Spin Vol 14 Issue 8

>> LOCAL ATHLETES lifting weight in regional competition PAGE 18

>> OVER $250,000

in provincial funding PAGE 2

SUMMER Weather Forecast AUG 5— 7 Sunny, hot

AUG 8—15

Scattered showers, cooler

AUG 16—23

Showers, turning warm

AUG 24—31

Showers, cool

Volume 14 Issue 8

AUGUST 5 — SEPTEMBER 1

@sunpeaksnews /sunpeaksnews

SEPT 1

FREE

Showers, cool

“I’m just out there to have fun.”

WHITECROFT BROTHERS AIM TO COMPLETE BC CUP CIRCUIT THREE MEDALS FOR LOCALS IN SUN PEAKS DH RACE Morgan O’Brien giving it his best in the B.C. Cup Race at Sun Peaks. | PHOTO JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

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wo brothers from Whitecroft are the only local downhill riders to have competed in every stop on the BC Cup circuit this summer.

Morgan and Owen O’Brien have four races each under their belts this season in the Sport 17-18 Men category and plan to attend all six races with upcoming events in Silver Star and Fernie in August.

“Last year we just started getting our feet wet and we didn’t do all of them and we raced in the open category,

but this year we bought a UCI license and we’re planning on going to every BC Cup,” said 17-year-old Morgan.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) license allows racers to collect points at each race for overall standings, which creates a more competitive environment.

“Usually the guys in the sport category are a little faster because they’re looking to be more competitive,” Morgan said. “Other than that it’s about the same age category and you’re running the same course.”

After four races, 16-year-old Owen sits in fourth place in the

overall standings and Morgan is ninth.

“He’s faster than me and I know that,” Morgan said. “He’s more out there looking to go faster and win more. I’m just out there to have fun. It’s not as big of a rivalry as it could be.”

The BC Cup race season opened on May 29 at Race the Ranch in Kamloops. Owen placed eighth in the opening race and Morgan was 17th.

They were joined by local racers Gabriel Neron, who placed third, and Riley Holowatiuk, who placed fifth, in the 13-16 Boys category.

“They’re good friends. I love riding with them. It’s tons of

fun,” Morgan said. “We can share lines, try to figure out how we can all be faster as a group. It usually works out pretty well.”

Owen placed fifth and Morgan 10th at the Western Open in Kicking Horse on July 3 and Neron won the 13-16 Boys category.

The O’Briens were the only local competitors at the Canada Cup in Panorama Resort on July 17 where Owen finished sixth and Morgan ninth.

Most recently, they competed at the BC Cup race which ran as part of the 2016 Canadian Downhill Mountain Bike Championships in Sun Peaks

on July 24. Owen placed 10th and Morgan finished 14th.

Three Heffley Creek riders finished on the podium.

Holowatiuk claimed the silver medal and Benton Kilba won bronze in the 13-16 Boys category.

The Bicycle Café’s Cheryl Beattie won the gold medal and Kelly Kozevnikov claimed bronze in the Open 30+ Women division. Neron didn’t start due to an injury suffered in training. George Terwiel placed 14th in the Open 30+ Men category.

The BC Cup wraps up with races in Silver Star on Aug. 7 and in Fernie on Aug. 26.

Vol 14 Issue 8 August 5 — September 1

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local Health centre and new valley trail receive provincial funding GOVERNMENT GIVES $266,000 FOR SUN PEAKS PROJECTS

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

T

he BC Government announced $266,000 to support projects in Sun Peaks on the afternoon of July 29.

Health Minister Terry Lake announced $100,000 to help equip the new health centre and $166,000 through the BikeBC funding program to build a 1.4-kilometre pathway between Fairways Drive and Alpine Road. The minster was joined by Mayor Al Raine, Sun Peaks Heath Association president John Hatchett and other resort representatives to ceremonially break ground on the new building.

“It’s easy to work with a community like Sun Peaks because everyone’s so involved,” Lake said. “Everyone that lives here is part of the community. They all get involved in initiatives whether it’s the health centre, whether it’s the recreation cen-

(Left to right) Nancy Greene Raine, Al Raine, John Hatchett and Terry Lake ceremonially break ground on the new health centre.| PHOTO JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

tre or the school. They make things happen which is sort of above and beyond what their size would seem capable of.”

The provincial contribution will cover about a quarter of the estimated $400,000 it will cost to equip the new facility, in-

cluding an x-ray machine. The new 5,000 square foot facility, which is slated to open in early 2017, will feature a doctor’s office, examination rooms and a triage area for accidents. The top floor will also house the Sun Peaks ski patrol staff which will be funded by Sun Peaks Resort Corporation LLP. “Naturally, we have a lot of outdoor activities and trauma does happen whether we like it or not so we’re working to have an X-ray facility,” said Hatchett.

Raine said Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality has received two donations of $50,000, which the municipality will match. Council members will donate their stipends for the first part of the year, totalling $17,000, which amounts to approximately $325,000 for equipment.

“The health centre without equipment is really just empty space. Our biggest challenge is to equip the new health centre with modern healthcare equipment,” Raine said. “We’re getting close, but we’ll need to keep working hard at the fundraising.”

The municipality will also be required to match the prov-

Construction begins on new rink INCREASED COSTS FOR CONCRETE FLOOR AND REFRIGERATION BUILDING

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

E

xcavation for the new NHLsized rink is underway with the goal of pouring the concrete in mid-September ahead of the opening of the facility at the end of November, according to chief administrative officer Rob Bremner.

Powder Ventures was awarded the municipal contract and the changes to the rink’s construction have incurred some increased costs. The concrete floor will be increased to six inches thick, which costs around $9,300 and the refrigeration building will need to be expanded to adhere to WorkSafeBC regulations, which will

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cost approximately $13,600.

Money to cover the increased costs will come from the existing Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funds, according to Bremner.

“We’ve actually added an inch of concrete because down the road the idea is still to make it a place where you could have a trade show, so just to be safe we’ve increased the size of the depth of the concrete so we could actually drive a car on it without ruining the floor,” Bremner said.

“I had money put in (the budget) for next year for the arena so we just take that from next year and we’re going to move the (new) village entrance to next year.”

A consultant is also looking

Vol 14 Issue 8 August 5 — September 1

at ways to make the refrigeration component more energy efficient as the refrigerant used will not be available after 2020, according to Bremner. He said there is up to $50,000 available from the Federal Gas Tax Fund to make the necessary upgrades.

“They’re looking at the refrigerant since it’s going to be banned probably after 2020, looking at what is coming forward that’ll be a little greener in order to utilize that, and they’re also looking at some compressor things they could do so it’s not firing so much power all the time,” Bremner said. “They’re reviewing the plant from a number of different angles so we put our best foot forward.”

Sun Peaks Mountain Resort

Municipality also finalized an agreement with Sun Peaks Resort LLP to see the transfer of the Sports Centre facility, which will serve as the change rooms for the rink, to the municipality by Sept. 30.

In addition, Bremner said he has narrowed the Zamboni search down to three or four machines from Calgary and the resurfacing machine along with a garage will be in Sun Peaks for the opening of the rink.

“The idea is we need to be up and operating at the end of November so that’s where we’re heading,’ Bremner said. “To get the concrete poured is our key. Once we get the concrete poured, we’re good to go.”

ince’s $166,000 as part of the BikeBC program, which Raine said will be mostly through the Federal Gas Tax Fund.

The new pathway will be on the north side of Sun Peaks Road as an extension of the current valley trail to the fire hall, and it will have a hard crush surface to make it a safe all-weather route as well as lighting for evening use.

“It had never really been such a big concern but as the traffic increases here in Sun Peaks we started to get a little more worried,” Raine said. “Then we had the bad accident (last year) and it really made us think it’s time to get a bike path walkway that’s off the highway so people are going between the Burfield area and the village in a safe manner.”

“There’s a lot of people who are working in the resort that live in the Burfield area, so we have a lot of traffic on that road.”

