Sun Peaks Independent News Volume 18 Issue 13

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

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

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

2

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

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @sunpeaksnews /sunpeaksnews

Our

TEAM Publisher

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

For comments, questions, concerns email: editor@sunpeaksnews.com Email your classifieds or ads to: sales@sunpeaksnews.com

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.

@sunpeaksnews

BRANDI SCHIER

brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

Editor

JEAN STRONG

jean@sunpeaksnews.com

Graphic Designer FRANKIE KNIGHT

frankie@sunpeaksnews.com

Reporter

JARRETT HOFFMAN

jarrett@sunpeaksnews.com

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.

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

For those with memories to make OPEN DAILY 9 TO 5 IN THE VILLAGE STROLL AT SUN PEAKS 250.578.7773 SUNPEAKSCOLLECTION.COM Photo credit: Morgan Walter, Sun Peaks, BC

NEW SKI IN, SKI OUT, 2 & 3 BEDROOM ALPINE TOWNHOMES & CONDOS Access Every Run From Your Door – Skis On The Entire Time A collection of alpine homes designed to make mountain living affordable and flexible. With multiple size floorplans, large modern open kitchens, gas fireplaces and room for all your gear, ALTITUDE Sun Peaks offers the social spaces and sleeping places that you will want to come home to again and again. As either a home away from home, a primary residence or an income property, ALTITUDE is how you access

EVERY RUN. EVERY SUNSET. FREEDOM! Register Today for access to Pre-Sales Opportunities

PREVIEW.ALTITUDESUNPEAKS.COM #9 – 3250 Village Way, Sun Peaks, BC

Offered Exclusively by Gianpiero Furfaro

Email: Sunpeaks@sothebysrealty.ca Phone: 250-578-7773 | Toll-free: 1-877-578-5774

AWARD WINNING DEVELOPER aandt.ca

Be a part of Sun Peaks newest community

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

WHERE MODERN LIVING MEETS MOUNTAIN HISTORY

PEAKSWEST.CA

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

Coming soon PEAKS WEST PHASE 3 TOWNHOMES

113 0 Sun PeakS Road Sun PeakS BC 2

oR

3 BED

2 B AT H

PENTHOUSE - 5 BED

2 CAR 4 B AT H

3 CAR

FOR SAL E

contemporary mountain living with sweeping mountain views. Burfield West is ideally located just steps away from the Burfield Chairlift. These stylish and contemporary 2 bedroom plus den, 3 bedroom plus storage lock off condos and commercial space, offer authentic mountain living

Priced from $549,900

in a natural setting. Spacious floor plans provide

EXC LU SI VELY LISTE D BY

both indoor and outdoor areas designed for the

Gianpiero Furfaro FRI, Managing Broker

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

Burfield West captures the essence of

freedom to play, rest and come together, with way you want to live, inspired and embraced

250 578 7773

by the vibrant landscape that surrounds you.

W W W. B U R FI E L DW E S T.CO M

Completion expected early 2021.

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

YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS

HELEN JONES LISTING COORDINATOR

SOTHEBYSREALTY.CA

DAMON NEWPORT SALES REPRESENTATIVE

GIANPIERO FURFARO (FRI) MANAGING BROKER

QUINN RISCHMUELLER SALES REPRESENTATIVE

KEN MAYES SALES REPRESENTATIVE

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

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

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.

CONNECT WITH US

@sunpeaksnews

Are you ready for snow and spa days?

Book online 24 hours a day.

Wishing you peace, prosperity, and pow.

@sunpeaksnews

SunPeaksResort.com

@sunpeaksnews

FIND MORE STORIES ONLINE www.sunpeaksnews.com

www.sunpeaksspa.com | info@sunpeaksspa.com | 250-578-0086 Photo | Riff Stills

4

Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

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.

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

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

sneakyscallywags.ca 6

Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

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

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

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

8

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

Specialty International Groceries | Family Take and Bake Meals | Fresh Local Produce | Locally Sourced Beef, Chicken, Lamb and Pork | Dairy and House Baked Breads | Gift Cards and Gift Baskets | Charcuterie Platters

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

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

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

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

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

@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

2

3

4

5

6

14

15

17

18

20

21

23

24 29

33

7

9

44

46

47

BE FUDDLED 26

31

32

27

1

C

2

H

14

F

17

L

39

I E

57

58

E X A S

23

24

M A

45

53

3

19

42

48

49

50

54

51

28

V

32

I

I R

59

37

P E

61

62

41

63

64

65

45

A

R

4

T

L T

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

O R

58

G

65

R

67

E

A E S

T C

E N I

L

26

E

U

R

A

N G 47

A S

E

9

10

E

E

L

N G

B

A

T

16

D

R

E

A

F W A 29

S

34

S L

O

I

N

U B

I 68

T

N A Y

A S

T A

K

E R

61

E

D S

A

13

S

U M S R

E

R

O N

S

G E

30

R

31

N U

I

C

N

L

D

E

R

T W A

I

N

A

T 43

D A E

60

12

A

40

57

H

E

27

L

39

A W A

52

N W A

L

H

11

22

36

R

S

T

35

B

51

G O

D

L

48

56 59

E

8

A M

S

K

L

D O O R

25

42 46

7

21

O

C R

I

V

V

55

T

W

T

I

I

20

38

R

54

S

33

E

6

18

S A

M

15

E

50 53

5

R

R

W A

60

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

28

36

52 56

13

LAST ISSUE Be Fuddled

25

41

43

12

19

38

40

11

16

35

34

10

22

30

37

55

8

SOLUTION

49

I

A 62

N

66

N

69

A

44

E

N 63

C O

64

S

E

A

T

S

K

S

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

COAST SUNDANCE LODGE Excavating Ltd. •

Excavating & Snow Clearing

•

Landscape Rock/Granite

•

Your one stop excavating contracter providing professional work

Greg: 250 371 7800 • gzieb@telus.net www.ziebartexcavating.com

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.

250 578 0200 | coasthotels.com

@sunpeaksnews

@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

14

Volume 18 Issue 13 December 18 - January 15

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

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

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews