250-578-0086

Sun Peaks providers react quickly to stop spread of COVID-19 COMMUNITY AGENCIES WORK IN TANDEM TO HALT SPREAD AFTER FOUR CASES DIAGNOSED IN THE COMMUNITY IN CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS JOEL BARDE

Sun Peaks agencies are credited with taking swift action in order to stop the spread of COVID-19, after testing during the Christmas break diagnosed four people in the community with the contagious virus. All four are staff members at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel, which is owned and operated by the resort. Local testing results from Monday, Dec. 28 were promising, with 19 tests all registering negative for the virus. Sun Peaks physician Dr. Shane

Barclay has taken a leading role in the community’s response to the virus and is urging the community to stay vigilant about following social distancing protocols. Upon learning of four positive cases (one on Dec. 24 and three on Dec. 25), Barclay sent out a letter to the public letting them know of the positive diagnoses. He also worked closely with community stakeholders to carry out contact tracing. “I just thought, let’s make this real for people,” said Barclay, explaining his decision to get the letter out. Nurses at the community’s pop-up testing centre—which operates three

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times a week and was advocated for by the municipality and the Sun Peaks Community Health Centre—ask patients if they want Dr. Barclay to be on their requisition form, allowing him to log in and check the status of tests the following morning. “The system worked amazingly well,” he said. “By like, 8 a.m, I was able to phone all the patients and by noon…everybody had all of their contacts traced.” Barclay credits the tireless work of Marc White, risk management and safety programs director for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR), for carrying out the contact tracing.

A statement from the Sun Peaks Grand said the COVID-19 cases are related to social gatherings outside of work. “In the past two days, due to the proactive work of our hotel team alongside community resources, we have been informed about 4 cases of COVID-19 within staff members at the Sun Peaks Grand,” read a statement posted on the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel website from late December. “All cases are related to social interactions outside the workplace and no guests have been impacted at this time. “The 4 cases and associated close contacts are currently in self isolation.” Sun Peaks Mayor Al Raine said was hopeful the cases were contained. Raine said the community worked well together to contain the outbreak. “Getting the tests available here, getting the results within 24 hours and having the contacts made by the Health Centre in Sun Peaks, has been key to keeping this group somewhat under control,” he said. For Barclay, the message people

should take out of the recent cases is that they should be extremely cautious about their interactions with others. “Imagine that everybody you are in any contact with is positive, just assume that they’re positive and act accordingly,” he said. “It’s really simple: Wear a mask, wash your hands, social distance.” Barclay recommends getting tested no matter what your symptoms are, noting that symptoms can be mild, particularly in young people. “It anything from that minimal stuffy nose to a [bad fever]’ The pop-up testing centre operates on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from noon to 2 p.m. Appointments can be booked online at InteriorHealth.ca or by calling 1-877-740-7747 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Residents from out of country or province can be tested with an appointment but are required to bring work visa documents and/or their passport.

Volume 19 Issue 1 January 15 - February 11 5

LOCAL News O’Malley honoured for patient care KAMLOOPS PHARMACY LOCATION PROVIDES SAFE SPACE FOR TARGETED POPULATION

JEAN STRONG

One of Sun Peaks’ pharmacists has been recognized for the exceptional service he provides. Clancy O’Malley, owner of Sun Peaks Pharmacy, was selected for the BC Pharmacy Association’s Excellence in Patient Care award in the fall of 2020. He was nominated by Caroline Cooper, a pharmacist at O’Malley’s downtown Kamloops location. “It was a pretty big surprise,” O’Malley said. “It’s the most touching that my coworkers and customers were willing to spend the time to nominate me.” The association explained that O’Malley’s changes to the location when he took over in 2018 created a welcoming environment. He cleared out some of the store’s retail space to make room for a table and chairs where anyone can come in and warm up, whether or not they are a patient. He also provided a computer with internet access for public use. O’Malley said it comes naturally to support the community, especially as many of those in the area are experiencing homelessness or struggling with mental health issues. “I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily anything particularly special in terms of treatment. It’s more just consistent of what I myself would expect if I went into a pharmacy. In a way it’s people that are largely

Pharmacists Clancy O’Malley and Tony Rinaldi at the Sun Peaks Pharmacy. PHOTO SPIN

forgotten or actively not treated well in the health care system at all levels.” One patient, Joshua Higgins, told the association he credits O’Malley with his restored health and wellness after tackling mental health, substance use and chronic pain for years. “It’s great for people that are usually not treated very well in retail environments that they’re welcomed in and not just shooed away,” O’Malley said. “I’m also really happy to see that the award panel, who went through all the nominations, read

Volume 19 Issue 1 January 15 - February 11

that one and thought that was a good example of patient care. Because it is a little bit different than a lot of pharmacies. I’m glad that it was like an endorsement they see this as a good way to operate.” O’Malley cited personal experience with addiction and his parent’s caring personalities as reasons for his approach. “It’s giving someone the room to take care of themselves, or to better look after themselves. The thing is with any kind of health, whether it’s simple like someone has an infected toe and they need

to take antibiotics, they’ve got to go home and take the antibiotic. Somebody who is suffering with mental health and addiction type problems and poverty in general, they need to be given some room to just take care of themselves. We can help them but in the end they’re the ones that have to want to a certain degree. “It’s a bit of space to be safe, warm and comfortable. Showing that someone does care about them...because you live in a constant state of stress, ﬁght or ﬂight all day, all night, all the time...so it’s sad to say but

something as small as providing a safe comfortable space for someone to spend a few hours, to use the internet or whatever is as stable as some people have from day to day.” O’Malley said although his Sun Peaks businesses serves a different demographic, the same values of compassion, being welcoming and ﬁlling the needs of the local community remain. “I think if you’re really focused on trying to ﬁnd out what the community needs and then, as best you can, provide that, it’s a lot easier to be successful.”

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SPORTS Mountain sports teams continue despite pandemic SPIN CHECKED IN WITH LOCAL SPORT ORGANIZATIONS TO FIND OUT WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR AND WHAT POSITIVE CHANGES WERE BORN FROM THE PANDEMIC JARRETT HOFMANN

Overall, snow sports in Sun Peaks are remaining optimistic due to resort and community support, even with the pause of competition and events. SUN PEAKS FREESTYLE CLUB The Sun Peaks Freestyle Club offers coaching for both snowboarders and skiers aged six to 12 in the ‘super youth’ category and 13 to 18 in the ‘timber tour’ category. Within the club, riders improve their jump, box, rail, trick and ﬂip skills and some athletes compete in slopestyle and big air competitions. New this year is the club’s ‘Air Site,’ made possible by the support of Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR), where athletes can practise tricks and ﬂips on jumps in a controlled environment. “The support that SPR has given us is tremendous,” said Daniel Hoerz, club director. With pandemic restrictions in place, competitions are on hold which is especially difficult for snowboarder Nate Brown who recently landed a spot on the provincial team. On a positive note, the club’s athlete numbers have grown and without competitions, athletes have been able to focus on skill development without having to worry about performing in competition, said snowboard director Janna Brown. SUN PEAKS ALPINE CLUB The Sun Peaks Alpine Club offers race coaching to athletes aged six to 12 in their Nancy Greene program and to athletes in the U12, U14, U16, and for those athletes over 16 years of age, the International Federation of Skiing (FIS) categories. “We feel very fortunate that the resort is working with us to provide some good training and we’re starting off with an excellent season.

Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks hard at work. PHOTO SUPPLIED

The kids are doing lots of free skiing and drill work,” said Wade Rettie, program director. “One thing we’re grateful for is that the resort and community support us every year, this year especially. Hats off to them and all the volunteers that come and give us some time when they can,” he added. Numbers of athletes in the older age groups are down due to injury, but younger skier numbers have increased since last year and as a whole the program is growing. Rettie said they are ﬁnding ways to keep athletes engaged and improve their athletics, agility and ability. “One thing we’ve noticed with the shortened training days is a high quality of skiing from the athletes,” said Rettie. ADAPTIVE SPORTS SUN PEAKS (ASSP) ASSP has experienced higher demand than ever, according to

program manager Nicolas Riopel. However, the program is dealing with limitations this season due to a variety of factors. “There’s no sit skiing this year, sadly, because we need to get pretty close to the student, which doesn’t make sense with physical distancing,” Riopel explained. “We’re hoping that at the end of the season we can train more instructors and have a strong season next year.” There is also a limited capacity for instructor certiﬁcation due to the Canadian Adaptive Sports’ certifying body halting the certiﬁcation of new instructors and because some of ASSP’s top instructors are from Australia and unable to travel to Sun Peaks. However, the students who are returning to ASSP are still provided with a two or three to one instructor to student ratio, which helps both the student and instructors improve, said Riopel. He also noted positive outcomes from the new Thompson Okanagan