The municipality tendered the walkway project in hopes of getting the grant and the next step will be to award a contract and hopefully have the new trail complete by the winter, according to Raine.

GAS RATES DECREASE Sun Peaks Utilities was granted approval for a decrease in the Gas Commodity Rate effective Aug. 1.

The Gas Commodity Rate was lowered $1.95 from $11.6250 to $9.6750 per gigajoule.

The British Columbia Utilities Commission granted Sun Peaks Utilities an Interim and Refundable Gas Delivery Rate increase on June 30, which also came into effect Aug.1.

The Gas Delivery Rate was increased $0.33 to $2.8175 per gigajoule of propane used for residential and small commercial customers, and to $3.3175 per gigajoule of propane used for large commercial customers.

The Interim Refundable Rate will impact small residential properties by 1.3 per cent and small and large commercial customers by 2.2 per cent.

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Vol 14 Issue 8 August 5 — September 1

sunpeaksnews.com

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local NEWS TNRD approves funds for new Bookmobile

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 @sunpeaksnews /sunpeaksnews sunpeaksnews @sunpeaksnews

#sunpeaksnews

OUR TEAM

The Bookmobile makes a stop in Sun Peaks earlier this summer. | PHOTO SPIN

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

Brandi Schier

brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

GRAPHIC ARTIST Jen Schier

jen@sunpeaksnews.com

REPORTER Jamie Shinkewski jamie@sunpeaksnews.com

WRITERS Alicia Ashcroft Chris G. Miller Jean Strong

CONTRIBUTORS Mel Rothenburger

T

he Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) approved up to $500,000 to replace the 15-year-old Bookmobile at the board of directors’ meeting on June 16.

The current Bookmobile, which visits the Bento’s Day

ON THE

COVER

PHOTO SPIN

changing and we’re becoming more of a community hub versus a storage place for books and items. If we could transfer than to the Bookmobile that would be ideal.”

The current vehicle is a modified bus, but Samson said it’s not yet decided whether the new Bookmobile will be custom made or another remodeled vehicle.

The Bookmobile has more than 14,000 items available in its collection and had 36,880 items lent in 2015.

“The Bookmobile’s an entry point for our larger TNRD library system so anything in our system you can get on our Bookmobile. They’ll get it from a different library and bring it up to Sun Peaks,” Samson said. “I think that’s a really great feature we have and that will continue with our new Bookmobile as well.”

Wildfires numbers trending below average

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

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.

Lodge parking lot every third Thursday and Heffley Creek every Monday, has been in service since 2001 and is increasingly expensive to maintain and replace parts.

“If something with our brakes occurs then we’ll have to source that out from the United States.

It’s just such an old vehicle, getting parts for it is difficult and expensive,” said Joelle Samson, head of outreach services for the TNRD. The TNRD has a new chief librarian starting in early August who will be in charge of the process of acquiring a new vehicle.

Samson said the tentative plan is to have a new vehicle by the fall of 2017.

“We need some space, we need room for shelving and all that good stuff. It would be great if we had a little bit of space for programming,” Samson said. “Library services are

R

ainy weather and fewer lightning strikes have contributed to a fire season that is well below average, according to fire information officer Kelsey Winter.

As of July 28, the Kamloops Fire Centre saw 112 fires burning 248 hectares, well below the 2015 totals of 305 fires over 4,874 ha or the 10 year average of 262 fires over 3,130 ha.

“It’s really the whole province that’s seen a downturn in fire activity this season. We definitely had some action in the Northwest and Prince George Fire Centres early on in the spring, but it’s been quiet pretty much throughout the whole province this year so it’s not just typical to Kamloops,” Winter said.

A major reason for the reduced fire totals has been fewer light-

ning-caused fires. Last year at this time there had been 158 fires caused by lightning in the Kamloops Fire Centre, accounting for 60 per cent of the blazes, whereas this year there have been 45 lightning-caused fires which is 40 per cent of the fires.

The wildfires have also been much smaller in size so far in 2016.

The largest fire in the Kamloops fire Centre was the Pike Mountain Road fire near Merritt, which grew to 92.5 ha but has since been put out. By comparison, the Testalinden Creek fire near Oliver grew to 5,133 ha last August.

“So far most of them have remained under spot size so we haven’t had very many project fires, which are the fires that grow larger than 10 hectares in size,” Winter said.

The month of July was also significantly wetter in Sun Peaks in 2016. The Cahilty weather station, the closest to the resort, measured 69.80 millimetres in 2016

compared to 28.60 mm in 2015.

The fire danger rating for the area has been very low or low for most of the summer and had not risen above moderate at press time.

As a result of the increased rain and decreased fire activity, a campfire ban has yet to be implemented. However, Winter said it’s still possible should the conditions change. It’s late in the season for a campfire ban, but one has been previously implemented as late as Sept. 18.

“It’s really hard to say because we don’t know what the weather’s going to do more than seven to 10 days out at a time,” Winter said.

“It’s definitely late for us to be instituting the ban, but it’s still possible for sure.”

Nonetheless, officials are urging the public to be careful with fire use to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires. Fire wardens discovered 21 abandoned campfires during the BC Day long weekend.

KAMLOOPS RCMP URGING BIKERS TO REGISTER WITH NEW APP

| PHOTO PIXABAY.COM

In an effort to combat bike theft, the 529 Garage app project will be making a stop in Sun Peaks on Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Kamloops RCMP and Kamloops RCMP Auxiliary members will be on hand to promote the program and encourage bikers to register their bikes with the app, making bike recovery easier in the event a theft.

Originally launched in Portland, the searchable database has been gaining traction with bikers as well as law enforcement in North America. Users register their bike, noting distinguishing features such as make, model, serial numbers, customized parts, colour, etc. As stolen bikes are picked up, police add them to the app in the hopes of matching it back to its rightful owners. People can search the database for stolen bikes, add found bikes and even report bikes they saw which they think may have been stolen.

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 8 August 5 — September 1

opinion PAGE Celebrating one year and a ‘get it done’ attitude BRANDI SCHIER PUBLISHER’S NOTE brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

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ne year, gone. Just like that. Time sure flies when you’re flying by the seat of your pants. Sending this issue off to print marks one full year the new staff here at SPIN have been at it. And we’ve learned a lot along the way, both about ourselves and about the community.

When MLA Terry Lake was in town last month to announce

some recent government funding (see page 2) he made an interesting comment on how it is to work with Sun Peaks. With a bit humor, but also truth, he said basically we’re going to go ahead and do what we need to do for our community, so the provincial government should probably just get on board. He was referring to the school and Health Centre, both of which are huge projects lifted off the ground by dedicated residents and massive fundraising in the community, but those are just a few of the most recent madein-Sun-Peaks-solutions.

This place has long history of operating with a “get it done” attitude and working to fix problems with what we have available. Whether it was a patroller sleeping in a hut at the Top of the World to make sure the lift can open safely first thing in the morning or a young professional selling real estate out of a portable trailer to kick start new builds, people just made it happen.

Our publication is proud to be associated with a place with these qualities and it’s been a lot of fun to cover all the individuals, groups, events and is-

sues that have been a part of this past year. It’s been satisfying to watch our readership increase, both in the village and in Kamloops, and know we are helping local businesses grow.

We’d like to thank everyone for the support, feedback and story ideas. Please keep it all coming.

Personally I’d like to thank my sister Jen for deciding to embark on this huge unknown with me and for all her work in navigating this first year. I’d also like to thank all our reporters, freelancers and contributors for filling our pages with in-

formative and relevant content for all our great readers.

My hope is to continue to grow with the community by fostering open discussion, incubating, encouraging and promoting local talent and assisting businesses in reaching their customers.

We’re celebrating with an Open House at our office located in the Kookaburra Lodge on the afternoon of Aug. 5. It will be late notice when this issue hits newsstands but if you happen to be in the neighbourhood please feel free stop in anytime. Our door is always open!

Doubting the participation of the pros 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.

