SPIN Vol 14 Issue 6

>> PROVINCIAL TOURISM LEADERS come to Sun Peaks PAGE 6

>> FARMERS’ MARKET RETURNS in June PAGE 8

SUMMER Weather Forecast JUNE 10—11

A few showers, cool

JUNE 12—16 Showers, warm

JUNE 17—30

Scattered showers, cool

Volume 14 Issue 6

JULY 1—7 Showers, cool

JUNE 10 — JULY 7

CHALLENGING Canada’s best

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

A

new course is in the works for the return of the Canadian National Downhill Mountain Bike Championship on July 23 and 24.

“This is the third year in a row we’ll be hosting the Downhill Nationals so we wanted to make sure we’re able to switch things up with the course and give all the riders a new look and challenge, while at the same time setting us up a bit for trail development moving forward,” said Aidan Kelly, director of sales and marketing for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR).

The course will start from the patio of the mid-mountain Sunburst Lodge and will connect Insanity One and Honey Drop trails with completely new terrain. Kelly said the entire track will be hand-built single track, which will make this year’s course more technically challenging for riders as opposed to the very fast courses of the past two years.

“This new course is definitely going to be more technically demanding than previous years and I think the riders are really going to appreciate that because then the cream rises to the top,” he said.

“It’s a combination of cutting new trails to connect parts and linkages of some of our more signature trails. Insanity One and Honey Drop are really well-known downhill trails here

at Sun Peaks so once you drop those trail names to some of these high class riders, they automatically identify with it.”

Kelly said a change to the course was part of feedback from riders following the event last year.

“Year two of nationals was a very similar course to year one of nationals, so they like to see something a little bit different going into year three,” he explained. “We’re not just doing something a little different, we’re doing something a lot different for them. I think everyone will be really excited when they get here.”

As of yet there is no timeline for a public opening of the track, but Kelly said bikers in Sun Peaks will be able to try their hand at the course designed for national-level riders.

“It builds up the reputation in terms of those style of riders,” Kelly said. “Sun Peaks does have a reputation of a fairly advanced bike park just due to the steepness and the technicality of the terrain that we have, so this just adds to that in terms of a high profile, top-end destination for mountain biking.”

SPR is also launching a new dynamic ticket pricing system for mountain biking, hiking and sightseeing. The tiered system for purchasing tickets online will be a smaller scale version of the structure the resort launched during the past ski season for lift tickets.

“It was something the market responded to really well in the winter and something we want-

NEW COURSE CREATED FOR DOWNHILL CHAMPIONSHIP

ed to see how we can incorporate into our summer business,” Kelly said. “If you know when you’re going to be coming up to Sun Peaks and you purchase ahead of time, you’re going to get a bit of a deal.”

Kelly said they plan to have the new ticket pricing available in mid-June ahead of June 24, the opening day for summer lift operations.

BIKE CREW MEMBERS SKYLAR CAMILLE, KURTIS WALTON AND DEREK SULKOWSKI WORK TO GET THE TRAILS READY FOR OPENING DAY.

Vol 14 Issue 6 June 10 — July 7

sunpeaksnews.com

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local BE AWARE OF THE WILDLIFE Cougars sighted in the area

A power line was damaged in a motor home fire near Little Heffley Lake on May 24, but the occupant and her pets escaped without injury. Nearby residents were credited with their quick action to help prevent the spread of the fire. | PHOTO JOEY RIEGLER

Training new members SPFR USES SHOULDER SEASON TO IMPROVE

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

W

ith fewer visitors to the community, the shoulder season is a perfect time for advancing the training of Sun Peaks Fire Rescue (SPFR) members according to chief Colin Cannon.

Ten community members took the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification course, which was held in the first week of May. Seven people were first timers, two of which were not SPFR members but work for ski patrol.

It was the first time the course was instructed by a volunteer member of SPFR. In the past one of the full-time firefighters taught the course, but this year volunteer lieutenant Stew Howell provided the training.

“It’s completely taught in house through our volunteer ranks now. That’s a huge step for us,” said SPFR training officer Luke Harrison.

Now, nearly three quarters of SPFR members have an EMR certificate and seven members have earned an EMR license, which is obtained through a series of exams following the certification course, according to Harrison.

“Sun Peaks is definitely an anomaly as far as a volunteer fire department goes. Most (volunteer) fire departments don’t train any medical or they don’t even respond to medical

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Training Hard: Work

Experience Program member Kevan Ramsden mans the hose during a training exercise in early June.

| PHOTO JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

emergencies, just strictly firefighting,” Harrison said. “Given our location being so far away from a hospital and the time for ambulance is the reason we have an EMR program here.

It’s definitely above and beyond your average fire hall.”

Eight volunteer firefighters also took the emergency vehicle operators course from May 30 to June 3, which was instructed by volunteer firefighter Mike Billheimer. The course focused on how to drive the fire trucks as well as using the hoses and pumps.

With fewer traffic throughout the village during the shoulder season, one third of SPFR volunteers were able to take part in the training.

“It’s a little bit quieter for everyone, not only the visitors but for all our crew,” Cannon said.

“This is a time where everyone

Vol 14 Issue 6 June 10 — July 7

can be there so we like to take full advantage of it.”

SPFR also introduced the three members of this year’s Work Experience Program (WEP). Sun Peaks ski patroller Kevan Ramsden, Mat Claydon of Cambridge, Ont. and Kyle Labonte of St. Catherine’s, Ont. have joined the department for the six month program.

“We had lots of excellent applications this year and everybody who came through this year is already coming in with more than the usual amount of experience, especially on the medical side,” Harrison said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if this is one of our strongest years.”

The three WEP members are on duty for a minimum of four nights per week and receive training, experience in firefighting and community engagement to help in their pursuit to become career firefighters.

Harrison said three out of every four WEP members have gone on to be hired as a career firefighter, and the commitment level they display in Sun Peaks increases morale for the entire department.

“It’s kind of contagious and it’s successful,” said Harrison, a WEP member himself five years ago. “The more these guys work hard and put into it, the better chances of them getting a job in such a competitive field.

“Every year it seems to elevate the department as a whole.”

There have been multiple reports of cougar sightings around Sun Peaks and throughout the valley, including within a block from both the Heffley Creek Elementary School and Heffley Creek Store.

The reason for the cougar, or cougars, in the area is likely because of an abundant amount of deer, according to provincial WildSafeBC co-ordinator Frank Ritcey.

“People should remember that, while cougars are predators, the instance of people being attacked by cougars is relatively rare in British Columbia,” Ritcey said.

Ritcey provided a few tips people can follow when cougars are present in the area: Keep pets indoors, keep dogs on a leash during walks and always carry bear spray readily available when out enjoying forest trails.

“Bear spray will work on bears. It will work on

cougars. It will work on pretty much anything that breathes because when they get a lung full of that bear spray, they’re not going to be able to continue and attack,” Ritcey said.

In the rare occasion of a cougar encounter, Ritcey said never to run, which will trigger an attack reflex.

Instead, make yourself look big and mean.

“You’re going to want to stare it in the eye. You’re going to want to yell at it, scream at it. You’re going to bluff charge it. You’re going to do whatever you can to make that cougar think ‘no, this thing is too hard of a target, I don’t want to risk getting hurt,’” Ritcey said.

“Never run. Never run from a bear, never run from a cougar. As soon as you run, you can trigger an attack response because typically to these animals something that’s running away from them is potentially food and you never want to put yourself into that category.”

view from 4202 Bella Vista Drive

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RECENTLY SOLD 5425 Lookout Ridge Place ..................................... List Price: $1,090,000 302 Kookaburra Lodge ...............................................List Price: $545,000 27 Stone’s Throw ..........................................................List Price: $269,900 4225 Bella Vista Drive ................................................List Price: $249,995 2517 Mountain View Drive .......................................List Price: $159,000 24 The Peaks ..................................................................List Price: $354,900 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.

Vol 14 Issue 6 June 10 — July 7

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local NEWS Business case first step in expanding Sports Centre

SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS INC. PO Box 1043 Sun Peaks BC V0E 5N0

Phone: 250•578•0276 For comments, questions, concerns email: editor@sunpeaksnews.com Email your classifieds or ads to: editor@sunpeaksnews.com

www.sunpeaksnews.com

>> Municipality applies for new provincial funding

@sunpeaksnews /sunpeaksnews sunpeaksnews

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

@sunpeaksnews

#sunpeaksnews

OUR TEAM EDITOR & PUBLISHER Brandi Schier

brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

GRAPHIC ARTIST Jen Schier

jen@sunpeaksnews.com

REPORTER Jamie Shinkewski jamie@sunpeaksnews.com

WRITERS Carmen Ruiz

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.

