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Listing Agent: Quinn Rischmueller PREC*
Listing Agent: Quinn Rischmueller PREC*
13 Powder Heights:
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15 Altitude: PRIME ski in/out location, 2 bed, 2 bath, fully furnished, modern condo with private hot tub and large ski & bike storage. $719,900+GST
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2418 Fairways Dr: 5 bed, 5 bath, custom built, level-entry home. Radiant heat, 2 car garage. 2 bed, 1 bath legal suite with laundry. Offered fully furnished.
Listing Agent: Quinn Rischmueller PREC*
54 Stones Throw: 3 bed, 2 bath upper floor unit with exceptional ski-in/out access, stunning views, ski & bike storage, 2 parking stalls, furnished.
22 Altitude: 3 bed, 2 bath, 3-storey townhome with exceptional ski in/out access & stunning southern valley views. Fully furnished. Hot tub included. $1,249,900+GST
Estates starting at $549,000 Alder Estates - Immerse yourself in the mountain lifestyle at Alder Estates, the first single-family lot development to be offered at Sun Peaks in 15 years! This 16lot project has spectacular south and west facing views of Tod Mountain and Mt. Morrisey. Enjoy the beautiful mountain views, scenic landscapes, and warm village atmosphere. Zoned for nightly rentals.
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2388 Heffley Lake Rd: 10 mins from Sun Peaks, custom timber frame home on Heffley Lk. 1/2 acre lot, radiant & wood heat, hot
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Contributors
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Layout & Graphic Designer
IN THIS ISSUE
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Honouring the past, embracing change — Sun Peaks enters a new chapter. 08
BRIAN GILLESPIE WINS SUN PEAKS
MOUNTAIN RESORT MUNICIPALITY
COUNCIL SEAT
Here’s what Brian Gillespie will focus on during his 19-month term on council. 10
ROB O’TOOLE ACCLAIMED MAYOR
Mayor Rob O’Toole sworn in during the regular council meeting on April 15.
11
SIGNS INSTALLED ATOP SUNBURST CELEBRATE THE LEGACY OF SPEED SKIING IN SUN PEAKS
The Velocity Challenge ran for nearly 30 years and became a world cup event, drawing in speed skiers from near and far.
12
SUN PEAKS COMMUNITY DAYCARE NOW RUN BY THIRD PARTY OPERATOR
Sun Peaks Community Daycare is operating under the Early Learning Society of Kamloops.
13
MUNICIPALITY'S ACCESSIBILITY
ADVISORY COMMITTEE IDENTIFIES
AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT IN SUN PEAKS By mid-April, the committee will present an action plan to council including parking, sidewalk and website improvements to make facilities and services controlled by the municipality more accessible.
14
A NOTE FROM COMMUNITY REPORTER NICOLE PERRY
As she says goodbye to Sun Peaks Independent News, Nicole reflects on her favourite stories.
15
STUNT N’ STROLL PACKS THE VILLAGE WITH ATHLETES AND SPECTATORS
The village was packed with fans of the event, as skiers and snowboarders stunted their way down park features set up in the centre of town.
16
THE LEGACY OF BURFIELD HEIGHTS
Exploring the first developments in the Sun Peaks community.
18
EXPLORING THE ANATOMY OF A MODERN SKI CHALET
How local interior design from Nëvo Design House approaches a Sun Peaks home.
19
SUN PEAKS LOCAL ROWYN KOLLER LAUNCHES 3 PEAKS HOME, A STORE DEDICATED TO MOUNTAIN LIVING INTERIORS
The home store opens this summer, offering onmountain options for interior design.
21
WHERE TO FIND STAFF HOUSING IN SUN PEAKS A round up of a few employee housing options.
22
HOME-BASED BUSINESSES IN SUN PEAKS OFFER A RANGE OF SERVICES
From dog grooming to life coaching, learn more about some local home-based businesses.
23
WEATHERING THE PEAKS: HOW SUN PEAKS HOMEOWNERS TACKLE OUTDOOR HOME MAINTENANCE
From roof maintenance to snow removal, Sun Peaks homeowners see it all.
24
SUN PEAKS FREESTYLE CLUB ATHLETES WIN BIG AT JUNIOR NATIONALS
Out of seven Junior National competitors from Sun Peaks across two events, three became champions.
25
PUZZLES
Can you tackle this month’s crossword? Plus, a new Sudoku and the answers to last month’s puzzles.
26
EVENTS
Check out local and regional events happening soon.
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Hot Tub Sales & Services
At 3 Peaks, we understand that a well-maintained hot tub is the key to delivering an unforgettable vacation experience. Let us ensure your property’s hot tub exceeds expectations, so your guests can relax and unwind during their stay. Whether you need a new installation or professional maintenance, our local 3 Peaks team is here for you.
3 Peaks Rentals is an authorized sales and service provider of info@3 peaksrentals.com
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Honouring the past, embracing change — Sun Peaks enters a new chapter.
By Brandi Schier
Spring is in the air, and while this time of year always signals a change in the daily rhythm of our community, this year also signals a change at the municipal level. Earlier this week, our new mayor Rob O’Toole and new councillor Brian Gillespie were sworn into office following a by-election and mayoral acclamation, marking a new chapter in leadership and governance.