T

he lead-up to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil continually festered concerns as the Aug. 5 opening ceremonies approached.

Canada’s Ice In Our Veins campaign has been heartwarming, but it has been heavily overshadowed by the potential problems of the host city.

From polluted waters and the threat of the Zika virus to potential security threats, doping scandals and multiple funding issues, there’s been a lot of negative pre-Games coverage.

One issue that has garnered much mainstream media attention has been the constant flow of high profile athletes withdrawing from participation, which adds fuel to the question:

should professional athletes take part in the Olympics?

The return of golf to the Olympics for the first time since 1904 has been entirely overshadowed because each of the top four ranked golfers in the world, and 20 other notable players, have withdrawn. Most cite health concerns, but many also cited scheduling, because let’s face it, the Olympics is not as high on the priority list as the upcoming FedEx Cup or Ryder Cup. To further support the naysayers’ argument, the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic takes place on the same dates as the Olympic golf, which begs the question how much does the golf world value having their sport in the Games? Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy, one of those not in attendance, admitted he will watch the Olympics, but not golf, just “the stuff that matters.”

Basketball is facing a similar challenge. Unanimous MVP Steph Curry will not suit up for team USA nor will NBA

stars LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and James Harden. Kamloops’ Kelly Olynyk missed out on helping Canada at the qualifying tournament and, like many absentees, the reason was an injury.

Fewer basketball players, compared to golfers, have Zika-related concerns but this is their off-season —the time to heal the damages between the seasons that net the multi-million dollar contracts. A gold medal would be a nice accomplishment, but it’s not their ultimate goal.

American rower and Rio competitor Gevvie Stone penned an article for The Players’ Tribune ahead of her departure for the Olympics and clearly stated her participation was never in doubt and summed up the importance of the Olympics compared to the “men with serious salaries.”

“I simply think that those of us who are from sports where the Olympics is the pinnacle of competition look at the issues

in Rio differently,” Stone wrote.

For a long time the athletes playing in professional leagues weren’t even eligible to participate in the Olympics. NBA players were allowed at the Olympics beginning in 1992 and NHL players have been permitted since 1998, although there are doubts whether they will even attend in 2018.

Baseball was removed from the Olympics following the 2008 Games in Beijing and MLB players were never in attendance. Soccer, the most popular international sport, has an age limit of 23 which rules out most of the top talent.

So instead, let’s focus on the athletes who only enter the major international spotlight once every four years.

Let’s see if sprinter Andre De Grasse can replicate his Pan Am Games success against a stacked 100-metre field, if swimmer Ryan Cochrane can win an elusive gold after silver and bronze in each of the last Olympic Games, if the women’s basketball team can repli-

cate their incredible gold medal runs at the 2015 FIBA Americas and Pan Am Games, or if Kamloops’ Catherine Pendrel can reach the podium for the first time in her third straight Olympics appearance.

Because when the Maple Leaf is atop the podium, it doesn’t take a mainstream star to win the nation’s hearts.

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VISIT US AT SELECT SUN PEAKS FARMERS’ MARKETS for your chance to win one of our new t-shirts!

Vol 14 Issue 8 August 5 — September 1

sunpeaksnews.com

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tourism NEWS Tourism numbers surging in Kamloops

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

K

amloops has been a direct beneficiary of the strong tourism numbers recently seen across the province.

Tourism Kamloops reported a 52 per cent increase in Municipal Regional District Tax figures, which is part of the hotel tax, in April 2016 compared to the same month last year. Total visitors assisted by the Kamloops Visitor Centre have also greatly increased, up 41 per

cent at the end of June over the same time period in 2015.

“It sure puts us in a great position moving forward. We have to be careful, it could be an anomaly of course, but the increase is trending and the numbers are definitely exciting,” said Tourism Kamloops CEO Beverly DeSantis. “I don’t anticipate we’ll continue to see 52 per cent increases month over month for the rest of the year. I think that was very exciting for us, but we’re definitely going to see increases this year.”

Hosting Hockey Day in Can-

“These ‘staycations’ when the economy is not so good, say in Alberta, B.C. is a great alternative to heading somewhere else.”

ada in February and the IIHF Women’s World Ice Hockey Championship in April helped boost the increase in visitors and DeSantis said the state of the U.S. dollar also encouraged more people to seek trips within Canada.

Visitation to Kamloops is up 18 per cent from B.C., 21 per cent from Alberta, 32 per cent from other Canadian provinces and 25 per cent from Europe.

“We’ve seen visitorship increase from our U.S. visitors.

We’ve also seen a great increase in B.C., Alberta and other Canadian visitors,” DeSantis said. “These ‘staycations’ when the economy is not so good, say in Alberta, B.C. is a great alternative to heading somewhere else— great value for their money and unparalleled in beauty and in

activities available.”

Tourism Kamloops’ focus moving forward will be on continuing to promote visitation to the Tournament Capital as well as promoting signature events in the summer months, according to DeSantis.

“Our focus will definitely be on flattening out the year so that we’re paying attention to our needs periods. July and August have historically been very good for our area and we want to continue that to demonstrate that we are truly a four season destination,” DeSantis said.

Regional resorts adapting to increase summer crowds

by JEAN STRONG

T

he off-season has long been a challenge for ski resorts which see visits drop once the snow begins to melt.

But recently resorts in the Interior have started to develop new activities to draw guests in the summer months with varying levels of success and different challenges.

According to Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) president and CEO Christopher Nicholson, this is a trend across the country that can be attributed mostly to increased revenue.

“It gives an opportunity for more revenue year round and it’s also easier to retain staff year round,” Nicholson said.

Resorts also see a benefit from summer activities because year round staff are better trained and can provide a higher quality of service than those hired seasonally, he added.

Soft adventures like the summer activities being developed in B.C. are more popular.

“Adventure, but not as extreme, will create the drive to fill more beds,” said Nicholson, adding because resorts are trying use as much existing infrastructure as possible they need to reach the largest market they can, which softer adventures allow.

Locally, Nicholson said Sun Peaks is being regarded as a model in the ski industry because of their summer of-

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Revelstoke’s mountain coaster has been a big hit in the B.C. Interior. | PHOTO SPIN

ferings. The resort has had lift-accessed hiking and mountain biking for many years and in 2015 opened the Mountain Cross Cart course, the first of its kind in North America.

Silver Star Mountain Resort, near Vernon, also offers lift-accessed hiking and mountain

Vol 14 Issue 8 August 5 — September 1

biking for summer guests and made headlines this summer by opening a brand new summer tubing course.

Erik Kalacis, director of sales and marketing for Silver Star Resort, said the summer tubing has had a positive impact on business. The two tubing lanes

are located close to the village and Kalacis said it’s popular with a wide range of guests including seniors.

As in winter, weather is the biggest challenge. While the tubing lanes can stay open during rain, the course does shut down in the case of lightning.

According to Kalacis, Silver Star will continue focusing on summer by developing and refining their current network of bike trails, the most popular activity currently offered, alongside other summer activity offerings and events. This summer the resort also began to rent E-Bikes which are very popular.

Another nearby resort, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, received attention this summer after debuting a Pipe Mountain Coaster. The 1.4 kilometre long coaster takes riders down the mountain at speeds of up to 42 km/h.

Prior to opening, interest was high with a promotional video receiving over 1.7 million views on Facebook and nearly 400,000 more on YouTube.

For a resort known for its extreme and advanced winter sports, moving into a softer adventure was new territory but marketing manager Nico Leenders said the move has paid off with a profound influx of summer visitation.

The coaster was not opened without challenges. Similar to the tubing at Silver Star, it’s restricted by weather and can’t be operated in rain or storm con-

ditions.

Leenders said this has made employees and the resort work to communicate more clearly when there are temporary weather closures. Long wait times have also been a challenge. To combat this the resort partnered with other local activity providers such as the local golf course, a rafting company and a paragliding company to offer multiple activities in one package.