T

he Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) is asking for provincial funding to create a business case for the Sports Centre facility.

SPMRM submitted an application for the BC Rural Dividend in May. The new provincial initiative will provide $25 million over three years to communities with a population of less than 25,000 to help make them more attractive places to live and work.

SPMRM acquired the Sun Peaks Sports Centre for a nominal fee from Sun Peaks Resort LLP in February to serve as the change rooms for the new NHL-sized rink that will open later in 2016. The municipality has expressed a desire to put a roof over the rink surface to transform it into

COVER

PHOTO SAM EGAN

PHOTO SPIN

New uses: The current building will be used with the new rink. | FILE PHOTO SUN PEAKS RESORT

RCMP reach out regarding 2015 hit and run incident

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

ON THE

an all-year community centre, for which a business case is the first step according to Mayor Al Raine.

“We need to put a business case to show that we have all the other infrastructure. We have the hotels, we have the restaurants, we have all the facilities that are required to host 2,000 to 3,000 people for a major event,” Raine said.

“The only thing that’s missing is the facility to host the event, the trigger that will bring the people to Sun Peaks.”

The hope for the skating facility is to double as a suitable venue for community events, large conferences and conventions, concerts and cultural events, which will continue to move Sun Peaks towards a year-round destination.

Raine said SPMRM will need financial assistance from the provincial or federal governments, and a strong business case is needed to do so.

“We feel we need to strengthen the business case if we want the government to come to the party,” Raine said. “We need to make sure we submit a plan that makes good sense from a business point of view and shows good return on investment from the provincial or federal point of view.”

An application for $4 million through the provincial Gas Tax Strategic Priorities

Fund was denied earlier this year, largely because the rink was not yet built, according to chief administrative officer Rob Bremner. He said having the rink in place as well as the business case will strengthen future applications.

“I think looking at our last application, I think the only reason it failed was because we didn’t actually have the outdoor facility built,” Bremner said. “If we would’ve actually had that facility in the ground it would’ve fit around the parameters of the program.”

The first round of BC Rural Dividend applications are currently being reviewed, and a second round of applications will open in October.

K

amloops Rural RCMP are again asking the public for information on a hit and run collision which occurred last year in Sun Peaks.

At approximately 2:30 a.m. on July 19, 2015, a group of three males were walking single file along Sun Peaks Road near Alpine Greens when a dark-coloured, older model pickup truck struck one of the

pedestrians, 29-year-old Michael Bennett from Langley, B.C., and then sped away.

Police searched the area for the vehicle and asked for the public’s assistance in identifying the vehicle or the driver.

Numerous tips were received but none helped determine who the suspected driver was.

Bennett suffered a serious head injury and lower body injuries and has since recovered.

Coming up on one year since the incident, Police are again prompting the public to

come forward with any information they may have on this incident. People can contact the Kamloops Rural RCMP at 250-314-1800, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.

The Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality is also taking steps to make the Sun Peaks Road safer for pedestrians. The municipality submitted a grant application to BikeBC for funding to create a new pathway on the north side of the road between Fairways Drive and the

fire hall.

Local companies are bidding on the pathway construction and the project is a top priority once a price and potential grant money is clarified, according to chief administrative office Rob Bremner.

“Most people, if they’re not local, they don’t totally understand they could walk off the highway and down the valley trail. You do get people walking on the road and I think we’ve got to address that,” said Mayor Al Raine.

YOUR OPINIONS, COMMENTS OR COMMENDATIONS ARE WELCOME Send your letters & opinions by mail to: Sun Peaks Independent News | Box 1043 Sun Peaks, B.C. V0E 5N0 or by e-mail: editor@sunpeaksnews.com All correspondence must contain a last name & a contact number for verification—phone numbers won’t be published. Writers are encouraged to keep letters to 250 or fewer words. Letters submitted without the writer’s name won’t be published. Sun Peaks Indpendent News reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, legality & taste.

Letters not published in Sun Peaks Indpendent News may be published online at www.sunpeaksnews.com

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Vol 14 Issue 6 June 10 — July 7

opinion PAGE Meet our newest addition EFFORTS WITH PETS CREATE A BETTER VILLAGE BRANDI SCHIER PUBLISHER’S NOTE brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

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wo big brown eyes are staring up at me, full of expectation and innocence, and I know this will be one of the hardest things I’ll ever do.

How can I fulfill this lifelong obligation? How did I get myself into this situation? No — it’s not a baby. It’s a puppy.

Despite my momentary paralyzing fear it’s actually something my partner and I have wanted for years. Growing up

on a farm, animals and dogs were a natural part of everyday life and it’s something I’ve missed since moving away.

After finally meeting all the prerequisites for dog ownership, researching breeds and options, and looking for almost half a year, we finally pulled the trigger and went to pick up our new best friend in late May. The village welcomed our new pup Jane with open arms.

She’s enjoying her new found celebrity status and meeting all her new friends. I’ve had so many offers to puppy-sit I’ve lost track. It’s opened my eyes

“It’s easy to see how an animal’s behaviour could get out of control, especially when people can’t dedicate the time required to deal with it.”

to how much this community loves their pets.

But it’s not all puppy kisses and belly rubs. There have

Minimum wage increase is a delicate balance HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? JAMIE SHINKEWSKI jamie@sunpeaksnews.com

Born and raised in Kamloops, Jamie grew up skiing Sun Peaks before heading east to earn his Bacherlor’s of Journalism from Carleton University.

Before joining the SPIN team, he was a reporter for the Ottawa Sportspage and KamloopsBCNow.

B

ritish Columbia has the lowest minimum wage in the nation, but an online petition to raise the lowest paid workers to a $15 hourly wage is absurd.

New Brunswick’s recent hike of the minimum wage placed B.C.’s $10.45 an hour as the lowest minimum wage in Canada.

However, a 40 cent raise slated for September will put B.C.’s minimum wage at $10.85, ahead of six other provinces.

The BC Government plans for a second 40 cent increase in September 2017 to bring the minimum wage up to $11.25.

This scheduled rise will keep minimum wage earners under the poverty line, and an online petition www.fightfor15bc. ca has received over 44,000 signatures. The Fight for $15 campaign is sponsored by the BC Federation of Labour and draws attention to some stag-

gering facts about those who earn minimum wage.

Nearly 82 per cent of people earning the minimum are 20 years of age or older, 53 per cent have some post-secondary training and 60 per cent are women.

Yes, a drastic wage increase makes sense on an individual level, but it doesn’t make sense for a community and it’s important to weigh the potential consequences.

Small businesses would be hit hard as not only will minimum wage earners get a pay raise, but all employees making above the minimum but less than $15 will also be due for a raise. That will account for a significant hike in expenses and is certain to come with negative ramifications of losing staff, increased prices or even closures.

According to a study by go2HR, 75 per cent of the B.C. tourism industry is made up of small businesses with less than 20 employees. In many tourism-driven communities, including Sun Peaks, residents accept a less-than-lucrative pay for an excellent quality of life.

Yet, many of the jobs that are

essential in a tourism-based community, such as bartenders, cooks, servers, housekeepers, operators and guides will be among those most impacted by a significant hike.

In passing conversation with members of the Sun Peaks business community, there’s a general consensus an increase to $15 per hour would have a negative impact on the workforce as it’s too extreme.

These are people who will talk about working multiple jobs before earning enough money to settle in Sun Peaks permanently and comfortably.

Although a proposed increase to $15 an hour meets disapproval, there’s a sentiment raising the minimum wage to something more reasonable such as $12 or $13 per hour would have a positive benefit.

It would allow the small businesses to continue to operate without such a drastic financial hit, and with residents making a more comfortable wage they will be more willing to recycle it back into the community.

It results in an extra beer or burger after work, an extra souvenir purchased or another tour booked. Investing a little more in the employees could very well see that money put right back into the local economy.

been nights with little sleep, scraped hands from sharp little teeth and a few accidents in the house. I felt like I’d done my research, prepped for the training and steeled myself to dole out some tough love, but I still find myself having moments of confusion, frustration and relenting.

It’s easy to see how an animal’s behaviour could get out of control, especially when people can’t dedicate the time required to deal with it. Nonetheless, it’s disappointing to regularly hear and read about conflict situations with people’s pets and their neighbours in and around Sun Peaks. Especially as it’s generally a community that obviously appreciates and enjoys animals.

Props to those who are working hard to correct these issues and practicing civil and genuine communication with each other. As we know, it’s a small community and a little understanding goes a long way.

And big congrats goes out

to everyone who has raised a healthy, happy, and social pet.