Tourism Association (TOTA) ‘Accessible Experiences’ task force which promotes accessibility and inclusion in tourism, as well as links stakeholders and creates a positive network for ASSP. BLUEBIRD DAY FUND (BDF) Although instructor to student ratios have been limited to ﬁve kids per coach for all sport organizations at Sun Peaks, which limits organizational capacity, the BDF was able to continue regular programs thanks to resort and community support, as well as add a program that is catered to the Kamloops Boys and Girls Club. “We are extremely grateful to everyone who has donated and participated in order for us to continue getting kids out in the snow,” BDF told SPIN in an email. However, typical in-person fundraising activities and events such as the Garden Jam, Banked Slalom and Super Sender Season Ender Bender will unfortunately

need to be put aside this season. SUN PEAKS NORDIC CLUB The cross country skiing club at Sun Peaks is alive and well and participants who usually rent their equipment from the club daily are now able to keep their equipment for the duration of the season. This means that athletes are able to practise even more, Ivor McMahen, president of the nordic club, told SPIN in an email. “The club’s focus is on ‘sport for life’ and physical literacy rather than competitions,” McMahen said. The main program is for kids aged all the way from four to 16, informally known as “Jackrabbits.” One downside this year is the club’s lack of access to the Nordic Centre which is used for warming up and for post-session snacks and social time. Despite restrictions, McMahen said the program is growing and the club is seeing many new faces in the kids’ program.

SNOWSHOE GUIDED TOURS & RENTALS Enjoy the fresh mountain air on a snowshoe experience set in Sun Peaks’ winter wonderland.

For reservations, call or stop in at the Activities Desk in the main Village Daylodge.

250.578.5542 or 250.319.6064 discoversunpeaks.com

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Volume 19 Issue 1 January 15 - February 11 7

LOCAL News

New business puts modern, mountain twist on ancient health treatments NEW SLIDING SCALE PRICING FOR THOSE WHO REQUIRE IT

CONNECT WITH US

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@sunpeaksnews

Adams in her element snowboarding. PHOTO SUPPLIED

JEAN STRONG

Residents and visitors now have access to more treatments for aches, pains and injuries or just to relax thanks to Kristina Adams, owner of Fourth Meridian Acupuncture & Massage. Adams, who opened her space in the Sun Peaks Yoga studio in July 2020, has lived in the community from 2010 to 2014 before going to school and travelling. Inspired after her own back injury was treated with acupuncture with great success, she decided to learn about it herself. She attended Paciﬁc Rim College to study acupuncture for three years, a program which covers traditional

Chinese medicine, acupuncture, biomedecine, anatomy and physiology before she became a registered Acupuncturist in B.C. in 2018. She then spent time in both Japan and Australia learning more skills before returning to the mountain. “When I travelled I tried to make sure I was staying in line with my ultimate end goal, and those [experiences] were all a part of it,” she said. “And then I met my partner up here and he and I decided we wanted to be back here forever and that’s when I decided to open up the practice up here.” Currently Adams practises in both Sun Peaks and Kamloops each week, but ultimately hopes to grow the business with the mountain community and focus on Sun Peaks full-time. Despite the challenges of opening in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Adams said the community has been supportive and it has gone better than

Volume 19 Issue 1 January 15 - February 11

she ﬁrst expected. “I kind of went into it with zero expectations but I got really lucky with the timing because I knew Sonya [Trevisi]...and she was retiring sort of, so she suggested and recommended me to all of her existing patients,” Adams explained. “That was really lucky.” She added that the pandemic has also meant treating more residents, who come back for repeat treatments, instead of guests she may see once while they visit. “The locals up here have really supported me...that’s why I’ve been able to continue to grow even though COVID is going on right now which is super awesome.” This January she launched a new sliding scale pricing option for those who can’t afford the cost or may not have extended health beneﬁts which cover the treatments. “It wasn’t that long ago for me that

I had no money,” she said. “I was going to school, and I could not afford to go for massage or acupuncture or physio...I just couldn’t afford it. So I wanted to give back to the community, and it’s as much for them as it was for me because I was feeling this heaviness in my heart about charging what I charge, which is relative to what everybody else charges. It was getting to me so I wanted to give back. I feel like the Sun Peaks community has supported me and my dreams over the last six months that I was just like, ok it’s time.” Since launching, she said a number of new patients have been able to access the treatments when they otherwise wouldn’t, and existing patients have expressed their support for the program. For those curious about the treatments, Adams explained she takes a more Westernn anatomical

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sports medicine based approach to acupuncture. She said the needles are thin and almost completely painless and those who aren’t comfortable with them could see her for Chinese or Japanese style massage as they can also be great for pain relief. “Acupuncture is great for restoring range of motion, decreasing pain,” she said. “I use a lot of electrical acupuncture, actually hooking up the needles to an electrode to stimulate healing.” For more information or to book an appointment with Adams visit her website, fourth-meridian.com.