The resort has plans to add a new 18 hole disc golf course and bungee assisted trampoline this summer to entertain guests who are waiting for the coaster or to add to their trip.

After the success of the coaster, Leenders said all the new initiatives the resort is currently looking at are soft adventures to appeal to larger crowds but they haven’t ruled out more extreme additions in the future.

• 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 Mon — Thurs 11:30am to 6:30pm Fri & Sat 9am to 9pm Sun 9am to 6:30pm

Located on the Ground Floor of the Residences at Sun Peaks Grand

Phone: 250-578-2414

GET out there Which way to the cider house?

by BRANDI SCHIER

I

t’s was nearing 40 degrees on Kamloops’ valley floor and all I could think about was a cool, refreshing beverage. It was fortunate Red Beard Café picked one of the hottest days of the summer to host their first CIDER Tap Takeover.

In fact, the heat may have worked in their favour. Six of the 11 B.C. craft ciders sold out before the evening ended, ranging from traditional apple to ginger to sour cherry to hops.

“It was actually one of our busiest days ever,” said co-owner Mitchell Forgie. “We served 700 to 800 people and the majority of them were trying out the cider.”

Drawing inspiration from their popular craft beer takeovers, Forgie worked with several B.C. cideries almost half a year in advance to plan the event.

“Instead of just using one provider, like the beer takeovers, I asked the cideries we work with what was interesting that they had coming down the pipe and worked with them to make it happen.”

The event’s success wasn’t a one-off. Craft cider is one of the fastest growing beverages in the industry in B.C. and people are taking note.

“Cider has become a big thing over the past couple of years,” he said, adding they’ve featured 40 or 50 ciders on their three dedicated cider taps since opening a few years ago.

According to Kate Garthwaite, co-founder of Left Field

Cider Co. in Mamette Lake (the closest cider maker featured at the event) it’s the perfect storm for the rise of craft cider in the province.

“We’ve had really lucky timing. People are caring more about what they are consuming, cider is really coming up in Washington and Oregon and the craft beer movement is exploding too,” she said.

Left Field’s cider production has increased from 8,000 litres in 2012 to 70,000 L this year.

Known for their small batch production of their flagship ciders, the Big Dry and the Little Dry, Garthwaite said they’re at a comfortable place and aren’t looking to grow much larger.

After initially becoming interested in craft cider, Garthwaite signed up for a week-long cider making course which opened her eyes to the real cider movement, which is strikingly different from the sweet commercial ciders most Canadians are familiar with.

She came to love it, saw a market and got to work.

“There’s really only a few people making craft cider in B.C.,” she said. “More people are familiar with the commercial cider so there’s a lot of education that we do. It’s a really dedicated core group of enthusiasts who are making the industry happen.”

Garthwaite added their taste room near Logan Lake is be-

CRAFT CIDER EVENT A HIT Red Beard Café in Kamloops featured 11 different B.C. ciders during their recent tap takeover. | PHOTO SPIN

coming consistently busier and she’s seeing more craft cideries pop up.

Forgie, who has worked with Garthwaite to be able to consistently bring their cider to the Kamloops market, also sees the huge potential for cider in the region and is aiming to make Red Beard the go-tocider-spot in the city. In addition to hosting another cider takeover in the fall, they plan on adding two additional cider taps during an upcoming renovation.

“Because really, nothing beats a cool cider on a hot summer day.”

Try our NEW summer menu!

Don’t forget about our daily and nightly features.

SUNBURST NEW! Local inspired menu.

NOW OPEN! 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

Left Field Cider Co.’s tasting room is located on Highway 97 between Merritt and Logan Lake.

| PHOTO SUPPLIED

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GET out there New ladies ride night encourages women to hit the trails

Getting after it: The group of local riders on their first Ladies Ride Night. | PHOTO SUPPLIED

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

A

local mountain bike coach wants to see more women riding the downhill trails.

Meg Broswick started the

Thursday Night Ladies Ride, taking advantage of the extended chairlift hours to explore the Sun Peaks Bike Park with other women.

“I just want to get more women comfortable with this bike park. It’s a challenging bike park,” Broswick said.

“Parks like Whistler or Silver Star, they’re kind of more user-friendly parks. This one is trying to be like that. Sun Peaks is making all these changes but people aren’t aware of them so people have this stigma in their mind.”

Broswick is trying to help

attract women to a sport that is predominantly male oriented. For example, the recent Canadian championship held in Sun Peaks had 253 riders but only 23 were women.

“I think there could be a lot more potential for women up here, they just don’t know about it yet,” she said.

Broswick said the Thursday night atmosphere is casual and social, and the group has been catching the eye of other riders in the park.

“I’m not trying to make a clinic out of it or anything, just more get together, go ride and learn some trails.

Also (giving) tips as we go, whether it’s on cornering, something technical, drops, jumps or whatever the park has to offer,” Broswick said.

“It’s a combination of a familiarity (with the trails), confidence building and building skills.”

Broswick has been riding in the Sun Peaks Bike Park since 2010, but she said it wasn’t until last summer that she really started to know the trails which made biking even more fun.

“All of a sudden it blew my

mind once I knew it,” she said.

“That’s the thing, once you get to know the park there’s all these little tricks and these really fun things people don’t necessarily know otherwise.”

“I even found that with our (first) ride. I took the ladies on some different routes they hadn’t necessarily ridden before and it was just all smiles because they can ride it and it’s awesome.”

The group rides on Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. The schedule and more information is available by calling the Elevation shop at 250-578-5555.

Broswick is also part of the coaching staff for the Women’s Freeride Camp on Aug. 6 and 7, which will pair small groups of intermediate riders with local, experienced coaches to improve riding skills and confidence.

“Doing ladies rides, whether it’s for a couple hours or for a full blown weekend clinic, it’s just awesome riding with a group of women,” Broswick said. “It’s one of the more confidence building and secure environments you could possibly imagine.”

Don’t panic – it’s just Cow Parsnip

by CHRIS G. MILLER

Giant Hogweed (a.k.a. Heracleum Mantegazzianum, which sounds like the villain of a Roger Moore-era Bond film) is the dangerous invader from across the seas. The vile plant has stem hairs and leaves which contain a clear, highly toxic sap that can cause blisters, burns and external scarring. Internal scarring as well, if you’re feeling bold.

Cow Parsnip. | PHOTO WIKIPEDIA

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The plant was first introduced because it looks really neat in gardens— seriously. The recent concern is its apparent similarity to a native flora known as Cow Parsnip. While having a similar shape there are subtle differences. First the Hogweed has pointed leaves, like a thistle or dandelion, whereas the Cow Parsnip has softer, rounder edges like a maple leaf.

Also while the parsnip reaches about head height, Giant Hogweed can grow to three or four meters tall.

One understands this is like saying there is a subtle difference between a chicken and an ostrich, but they are similar enough to have many confused. (Confused about the plants not the flightless birds.)

Vicki Moses, a long-time Sun Peaks resident and local expert on invasive species, who happened to grow up collecting and eating Cow Parsnip as a traditional food, filled us in on the more benign counterpart.

“It’s edible right up until it

Vol 14 Issue 8 August 5 — September 1

flowers and looks a bit like celery, but it can be poisonous later on.”

Moses is not concerned about Giant Hogweed in the area.

“No, I had to check out a dozen or so reports of this stuff locally and it was never the big stuff. I don’t think it can survive here.”

Moses is backed up by Em-

ily Sonntag, the invasive plant management co-ordinator for the Cariboo Regional District.

“I know of no confirmed occurrences of Giant Hogweed in the Cariboo Chilcotin to date.

All reports have been of the native plant Cow Parsnip.”

That being said, it still can’t hurt to keep a watchful eye for anything that’s roughly three

times larger than it should be, be it Hogweed or otherwise.

Any possible sightings of Giant Hogweed should be reported to the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia at 1-888-9333722. Sightings of anything else far larger than normal should be reported to any local 1960’s sci-fi movie writer who will listen.