This is the first time in the municipality’s young history it won’t be led by Al Raine, who served as mayor since the community’s incorporation in 2010 until his passing in December of last year. While O’Toole served as a councillor for six years under Raine, and is well positioned and informed to take on the duties of mayor, it no less marks a significant change for the community. Raine was the last local government figure from the original council, which saw almost an entirely new slate of councillors in 2022. That same year, the provincial government denied the municipality’s request to allow the Sun Peaks Resort LLP’s (SPR) appointed councillor position to remain, which had been held by SPR general manager Darcy Alexander since 2010.
All this to say, while it may have only been a byelection, it marks the latest in a series of transitions resulting in a very new-feeling council for Sun Peaks. While Gillespie is the youngest member of council ever elected, both the new mayor and new councillor have a wealth of community and Sun Peaks business knowledge to draw from, alongside the guidance of their fellow council members and municipal staff. Together, they have until the fall of 2026 to prove to residents and property owners they can make headway on some tough issues facing the community.
Potential voters spoke loud and clear about the issues of importance to them at the by-election all candidates forum and through the polls. Advocating for an exemption to the federal foreign buyers ban was top of the agenda for many whose businesses, employment and property values are affected by the legislation. This issue has been at the forefront of lobbying efforts by multiple stakeholders, including the municipality, with no movement for several years.
While many other important issues were top of mind, such as short-term rentals and infrastructure, the overall theme was not uncommon for tourism communities: striking the balance between the needs of growing the visitor-based economy and the needs and wants of the residents who power that economy.
It’s a delicate balance few resort communities have been able to perfect, and success is also highly subjective depending on where your interests reside on the wide spectrum of say, seasonal worker to real estate developer, or a young and growing family to a retired couple.
While there are a myriad of complicated and important issues to navigate, a solid foundation has been laid over the last 15 years for this new mayor and council to build upon. It’s important that residents and owners continue to make their voices heard and engage in the community, through council or other groups, so our leaders know how to direct their energy and efforts, and how we want to define success collectively.
SPIN's publisher Brandi Schier. Photo by Tamra Jaeger Photography
BRIAN GILLESPIE WINS SUN PEAKS MOUNTAIN RESORT MUNICIPALITY COUNCIL SEAT
Here’s what Brian Gillespie will focus on during his 19-month term on council.
By Nicole Perry
To replace the vacated seat left by acclaimed mayor Rob O’Toole, four candidates ran for a spot on the Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) council.
Brian Gillespie received the most support with 120 votes, followed by Dave Burnham with 113 votes, Katherine Campbell with 49 votes and Alice Muirhead with 37 votes.
“I’d like to start by thanking the other candidates for stepping up and putting themselves out there,” Gillespie told SPIN via email. “It takes courage and commitment to run, and I’m confident each of them will continue to be active and engaged members of our community. I look forward to hearing their insights in the month [and] years to come.”
In addition to the other candidates, Gillespie also thanked members of the community who shared their ideas, concerns and hopes for Sun Peaks during his campaign.
“These conversations are what shape a stronger, more connected community, and I’m grateful for every perspective that was shared…your passion and participation are what make this place so special — and why there truly are no limits to what we can achieve together.”
As he steps into his new role, Gillespie said he’s excited and “committed to working hard, listening closely, and making thoughtful decisions that reflect the values and vision of Sun Peaks.”
Prior to election day, SPIN hosted an all-candidate forum on March 24, during which all candidates responded to questions taken from a community survey, as well as from the public at the forum.
As the winner of the open seat, below are Gillespie’s responses, as well as an introduction. The bolded text indicates the question was asked by SPIN or the public.
Meet councillor Brian Gillespie
“My Sun Peaks journey began in 2007, starting in lift operations and retail before focusing on my career in hospitality at Bottoms Bar & Grill. Today, as the general manager and a partner, I am deeply committed to the community and its growth. Over the years, I have developed strong relationships with local businesses, residents and community organizations. My experience navigating challenges like economic fluctuations, tourism sustainability and workforce housing has given me valuable insight into the needs of our municipality. I am committed to ensuring responsible growth, financial stability, and a thriving yearround community.”
What are the top issues you feel Sun Peaks needs to address at the municipal level?
[First,] ensuring we have sustainable water management to support continued growth. [Second,]developing housing solutions that support the needs of Sun Peaks’ workforce and long-term residents, ensuring sustainable growth for the community. [Third,] strengthening tourism revenue streams while securing long-
term financial partnerships with the Secwépemc bands. [Lastly,] implementing regular audits of third-party service providers and fostering better communication with residents.
What type of impact do you hope to have as a councillor?
I want to bring clear communication, responsible decision-making and a collaborative approach to council. My experience managing a business in Sun Peaks has taught me the importance of financial responsibility, strategic planning and community engagement. I aim to contribute by ensuring that growth is sustainable, infrastructure investments are prioritized and municipal decisions reflect the needs of both residents and businesses.
All-candidate forum recap
Many residents and business owners struggle to find or provide affordable housing in Sun Peaks. The Sun Peaks Housing Authority has been in existence for over six years, and Sun Peaks is also set to benefit from the Housing Accelerator Fund to help create housing. What is your current understanding of these programs, and how would you use them, or other efforts to help increase the supply of housing in Sun Peaks?