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LOCAL News Community food bank is operating and available, but hasn’t seen large demand so far GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AIMED AT LAID OFF WORKERS THOUGHT TO HAVE HELPED JOEL BARDE

It’s been a long, arduous pandemic for all Canadians, including those lucky enough to call Sun Peaks home. But despite the challenges, a local food bank set up in the early days of COVID-19’s impact on B.C. has seen little use. The people behind it want to get the message out that it is still available if you are in need of help. Sun Peaks Community Helps (SPCH) started in early April as a direct response

to COVID-19, launching its food bank shortly after. Sydney Johnson, one of the volunteers behind the effort, said the organization was able to secure funds and food donations thanks to generous support from local businesses and individuals. The food bank was also able to secure a brick and mortar location in Peaks West, thanks to Meranti Developments, which owns the space and is allowing SPCH to operate free of charge. Johnson said the food bank has seen little take up so far. “We have had a few clients, but we really haven’t had an overwhelming

amount of clients,” said Johnson. She suggested that could owe to government support, such as the Canadian Emergency Response Beneﬁt that has assisted out-of-work Canadians. SPCH offers its services by appointment only. Those interested can contact the organization by email at spcommunityhealth@gmail.com. Johnson said the organization is here to serve and will provide nonjudgemental help. “They can get a hold of us by emailing and letting us know what it is they need,” she said. “Do they need food resources? We just need to know like, are you a family? Are you a single person? Any

allergies? Are you vegan? “We have pretty much have all dried and tinned goods available... but if we need to, we have ﬁnancial resources to go and pick up some groceries for someone in need.” SPCH is also dedicated to helping people maintain a positive outlook during these trying times. In the early days of the crisis, it had a fully-volunteer-staffed crisis line set up to ﬁeld calls from people in distress. This has since been discontinued due to a lack of demand. SPCH does, however, offer a list of free resources on its site that people can contact if they are facing a challenging

time. Linda Hollyer, another volunteer with the group, underlined that the food bank is for anyone in need. “It’s for the Sun Peaks community, for anybody that needs it,” she said. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be COVID related. We know that there’s going to be some people that are going to lose some of their hours in January and February, especially if our tourists don’t come. So we’re prepared for that.” Johnson added it’s about neighbours helping neighbours and that there should be no stigma attached to using the food bank. You can check out SPCH’s website at spcommunityhelps.ca.

Few workers still in-resort on working holiday visas despite COVID-19 ZOE LYNCH RETURNED TO ENGLAND WHEN COVID-19 HIT, BUT IS NOW BACK IN SUN PEAKS (AND LOVING IT)

JOEL BARDE

The familiar sounds of resort workers with Australian and English accents may be rarer this year compared to previous ones, but if you listen hard enough you can still pick them up. There are, of course, workers who have immigrated permanently to Canada or are in the process of doing so. But there are also some who have come via the ever popular working holiday visas under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, a popular program for citizens of many countries looking to work a year or two in Canada and who are under the age of 30 or 35 (depending on their country of origin). Zoe Lynch, from England, is currently in the second year of her two-year working holiday visa. She spent last season working at SilverStar Mountain Resort, and she’s

spending this year in Sun Peaks. Under rules for the IEC program, participants are able to re-enter the country provided they have already been in the country and activated their working visa. The IEC program is still operating in COVID-times, but does face some changes. These include requiring participants to prove they have employment, by showing border agents a written note from their employer stating their business is continuing to operate. Participants must also show border agents proof of sufficient health care insurance. Like all travellers, IEC participants are required to quarantine for 14 days upon entering the country. Under an accomodation provided by the government, participants who are granted a working visa are able to extend their working visa by 12 months if they are unable to travel due to COVID-19 restrictions. Between stints in SilverStar and Sun Peaks, Lynch spent six months at home, having ﬂed Canada when things went into lockdown in the spring.

Lynch said the majority of other people she worked with in SilverStar chose to go home, but not all came back. “I was like, ‘What if I can’t get a job, and I don’t have any income?’ How can I afford that?” she explained. “At the time, I wasn’t aware of the EI [Employment Insurance] funding, which I would have been eligible for. But yeah, if I’d known that information before, that would have changed things.” At home, Lynch was able to secure work at a Domino’s delivering pizza, but thoughts of what she was missing in Canada stuck with her. Despite the unnerving prospect of travelling during a global pandemic, Lynch decided to bite the bullet, having loved her ﬁrst year in B.C.’s Interior. “I wanted to improve with snowboarding and I wanted to catch up with friends and see how they’re getting on,” she explained. “And I [also] wanted to experience a different resort.” Moreover, there was a lot more of the country she wanted to see, and she