Their presence and your efforts are making Sun Peaks a more enjoyable to place to live. I have a newly acquired respect and admiration for all of you and I’m hoping to being able to count myself among your ranks soon.

• groceries

• produce

Meat & Produce • Baked Goods Oso Negro Coffee • Pharmacy/Personal Items

WE’RE OPEN DAILY For all your grocery needs See you at the Bluebird Market

Open 11:30 am to 6:30 pm daily Located on the Ground Floor of the Residences at Sun Peaks Grand

Phone: 250-578-2414

sunpeaksutilities.com Office: 250 578 5490 After Hours Emergency: 250 319 0629

ANNUAL HYDRANT FLUSHING The Utility will start flushing hydrants and performing valve maintenance as of June 1, 2016. Please slow down when you see Utility Crews working on the side of the Road. For more information on the impact of hydrant flushing, please visit the Utility’s website.

ANNUAL SEWER FLUSHING Our contractor, Suck It Up Environmental Services, will be in the resort starting mid-July to ensure our sewer mains continue to flow. You will see their white flush trucks flushing and cameraing specific sections of the resort again this year.

For more information about these maintenance tasks, call the Utilities office at 250-578-5490 (press 1) or e-mail info@sunpeaksutilities.com Vol 14 Issue 6 June 10 — July 7

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tourism NEWS Tourism industry celebrates strong year LABOUR REMAINS ONE OF THE TOP CHALLENGES

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

I

ndustry leaders from around the province gathered in Sun Peaks to reflect on a strong year and explore areas of improvement at the Tourism Industry Association of BC’s (TIABC) annual general meeting and summit May 24 to 26.

The atmosphere in the Sun Peaks Grand, the host venue, was very positive following a strong 2015 for the provincial tourism industry, according to Minister of Tourism, Jobs and Skills Training Shirley Bond.

“It was really productive, generally a very positive and celebratory tone to it, but obviously a chance for us to talk

about some of the challenges as well,” Bond said.

British Columbia saw a 7.9 per cent increase in international visitors last year with 4.9 million people, more than the entire population of the province, visiting from another country.

The low Canadian dollar, a strong targeted marketing campaign and more direct international flights are reasons Bond highlighted for the strong tourism year in B.C. “I think people are really appreciative of the fact tourism is one of the things that is driving the growth of our economy right now,” Bond said. “It’s in the right portfolio and we see it as a very critical job creator and economic driver.”

Tourism operators are also cognizant the industry contin-

ues to face the challenge of attracting workers. Discussions at the TIABC summit included under-represented groups, such as retirees, people with disabilities and Aboriginal workers, who could fill tourism jobs.

“Many (people) are reaching retirement age or they want to retire early, but it’s not to retire to play golf or sit around and watch TV. They want to do something, so that could be a market to try and access,” said TIABC CEO Walt Judas.

“There’s a number of target markets, if you will, that employers do have an opportunity to go after.”

Judas pointed to the growth of sharing economy, with the emergence of resources such as Airbnb and VRBO, as another hurdle for the tourism labour

market. With more rooms being made available as short-term rentals for tourists, there are fewer places for workers to live.

“If you’re having a hard time attracting employees to begin with, part-in-parcel with that is a place for them to stay,” Judas said. “If they haven’t got reasonable accommodation that’s in close proximity to their place of work that makes it twice as hard to attract people.”

Building off momentum from a positive year, early indications project 2016 to be another strong year for tourism in the province.

“Canadians are staying home and we’re seeing more Americans who tend to stay closer to home in the year leading up to an election. The dollar has something to do with it, effec-

tive marketing, all those things have contributed to a very positive outlook for tourism again this year in the province,” Judas said.

It’s hard to predict what mitigating factors, such as B.C. provincial and U.S. federal elections, may have on the industry, but tourism leaders are positive the great products the province has to offer will continue attracting guests both internationally domestically.

“I think the most important influence that we have is that British Columbia is a spectacular place,” Bond said. “I think our product is amazing and I think, in essence, people come here regardless of the political discussions because British Columbia is an absolutely fantastic place to come and visit.”

Former mountain operations manager honoured “Working for him was a treat to be honest with you.”

TATTERSFIELD OFFICALLY RECOGNIZED FOR CONTRIBUTION TO RECREATIONAL SKIING required to move Sun Peaks forward was immense,” said CWSAA president and CEO Christopher Nicolson.

“I think it’s fair to say (becoming) the second largest (ski area) in Canada and one of the most recognized ski destinations in Canada, Jamie’s role in that has been immense.”

Tattersfield was a prominent figure in the development of Sun Peaks, including the construction of the Village Day Lodge, Sunburst and Sundance chairlifts, and the

Accepting due credit: Tattersfield is presented the Jim Marshall Award by Don Murray and Sun Peaks Resort LLP General Manager Darcy Alexander. | PHOTO SUPPLIED

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

A

key personality in the growth of Sun Peaks was recognized for his career achievements in the ski industry at the 2016 Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) Spring Conference in Whistler from May 3 to 5.

Jamie Tattersfield was awarded the Jim Marshall Award and was the first Sun Peaks recipient to receive the distinction.

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Given annually by the CWSAA board of directors, it recognizes the skills and dedication of an individual who has made a strong contribution to recreational skiing.

Tattersfield spent 22 years as the mountain operations manager for Sun Peaks Resort LLP, and 43 years in the ski industry throughout his career.

“When Jamie came to Sun Peaks it was very much an open slate, there was very little infrastructure so the expertise and knowledge that was

Vol 14 Issue 6 June 10 — July 7

WESTSYDE YDE VICE SERVICE Auto Repairs Diesel Repairs Air Conditioning Repairs Gov. Certified Inspection Facility

BILL & MIKE LINDSAY Ph: 250-579-5532 Fax: 250-579-5852 3475 Westsyde Rd., Kamloops, BC V2B 8C5

Village Platter.

“Working for him was a treat to be honest with you,” said current mountain operations manager Erik Meertens. “He was a very wise man. The amount of knowledge he packed was unbelievable.”

“He was always there for oversight if you ever had questions, if you ever had to go back to him you when weren’t sure on something, he was good for clarification.”

Tattersfield retired at the end of the 2014-15 ski season.

PUBLIC NOTICE As per Section 98 of the Community Charter an annual report is required to be prepared and available for public inspection. This report includes audited financial statements, municipal services and operations of the previous year as well as a statement of objectives and measures for this year and next year.

The Annual Report can be viewed at the Municipal Office at 1063270 Village Way, Sun Peaks during regular office hours after June 17th. It will be presented to Council at the Regular Council meeting on June 20th, 2016.

For further information, please contact Nicky Braithwaite, Finance Officer at (250) 578-2020.

tourism NEWS New president excited for B.C. return >> Schieven to join TSP in July

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

T

he new head of Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) said she’s excited to return to the B.C. ski industry after working for five years in the United States.

Arlene Schieven was announced as the new president and CEO of TSP on May 19.

The former vice president of marketing at Tourism Whistler has spent the past five years as president and CEO of the Sun Valley Marketing Alliance in Idaho.

“I’m excited to get back to B.C. and interested in Sun Peaks for sure. I spent a little bit of time there and was really impressed by how positive everybody is about the future,” Schieven said.

“In Sun Valley, it’s really a beautiful place and I have no complaints about the time we’ve spent here, but there’s always a feeling that you’re a little bit of a

visitor. I think we’ve always had one foot back in Canada.”

Schieven steps into the role, vacated by now president and CEO of Canada West Ski Areas Association Christopher Nicolson, following a record year. The 2015-16 ski season marked the first time Sun Peaks surpassed 350,000 skier visits and was 3.6 per cent above the previous record for booked room nights set in 2007-08.

“It’s been exciting for ski destinations all over,” Schieven said. “I have that feeling here (in Sun Valley) as well where you’re just on the top of this positive momentum curve and I think that’s exciting for Sun Peaks. That’s really exciting to come in at a point where new benchmarks are going to continue to be set because there is so much opportunity for future growth.”

Schieven said she hopes to bring her experience with digital marketing and content marketing to continue growing the number of people coming to

Sun Valley to Sun Peaks: Arlene Schieven is looking forward to her new role in the resort. | PHOTO SUPPLIED

Sun Peaks for the first time.

“From what I’ve learned about Sun Peaks, there’s a lot of similarity there in that once people

have been there they’re very likely to come back as a return .guest, but you need to really focus on getting more first time

visitors there,” she said. “That’s where the storytelling comes in and giving people an understanding of what the destination has to offer and why they would chose it over another.”

Schieven said she has visited Sun Peaks during both winter and summer months, and she is working on shifting from saying “Peaks” instead of “Valley” as she moves between two destinations with similar names.