“The project we have and we will go forward with is really positive,” Gillespie said about the BC Builds project. “But it’s definitely not the catch-all answer to our housing, long term, short term, or anything like that.”
As a business owner, he said many businesses including his own rent out accommodation to staff to get ahead of housing shortages.
“These are solutions that forward thinking has brought us to.”
Our current short-term rental (STR) policy using temporary use permits in residentially zoned areas has been in place for many years, with some residents arguing that the current arrangement is applied inconsistently or negatively affects property values and even future tourism development. What do you think of our current municipal short-term rental policies and how would you revisit these?
Clear data obtained with the help of the third party consultant SPMRM will be hiring for an STR review in the spring is a positive step toward answering questions on this issue, Gillespie said, including “Are we using the ones that we have zoned for? Are we clustering the Temporary Use Permits in neighbourhoods, the 25 per cent allotment on neighborhoods, are they all being used effectively?”
Since the transfer of Sun Peaks Utilities from Sun Peaks Resort LLP to the municipality, there have been several phases of required infrastructure upgrades to both our water and wastewater systems. Most recently, in February council approved a 10 per cent increase to water and wastewater charges, following a 5.5 per cent municipal tax increase for municipal operations and capital assets. According to the director of finance, “The cost of supplying water is significantly higher than the cost of the water being consumed,” she said, explaining this
Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality mayor and council members (L-R) Kelly Dye, Julie Kimmel, Rob O'Toole, Brian Gillespie and Len Hrycan.
is due to the maintaining and upgrading the infrastructure needed to ensure reliable and sustainable water. How do you plan to tackle this ongoing issue?
Education of “why we’re here” and around the current wastewater facility and necessary upgrades is what Gillespie identified as a key piece.
“I don’t personally have an answer to you in regards to how we’re going to get out of it, outside of raising the appropriate funds via taxes,” he added. “It is not the prettiest picture to paint, but it is realistic.”
A current federal policy has limited or removed the ability for foreign buyers to purchase property in Sun Peaks, which has had a significant impact on real estate, development and the general economy of Sun Peaks. Many people want to see this ban amended to exclude Sun Peaks, similar to other resort communities in British Columbia. What are your plans for advocating for Sun Peaks regarding this current federal policy?
“I love the idea of the Lower Mainland helping our economy and buying houses and Sun Peaks was showcased incredibly well during the pandemic, we had a record amount of rubber tire traffic that came through from all over the province and Alberta. And unfortunately, even with that exposure, our housing market is pretty stagnant,” Gillespie said, highlighting the importance of foreign buyers.
Getting the community involved in lobbying would be valuable as well, he said.
How would you balance the needs of the community living here and the visitor economy/tourism?
When we focus our energy on the heart of the community, Gillespie said, including community spaces, a community driven school and other community based projects, it retains like minded people in our community.
People passionate about being in the community will make it a better place, he added, willing to invest in clubs and businesses.
“That will directly affect tourism,” he said. “In a positive way.”
What does potential programming look like for the youth in Sun Peaks?
Along with the outdoor landscape Sun Peaks offers kids, Gillespie said the municipality has made progress on moving projects along, such as getting the health centre in place, progressing with the skatepark and planning for a school.
“We’re not all the way there,” he said. “But I think we need to be proud of where we’ve come, and I think we need to keep our foot on the gas.”
Do you think offering a development of more affordable places would be a better driver than fewer, more expensive houses?
Though for the build of affordable housing, Gillespie said he doesn’t think it is the fix-all.
“I think there’s a lot of things we need to do to realize what the other aspects of inventory are in Sun Peaks.”
With the last master plan published five years ago, how are we going to get ahead of the curve and meet expectations of owners and investors before the next is published? How are we going to pay for water, sewer and hydro?
“Growth for just growth sake is a dangerous thing,” Gillespie said. “And we do need to be calculated how we move forward.”
Matching the OCP with the master plan is an important step, he said, but builds can’t progress until water treatment infrastructure improves.
According to him, budgeting for that includes looking outside of the box at different revenue streams. This includes grants, and he stressed the importance of holding on to the current municipal grant writer.
How do we stay safe in the summer with wildfires? Note that another road out of town would help safety measures.
In agreement with the importance of the road to Chase, Gillespie said the foundation forward should be a financial agreement with the neighbouring First Nations for the long term.
With the municipality hiring a FireSmart coordinator, he said that’s very positive to see in the short term.
What would you be lobbying for with the province, which big ticket items?
Examples include the road to Chase and community school.
“We need to be realistic about how we can use our community budget,” Gillespie said, adding that the community school is a big priority.
The more money raised as a community for the school would give Sun Peaks a voice in its build, he said. Funding as a community as well as pushing as a council is how he sees results solidifying.
ROB O’TOOLE ACCLAIMED MAYOR OF SUN PEAKS
Mayor Rob O’Toole sworn in during the regular council meeting on April 15.
By Hollie Ferguson
Former councillor Rob O’Toole was acclaimed Sun Peaks’ second-ever mayor in the April 5 byelection, while Brian Gillespie secured O’Toole’s vacated council seat with 120 votes.
In the 19 months left in this governing cycle, O’Toole said he hopes to focus on a few key items — including advocating for Ottawa to exempt Sun Peaks from its urban foreign-buyers ban, increasing housing supply and strengthening relationships with neighbouring First Nations.