SUN PEAKS’ SOURCE FOR

wanted to take full advantage of her two-year visa. “There’s just so much to see in Canada, even in B.C. alone, it’s just such a vast area, with so many different things to see and do.” Lynch said she did have reservations, including concern the season could be stopped early. Many resorts in Europe have closed over concern of the spread of COVID-19. Lynch said she didn’t have any trouble when it came to entering the country. But that wasn’t the case for other people she knows. Some, with valid working visas, were turned away at the airport, she said. “It seemed very hit and miss whether or not you could even kind of come back into the country,” said Lynch. As part of her return, Lynch (and for that matter any travellers without COVID-19 symptoms entering Canada from abroad) was required to quarantine for 14 days. Lynch completed her quarantine at a garlic farm in Armstrong, where she later volunteered. “It was just a really nice place to

be quarantined, in comparison to the places I’ve seen,” she said. Being a staff member in Sun Peaks is of course far different than in previous years. “I think everyone’s been really respectful of the new rules,” she said. “Everyone just kind of seems very grateful to be here.” Moreover, Lynch said she likes how Canada is handling the crisis, praising the approach in comparison to that of her native country, which recently went into its second strict lockdown. “I’m not sure if you’re keeping up with the news, but things are not [going very well] in England at the moment,” she remarked. While the pandemic has been challenging in many ways, Lynch has managed to identify a few silver linings, one of which being that landlords are no longer able to pack people into rented rooms, as has been so common practice in B.C. ski in years past. “I’m quite grateful that this season I have a lot of room to myself, whereas last year, there were six of us in a room,” she said. “So that’s been one positive thing about COVID.”

Located in

Peaks West Next to the Firehall

#8 1280 Alpine Rd

Sun Peaks BC

www.ohanasunpeaks.ca | 250-578-0852

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Volume 19 Issue 1 January 15 - February 11 9

GET OUT There

SPIN’s Winter Safety Tips: Resort & Slackcountry KEEP UP WITH THIS MINI-SERIES OF THREE WINTER SAFETY ARTICLES THAT HIGHLIGHT HAZARDS FOR SUN PEAKS RIDERS ON OR OFF THE RESORT

JARRETT HOFMANN

Risks are inherent to skiing. Instead of hiding from them, find out how to mitigate dangers on and off piste such as hypothermia and frostbite, variable terrain conditions and tree well hazards, with tips from local experts and industry leaders. Decision making at the boundary rope can make or break a powder day. One run you and your friends are tearing up your secret stash, then you’re searching for what’s next and find yourself venturing beyond the rope that separates Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) from the unpatrolled sidecountry. SPIN talked to SPR ski patrol director Charles Albrow to find out the best way to take advantage of the Sun Peaks slackcountry, how to handle yourself in freezing temperatures, avoid tree wells and keep your tips up and bases down on variable terrain. SUN PEAKS SLACKCOUNTRY Albrow recommended riders don’t go beyond the boundary unless they know exactly what they’re doing and where they’re going. “We see people who think going downhill will get them back to the resort and unfortunately most of the time that may lead you down to Whitecroft or Adams Lake [way].” Albrow explained the biggest difference between in and outof-bounds is that in-bounds is patrolled and controlled, meaning ski patrol checks runs and signage on a daily basis, responds to those in need and uses avalanche control tactics. But beyond the boundary it’s Search and Rescue (SAR) territory and if they’re needed, they come from Kamloops which means additional time to mobilize is necessary.

“My biggest concern is that people think that it’s all completely safe,” Albrow said. The best thing that riders can do if they want to start exploring what’s beyond the orange rope is to get the gear, get the knowledge and get the forecast according to Avalanche Canada, local Avalanche Skills Training (AST) provider and ski guide Brad Harrison. Avalanche danger ratings for the area can be found on Avalanche Canada’s website and are posted throughout SPR or the SPR website with additional information added by the resort’s snow safety team. Albrow added that planning and practice before heading out are also paramount. “A designated meeting place in case your cell phone dies is a good backup plan to account for everyone at the end of the day,” Albrow said. “Practice with your gear in Gil’s where it’s still considered inbounds, patrol can help you if need be and avalanche hazards are controlled. Get yourself set up for success.” Albrow also acknowledged that people who are skiing the slackcountry sometimes re-enter the boundary after hours, which poses the risk of running into heavy machinery. “We have a lot of mechanical activity like winch-cats after hours and operators don’t expect riders to be out there.” Winch-cat cables are strong enough to cut down trees, making them dangerous for people who can’t see them in the dark. “We ask that people plan to be back in-bounds by 3:45 p.m. before we sweep the mountain at the end of the day,” said Albrow. AST providers can be found on www.avalanche.ca, use AdventureSmart’s trip planning resources on www.adventuresmart. ca, and ﬁnd the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides essential winter touring equipment list on their website to ensure you’re