&

arts ENTERTAINMENT Bringing a ‘kitchen party’ to the mountain >> ALAN DOYLE & THE BEAUTIFUL GYPSIES HEADLINE AUGUST CONCERT WEEKEND

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

A

lan Doyle & the Beautiful Gypsies aim to create “the greatest kitchen party in the history of British Columbia” when they take to the mountainside stage on Aug. 20 to wrap up the fifth annual Summer Concert Series in Sun Peaks.

The boisterous Newfoundlander, accompanied by five of his most talented friends, will bring an assortment of his own songs, cover songs and songs from the Great Big Sea catalogue to create what he called “a tremendous variety of fun kitchen party music.”

“It’s one of those places I’ve always wanted to go to and playing guitar and singing songs will buy me a trip to a place I’ve always wanted to see,” said Doyle, Great Big Sea’s front man for over 20 years, of Sun Peaks.

“We have lots of hills and cliffs where I’m from, but we don’t have mountains like you guys. There’s something very humbling about the mountains in a way that I can only image the ocean seems to somebody from the mountains.”

Doyle will be joined by his band, comprised of some of Canada’s best musicians which he formed following the breakup of Great Big Sea in 2013.

Cory Tetford, who Doyle described as “easily the best sing-

er in Newfoundland”; drummer Kris MacFarlane, who played with Great Big Sea; keyboard and accordion player Todd ‘Mr. Lonely’ Lumley; bassist Shehab Illyas; and fiddler Kendel Carson, who is “probably the best instrumentalist in the country” according to Doyle, will come together to play a wide variety of songs at August’s final concert.

“It’s like a musical tsunami, like standing in the middle of a tidal wave every night.

I’m the worst person in the band,” Doyle said with a laugh.

“It’s true.”

The group started as the Alan Doyle Band, but the man behind the name said he never liked the ring of it. He much preferred the romance of “a guy and his band” much like Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band or Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.

“I always love referring to musicians as gypsies anyway because it’s kind of what we are, isn’t it? We’re in a funny-looking van or bus, we roll along to the next place, wreak havoc or joy depending on the night and roll on to the next place,” Doyle said. “I find every time I look across the stage these days and I see these amazing musicians, I feel so lucky that I get to play with them all the time that I suppose they all end up looking beautiful to me, hence the Beautiful Gypsies.”

The energetic concert will highly encourage crowd partici-

“…the best singer wasn’t the guy who hit the highest note, it was the guy who would get the most people to sing along.”

Alan Doyle will play in Sun Peaks on August 20. | PHOTO SUPPLIED

pation, which stems from when Doyle learned to play music in the kitchens of Newfoundland.

He said it was a place where people always sang along, which is something he has carried with him throughout his career on stage.

“I grew up in a place, I always say, where the best singer wasn’t the guy who hit the

highest note, it was the guy who would get the most people to sing along. Similarly, the best accordion player wasn’t the fastest accordion player, it was the guy who would keep the dance floor full,” Doyle explained. “I come from a history and an apprenticeship in music that is completely participatory.

It was always to engage people

to do it with you. It was never anything other than that for me.”

Sun Peaks marks the only show the band will play at a mountain resort this summer on a tour that will take them coast to coast through Canada and the United States, from the George Street Festival in St. John’s, N.L. to the McPherson Playhouse in Victoria.

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&

arts ENTERTAINMENT Capturing magical moments with Terry Isaac ARTISTS WORKSHOP ON AUG. 6 & 7

by ALICIA ASHCROFT

T

erry Isaac is a painter with a poetic vision and great love of the natural world. While his focus is on majestic North American landscapes, birds and mammals, his paintings are often “show driven” with the theme or style directed by an upcoming commission or exhibit.

At any given time, Isaac has

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

five to 10 paintings on the go, in various stages of color and composition. The paintings are mostly derived from extensive photography sessions taken during expeditions and travels. The painting becomes a natural compilation, a veritable mixed tape of the most striking elements of the natural world.

Ultimately, Isaac’s main purpose is to create an “exciting” painting that absorbs viewers— draws them into an emotional context—so they may sink into

Spend sunday iN the mountains at the

the quiet mood that permeates the artwork. Isaac strives to tell a story with each painting, a “snapshot of reality” about the multi-layered environment.

For Isaac, the scope of inspiration is limitless—anything and everything demands his attention. It’s impossible for him to step outside and be not captivated by the outside world and to see the environment through an artist’s lens. A keen observer and wildlife enthusiast, as well as an avid environmentalist and conservationist, he hopes “capturing moments with Mother Earth” through his art will draw attention to the various plights threatening animals and their natural habitats. His passion for charitable organizations, such as Ducks Unlimited, Artists for Conservation and Habitat for Humanity allows his artwork to further heighten awareness of environmental issues.

As for teaching, Isaac is thrilled to share the joys of artistic expression and guide students as they create their own version of the natural world.

“Everyone is provided the same materials and reference point, but the final result is unique to each painter,” he said of his favourite element of the process.

Before painting full time, Isaac taught in the public school system. He loves to reconnect with that role offering a half dozen or so workshops throughout the year. Ultimately Isaac loves to break from the often solitary lifestyle of his creative endeavors and share his knowledge with “kindred spirits and like-minded people”.

Sun Peaks’ workshop participants can count on an entertaining and educational experience with an internationally known artist. Isaac has worked closely with renowned painter Robert Bateman. He was also an animator for Walt Disney Studios and was invited to participate in the process of creating Aladar, the central character of the movie Dinosaur.

Terry Isaac’s Landscape Textures Workshop will be held on Saturday, Aug. 6 to Sunday, Aug. 7 at the Burfield

Lodge. The workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The weekend begins with a Meet the Artist session on Friday, Aug. 5, at Sotheby’s from 7 to 9 p.m. The workshop is a feature of Art Zone Sun Peaks, the non-profit arts council organization within the Sun Peaks region. Founded and developed

by Lorel Sternig, artist and resident, Art Zone’s mission is to expose Sun Peaks’ residents and visitors to arts and culture events within the community. In the spirit of supporting the arts, Art Zone co-ordinators strive to provide opportunities for visual arts workshops, seminars, classes, family friendly art events and other exhibits.

The workshop fee is $285, AZ members $255. To register and pay by cheque, contact Judy Kalas at 250-578-0070 or truenorth070@gmail.com.

To pay with credit card or for further information about Sun Peaks Resort, contact info@ sunpeakstourism.com or call 250-578-5542. For more information on Terry Isaac, visit www.terryisaacsart.com.

Buy fresh, local produce while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

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

Terry Isaac’s work will be the inspiration for an artist workshop this month. | PHOTO SUPPLIED

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Vol 14 Issue 8 August 5 — September 1

&

arts ENTERTAINMENT EVENT > listings FRIDAY TO SUNDAY

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

LANDSCAPE TEXTURES WORKSHOP

WOMEN’S FREERIDE CAMP

AUGUST 5 – 7 Sun Peaks Art Zone presents this workshop with Terry Isaac. Friday features a meet the artist evening with the workshop taking place Saturday and Sunday. www.artzonesunpeaks. com

FRIDAY TO SUNDAY

AUGUST 5 – 7 MIDNIGHT SUN ART & FILM FESTIVAL

More than 40 local, regional and international artists will be featured in the second annual summer film festival. Outdoor film screenings, an art exhibit and art workshops will take place near the Sundance chair lift.

AUGUST 6 & 7 Female riders will be matched with experienced, local coaches to focus on improving skills and confidence while learning the local Bike Park trails. www.sunpeaksresort.com

FRIDAY TO SUNDAY

AUGUST 12 – 14 7TH ANNUAL RETRO CONCERT WEEKEND

The weekend of outdoor tribute bands returns with performances featuring the music of Johnny Cash, Pat Benatar, Heart, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, John Fogerty and Bob Seger.

greenartfestival.org

www.sunpeaksresort.com

FRIDAYS

MONDAY

AUGUST 5 26

FREE OUTDOOR FILMS

The Green Art Festival screens films at 8:30 p.m. near the clock tower.