The federal foreign-buyers ban is one of the most important for SPIN’s readers — with 42 per cent of our survey respondents saying it was top-of-mind during the by-election.
O’Toole said success on the issue may be a matter of getting in front of the right people. Following the federal election this month O’Toole and council will work to meet with the new housing minister to discuss Sun Peaks’ position.
“We're also working alongside Sun Peaks Resort [LLP], Canada West Ski Association [and] the Canadian National Ski Council,” he added, saying a collective voice and on-point messaging will be vital in removing the ban from Sun Peaks.
Infrastructure and development are also high on his list of priorities, and O’Toole said council will be working to increase housing supply and improve the village’s capacity to grow.
“When we look at infrastructure projects — like the building of the new pipeline for the reservoir, moving forward with the BC Housing project at the west end of the community, expansions to sewage treatment capacities — I'd say for the next year-and-a-half, we've got a pretty full agenda.”
Along with improving the vitality and economy of Sun Peaks, O’Toole sees development as key to maintaining the fabric of community in the village.
“We have a lot of talented young people in our community, and they need to see a way forward where they can find affordable housing, so they can stay here and continue to grow in this community.”
Beyond this term
Looking past these 19 months to the next full civic elections next year, O’Toole sees running for another term as mayor as a “strong option.”
“If I'm going to spend the next year-and-a-half learning as much as I possibly can about being in that position and what all it entails, it would make sense for me to be strongly in that camp.”
Adding that life throws unexpected curve balls and his decision is not 100 per cent certain, he said “my expectation is that I'm prepared to run again.”
O’Toole was the only mayoral candidate in this byelection, something Sun Peaks’ first mayor — the late Al Raine — experienced as well. In the 2014 election, Raine won by acclamation, but said he wished the election could have run its course competitively.
“The perfect world would be a rotation of at least one position each time so that you could get some new people involved,” Raine told SPIN in 2014. “You
could say the democratic process is best served when there are more people running.”
In this by-election, O’Toole said he feels community members may have hesitated to participate due, in part, to Raine’s legacy, calling him a “tough act to follow” and “once-in-a-generation leader.”
“I think the thing for me was just kind of understanding and realizing that you're not going to step in and fill his shoes,” O’Toole said of his predecessor, who died late last year. “You're going to make your own way and benefit from being able to stand on his shoulders, and all the work that he did and previous councils had done.”
Despite the lack of rival nominee names put forward for the mayor’s chair, O’Toole acknowledged the new faces who ran for his vacant council seat, including Dave Burnham, Katherine Campbell, Brian Gillespie and Alice Muirhead.
“I see that in a positive light going forward,” he said of the interest in local politics. “Hopefully that will continue as we look forward to this next full election, when all of council is up for election.”
Council and staff have also discussed re-evaluating committees, which may help more folks get involved.
“Committees are a great place to start if you have an interest or desire to maybe run for elected office,” O’Toole said. “Getting involved in committees allows you to have a better finger on the pulse of what's going on in local government, and…evaluate if you see yourself in a heavier role as an elected mayor or as an elected councilor.”
Speaking to what he hopes his legacy as mayor will be, O’Toole said it’s too early to tell.
But he told SPIN he is eager to take the baton — reiterating the urgent need for affordable housing, infrastructure development and expanding relationships with the Adams Lake Band, Neskonlith Band and Skwlāx te Secwepemcúlecw.
“Those things are where I want to make an impact over the next year-and-a half,” he vowed.
O’Toole and Brian Gillespie were sworn in as mayor and councillor, respectively, during the regular council meeting on April 15. This meeting can be streamed on the municipality’s Facebook page.
Rob O'Toole was sworn into office as mayor of Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality on April 15. Photo submitted by Rob O'Toole
SIGNS INSTALLED ATOP SUNBURST CELEBRATE THE LEGACY OF SPEED SKIING IN SUN PEAKS
The Velocity Challenge ran for nearly 30 years and became a world cup event, drawing in speed skiers from near and far.
By Nicole Perry
To celebrate a long-running speed skiing event in Sun Peaks, members of the marketing team at Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) installed four signs atop the Sunburst chairlift highlighting the event and its significance.
The Velocity Challenge/World Cup Speed Skiing event was discontinued in 2018, though since 1989, spectators were able to cast their gaze up from the top of Sunburst as skiers zoomed down Headwalls at top speed during the competition.
“It was only able to run that long because we had local volunteers and sponsors that got behind it for so many years,” said director of communications for SPR, Christina Antoniak. “So I think that's just a wonderful testament to our community here at Sun Peaks.”
A handful of racers, volunteers, sponsors and resort employees came together on March 19 to view the signs and reflect on the history of speed skiing in Sun Peaks and the community that made it possible.
Speed Skiing and the Velocity Challenge
On the world class Headwalls race track, according to the erected signs, racers would speed toward the area surrounding the Sunburst Lodge, commonly reaching speeds of 170 km/h.
After 2002, the Velocity Challenge merged with an FIS Speed Skiing World Cup and at the end of the event, the coveted Velocity Challenge trophy was awarded to the fastest men and women competitors.
The course in Sun Peaks had a shorter runoff for skiers to slow than many other courses, as well as another unique aspect due to its convex roller, contributing to the feeling of the ground dropping out from under the racers.