prepared before ducking the rope. COLD INJURIES It’s not common to ﬁnd temperatures dropping as low as -20C at Sun Peaks, but it can happen. “Get a look at the forecast and know how cold it’s going to be for the day. Factor in windchill because it can be pretty extreme sometimes, especially at the Top of the World where it’s pretty exposed,” said Albrow. Layering correctly and having enough food and water can help to prevent hypothermia and frostbite, he added. “As soon as you see blanching of the face and cheeks, that’s when it’s time to get inside and ﬁnd shelter and warmth, get right on it.” Warming huts can be found at the Top of the World, top of the Morrisey Express lift, Sunburst Lodge, Village Day Lodge and the Annex if someone is in need of shelter and warmth. Bear in mind there are reduced capacities due to COVID-19 restrictions and you must wear a mask while inside. Other symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness and low energy. Symptoms of frostbite include white or yellowish-gray skin that looks swollen or waxy, is itchy, tingly, painful or numb and blistering in severe cases. If any of these symptoms occur, make sure to seek warmth and medical attention immediately. TREE WELLS Although tree well hazard is less common at Sun Peaks compared to the deeper snowpacks found on the coast, Albrow said it can still happen. “I’ve seen people six foot tall disappear into tree wells.” According to the Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) website, people of all ability levels can fall into a tree well, riders should assume all trees have wells

The rope marks the ski boundary of Sun Peaks Resort in Gil’s. PHOTO SPIN

under them, to ski with a buddy, remain in visual contact with them, attach a whistle to your jacket zipper and if you’re a skier, consider riding without your ski pole straps attached to your wrist so your hands are not restricted if you do ﬁnd yourself in a tree well. Another resource, deepsnowsafety.org, advised that if your partner goes into a tree well, to stay with them and call for help, evaluate the scene for safety and immediately begin snow immersion rescue efforts by ﬁrst clearing any snow from the airway and continue further extrication efforts. They also warn partners to avoid pulling the victim out the way they fell in and instead, tunnel in directly toward their airway from the side.

VARIABLE CONDITIONS Although most runs and features at Sun Peaks are open early season hazards can still be found, but Albrow said it’s good skiing for the most part. “The biggest thing is just take it easy and warm up, make sure you’re in good shape, don’t go full send ﬁrst lap,” he explained. The CWSAA gives three actions to stay safe around others on the slopes: Be ready, plan ahead, stay alert. Furthermore, the Alpine Responsibility Code should be adhered to by anyone riding and it’s number one rule is to always stay in control, meaning you must be able to stop, or avoid other people or objects. Visit www.skisafety.ca to learn more.

Tours available daily. Online booking preferred.

250 319 7205 | mountainmanadventures.ca 10

Volume 19 Issue 1 January 15 - February 11

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

GET OUT There Nordic challenge might be the perfect ‘team sport’ for pandemic-times GROUPS OF FIVE ARE STACKING UP THE KILOMETRES IN ANNUAL COMPETITION JOEL BARDE

Groups of Sun Peaks cross country skiers are travelling far and wide, clocking in hundreds of kilometres in travel to far-off destinations such as Echo Valley and Rossland. Well, not literally… These locations are among several benchmarks included in the Sun Peaks Nordic Club’s Team Destination Ski Challenge. Teams of five skiers pool their weekly kilometres together on a weekly basis to see how far they made it. So far six teams are taking part. Results are shared on a private Facebook group, allowing competitors to see how their team

stacks up to the competition. The event began on Dec. 21, 2020 and will end on March 21, 2021. The aptly-named theme of this year’s event is “closer to home.” Club vice-president and coorganizer Susan Price said the event, which has run in different forms in years past, is perfect for our challenging COVID-19 times. “With COVID and social distancing, it’s an ideal opportunity to be out enjoying our amazing winter wonderland,” said Price. “If you’re in a track, and the other person is in the track beside you, you’re well beyond your two metres, or even three metres apart.” Price and co-organizer Brenda Wilkinson added that tracking your mileage is motivating for participants. Last week, one team clocked in just over 500 kilometres.

A Nordic skier in Sun Peaks. PHOTO SPIN

Beyond bragging rights, the club is offering prizes for the topthree teams. While details are being sorted out, this will include a gift basket from Echo Valley Lodge valued at $250. In addition there will be a special Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14)

“poker run” and 50-50 raffle. More information on the team destination can be found at www. sunpeaksnordicclub.com. The nordic club is also hosting an individual challenge, which can be viewed on their website. So far, it only has one participant.

Taking part in either challenge is free for members of the club. Membership to the Sun Peaks Nordic Club costs $20. To sign up for the team challenge or individual challenge you can reach out to Brenda Wilkinson at (604) 989-3144.