“I think the most challenging thing is for me to be saying the correct name because I’ve already done that a few times,” she said with a laugh. “That will cause me personally a little bit of a challenge.”

There is not yet a date for Schieven to start her new position with TSP, but she said it will be sometime in July.

“I’m really excited to meet the team, I’ve heard really good things about the team at Tourism Sun Peaks,” Schieven said.

“It’s a little hard when you know you’re going but there’s still another month or so before I’ll have the chance to meet everybody. That’s something I’m really looking forward to.”

Strong ski season not shared throughout Canada West 13 PER CENT SKIER INCREASE IN B.C.

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

L

eaders in the ski industry across the western provinces gathered in Whistler from May 3 to 5 at the Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) Spring Conference to reflect on the season and discuss areas of improvement.

British Columbia saw more than 5 million skier visits, which marks a 13 per cent increase from last year. Alberta also saw increased skier visits and the prairies remained flat. Southwest B.C. had a very strong season, but areas in northern B.C. and the prairies had challenges with snow, according to CWSAA president and CEO

Christopher Nicolson.

“The past winter, while at Sun Peaks for example it was a record, it was anything but in other parts of western Canada. The north definitely had some cool temperatures, they didn’t have the precipitation and in other parts of the region it was just an average year,” Nicolson said.

Nationally, skier visits were down this season due to a poor start in Ontario and Quebec.

Nicolson said visits were just below 16 million in Canada, which is down about 1 million visits from last year.

The main topics of discussion at the conference surrounded improving the guest experience, engaging and communicating with the millennial market, and

risk and safety management.

“Whether you had a good season or a poor season, a lot of the talk at the conference is always around ‘how do we improve ourselves?’ ” Nicolson said.

Nicolson said the ski industry is looking to tap into new labour markets or partner with similar seasonal industries in the summer to attract and maintain workers.

“Tourism operators, whether they be mountain resorts or other operators, generally are always trying to hire Canadians first,” he said. “They’re the closest to home, share a common language, all those kinds of things, but there hasn’t been enough people applying. That’s the bottom line.”

Try our new summer menu!

Don’t forget about our daily and nightly features.

SUNBURST NEW! Local inspired menu.

OPEN JUNE 24th SATURDAY’S Golf & Mid Mtn BBQ Pkg!

Tee off on British Columbia’s highest elevation golf course, before heading up the mountain for a delicious BBQ and fantastic views at the Sunburst Lodge.

Located in the Sun Peaks Village Day Lodge | Call 250.578.5434

Breakfast is served.

Summer home of the world famous 'McSunny'! Daily, 7:30am to 2:30pm.

LOCATED IN THE SUN PEAKS VILLAGE DAY LODGE

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GET out there Who wants to go flyboarding?

NEW COMPANY BRINGS WATERSPORT TO KAMLOOPS LAKE

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

A

new company is seeking to make the adrenaline rush of watersports more accessible to those who don’t have a boat.

Kinetic Energy Sport is offering wake surfing, wakeboarding and the new sport of flyboarding on Kamloops Lake starting this summer.

“I wanted to get more people on the water,” said owner Elaine Topolnisky. “I wanted to create something else to do in Kamloops because we have such nice summers here.”

Topolnisky is the first person to bring flyboarding to the Kamloops region. The sport originated in France about four years ago and uses two water-propelled pumps under a person’s feet to give them the sensation of flying.

Essentially, it is like having a jetpack strapped to your body.

“It’s just such a different feeling. You have your own jetpack you have to control and you’re flying. You get an adrenaline

rush,” Topolnisky said. “There’s a bit of a learning curve, but it’s not a big one. You’re up and flying within 10 minutes.”

The flyboard can get as high as 60 feet in the air, although the instructor controls the water pressure so beginners won’t be sent unintentionally soaring above the lake.

“It takes a few tries to understand it, but then you’re up and flying. Anyone can do it, you don’t need to have previous water experience,” Topolnisky said.

Topolnisky said she envied the people she saw out enjoying watersports, and that now that she has a boat of her own, a 23-foot Sanger, she wants to make wake surfing and wakeboarding more accessible.

Wake surfing requires a specific boat with ballast tanks to create a wave that can be ridden without the use of a rope. It’s basically a miniature version of the popular coastal sport.

“It’s easy on the body. You’re not going to get injured. You pretty much can’t get injured because you’re going slow,”

Topolnisky said. “It’s easy to learn. As soon as you get up on the board you can catch the wave within your first 20 minutes.”

Topolnisky is certainly familiar with high performance sport.

She played NCAA hockey and more recently competed in the Red Bull Crashed Ice circuit, but she said she doesn’t want to bring her competitive nature to the water.

“You have your own jetpack to control and you’re flying.”

“It’s more about having fun and having a good experience than being competitive. We’re not a competitive company at all,” she said.

Instead, she is trying to create a social atmosphere on the water with group wakeboard mornings every Monday, coed surf nights on Tuesdays and ladies’ nights on Wednesdays.

“The big idea is getting groups out,” Topolnisky said.

“I’m just going to get you up and let you have fun with it.”

Water jetpacks: Owner Elaine Topolnisky soars through the air above Kamloops Lake on her new flyboard. | PHOTO SUPPLIED

Farmers’ Market back in late June >> New Thompson area map promotes local food

by BRANDI SCHIER

O

ver a dozen vendors have signed up for the Sun Peaks & Region Farmers’ Market with more rolling in each

week, according to organizers.

Summer Farm, based in Coldstream, will be the main fruit and vegetable vendor, allowing residents to add locally sourced produce to their weekly grocery haul. The market takes place in the village walkway every Sunday from June 25 to August 28.

Local vendors include Sun Peaks artisans Photography by Gunner and Sun Peaks Soap Works. Other community groups and businesses are encouraged to set up a booth. For more information or to register contact ea@sunpeaksresort.com or 250-578-5388.

On another local note, Sun Peaks resident Meghan Kolodka, manager of Vertical Café, has joined the market’s board of directors. And locally-based musicians Lowell Friesen, Shaughnessy Rose and Jana Seale will provide the soundtrack every Sunday.

“It’s great to have local support at the board level,” said Janice Hoppenreys, events manager for Tourism Sun Peaks.

For those looking to grow their own greens, the Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners will hold a clinic at the market on Sunday, July 31. These knowledgeable volunteers will

share answers to gardening questions while helping to promote environmentally responsible practices for a healthy and balanced garden.

New this year, the market will be featured along with other local farms, producers and events in the new 2016 Buy Local! Buy Fresh! Thompson map. The map will include Thompson, Nicola and Shuswap farmers’ markets and highlight local food and where to find it in the community. After several successful years in the Okanagan, the new Thompson map will be available in early July following a public launch at the Kamloops

G ar rea ga t rit as M

Located at the Heffley Boutique Inn

250-578-8343

Sun Peaks’ smallest Hotel with the greatest Rooms.

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Vol 14 Issue 6 June 10 — July 7

ut -o e ke bl Ta aila av

Mexican Cuisine made from the finest, freshest ingredients. All prepared by our Chef to be healthy, tasty and fresh.

Early Bird Special + $12 Pitchers from 4 to 6 pm daily

market. Farm listings and printable maps are also available on www.buylocalbc.org.

The municipality has created a new green space in the upper village which is an expansion of the Kids Zone. It will include picnic tables and life-sized board games.

“Sun Peaks’ weekly Farmers’ Market provides the perfect opportunity for families to bring fresh and healthy produce to the dinner table while choosing to buy local,” said Hoppenreys.

“Add in the abundance of activities, and charm of the alpine village, and you have a perfect Sunday destination.”

GET out there Bottoms seeks third straight title SIX RESTAURANTS TO COMPETE IN NINTH ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

T

he chefs at Bottoms Bar & Grill are looking to solidify their reputation of best chili on the mountain. They will aim for their third straight people’s choice award in the ninth annual Mountain of Beer and Chili Cook-Off on July 2.

“It’s always fun to win a competition so of course it’s great and people ask about the trophy all the time,” said owner Nathan Cross. “I can’t deny that chili sales have been on the rise for the last two winters.”

He said the winning recipes

are close to the chili featured on their menu, but will be complimented with seasonal ingredients paired with their beer of choice.

“There definitely isn’t one ingredient that wins people over, but finding a good balance of flavours is definitely important,” Cross said. “It isn’t a set recipe we simply make in a pot. It usually evolves while they build it, constantly tasting and modifying it until the chefs are happy.”