As insurance costs rose, Antoniak said it became more difficult to find sponsors to contribute to the event.
“I think that's what's led to the event coming to a close in North America,” she explained. “But it's still very much a thing in Europe.”
Non-skiers were able to access the Sunburst chair to view this event as well, Antoniak said, which she described as a highlight of the winter.
“When it was running, it was a pretty significant event that took many, many, many days to do the course build and get the track set for the competition,” she added.
Those involved and the sign viewing event
Kenny Dale and Lark Frolek-Dale, who represented Canada at the 1992 Winter Olympic Games in Albertville, France where Speed Skiing was a demonstration sport, attended the gathering to celebrate the legacy of the sign installation as original organizers of the event.
Another initial organizer, Adam Earle, was not able to attend. Cathy Earle, who joined Adam as they took over event organization in 2000, was absent as well.
Many other local folks were involved in this event throughout the years, and the ones who showed up on March 19 included Katheryn Coleman, Scott Coleman, Elia Ganderski, Glen Martin, Duncan Currie, Teria Davies, Jason White, Dave Molyneaux, Scott Whitecross, Joan Gardner, Stephanie Geddes, Niel Otsig and Marg Kosolofski, along with Aaron Macdonald and Sandra Gregory from SPR.
“Everyone was just in such nice spirits, really happy to see the signs in place, really happy that there's a permanent nod to the many, many years that the event was going on, and the dedication from so many people that it took to run that event every year,” Antoniak said about this gathering.
Sun Peaks Resort LLP installs legacy signs to commemorate 30 years of speed skiing in Sun Peaks. Photos provided by Sun Peaks Resort LLP
SUN PEAKS COMMUNITY DAYCARE
NOW RUN BY THIRD PARTY OPERATOR
Sun Peaks Community Daycare is operating under the Early Learning Society of Kamloops.
By Nicole Perry
Since its opening in November 2023, the Sun Peaks Community Daycare was operated by Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM).
However, as of Feb. 1, daycare operations transitioned to the Early Learning Society of Kamloops (ELSK), a move SPMRM said was always in the plans.
The transfer of operations to ELSK has been met with questions and concerns from families whose kids attend daycare.
The transitional timeline, lack of transparency during this process, staff wages and cost of care are some of the most prevalent topics parents urged council to address.
At council on Feb. 4
David Roberts, a parent with the Sun Peaks Community Daycare, presented council with key concerns shared amongst parents and employees about the transition during a Feb. 4 council meeting.
Despite council’s commitment to open and transparent communication in the summer when the change in operation was announced, he felt the change was rushed and the agreement with the ELSK was announced without prior public communication.
The largest complaints brought forward were the lack of a public process with the expression of interest and steps following, and the cost of care and fee model changes.
Previously, parents had the option to pay for the days they needed care, but the new pricing model requires parents who need three or more days of care to pay a full time fee.
Roberts recognized that a daily rate model isn’t commonplace but feels it serves the unique community needs in a resort municipality.
Another issue brought to light was the changes in salary for staff and manager, including salary changes.
Additionally, though staff wages have increased, hours have been cut, impacting pay.
This presentation concluded with the request for a document from administration explaining the oversight process.
Acting mayor Len Hrycan responded stating council had always intended on moving to another operator and had hoped to be more communicative throughout the transition process, however was faced with complexities including ensuring protection of personal information.
The cost was always going to increase, he added, explaining that the municipality was incurring a deficit as the operator.
Council believes the daycare is now in a stronger long term position, with more staff and more experience through ELSK, which can better structure the growth and learning of children.
Council response
As specified during the Feb. 4 council meeting, chief administrative officer Deanna Campbell told SPIN that a group of parents received an answer document.
Only a specific group “Advocates for Sun Peaks Community Daycare” received these responses, which have been summarized by Campbell and sent to SPIN.
Acknowledging that SPMRM didn’t follow through on its promises of transparency during the transition and apologizing for any mistrust it has caused, she wrote, “we did have the best of intentions, but due to internal pressures, protection of staff privacy, and confidentiality of negotiations we were challenged with being able to provide the communication updates and engagement we had promised.”
Following the public announcement on the transition of operations, she expressed her belief that the municipality was as open and transparent as possible, adding that confidentiality and privacy obligations are a condition of local governance that may prevent addressing each concern from families or the community.
Another area of concern to families was the transition timeline, which Campbell acknowledged resulted in a short-time frame for ELSK to provide families with the necessary information.
The transition plan involved what she identified as “a significant amount of time, effort and resources by both parties,” during which the municipality and ELSK worked closely to meet a February transition, a month after they were able to announce the change to families.
“From the municipality’s perspective, [ELSK] provided timely and frequent communications during this short period of time,” Campbell said, explaining ELSK held Zoom meetings with families during that time.
By working closely with licensing, she added that the transition of operations was smooth and without any gap in services or closures.
On the topic of staff wages and hours, the municipality refused to comment on employment negotiations and contracts, but as a general statement, Campbell said the municipality made efforts to ensure current staff and staff retention were prioritised in the transition process.
As noted at the Feb. 4 meeting, council sees value in staff’s employment with ELSK, with access to additional support, resources, mentioning, training and more.
“We also believe the daycare is in a better position with respect [ELSK’s] ability to recruit and train staff,” she said, adding it has already added additional staff to the team.
Addressing concerns regarding the new cost of care model, Campbell said SPMRM recognizes Sun Peaks’ unique needs, however it also recognizes that an operator needs to have a viable financial model to be successful.
An independent operator, ELSK’s rates and policies reflect its ability to provide quality early learning and childcare.
If the municipality had continued operations, Campbell added it would have sought to implement rate increases as well, having been operating in a deficit.
“We understand the reasons and rationale for the fee model and payment polices has been explained to families and that those who may experience a financial burden, have been directed to resources and subsidies that may be available to minimize the costs,” she explained. “Any further questions about the fees and policies should be directed to [ELSK].”
Finally, Campbell addressed the service agreement and Expression of Interest (EOI) process leading to the partnership with ELSK.
Prior to entering in an agreement with ELSK, the municipality hired a consultant to assist in an EOI process, including the distribution of the EOI through the Child Care Resource & Referral network, which covers all licensed childcare providers in Kamloops, distributed to the Early Learning and Childcare Committee members for sharing out and posted on the municipality’s website under bids and tenders.
Three proposals were submitted and only one provided the mandatory criteria. It was evaluated, with interviews and a site-visit as part of the process.
Under a partnering agreement, local governments can provide assistance with conditions that as a not-for-profit organization, ELSK and the agreement with SPMRM, don’t require as they would as a business, including public notice. Campbell specifies that the agreement between these two parties is not a partnering agreement.
“The Agreement is for [ELSK] to provide childcare operations in the daycare facility we own,” she said. “There are checks and balances built into our service agreement with [ELSK] with periodic reviews of service delivery to ensure the terms of the agreement continue to be met.”
Despite repeated requests for comments, no parents responded to SPIN about their experiences prior to publication.
MUNICIPALITY'S ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE IDENTIFIES AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT IN SUN PEAKS
By mid-April, the committee will present an action plan to council including parking, sidewalk and website improvements to make facilities and services controlled by the municipality more accessible.
By Nicole Perry
Established in October 2022, in accordance with the Accessible British Columbia Act, Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality’s (SPMRM) Accessibility Advisory Committee is soon to bring its plan to council.
The committee is mandated to identify barriers to accessibility for everyone, including those with disabilities and the aging population.
Currently in the works, the plan includes recommendations for the municipality's online services and properties, including the tennis courts, Sun Peaks Centre and the arena.
Based on discussions and public consultation, committee members Jim Alix, Lisa Bentz and Julie Kimmel told SPIN the group identified parking, sidewalks and website accessibility as three main points of concern.
While the committee can draft a plan outlining priorities, it cannot undergo direct action. Instead it will present recommendations to council, which will implement changes. Next, the Accessibility Advisory Committee hopes to engage Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) to align them with the same initiatives.
Identifying areas of improvement in accessibility with public consultation
Part of the public process included a survey that went out in August asking residents to identify gaps in the accessibility of municipal facilities and services.
Many survey respondents were unaware of the municipality's jurisdiction, citing areas of improvement in places outside of the committee's control, such as the Sun Peaks Grand parking lot. However, the public consultation gave folks the opportunity to look at accessibility needs in Sun Peaks.
“The beauty of this committee is that now we’re forcing people to look through that lens,whereas maybe it wouldn’t have been on anyone’s radar before,” Bentz said
In addition to the survey, the public was invited to provide more in-depth insights at an open house on Feb. 23.
“It wasn't a huge turnout, but the reality is, we got the people who wanted to be there,” Kimmel said.
A man from Disability Alliance B.C. also provided insight on the plan, Bentz said.
“We’ve done lots of work to get to this point, and now we're kind of putting it all together,” she added.
Accessibility priorities for Sun Peaks
Accessible parking was an area of concern identified through public input, with a focus on the slanted dirt parking lot off the Sun Peaks Plaza.
Committee members specified their recommendation, stating that gravel lots should have at least one walkable and wheelchair accessible parking lot, if not paved than rubberized or something similar.
Concerns surrounding sidewalk maintenance are outlined as well in the draft.
Only a portion of the Valley Trail and other sidewalks are owned by SPMRM, though ensuring safe strolls along these are a pinpointed value of the committee. With many potholes and other hazards present Bentz, who is blind, said her service dog has to navigate around these to avoid injury.
Only able to recommend maintenance on municipal properties, the accessible path would still be a short one, halted when the walkway meets a piece of path
owned by SPR. Sidewalk ownership isn’t the only complication of Sun Peaks’ split jurisdictions.
Many intertwined pieces of land and infrastructure are owned by either SPR or SPMRM, and increasing accessibility would mean ensuring both are on the same page as to identifying and removing barriers.
“It's definitely a shared responsibility,” Bentz said. “Because we are such a small geographic place, people come to Sun Peaks, and they don't know that 10 feet of this is [SPR] and 20 feet of this is municipality.”
In addition to property improvements, the committee determined website issues as an area in need of change.
Alix has expertise in technological accessibility, having learned a lot to help Bentz and others with online tax forms and more. Any document that should be available for the public or employees of SPMRM should be accessible for the visually impaired, using W3C web accessibility guidelines.