Aug. 5 - Watermark Aug. 6 - Art & Copy Aug. 19 - Painted Land: In Search of the Group of Seven Aug. 26 - 40 Days at Base Camp greenartfestival.org

AUGUST 15

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

THURSDAY

AUGUST 18 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

Capturing the alpine flowers LONG WEEKEND WORKSHOPS FEATURE LOCAL TALENT

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

AUGUST 19 & 20

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: ALAN DOYLE & THE BEAUTIFUL GYPSIES

“IT’S AN ADVENTURE. IT’S NOT JUST PHOTOGRAPHY…”

The final free concert weekend of the summer features Alan Doyle & the Beautiful Gypsies Saturday at 6 p.m.

Sabrina Weeks, Axel Montaner, Sister Speak, The Burn Ins and One Night Only will also take to the outdoor stages. www.sunpeaksresort.com

MONDAY TO FRIDAY

AUGUST 29 – SEPTEMBER 2

SHRED HARD BACK TO SCHOOL BIKE CAMP

Local pro Dylan Sherrard will guide young riders aged 10 to 17 in the second weeklong bike camp of the season. Riders will learn bike setup, maintenance as well as skills to ride single-track, berms, jumps, steeps and whatever the mountain might throw their way. www.sunpeaksresort.com

SUNDAY

Sun Peaks’ beautiful and accessible alpine blossom meadows make the perfect natural classroom for budding photographers. | PHOTO KELLY FUNK

SEPTEMBER 4 WILF’S RETIREMENT PARTY

Please bring a chair and a cold salad ready to serve. 7153 Cahilty Rd. Whitecroft Please note this is a dry event. wilfisretiring@gmail.com

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

T

he full bloom of the alpine wildflower meadows brings people from all walks of life to the mountain aiming to capture the beauty of the landscape through a lens. But practice makes perfect.

Kamloops’ Kelly Funk and Gemma Harris of Sun Peaks’ Alpine Images put on their annual workshops during Canada’s Alpine Blossom Festival using the natural classroom to teach camera techniques.

“It’s just a different world up there. When you come from the valley, the desert setting, the rolling hills, then all of a sud-

den 45 minutes later you’re in this mountain-esque setting that’s just different. You feel like you’re escaping. I think that in itself lends you for inspiration,” Funk said, whose photos are featured in many of the resort’s promotions.

Funk’s Mountains of Colour workshop on July 30 helped people with aspects of photography composition, depth of field and using the histogram while taking photos.

“It’s an adventure. It’s not just photography, but there’s an adventure quality to it as well just being out there, being high on the mountain in this blanket of flowers that’s pretty thrilling for a lot of people,” Funk said. “I still get a kick out of it. If I do after

15 years of being pro, I can only image what some people who haven’t seen that area feel.”

Harris’ Learn to Love your Camera workshop on July 31 focused on helping participants to use a new camera and to get away from simply using the auto mode while using the alpine wildflowers as a learning environment.

“I don’t know anyone who hasn’t gone up the chairlift and really appreciated how beautiful it is up there with all the different flowers, the light you get that comes through the trees, as well as the landscape shots, the macro shots, you can get of the flowers,” Harris said.

The two photographers agreed the Top of the World is one of the best spots to capture wildflower and landscape photos in Sun Peaks.

“It’s beautiful over there. The nice thing is you can turn 360 (degrees) on the spot and pretty much be getting a beautiful photo wherever you’re looking,” Harris said.

“I really like it at the top, near the Top of the World at the Burfield chair, because your options are a little bit greater to do some smaller scenes as well as expansive,” Funk said. “It’s a good area to showcase. You can see the village up there as well and you can see Shuswap Lake, so you see a whole bunch of key areas from up at the top.”

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youthful CONNECTIONS Student numbers continue to increase >> Nearly 90 children registered for upcoming year

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

S

tudent numbers continue to climb in Sun Peaks ahead of the upcoming school year.

Nearly 90 students are registered for the 2016-17 academic year. Sixty-seven students are registered for kindergarten

to grade six at Sun Peaks Elementary, up from 54 last year, and around 20 students are registered for grades seven through 12 at the Sun Peaks Secondary Academy.

“It shows there’s a need and a want. I think it’s bringing families to the area to move here because of the school,” said Barb Kupferschmidt Linder, president of the Sun Peaks

Education Society. “It seems to be the key for people making that lifestyle choice of moving to Sun Peaks.”

The school is entering its seventh year and has come a long way from the 19 students enrolled in kindergarten through grade five in its first year.

Registration numbers are well on their way to exceed the prediction of the Community Education Plan prepared by Anne Cooper, former superintendent of the Revelstoke school district, which estimated 99 students in Sun Peaks for 2018-19.

The current facilities have sufficient space to handle the increase in students, according to Kupferschmidt Linder, but should numbers continue to grow a new facility will be required.

Mayor Al Raine made a presentation at the School District 73 board of education meeting in December to start the planning phase of a new school facility, for which funding and

Several portable units have been added to the Sun Peaks school since it began in 2010. | FILE PHOTO

location were identified as the biggest challenges.

“My concern is if there is growth like this year over the next couple of years, we’re going to be near the limits up there,” Raine said in January.

WEDNESDAY’s from 3PM -7PM

NEW!

Bring your game out to the track!

This August, come out to the Mountain Cross Cart track every Wednesday between 3pm and 7pm to compete in the all new Gravity Cup. Two laps and a beer at Masa’s for only $15, with an extra two laps for only $10! Challenge your friends for the fastest time and for a chance to get in on the weekly prizing. The fastest overall time will be crowned Gravity Grand Champion at the end of the season.

sunpeaksresort.com

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250.578.5474

Vol 14 Issue 8 August 5 — September 1

“We need to make sure we have the space available for families moving into the area,” Kupferschmidt Linder said.

“It’ll be exciting to have the classrooms full, to have even more kids there.”

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

The sun appeared just as Sam Roberts Band started to rock the Peaks on July 8.

Instagrammers made use of the alpine meadows during the DBC Instameet on BC Day. Photo Tourism Sun Peaks

Ruth Dyck ready to rip at the Canadian DH Nationals on July 24.

Two kilometres to the summit of Mt. Tod and only 10,851 km to Everest.

Team Dayton Boots shredded the 2016 Summer Bowl Series July 1 at Seylynn Bowl North Vancouver. All from Sun Peaks, Juliet McGauchie placed 1st in Girls, Olson Rocket Advocaat placed 3rd in Boys and William McGauchie placed 4th in Boys.

Jason White’s slick ride for the NASCAR Pinty’s Series Grand Prix Toronto on July 16. Photo Twitter @racinjasonwhite

SPR staff enjoyed their first staff appreciation party in the alpine at Sunburst Lodge on July 27. Photo supplied

Vol 14 Issue 8 August 5 — September 1

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opinion Adding it up: When house numbers matter MEL ROTHENBURGER TNRD REPORT director.mrothenburger@tnrd.ca

Mel Rothenburger is the TNRD Director for Electoral Area P, including Whitecroft and Heffley Creek. He was the mayor of Kamloops from 1999-2005 and a former newspaper editor.

A

city-dwelling friend of mine recently downsized from a large home to a more manageable condo. He and his wife took many things into consideration — cost, view, flooring, carport, age of the

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building, neighbourhood. And house number.

Pardon me? Yes, the street address was an important matter. The numbers in the address had to add up correctly or it was bad Feng Shui.

Realtors know all about the importance of house numbers — a bad one can devalue the home by thousands of dollars.

Obviously, nobody wants number 13, but the number four is another bad one because it sounds like the word for “death”

Vol 14 Issue 8 August 5 — September 1

in some languages.

My friend revealed that he and his wife actually succeeded in getting Canada Post to change the address of one of their previous homes to a number with better vibes.

People who are worried about house numbers may encounter problems moving to the country, where posting street addresses isn’t always at the top of the priority list.