Six local restaurants will showcase their best beer and chili in the competition, which is a part of Country Fest. Bella Italia, Cahilty Creek Bar & Grill, Mantles Restaurant, Mor-

risey’s Public House and Voyageur Bistro will join Bottoms in this year’s cook-off.

“There’s no denying we’ve thought about it and would love a three-peat, but in the end we just like to have fun with it and try some different things that we don’t get to do on a daily basis,” Cross said.

The village will be bustling with celebrations of the area’s western roots throughout the first weekend in July for the third annual Country Fest.

Family-friendly activities such as mechanical bull rides, a lasso station, a bouncy castle and the inaugural sack race will bring a country atmosphere to Sun Peaks. Saturday will feature live performances from Ben Klick, Terence Jack, Country Queens Tribute and Lisa Nicole, with Michael Painchaud wrapping up the music on Sunday.

Beyond the chairlift KEEPING BUSY IN THE OFFSEASON

To the north: Nearby Adams Lake provides excellent camping and fishing. | PHOTO SUN PEAKS NEWS

by CARMEN RUIZ

K

eep the shoulder season blues at bay with these must see and do activities in the area: Cross country mountain biking: Though there are several trails to choose from, a personal favourite (mostly because the snow melts off of it fairly quickly, leaving a muddy, fun mess) is the Vista Trail loop.

The trail takes about 20 to 30 minutes one way, is easy yet challenging in some areas to get the heart rate going, and offers

a scenic view of Mt. Tod with the trail passing the 13th hole of the golf course.

Hike Mount Embleton: Just a quick 15 minute drive down Sun Peaks Road, this mountain offers many different hiking trails of medium to difficult levels, but the view at the top is worth it! Be sure to pack a lunch or some snacks to enjoy under the gazebo at the top. Remember, if you pack it in, pack it out!

Heffley Lake Recreation Site: Unofficially called the boat launch, this little lake is a great spot to cool down or have a picnic. If you know someone with a canoe, go for a paddle. It’s

Chili kings: Bottoms’ chefs Olly Coppo and Conner Birmingham celebrate their 2014 win. | FILE PHOTO

called the boat launch, after all.

Whitecroft Waterfall Hike: Just a quick 15 minute stroll from Whitecroft, the waterfall is raging this time of year.

Go Camping: With many lakes just an hour or two away, it’s easy to find a great camping spot. Adams Lake has great hiking trails and swimming, while Johnson Lake’s crystal clear waters are stunning.

Though the water may resemble the warm beaches of the Caribbean, the water is actually quite cold!

Head out to McGillivray Lake: Relax and enjoy the sounds of nature on the dock.

The lake may only be about a 20 minute drive, or a 50 minute bike ride, but the road can be covered with snow and mud until mid-June. Be sure to take a truck or an SUV or to walk your bike for part of the trip.

After a hike, bike, or whatever gets your heart rate going, enjoy a pint (or two) on a patio!

One of the great things about Sun Peaks is the many patios to choose from. Hit Masa’s or Cahilty Creek for the early afternoon sunshine, or Bottoms’, Mantle’s, Bella Italia, Voyageur Bistro or Powder Hounds for the late afternoon and evening rays.

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arts ENTERTAINMENT

Framing

HIS OWN PERSPECTIVE

New film compares city life to ski scene PHOTOS EDDIE FOSTER

“That heavy influence of how he really focuses on his natural surroundings and his contextual surroundings when he’s out on the hill… Mine here (in Hong Kong) is of technology consumption and modernization.”

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

M

ost people don’t grow up in a Chinese city of over 7 million people while escaping for the winter to a Canadian village with a population of less than 500. However, it’s the unique and inspiring reality for 19-year-old filmmaker Eddie Foster.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, he has been coming to Sun Peaks since the age of three and now he has captured the vastly differing corners of his world in a short-film entitled Frames, set to be released on June 16.

“I really wanted to focus on the heavy juxtaposition between claustrophobic, 24/7 Hong Kong city life, and that of British Columbia; what we

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do when we’re up there and how we feel up on the hill,” Foster said.

The film opens with a narration of Foster’s perception of Hong Kong and the vibrant city lifestyle, which he describes as “something you have to experience for yourself.” The film jumps to B.C., following and observing a skier who was born and raised in the mountains.

“That heavy influence of how he really focuses on his natural surroundings and his contextual surroundings when he’s out on the hill,” Foster said.

“Mine here (in Hong Kong) is of technology consumption and modernization.”

The film features Sun Peaks skier Kieran Nikula in backcountry settings throughout the Interior. Foster said he aimed to create something more than

Vol 14 Issue 6 June 10 — July 7

just the typical skiing video.

“I really want to push my film towards a ski narrative where I can actually push a storyline, have it progress throughout and come out with a clear ending rather than have a montage of ski tricks,” Foster said.

“It’s all sequential and it has meaning. Every shot I have is in a sequence, it’s in order and it makes sense.”

Foster and Nikula spent three months, from February to May, capturing skiing footage in and around Sun Peaks, Revelstoke, Clearwater and Whistler. Some of the terrain required a 2,500 metre climb on a snowmobile, which made it logistically challenging to bring along camera equipment.

“It was pretty scary when we were up there. We did have a few scares, we saw a few

avalanches, but it’s all about the risk. I feel as though every shot we got out there was risky and dangerous but it’s how I wanted things to be and how I wanted to capture everything through my lens, through my perspective,” Foster said.

The title of the film, which runs at approximately 25 minutes, reflects Foster’s aspiration to showcase his unique style of filming.

“The title was one of the hardest things to come up with,” Foster said. “We came up with Frames as related to this linear narrative we’re making. How it’s sequential and how every single frame we have is part of the story and it all leads to the broader concept.”

The freelance project marks Foster’s first ski narrative project, following his passion of filming action sports.

“I haven’t earned anything from this film, nor am I going to in the release,” he said. “It’s more just going towards my portfolio so Kieran and I can push for next year because we have big plans and hopefully we can get more sponsors on board.”

Foster is still working on the finishing touches of the film, which will be released on his website, www.2deepmedia.com.

Foster said he and Nikula will spend the summer working on their proposal for their next film, with filming to potentially begin in November.

“Film is my passion and I really hope to pursue my career in film,” Foster said. “Skiing right now is my main focus. I would love to continue filming skiing for the rest of my life.”

&

arts ENTERTAINMENT Artist illustrates local life

EVENT > listings SATURDAY & SUNDAY

JUNE 11 & 12

SKATE SUN PEAKS

Skateboarders will descend the mountain cross cart track all weekend, taking the village platter lift back up in a unique longboarding event. www.skatesunpeaks.com

THURSDAY

JUNE 16

TNRD BOOKMOBILE

The TNRD Bookmobile visits the Bento’s Day Lodge parking lot every third Thursday from 3 to 4:15 p.m. bookmobile@tnrd.ca

SATURDAY

JUNE 18

5K FOAM FEST

The fun obstacle course run will stop in Sun Peaks for the first time featuring more than 22 challenges that promise to get runners foamy, muddy and wet. www.5kfoamfest.ca

MONDAY

JUNE 20

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING 7 p.m. at the Sun Peaks Municipal office located in the Kookaburra Lodge.

JUNE 30

FRIDAY TO SUNDAY

JUNE 24 – 26 OPENING WEEKEND

The Sunburst chairlift opens for hiking, biking and sightseeing with the Lift and Lager on Saturday to open summer with a free beer with each lift ticket. www.sunpeaksresort.com

2ND ANNUAL SUN PEAKS GRAND CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

The fundraiser for BC Adaptive Snowsports returns to the Golf Course at Sun Peaks.

Funds will support skiing and snowboarding programs for children and adults with a disability. www.bcadaptive.com

SATURDAY

JUNE 25

ART ZONE SOCIAL BBQ

Come celebrate summer and the arts with the Art Zone at 2443 Fairways Drive.

Starting at 4 p.m. with a short meeting, bring your family, friends and what you wish to drink. www.artzonesunpeaks. com

FRIDAY TO SUNDAY

JULY 1 – 3

COUNTRY FEST

The third annual celebration of the area’s ranching roots brings country themed activities and live music throughout the village all weekend. www.sunpeaksresort.com

SUNDAY

SATURDAY

FARMERS’ MARKET OPENS

MOUNTAIN OF BEER & CHILI COOK-OFF

JUNE 25

The Sun Peaks & Region Farmers’ Market returns every Sunday for the summer with vendors, live music and an expanded kid zone. sunpeaksresort.com/farmersmarket

JULY 2

The popular competition returns for a ninth year with six local restaurants putting their best beer and chili to the test in search of the people’s choice award.