“The committee's ability is to make a recommendation,” Alix explained. “In the draft plan right now, all of those guides for how to construct the document are footnoted.”
Presenting the accessibility plan and next steps
The Accessibility Advisory Committee is first focused on what it can accomplish with the municipality.
Immediate steps include presenting the completed plan to council by the end of the ski season for approval.
Budgeting for the plan will take place after it’s been presented, Kimmel explained, as it currently consists of recommendations with no cost estimate.
Once council has laid out how to best proceed with the plan and what to focus on first, she said the discussion will shift to initiating conversations with SPR in hopes of the resort using some suggestions.
Kimmel also hopes a member of SPR administration will come to the committee as a guest and perhaps later as a member.
Private businesses and public access buildings are covered by different building codes, Bentz said, and Kimmel added these cannot be retrofitted in the same way a municipal building can.
Conversations with the business community would be an asset as well and Alix thinks both local businesses and SPR would be receptive.
A NOTE FROM COMMUNITY REPORTER NICOLE PERRY
As she says goodbye to Sun Peaks Independent News, Nicole reflects on her favourite stories.
Hello SPIN readers in Sun Peaks and beyond!
I’m sad to report that I will be moving on from Sun Peaks Independent News. I’m hoping to embrace some adventure in my life for the next few years and was in need of a switch of pace. Part of the timing of my departure is in light of some recent travels I have planned. For anyone curious, I’ll be visiting Australia in April and catching up with some friends and family on the road once I’m back in Canada, before settling back down in Sun Peaks for the summer. My final goodbye from the community itself will likely be in October.
Though I don’t know exactly what’s next for me, I know I want to experience as many places as possible and plan to travel across the country and abroad, within my means of course. Meeting so many people from around the world here truly shows how Sun Peaks draws people in, and I’m sure I’ll meet some of these seasonal folks again on my journeys.
Sun Peaks is the best place I could’ve hoped to move for my firstever reporting job, and I know I’ll enjoy my final six months with this community that’s welcomed me in, regardless of my position in it. This job has given me so much, connecting me to parts of the community I wouldn’t otherwise have been introduced to, and I won’t forget those as I experience Sun Peaks from a new lens.
I could reflect on all the stories over this past year that have helped immerse myself in a complete Sun Peaks experience, however that list would fill a whole paper, not just a page. Over the past few months, these stories have been some of my favourites, because of their highlights of trailblazers in the community.
Introducing Em-Pow-Her, a safe space for girls who shred
Getting to speak with the two young women who are empowering female shredders in and around Sun Peaks with their club was, well, emPOW-hering. It is always so inspirational to hear about entrepreneurial spirit, and knowing that passion for bringing women together and bringing up their confidence is what motivates these girls is such a positive reflection of human spirit.
ArtZone Sun Peaks presents the Youth Art Council
Similar to Em-Pow-Her, I am in awe of the girls of only 14 years old who are leading young kids in an experience that they’ll all surely remember for years to come. Running the production of an entire play is something many adults don’t have the time and energy for, yet these three young girls of the Youth Art Council are doing it without any missing enthusiasm!
Leaving behind a legacy in ski tourism and community development, Sun Peaks mayor Al Raine passes away at 83 years old
I can’t talk about trailblazers without mentioning Al Raine. The incredible honour I had to research his life and write about his impact is something I’m both grateful for and saddened by. Writing this piece was emotional but I learned so much about Raine’s legacy in Sun Peaks and am convinced his heart and soul will never leave this community.
Nancy Greene and Al Raine at Blackcomb Mountain in the 1980s.
Photo courtesy Whistler Museum and Archives Society
With the help of ArtZone Sun Peaks, these three Grade Nine girls have started up the Youth Art Council. Photo via Facebook/Art Zone Sun Peaks
Meet the founders of Em-Pow-Her, Brittany Gault (left) and Brynn Weigelt (right). Photo via Instagram/em.pow.her.club
STUNT N’ STROLL PACKS THE VILLAGE WITH ATHLETES AND SPECTATORS
The village was packed with fans of this event, as skiers and snowboarders stunted their way down park features set up in the centre of town.
By Nicole Perry
On Saturday, March 8, the village stroll was the site of the Stunt n’ Stroll rail jam, bringing in hoards of spectators, eagerly watching local athletes stunt their way down the main drag.
This isn’t the first village rail jam brought to Sun Peaks, events coordinator for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) Carly Irrgang told SPIN, but it is the first year SPR has taken it on as an event.
The Stunt n’ Stroll was hard to ignore and brought the energy right to the centre of town, creating a spectacle tough to peel your eyes away from.
“It’s just a completely different vibe when it's in the village,” Irrgang said.
Creating the Stunt n’ Stroll
Previously, 5forty ran the village rail jam, and Irrgang and SPR events and partnerships manager Liz Wilkinson said it was a big hit in the past.
Setting up the village took a few days of hard work and planning, Wilkinson said about this recent rendition, including relying on volunteers to control the guest flow and access through the village during the event.
The rail jam was set up from the upper village by 5forty to finish at the lower village outside the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and the clock tower.
Part of the setup included pushing the snow in, bringing in rails and building jumps, then the park features were given time to sit before they could be ridden.
Sidewalks on either side remained open and pedestrians were led by volunteers, though many people wanted to stop and watch the action anyway, with spectators at every angle including from above on hotel balconies.