Many homes have either poorly maintained or poorly located

numbers, or no numbers at all.

Probably because there’s no door-to-door mail delivery in rural areas most folks don’t rely on house numbers. Instead of giving out an address, they offer directions such as, “It’s the big yellow house just down the road from the intersection.”

But that doesn’t cut it if an ambulance is trying to find your house when you’re having chest pains, or if there’s a fire in the neighbourhood or an important police matter.

The Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) will be reviewing the issue of house addresses at a Committee of the Whole meeting in the fall.

Awhile back, an Area P resident asked me if I knew about a program in the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) designed to encourage people to post their house numbers.

Since then I’ve done some looking into it, including talking with CRD board member Steve Forseth. This spring, the CRD launched a program in which residents can obtain a standardized house-number sign for the economical price of $21.50 plus taxes.

The regional district worked with sign companies throughout the region to develop the program.

“On many occasions our emergency responders are travelling to remote locations with address signage which is barely legible, if there is a sign at all,” CRD board chair Al Richmond said when the program was launched.

“This program is an economical option for our residents to ensure they receive the required help or care as quickly as possible in an emergency situation.”

The signs look something like a license plate and are made with reflective materials to make them visible at any time of day. Corners are rounded and the sign has drill holes for mounting.

I’ve mentioned this program to TNRD staffers so they can follow up with the CRD as they prepare their report for the Committee of the Whole.

It sounds like it could be part of the answer in encouraging better house-number visibility, though the Feng Shui would still be an issue.

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Sun Peaks’ first and only independent news source requires a trained journalist with a passion for the outdoors and community news. Published every fourth Friday, the 12-year-old newsmagazine is seeking the right person to round out their team.

This is a year round, part time (three to four days per week), locally based position with wages dependent on experience.

Home to Canada’s second largest ski area and also one of Canada’s newest municipalities, this growing, four season community is an interesting place to live, work and play. While home to only 500 permanent residents, the area is visited by half a million guests (and potential readers) every year.

The successful candidate will have the ability to cover everything from on-mountain sporting competitions to village events and festivals to sensitive municipal issues with minimal direction and supervision.

Those with a degree or certificate in journalism will be given preference, however other work in communication will be considered. Experience in interviewing, writing, copy editing, CP style, photography, CMS, social media and layout are considered strong assets.

Please send cover letter, resume, references and recent writing samples to editor@sunpeaksnews.com

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>> August 14 >> August 21 FOR RENT Prime commercial space available for lease in Sun Peaks Resort! Located in the Fireside Lodge, 813 ft.².

Contact Ryan at 250-319-2565 or ryanallenschmalz@gmail.com.

EMPLOYMENT Sun Peaks Lodge is hiring: Housekeeper/Laundry part or full time, pls send resume to info@sunpeakslodge.com or drop off at Front Desk.

Sun Peaks Lodge & Steakhouse is hiring for Dec-Apr full / part time Housekeeper, Laundry staff, Front Desk Agent, Night Audit, Kitchen Chef, Line Cooks, Dishwasher, Server. Pls. send resume to info@sunpeakslodge.com.

SEEKING ACCOMM Wanted: 2-3 bedroom rental property in Sun Peaks from early November 2016. British family looking for longterm let. Email beth.mepham@hotmail.co.uk.

Accommodation wanted from mid-November to April. 1/2 bedrooms or studio at Sun Peaks. Single female.

Contact 00447973418234 or email sarah1961fraser@gmail.com.

Looking for 3-4 bedroom place for winter or possibly the year. Clean respectful people. Deposits Ready to go. Call Christian at 250-342-1205 or jake-little@live.com

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Canadian champions crowned in Sun Peaks

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

O

ver 250 racers took to the brand new course at the 2016 Canadian Downhill Mountain Bike Championships in Sun Peaks on July 24.

Kirk McDowall, from Anmore, B.C., claimed the elite men’s title with a time of 4:55.03 edging Duncan B.C.’s Mark Wallace by 59 tenths of a second.

The two fastest men posted the only times under five minutes in the race. Max Scharf, from Salmon Arm, finished in third place.

“That was one of the gnarliest runs I’ve ever done. I’ve never wanted to pull over and quit so badly. Everything was burning, I could hardly see straight but I somehow kept it together,” McDowell said. “It’s so hard to do a clean run on this course.”

Whistler’s Finn Iles won the junior expert men’s category with a time that would’ve seen him finish in third place in the elite men’s category.

Last year’s champion Magnus Manson, from Sechelt, B.C., won the silver medal and West Vancouver’s Henry Fitzgerald claimed the bronze medal.

Miranda Miller, from Squamish, B.C., defended her elite women’s title with a time of 5:44.72. Two women from Whistler, Georgia Astle in second and Claire Buchar in third, rounded out the podium.

Stephanie Denroche of Whistler won the junior women’s category and Kamloops’ Kyleigh Stewart finished second.

“Things went as pretty close to perfect as we could get,” said organizer Henry Pejril. “We were really pleased. Everything was on time, we had great

“

>> sports

That was one of the gnarliest runs I’ve ever done. I’ve never wanted to pull over and quit so badly.

Everything was burning, I could hardly see straight but I somehow kept it together.

co-operation from the mountain and I thought it was a great way to finish off the sanction.”

A new top-to-bottom, single-track course was created for the third straight year of the championship being hosted in Sun Peaks. The new course started beside the Sunburst Lodge, connecting classic trails Insanity One and Honey Drop via newly created Sticky One with another new trail, Resurrection, taking riders to the finish near Bento’s Day Lodge.

“This is definitely the best course they’ve had here in Sun Peaks,” Iles said. “To compare the courses I’ve been riding this year it’s a little bit narrower but it’s definitely faster. It’s really fun to ride.”

“It’s almost unreal that it’s the same mountain. The course is so much different and much better in my opinion,” McDowall said.

A ghost lap was held ahead of the elite men category, the final group of the race day, in

”

Rider Cam Quadrelli takes a hard turn down the new Sun Peaks course. | PHOTO JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

honour of the late Steve Smith, the 2014 champion and 2015 silver medallist, who died in May. “That was emotional. Steve had some success in Sun Peaks as well,” Pejril said.

“I’ve been doing races for 20

years, so he’s been to most of my races as he’s gone through his development and growing. We watched him go from a young kid to this elite World Cup racer. It really did affect us all when he passed so we were glad we were able to do some-

thing to mark it.”

The Canadian Championships will move to Panorama in 2017, but Pejril said the Sun Peaks will continue to host races including a BC Cup event next year.

Elite Women’s Category: Miranda Miller in first, Georgia Astle in second

Elite Men’s Category: Kirk McDowall in first, Mark Wallace in second

| PHOTO JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

| PHOTO JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

and Claire Buchar in third.

and Max Scharf in third.

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>> sports Black Beaver athletes heading to Ogopogo Open Five locals travelling to regional competitions

by BRANDI SCHIER

A

M

The team: From left to right Tori Charlton, Danielle Richard, Hamish Charlton, Tammi Holmes and Alana Vingnale. | PHOTO JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

who have been signing up,” referencing different programs they run, including Crossfit Light, made up of a group senior ladies and Crossfit Teens, which will be starting up again in the winter.

While Crossfit is sometimes regarded as an intimidating sport, Black Beaver has made the effort to ensure anyone can train in their gym, and Olympic weightlifting is merely one component to the programing.

“We really like to see everyone progress,” said Tori.

“I’m really proud of the girls and it’s going to be a fun weekend competing.”

Each competitor will perform six lifts for the judge, three clean and jerks and three snatches.

The first lift will be a weight they are comfortable with, followed by one close to their recent personal best. If all goes to plan, the third lift will be heavier than they’ve lifted before, fueled by the atmosphere of competition towards a new personal record.

‘I’m really just excited for the experience,” said Richard.

“We have more competitions in the future so it’s something to build on.”

The team has their sights set on two other upcoming competitions around the province and Tori said she hopes they’re laying the groundwork for more gym members to come on board as competitors, specifically women.

“The women’s registration is

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Vol 14 Issue 8 August 5 — September 1

full at this event,” she said. “It’s a lot of Crossfitters. It’s really given new life to weightlifting. It was a dying sport.”

While Richard said she feeling some nerves heading into it, it helps to have her team and coaches behind her.

“I just really want to thank Tori and Hamish,” she said. “For dealing with my sweat, tears and complaints. And really just for putting in that extra time with me.”

“I think everyone just needs to find their outlet,” said Tori. “For Danielle, that’s maybe not completely Crossfit, but it’s definitely weightlifting. It’s been amazing to see her progress so quickly, especially over these last two months.”

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G ar rea ga t rit as

landscaper by day and a server by night, Danielle Richard has also managed to train five days a week, sometimes for a two and half hour session, for the last two and half months. It’s all in preparation for the upcoming 12th Annual Ogopogo Open weightlifting competition in Winfield, B.C. on Aug. 13 and 14.

In just under a year, she’s progressed from zero experience to heading into her first competition.

“I feel good,” she said, after finishing a training session focusing on the push jerk, one of her favourite lifts. “It’s been so good to get good at being strong.”

She’ll be competing alongside the team from Sun Peaks’ Black Beaver Crossfit, including co-owner Tori Charlton who has been guiding her training while also preparing herself.

Alanna Vignale, a seasoned lifter, will also join the team in the competition.

Black Beaver co-owner Hamish Charlton and another local competitor, Tammi Holmes, are competing in Sweat Fest, a dedicated Crossfit competition in Kamloops from Aug. 5 to 7.

The competitions are close to marking the one year anniversary for the new gym and local business. Looking back, Tori said she’s proud of the inroads they’ve made into the community.

“We’ve really been branching out. At first it was a lot of our friends, but now it’s a lot of people we don’t know at all

>> sports White races new style of car to victory RACIN’ JASON WINS IN WENATCHEE, FINISHES 15TH IN TORONTO

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

J

ason White climbed into an unfamiliar style of racecar and by the end of the race weekend he was standing in the winner’s circle.

White, a Sun Peaks local, along with his brother, father and uncle, went to the

Wenatchee Valley Super Oval in Washington to compete in the open-wheel supermodified race as part of the Thunder in the Valley weekend on July 23 and 24.

“It was so great. The family atmosphere, it really brought me back to my racing roots.

Seeing people we haven’t seen in up to 30 years and we all just picked up where we left off,”

White said. “I honestly haven’t had that much fun at the racetrack in probably 10 years.”

White climbed into the 900-horsepower, 1,500-pound car for the first time during the Friday night practice round. A big change from what he’s accustomed to racing professionally on the NASCAR Canada series for over 10 years, White said he used the help of his uncle, Ken, to build up his speed throughout the weekend and win the feature race.

“I think I might be a little bit hooked,” White said following his victory. “It’s definitely something I didn’t expect but I’ll take

it and there’s a couple of nice trophies on my mantle now.”

Earlier in the month, White overcame an early collision with a tire barrier to rise five spots from his starting position for a 15th place finish at the NASCAR Pinty’s Series Grand Prix Toronto on July 16.

“We finally finished a race, which was good for us. As you know our last couple (races) we’ve had some mechanical problems. Finally we got a good car underneath us and we ended up finishing the race in 15th,” White said.

White’s No. 21 car slid into the tire barrier which caused a

full course caution and he said it required two or three pit stops to remedy the issue.

“The No. 46 car, Brett Taylor from Calgary, he dropped some oil on the track in turn eight and I hit the oil and backed the tail end of the car into the fence really lightly, but it was enough to kind of rip off my back bumper,” White said.

White said he will compete in the final NASCAR Pinty’s Series race of the season at the Kawartha Speedway in Fraserville, Ont. on Sept. 17 and is working to confirm another race, perhaps in another supermodified racecar.

Kids shred hard in freestyle camp “(Wednesday) was just monsoon all day and the mud was six or eight inches deep in some spots but the kids were just roaring to get after it the whole time.”

The Shred Hard Summer Camp was the most successful bike camp in the past five years. | PHOTO JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

by JAMIE SHINKEWSKI

T

hirty young riders took part in the most successful freeride mountain bike camp in over five years, according to Sun Peaks Resort’s sports director Vincent Lafontaine.

The five-day Shred Hard Summer Camp saw riders between the ages of 10 and 17 take to the Sun Peaks Bike Park under the tutelage of a terrific cast of coaches led by local pro Dylan Sherrard from July 11 to 15.

“For the last five years (participant) numbers have just

kept increasing and this year we saw quite a good jump in the interest,” Lafontaine said.

“From the kids and coaches, it’s probably the best camp we’ve had in the last five or six years.”

It was the first time the summer camp was run under the Shred Hard moniker after Sun Peaks Resort announced an official partnership with Sherrard in April.

“I’m just really pumped about it,” Sherrard said. “I’ve kind of been running this camp for a number of years and the park’s kind of been the same of a number of years in terms of trails and features, but this

year I wanted to brand the camps and make them seem like a more exciting set up and throw a bit more lifestyle stuff into it as well. At the same time the park’s been developed a little bit better to facilitate that as well. It’s all bubbling up to be a dream come true.”

“I think Dylan’s a big draw,” Lafontaine said. “Now that he’s officially affiliated with Sun Peaks Resort as a sponsored pro, that’s really good for us. He’s not just a coach that comes up here, he’s an ambassador for Sun Peaks.”

The 26-year-old Kamloops resident moved to the area from the Yukon, and he has been riding in Sun Peaks since 2007 and has been instructing since 2009. He signed a deal with Specialized Canada in 2015.

“He’s a pro rider but they’re all different, the pros, because they’re not all made to do camps and hang out with kids all day for a week, but he just loves it,” Lafontaine said.

“I think his commitment to the camp, the participants and the kids, it’s really good.”

Sherrard said he didn’t have the opportunity to go to camps like this one growing up which is why he runs them now. This year’s camp saw lots of rain, but that didn’t stop it from being a ton of fun. “(Wednesday) was just monsoon all day and the mud was six or eight inches deep in some spots but the kids were just roaring to get after it the whole time,” Sherrard said.

In addition to new and refurbished trails, this year Sherrard said he made an emphasis on ways to enjoy the mountain when they weren’t riding trails.

“It seems like it just keeps getting to be more fun,” he said. “We have a few more kids every year, there’s a few more facilities that open up or a few more ideas of how to pack more fun into the week.

Everyone keeps getting better at riding as well so it just keeps getting cooler.”

The success of July’s camp has spurred the expansion of a second camp this summer. The Shred Hard Back to School Bike Camp will run Aug. 29 to Sept. 2.

Vol 14 Issue 8 August 5 — September 1

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15 SETTLER’S CROSSING | $309,000

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Enjoy the private & peaceful setting from this upper level 2 bedroom, 2 bath, ski-in, ski-out condo. This home is adjacent to the 16th Fairway of the Sun Peaks Golf Course and is ready for your next visit .Features an inviting kitchen with wood cabinetry & stainless steel appliances, open dining & living area with cozy gas fireplace, vaulted ceiling and heated tile floors.

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Snow Creek Village is one of the best townhouse developments in Sun Peaks with true ski-in, ski-out access adjacent to the Village and lifts. This warm and inviting 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is a desirable end unit with extra windows and sundrenched rooms. The main floor offers an open kitchen, dining & living area with cozy fireplace & private patio with hot tub backing onto forest. This home is offered fully furnished and GST is paid.

Immaculate 3 bedroom level entry townhouse with private garage backing onto forest and creek. This bright south facing home provides a beautiful unobstructed view of the mountains & valley and is only steps from the village and all resort amenities. The main floor features an open kitchen, dining room and living area with cozy river rock fireplace and sundeck. This prime location has convenient ski-in, ski-out access and is offered fully furnished with GST paid.

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