Tickets are $40. www.sunpeaksresort.com

THURSDAY

sunpeaksmunicipality.ca

sunpeaksnews.com/events

s k a e Sun P 9:30am–1:30pm June 26 to September 4

Spend sunday iN the mountains at the

Buy fresh, local produce while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

by CARMEN RUIZ

Y

ou may have noticed a comic called The Lift in SPIN (see page 16) which features hilarious takes on life in a ski resort. But did you know who created them?

Artist and long-time Sun Peaks local Ben Morris is the mastermind behind the comic.

Morris is also the owner of Red Tree Designs and first penned comics for the local newspaper in the mid-2000s which ran for a few seasons. Last fall Morris decided to bring them back with a new look.

“Since trying a new art-based direction with Red Tree Designs in 2015, I decided to start a new digital comic, The Lift, exclusively for the new Sun Peaks Independent News… It focuses mainly on day-to-day life and events around the Sun Peaks area,” he said.

Morris, who was always interested in art and design, was encouraged by his family to pursue the arts from a young age.

“In high school I did well in art class and made many drawings and murals for my friends who also thought I should pursue an art career,” said Morris.

In 2002, Morris began teaching himself design industry techniques. Morris and his business partner at the time created Evil Line, a custom art design and hand-made clothing company.

“It was a great learning experience where we had fun and some good success,” he said.

Morris started his own company, Red Tree Designs, in 2007, which inspired him to train professionally. He enrolled

PHOTO CREDIT BEN MORRIS

in the Digital Art and Design program at Thompson Rivers University in 2007 and graduated in 2010 all while starting a family and working.

“I had to make some difficult decisions as how to best provide a good living and pursue a design career in a very competitive field. Since then I have balanced working full-time in mining and still producing art products in my spare time. I now focus mainly on my own art and have been slowly backing out of commercial-based graphic design,” said Morris.

Despite that direction, Morris is still very active within the Sun Peaks community. Along with his comic, he provides acrylic wall murals for homes and businesses. His illustrative artwork can be purchased at Alpine Images Photography.

“It allows me a new artistic freedom and relieves me of the pressure of refilling empty wall space when a piece sells,” he said.

Morris is also the director of marketing for the Bluebird Day

Fund and lends his digital skills to the not-for-profit society. The fund, founded in memory of Sun Peaks local Bryn Taylor who passed away in 2006, provides athletic and recreational programs for individuals to pursue winter sports.

Morris has been an active member since 2011 and designs their posters, branding and advertising while managing their website. He also designed a custom Endeavour snowboard in 2008 to raise money for the foundation. Fifty boards with his design were sold for $500 each, with some raffled off for hundreds of dollars more.

“It was definitely a huge boost to our fundraising” he said noting the original artwork can be seen at Bottoms Bar & Grill in the village.

Currently, Morris is working on a new summer art series for Alpine Images and a new website for Red Tree Designs.

“Stay tuned to Red Tree Designs on Facebook for what comes next.”

Make it a day trip and hike the alpine, take in a round of golf or enjoy lunch on one of the local mountain patios.

LIVE MUSIC

10:30am - 12:30pm

SunPeaksResort.com/farmers-market

1-800-807-3257 PHOTO CREDIT BEN MORRIS

Vol 14 Issue 6 June 10 — July 7

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SEND US YOUR PHOTOS TO BE FEATURED IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS EDITOR@SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM

in PHOTOS

OR POST YOUR PHOTOS USING #SUNPEAKSNEWS @SUNPEAKSNEWS

SPR sends off long time marketing employee Sam Egan in style and wishes him well with his new company, Cedar Line Creative.

- Photo SPIN

Whitecroft resident Brian Beck and his son Foxx celebrate earning their yellow belts from Northern Taekwondo Academy in Sun Peaks.

- Photo Kathy Beck

The Fire Hall teamed up with SPR to give the village walkway a good soak in May. - Photo Alpine Images Fire Chief Colin Cannon pitches in and lends a hand during the annual Trash Bash in May. - Photo SPIN

TIABC board members pose before opening their AGM and Summit at the Sun Peaks Grand.

- Photo TIABC

Village favourite Wilf Bennet braves the rain during the Falkland Stampede on May Long Weekend.

- Photo Lee Kolbuck

An international Rotary vocational group visited Sun Peaks to learn about cattle grazing on the mountain during their agricultral tour.

Hon. Shirley Bond launched Camping Week in B.C. and outlined Tourism Week on May 25 at the Sun Peaks Grand.

- Photo SPIN

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- Photo supplied

Vol 14 Issue 6 June 10 — July 7

The Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association selected their board of directors at their first AGM in June.

-Photo Sam Loxton

FEATURE story Preparing for the worst SUN PEAKS EMPLOYS MULI-TIERED APPROACH TO WILDFIRES A third, the McGillivray fire, threatened from the east burning 11,400 hectares as close five kilometres away, prompting he hills are alive and green an evacuation of Sun Peaks. along the major highways “The disbelief of when the first beside the North and South fire, the McLure fire, started it Thompson Rivers, but the opened everybody’s eyes,” said unmistakable dark and ashen Sun Peaks Resort mountain trees stick out as a reminder operations manager Erik Meerof the summer of 2003, one of tens. “As each fire started, just the of the most catastrophic fire that sense of being somewhat seasons on record according to surrounded. Mother Nature, the BC Wildfire website. when she rears her ugly head, The fires didn’t reach Sun she can do whatever Peaks, but highlighted the risk she wants.” the natural disaster posed to As a direct result of the past the community as two of the and present risk, Sun Peaks province’s 15 major wildfires Resort LLP (SPR), the Sun burned within close proximity to Peaks Mountain Resort Municithe resort. pality (SPMRM) and Sun Peaks “You only had to be here Fire Rescue (SPFR) have each when you could look out at mid- assumed a fire prevention role night and see the nice glow over in the community, creating a the hills of all the flames that three-stage approach to miniwere just over the horizon to mize the risk of wildfire as much know the community has to be as possible. fire safe,” said Mayor Al Raine.

SPMRM looks after the val“Getting rid of a lot of the fuel ley. The municipality has spent that surrounds $527,272 on fire the residential prevention since development 2012 and has “I think we’d be pretty here is very imapplied for annaive or ignorant to portant because other $200,000 think that we’re not at that makes a grant to continue big difference mitigation efforts risk here” in how fast this summer. the fire would The municipality attack here.” has removed forThe McLure fire burned est fuels above Whitecroft to the 29,202 hectares to the north- resort, along the backside of Mt. west and caused the evacuation Morrisey and along the north of 3,800 people while destroy- side of Sun Peaks Road. ing or damaging 72 homes and “We haven’t finished the job nine businesses in McLure, Bar- but we’ve done a good portion riere and Louis Creek. Another of the work that had to be done,” fire sparked on Strawberry Hill Raine said. burned 5,731 hectares between The resort looks after the alKamloops and Heffley Creek. pine. New staff is put through

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

T

Eminent threat: This shot from 2003 shows the smoke billowing over Sun Peaks’ horizon.

| FILE PHOTO

S-100 training to be legally entitled to respond to a blaze should the need arise. SPR also has trucks, pumps hoses and the snowmaking system available to respond to a wildfire.

“Do I think we’re better prepared than in ’03? By far,” said Meertens. “The tooling, with the training, with the equipment and with the data we have available to us I think we’re better prepared for sure.”

SPR’s ongoing operations also serve to minimize the wildfire risk. The ski runs act as firebreaks, and trail maintenance and the clearing of old or dead trees serves a dual purpose to remove fuels while also creating new areas for glade skiing.

Meertens said his predecessor, Jamie Tattersfield, was ahead of his time in clearing pine beetle infested trees, and they continue to remove trees and other potential fuels on the mountain. This summer they are focused on the area between the Sunburst Lodge and the Burfield chairlift to remove dead or dying balsam and spruce trees.

“I don’t think you can put a

measurement on it. I think we’d be pretty naive or ignorant to think that we’re not at risk here,” Meertens said.

The fire hall launched the most recent wildfire prevention initiative, working with residents to remove high-risk materials from around homes with the FireSmart program. Prevention officer Dean Schiavon encouraged homeowners to take measures themselves such

as replacing bark mulch from landscaping, cleaning under porches and removing potential fuels from the 10-metre radius around homes. “(Bark mulch) acts basically as a wick so we’re asking people to make sure right around the house, instead of using bark mulch using river rock or pea gravel, and keep underbrush trimmed up or if you have dead trees in your yard to clean them up,” Schiavon said.

He was not living in Sun Peaks during the 2003 scare, but remembers touring the area burned by the McGillivray Lake fire when he moved to the community the following year.

“It was still fresh in everybody’s mind and everybody was pretty nervous about the whole situation and how close it got,” Schiavon said.

“It’s always going to be there, but what we can do is help minimize our risk as residents.

If we can minimize any impact a wildfire might have coming in, I think it’s to everyone’s advantage for the continuation of this community.”

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youthful CONNECTIONS

George Terwiel shows the Sun Peaks Elementary students how it’s done during Bike to Work Week.

| PHOTO JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

The students gather around their teacher during a trip to Sun Peaks Spa Express focused on health and wellness earlier this month. . | PHOTO SPIN

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DON’T MISS OUR BEST RATES OF THE YEAR! BEST BUY SEASON PASS SALE ENDS JUNE 30

After a record setting winter, various hues of green may be displacing white across Canada’s second largest ski area but vivid memories of deep turns and sunny cord linger. BEST BUY Season Passes are up for grabs at our best rates of the year offering 150 days of alpine bliss, as well as 50% off lift tickets at Whistler Blackcomb all season long!

Shop online 24/7 at SunPeaksResort.com

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Vol 14 Issue 6 June 10 — July 7

250.578.5474

BOOK YOUR CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE AT

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM/classified

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Look for us at the Sun Peaks & Region Farmers’ Market >> June 25 >> July 10 >> August 14 >> August 21 FOR RENT On hole #2 green at Sun Peaks golf course with amazing mountain view.

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Vol 14 Issue 6 June 10 — July 7

I could have sworn my ball landed on the green?!?

ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS ADS ARE PLACED DAILY

>> sports Golf course welcomes new professional BILTON BRINGS CHAMPIONSHIP CALIBRE COACHING TO SUN PEAKS

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

T

he Golf Course at Sun Peaks has a new teaching professional joining the links for the 2016 season.

Bill Bilton Jr., the head professional and director of golf at the Dunes at Kamloops, joined on a part time basis instructing private lessons, ladies clinics, junior camps and school programs.

Bilton grew up on a farm near Whitecroft and has resided in Sun Peaks for the past 18

months.

“This has really been my backyard as a kid growing up,” he said. “With all the development that’s gone on and all the friends have up here I thought it would be a great fit.”

Bilton comes with an impressive resume. He has accumulated over 20 years of professional teaching experience following his NCAA career at the University of Hawaii. He has 17 professional wins on various professional tours in Canada and the United States, and he led the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack to a Canadian

Collegiate Athletic Association national championship title as head coach in 2008.

“It can help us raise our profile in terms of golf lessons so we’re pretty excited about that,” said sports director Vincent Lafontaine. “He’s got an excellent reputation, lots of experience and he’s got a profile. We’ve never really had that here.”

“This has really been my backyard as a kid growing up.”

A former instructor at the Golf Digest Schools in Orlando, Fla., Bilton said he tries to incorporate the fundamentals

Deserts and mountains: Bilton

works for both the Dunes and the Golf Course at Sun Peaks. | PHOTO

TRU WOLFPACK ATHLETICS

which have proven successful for golf’s best from legend Ben Hogan to current stars such as Jordan Spieth and Jason Day. “My lessons are always fun first and foremost,” the 47-yearold said. “I want my students to leave educated on the swing and understand how to practice when they’re not with me so

they can better their game and enjoy it more.”

Bilton now works at two courses designed by Canadian Graham Cooke. Although, as he pointed out, the courses share few other characteristics.

“The same architect, but two clearly distinctly different layouts,” Bilton said. “The Dunes is rolling hills and open, and Sun Peaks obviously is tree-lined and through the mountains.

It’s beautiful, every hole has breathtaking scenery.”

Golf doesn’t share the same pedigree as other sports in Canada, but Bilton is quick to point out it’s the most popular sport to play. Golf has ranked first, ahead of hockey, in participation numbers since 1998, according to surveys published

by Statistics Canada.

“Golf is a life-long sport of always trying to endeavour to get better at it,” he said. “You can never perfect it, but you’re always striving to reach the next level.”

Snowboarding to be included in 2018 BC Winter Games

by BRANDI SCHIER

T

he BC Games Society announced on May 30 snowboarding will be included for the first time in the upcoming 2018 BC Winter Games, alongside 17 other sports.

Kamloops will host the Games from Feb. 22 to 25, 2018 with Sun Peaks as the location for alpine events.

According to Lia Threlfall, communications manager for the BC Games Society, Giant Slalom, Snowboard Cross and Slopestyle snowboarding events will all be included in the competition.

“They will likely take place

in Sun Peaks, although it wasn’t part of the original bid,” said Threlfall.

“The inclusion of snowboarding into the BC Winter Games will substantially increase the development of snowboarding in our province,” said Flynn Seddon, president of BC Snowboard Association, in a press release. “The athletes, coaches, and officials will have a great opportunity to participate in a multi-sport event that will further align their competitive pathways.”

The BC Games can be the first step on the path to national and international success. At the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, 18 BC Games alumni were part

of the Canadian team including medalists Kelsey Serwa (Ski Cross), Denny Morrison (Speed Skating), and Josh Dueck (Para Alpine). Over 57 per cent of Team BC at the 2015 Canada Winter Games were BC Games alumni.

“Attending the BC Games is a significant step in an athlete’s development,” said Kelly Mann, president and CEO of the BC Games Society, in the release.

“The international success we have seen from B.C. athletes speaks volumes to the opportunities they have been given through the provincial sport system and the BC Games.”

Up to 1,527 athletes, 377 coaches, and 246 officials will compete in alpine skiing, ar-

Leaving it all in air: Competitors hit the terrain park in a post BC Slopestyle event in Sun Peaks. | FILE PHOTO SUN PEAKS RESORT

chery, badminton, basketball (Special Olympics), biathlon, cross country skiing, curling, diving, figure skating, freestyle skiing, gymnastics, judo, karate, netball, ringette, rhythmic gym-

nastics, snowboarding, speed skating and wheelchair basketball. Athletes with a disability will compete in basketball, wheelchair basketball, cross country skiing and figure skating.

Vol 14 Issue 6 June 10 — July 7

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>> sports Armed with new technology Adaptive ski coach seeks Cybathlon gold

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

A

n instructor with Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks is aiming for gold at a new international competition.

The 2016 Cybathlon, the first event of its kind, will see athletes compete using the latest assistive technologies in Zurich, Switzerland in October.

Teams will compete on courses designed to test how technology helps with everyday tasks such as climbing stairs or opening doors.

Danny Letain, the head of ASSP’s race team, will pilot Canada’s entry in the powered arm prosthesis race. M.A.S.S. Impact consists of a team of biomedical engineering and kinesiology researchers from the MENRVA Research Group at Simon Fraser University and prosthetists from Barber Pros-

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thetic Clinic.

It will not be Letain’s first time representing Canada on the world stage. He competed as a skier at the 1992 Paralympic Games in Tignes, France.

“I’m just enjoying watching how this technology is allowing me to move fingers individual-

“Hopefully it’ll be enough to bring home a gold medal, which I didn’t do last time.”

ly, which I’ve never been able to do before. If you compare it to the existing technology that’s out there, you basically have control of opening and closing three fingers in the hand. This technology has the potential to operate all the fingers with-

Vol 14 Issue 6 June 10 — July 7

Representing his country: Danny Letain will pilot Canada’s entry in the first ever Cybathlon in October. | PHOTO DALE NORTHEY, SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

out evasive surgery. I’ve never been able to see my stump operate and feel my fingers like I have ever before so it’s quite exciting that way,” he said.

As the pilot, Letain will have to complete a six-stage obstacle course in under eight minutes using the prosthetic arm

built by the M.A.S.S. Impact team. He will have to complete tasks such as completing a puzzle, hanging laundry, slicing bread and carrying objects over a set of stairs in a dual-slalom type of set up.

The team placed second last year at the trials despite

only having the arm for a week ahead of competition. Now, they have a tighter fitting arm with a built-in computer. Last year, team member Richard Chen walked alongside Letain with a laptop connected to the arm via Bluetooth.

“With the technology that we’ve got, with the new standalone technology we’ve got, we’re now at the point (where) we’re going to have an arm we believe is going to fit tighter and fit better,” Letain said.

“With that hopefully it’ll be enough to bring home a gold medal, which I didn’t do last time and I would like to do this time, or a medal period.”

Letain lost his left arm below the elbow in a railway accident while working in 1980 and has been working with Barber Prosthetics since its foundation in 1981, which ultimately led to helping with this current research.

“I think one of the reasons I wanted to be a part of it was to give something back into the world of prosthetics,” Letain said.

2016

SUMMER

CONCERT

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saturday, July 9 11:00AM 1:00PM 3:00PM 5:00PM

jeremy kneeshaw clocktower stage Brent tyler upper plaza stage Peter ernst band clocktower stage sun peaks music search winner

The burn ins upper plaza stage 7:30PM xtreme radio Clocktower Stage

packages & Tickets

friday, July 8

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weekend lineup

FRIDAY, JULY 8 7pm general admission: free, no ticket required Front Stage Access Area Weekend Pass: $35 3-Night Concert Package: $149/per person

Includes 3 nights’ lodging + Front Stage Access Area Passes. *starting from $149/per person, based on double occupancy, some restrictions may apply.

Book online or call 1.800.807.3257

More information online at SunPeaksResort.com/Concerts

AUG 20

Share Your Sun Peaks Story.

Vol 14 Issue 6 June 10 — July 7

sunpeaksnews.com

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Raine is part of a committee pushing to see the program continue. The committee has shortlisted consultants to conduct a study of the RMI funding which is to be presented to Minister of Tourism, Jobs and Skills Training Shirley Bond at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in September.

“That will be a study that will review the history, the achievements, strengths and weaknesses of the existing program and make recommendations to government about how that should continue after 2017,” Raine said.

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MUNICIPALITIES SPEARHEAD TOURISM FUNDING LOBBY EFFORT Sun Peaks Mayor Al Raine, along with representatives from other resort communities in B.C., is pushing to extend an expiring provincial funding program beyond next year.

The Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) helps 14 tourism-based communities in B.C. with funding for projects to support visitation, amenities, activities, employment and the tourism economy. The RMI program is set to end in December 2017 following a two-year extension.

FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Bond said the government plans to review the program in 2017, including potential changes and improvements to better help these communities.

“I will welcome that input and we’ll certainly have a discussion about that as government,” Bond said of the pending study.

“I know the government will take a very serious look at the end of 2017 to say ‘what should the future program look like?

Is this one working the way it should?’ ” The RMI funds have

been a key factor in the growth of Sun Peaks’ summer visitation. The Summer Concert Series, for example, have been a direct result of the RMI investment.

“That’s of crucial importance to Sun Peaks.

It represents about $300,000 that the community’s receiving that we’re able to put into tourism events, attractions and infrastructure,” Raine said. “Those RMI funds that we’ve received from the province have been absolutely crucial. We couldn’t have done any of the free concert series

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www.tundratrail.com without those funds. I think those big name, free concerts definitely launched Sun Peaks as an active summer resort.”

According to the Sun Peaks municipal budget, RMI funds account for 7.9 per cent of total revenue in 2016.

Sun Peaks will be allocating RMI funds differently with fewer dollars being spent on

summer concerts. The program requires 70 per cent of funds be spent on infrastructure; however, chief administrative officer Rob Bremner said at March’s budget presentation Sun Peaks received an exception to split the funds 50-50 between infrastructure and events in 2016 before adjusting to the provincial norm for 2017.

Vol 14 Issue 6 June 10 — July 7

sunpeaksnews.com

15

ALPINE RESORT REALTY

EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

Serving Sun Peaks and area since 1995

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

2502 Eagle Court - $650,000

#61 Crystal Forest - $259,000

6488 Yates Creek Rd (Little Heffley Lake) - $789,000 Spectacular lakefront estate on 3.4 acres with over 400 ft of waterfront on pristine Little Heffley Lake. This is truly a remarkable 4 bedroom home with office & custom built in cabinetry, loft, full daylight walkout basement with stunning lake views, family room, garage with workshop & additional carport. Dominantly perched overlooking the lake with mountain views, a modern kitchen, open design concept with vaulted ceiling & three sided gas fireplace. You can fish from the private dock or right off the grassy shoreline.

Upper floor 2 bedroom, 2 bath retreat nestled next to forested area and creek with mountain & valley views. Forest Trails has a peaceful setting and offers convenient ski-in, ski-out access & is a short stroll to village & all amenities. Condo features open kitchen and living area w/ nook, southwest facing sundeck, heated tile floors, gas fireplace, in suite laundry, and ensuite off master bedroom. Additional storage space in private garage and GST is applicable.

6417 Lakeshore Road – Heffley Lake - $649,000 Whether it’s a year round address or weekend getaway, this is truly the ultimate escape. This cozy waterfront home has been carefully crafted into the lakeside landscape with spectacular west facing views of the crystal clear water & mountains.

This well-loved home features 3 bedrooms + den, open kitchen & dining area with sunken living room, corner wood stove, vaulted ceiling and wraparound sundeck.

Retreat to your private dock & fire pit with friends & family this summer & take pleasure in the spectacular sunsets.

#14 Crystal Forest - $244,000

#59 Crystal Forest - $269,000

1340 Burfield Drive - $284,900

#58 Stone’s Throw - $394,900

Experience a luxurious and inviting alpine chalet with spectacular, unobstructed mountain views in this ski-in home on a quiet cul-de-sac. Quality upgraded finishing, including a custom stone gas fireplace, heated stone floors, and artist-painted walls, along with a vaulted ceiling, soaring windows, and its being within a short walk to the village and ski lifts. Features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an attached 2-car garage, plus a 1-bedroom furnished revenue suite with in-suite laundry. Offered fully furnished with hot tub & GST paid.

22 Forest Trails - $262,000

Great opportunity for your family to have the perfect 2 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhouse in the growing community of Sun Peaks. Fantastic location with views of Mt. Morrisey & just steps away from the ski lifts, nordic trails & village. This home is being offered fully furnished with beautiful decor, cozy river rock fireplace and warm pine finishing. Features secure heated underground parking, ski storage locker, private hot tub, sunny southern exposure & GST paid.

4106 Sundance Drive - $1,379,000

This expansive custom built resort home sits among some of the most prestigious sought after properties in Sundance Estates. This remarkable home features high end finishing & deluxe appliances that compliment the gourmet kitchen with solid maple cabinetry, granite countertops & stunning floor to ceiling windows. The home also features a 2 car garage with additional parking available plus a bright self contained 2 bedroom legal suite offered furnished with private hot tub and sauna. GST paid.

This is a lovely two bedroom, two bathroom ground floor condo located in the Tyrolean inspired condo development of Crystal Forest. Open design living area includes rock fireplace with knotty pine woodwork overlooking the courtyard.

Relax in your hot tub after a long day on the slopes or golf course! Family and friends will truly enjoy great atmosphere in this very desirable home! Offered fully furnished with GST paid.

Ski-in half duplex with easy walk out access to the Burfield quad chairlift. Features 3 bedrooms & 2 baths with open living design, vaulted ceiling & covered sundeck overlooking the mountains. The living room offers a cozy gas fireplace & large windows providing plenty of natural light. Daylight walk out basement to the lower sundeck & backyard to a forested green space backing onto McGillivray Creek. Comfortable in floor radiant heat throughout, ample level parking & separate storage shed.

Fireside Lodge starting at: $149,O00 Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge starting at: $71,900 Sundance Lodge starting at: $16,000 The Residences at Sun Peaks Grand starting at: $49,000 Kookaburra Lodge starting at: $169,000 Hearthstone Lodge starting at: $28,900

Sunny courtyard location w/ south facing exposure &ski hill views of Mt. Morrisey compliment this beautiful 2 storey, 2 bedroom, 2 bath townhouse. This home is being offered fully furnished & has 2 secure underground parking spaces, additional storage, cozy gas fireplace, heated tile floors in kitchen & baths. Crystal Forest has the ambiance of a Tyrolean Ski Village. With easy ski-in access this location offers the best of both worlds that is convenient to all resort amenities. GST paid.

This updated condo in Stone’s Throw is one of Sun Peaks’ most attractive ski-in, ski-out complexes located on the 16th fairway of the golf course with mountain views. This bright south facing home features two levels of living space, including 3 bdrms & 2 baths.

The living room has dramatic vaulted ceiling with soaring windows, custom blinds, rock fireplace, and a large open kitchen with granite countertops & eating bar, S/S appliances & heated slate floor. Includes hot tub & GST paid.

2510 Heffley Louis Crk Rd – Heffley Lake -

www.sunpeaksrealty.com 20

sunpeaksnews.com

Vol 14 Issue 6 June 10 — July 7

$619,000

Year round 3 bedroom home with fully finished basement located on the majestic shores of Heffley Lake. 111 feet of waterfront on .66 acres with an abundance of trees & private dock and view of the lake & mountains. Wood finishing details with hardwood flooring, landscaped & fenced yard, 2 car detached garage, greenhouse & garden area, extra storage, workshop and more. Located 10 min from world class skiing and golf at Sun Peaks Resort and 30 min to Kamloops.