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Volume 19 Issue 1 January 15 - February 11 11

EVENTS Come join the SPIN (virtual) book club SLIVERSTAR RESIDENT’S MEMOIR IS THE PERFECT, INSPIRING READ FOR THESE TRYING TIMES. PLUS ALL THE MONEY FROM SALES OF THE BOOK GO TOWARDS BUILDING SCHOOLS IN NEPAL.

JOEL BARDE

To help inspire some reading and build community, Sun Peaks Independent News will host our first-ever “book club” on Feb. 7. (We’re also hoping that it will help get you thinking of some meaningful, post-pandemic travel plans of your own.)

We’ll be reading Nepal One Day at a Time, a travel memoir and inspiring story about charity work by SilverStar resident Patti Lefkos. In it, Lefkos shares her incredible story. After retiring from a fulfilling teaching career, she went to journalism school, wrote award-winning articles, and dedicated herself to building a school in a remote Himalayan village. SPIN spoke to Lefkos about her inspiring memoir in November.

You can search for the story on our website. When SPIN approached Lefkos about the book club idea, she was all in, suggesting that February will make a great time for it. “One more angle...is that [the book] is also a LOVE story,” she shared by email. “So many women who go off solo travelling end up with divorce, or they go when a relationship ends. Not for me. My husband and I supported each other all through this and

still have a few high altitude treks planned and a plan to build houses in the village.” At the start of the book club event, Lefkos will share a short presentation, complete with some fantastic photos from Nepal and the village. Following this, reporter Joel Barde will moderate a short discussion, taking questions from the audience as well as asking some of his own. It’s going to be a fun time. Organize a group of friends to

take part or feel free to join us solo. Everyone is welcome! Nepal One Day at a Time is available in paperback and on Amazon for e-readers. Alternatively, the book can be purchased via directly from Lefkos. You can email her at pattilefkos@shaw.ca. The cost is $32 ($25 for the book, $7 for postage) to have it directly mailed to you. Lefkos is offering a 20 per cent discount for group of eight or more, so gather your friends.

Your boy Quizzy Rascal is back (online only) SUN PEAKS QUIZ MASTER CRAIG RENWICK IS TAKING HIS SHOW TO ZOOM JOEL BARDE

Quiz Master Quizzy Rascal is taking his blend of fun questions and hilarity online. Renwick has been running his popular quiz night for a while now—the past five seasons, to be precise. The trivia nights have started again, with the first iteration held on Monday, Dec. 7. Renwick said while there were a few hiccups and around 10 people turned up (he’s hoping for more going forward), overall it went well. “I was kind of happy to see just how it runs and see that it can run,” said Renwick. Renwick said he’s been impressed with the generosity of local businesses, who have

thrown in an impressive level of gifts. Baby Doh’s Mountain Fair donated donut vouchers, and Masa’s Bar + Grill is hooking up a bar tab. (God knows there is no beating the combination of beer and donuts!) Local restaurants, including Bolacco’s, 5Forty Café & Grill, Vertical Café, and The Magic Cattle Guard Diner have also donated gift cards. “I was taken back by the generosity and how his community just seems to support each other and want each other to succeed,” said Renwick. To join the fun, hit up his Facebook page (Quizzy Rascal Quiz Night) or you can hit up Eventbrite to sign up. The events will be held every Monday, beginning at 7:30 p.m. It costs $5 for a team of one or two people.

Craig Renwick is keeping up his quiz night tradition. PHOTO KYLE JAMES PHOTO

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Located in the residences at Sun Peaks Grand | 250.578.0420 | 30 min parking available in designated stalls 12

Volume 19 Issue 1 January 15 - February 11

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

ARTS Ring in the new year with art workshops JEAN STRONG

ArtZone Sun Peaks is kicking off 2021 with workshops hosted at the Sun Peaks Centre. Starting out is a macrame workshop with local artist Susana Vijaya over four evenings, dates will be announced after the Feb. 5 provincial restriction update. Macrame, the art of knotting, can be used to make a wide variety of household and clothing items. This workshop will focus on jewelry making and all threads, beads and stones are included except for the final project. Another workshop will be hosted by Kamloops painter David Langevin. The updated workshop date will be announced after the Feb. 5 provincial restriction update. The one day event will be spent painting a water landscape using techniques Langevin is well known for. Participants will bring their own supplies.

Physical distancing and other COVID-19 precautions will be in place at all times. Be sure to check with ArtZone on the status of the events as provincial restrictions are updated. Participants can register online at artzonesunpeaks.com or email hello@artzonesunpeaks. com. Watch for updates on their website and Facebook page.

@sunpeaksnews

A painting in progress at David Langevin’s home studio. PHOTO SPIN

MONTH IN PHOTOS

(L-R) Sun Peaks Resort carried on the tradition of New Year’s Eve ﬁreworks. PHOTO ALLAN MELVILLE. Sun Peaks’ bottle depot collected a record 23,000 bottles and cans over six days of the holidays. The money supports The Rotary Club of Sun Peaks, Adaptive Sports Sun Peaks and the Sun Peaks Education Society. PHOTO SPIN,.Santa says goodbye before taking off on his sleigh for the night. PHOTO SPIN. Sun Peaks Fire Rescue delighted all ages with a fully decorated engine carrying Santa around the village on Christmas Eve. PHOTO SPIN.

Join us for Dinner at

The Steakhouse and the Fondue Stube For reservations call 250 578 7878

Limited seating and COVID-19 protocols apply

More information on our website www.sunpeakslodge.com

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Volume 19 Issue 1 January 15 - February 11 13

PUZZLES and Services Name Tags NAME TAGS

by Barbara Olson © ClassiCanadian Crosswords

Across

1 Budweiser rival 6 "If only!"

11 Lennon's love

18 20

14 "___ of Two Cities" 15 Just of late

16 1993 Stanley Cup hoister, informally

32 35

23 Know-it-all kind of guy 27 Loves and leaves, say

28 With kindness

29 Some pianos or motorcycles

32 "... plan, ___. Panama!" (palindrome)

56 Blend-into-the-background kind of girl

59 Some home building supply outlets 62 "There's no ___ team!" 63 With, with "with"

64 Opening blurb, briefly

65 Cities' smaller cousins: Abbr. 66 DisneySea's Asian location 67 Balance sheet plus Down

1 Mas' mates

2 From ___ Z (the gamut) 3 Patio cookout

4 Watch cover, perhaps

8 ___ Jima (WW II battle site)

50 Crazy, clownish kind of guy

55 Archimedes's bathtub cry

7 "___ never!"

49 Dancer-turned-spy Mata ___

9 Intro to -mo

10 Organ tune

11 "Goodness me!"

19 Group address

47 Spain and Portugal, together

23 Trains of "North America's Railroad"

51 Carl's friend on "The Simpsons"

45 Parliament followers? 46 Norse god of battle

21 Transit extension?

48 Rivals of Pentax and Canon

24 B.C. CFL player

52 "Hasta ___" ("See ya later," in Spain)

30 ___ à la tête (headache: Fr.) 32 Too, in Trois-Rivières 33 Man. clock setting

35 Corkscrew pasta meaning "little wheels"

36 Corp. second-in-commands

43 Devo hit with the lyric "step on a crack, break your momma's back"

13 Dwell on anxiously, with "over"

26 "Citizen" of cinema

39 Israeli airline

44 "Mad Men" actor Harry

54 Little sucker

57 "Shall We Dance?" star, for short 58 Tickety-boo

60 "___ you for real?!" 61 Elbow bender

D R

N G H

E A T

A R T

©C

O R

R E

T I

A M

G H

E Y D

T 61

E L

C O

M E I

D G

O U

T U

M R

42 45

D 26

A M

W O O

G G

O O

M O

I 22

U G

S 44

O D 56

C O

24 30

E M

R S

S T

O R

38 Some "job" enhancers in cosmetic surgery 42 "Pick a card, ___ card"

37 Soul singer Redding

12 Trouble on the high seas, for some

25 Prefix meaning "blue"

6 Start to a U.S. money motto

46 ___ Alley (old music-publishing area)

40 Decides one will

53 Chatting via Facebook, for short

5 Toyota model named after a male hawk

43 Thingamajig

O N O U

34 Nail-biting kind of girl 41 Prov. riding rep

31 Small change in Paris, once

OH, YOU BEAST!

LAST ISSUE Oh, You Beast!

22 Nasty ring around the collar?

20 "Act natural, dude"

18 Glass-half-empty kind of guy

17 Less likely to forgive

SOLUTION

O 50

D O N

62 65

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Volume 19 Issue 1 January 15 - February 11

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Volume 19 Issue 1 January 15 - February 12 15

Serving Sun Peaks and area since 1995

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#329 CAHILTY HOTEL & SUITES | $269,900 This fully furnished one bedroom apartment features some of the best view in the Resort, a great window package gives you expansive up mountain and down valley vistas. Great living area with full kitchen, ample dining area, and great family living space. This property has been recently renovated as to furnishings, counter tops and kitchen cabinetry, flooring and art. Comfortably sleeps six. The property is professionally managed by Bear Country providing a 24 hours desk service and ease of rental.

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SUNPEAKSREALTY.COM 16

Volume 19 Issue 1 January 15 - February 11

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