“The biggest takeaway from spectators was the opportunity
to see the action so close,” Irrgang said, recapping the event. “With the DJ spinning, and athletes lapping, it really created a vibe.”
The competition and results
An open format rail jam, the 28 participants were meshed into one category, though with a minimum age of 12 because of the more intermediate to advanced level features.
Proceeds from entry fees for the Stunt n’ Stroll went towards the Sun Peaks Skate Park Foundation.
Irrgang pointed out that entrants consisted of more men than women and more skiers than snowboarders, as is common for similar park events.
Marigold Campbell and Soneva Lott were the only two women in the competition, though that didn’t stop Lott from throwing down the first trick in her heat.
Jackson Atkinson won overall in ski at 15 years old and Liam Coglan, 30 years old, won overall snowboard.
With sponsorships from McSporties, Elevation and Jardines, prizes included soft and hard goods such as goggles, poles, helmets, hats, sweaters and gloves as well as a pair of Faction skis won by Atley Oneil during a bib toss.
Beyond the winners, other prizes were granted to those who impressed the judges with creativity, tamedogs and perseverance, as well as everyone else who stuck around for awards.
“Anything left over was thrown into the crowd giving anyone a chance to go home with a prize,” Irrgang said.
Stunt n’ Stroll packs Sun Peaks sidewalks. Photo by Francisco Rodriguez/Northern Soul Media
THE LEGACY OF BURFIELD HEIGHTS
Exploring the the first developments in the Sun Peaks community.
By Justin Moore
A late-March flurry of snow approaches the village, glimmering in the spring light. It’s the type of weather you’d be unfortunate to catch yourself in, but from Rae Nixon’s home in Burfield Heights, with soft music and lively conversation playing out, the view adds to the homey atmosphere.
Looking up from the main road at the Peaks West complex, it’s difficult to spot the Burfield Heights multiplex perched on the hill between the firehall and the Burfield Chairlift – much of the area has seen significant residential and commercial growth in recent years. But to long-time locals like Nixon and Roger Bourbonnais, this unsuspecting development of 34 units is not only the centre of their community, but the very start of the Sun Peaks we all know today.
“Originally, the only development that was in the
resort when [Sun Peaks Resort LLP was] purchased was the Burfield Heights development. And then Burfield Drive, which was at the time called Bill Watson Road,” chief of development & infrastructure, Peter Nixon said.
“There wasn’t much here at the beginning. I think I estimated there were maybe 150 beds in the resort.”
After the completion of the Burfield Lodge and the five accompanying A-frame cabins located at the back of the property, the Tod Mountain Ski Village Ltd. needed an additional solution to house long-term guests on the mountain. In 1968, the first sixplex of Burfield Heights was constructed and fully furnished as a motel.
This solution didn’t last long, however. In 1971, facing financial difficulties, the mountain ownership stratified the original units of Burfield Heights and
sold them as private units. Rae and her husband Lloyd Nixon were the first to buy.
Standing now in Nixon’s stunning home of ample lighting, a modern kitchen and comfortable decor encompassing her seating room, it’s hard to imagine the original version of these 660 square foot homes, complete with 70s orange hues, wood paneling and an acorn fireplace.
When talking about those early days in Burfield Heights, Rae describes a makeshift kitchen, with a small fridge and virtually no counter space to speak of.
“It’s just a two bedroom, and it was very very primitive,” she said. Burlap rug covered the floors and there was little space to host the abundance of friends and family who had come to ski.
“It wasn't uncommon for my husband and I to
Neighbours Roger Bourbonnais (left) and Rae Nixon (right) are two of the earliest owners in Burfield Heights. Photo by Justin Moore/Sun Peaks Independent News
have four adults and six kids staying here. And that's what we did at that time. Because that's all we had,” Rae said.
Roger Bourbonnais was the second owner of his unit, purchased in 1979.
“I bought in December… Skied down the hill, put a deposit on here and never looked back,” Bourbonnais stated. “When I bought this place… we’d have to chase the cows away to get to the front door.”
“My wife walked in here and she cried. It was brutal,” he laughed. “[The units] were indoor-outdoor carpeting. They were all panelling. In summer 1980 I started remodeling and I’ve been remodeling ever since.”
Bourbonnais has completed four major renovations over the 46 years he’s called Burfield Heights home.
The original two bedrooms and bathroom were replaced by a loft and spacious seating area, with nothing but CBC Radio for entertainment. A basement was later dug out by hand, opening up space for bunk beds shared by his grandchildren. The last stage, completed by a contractor, added an en suite and ski entrance.
“It’s unbelievable what I’ve done. I’ve got five levels. It just keeps going going going,” Bourbonnais marveled.
Most of the units in Burfield Heights have undergone similar remodels through the years, from “cowboy” renovations in the early days to more recent projects approved through building permits
“These are our treasured homes. We spend a lot of time up here,” Rae said. While many Burfield Heights residents split their year living between Sun Peaks and Kamloops, there’s no imbalance of admiration to be found.
Residential development would continue to progress in the village, expanding to the version of Sun Peaks we see today. But a unique atmosphere of community spirit remains at Burfield Heights, shared between the 34 units, many of which are still occupied by families of those first residents.
Birthday parties quickly become community events, Strata meetings are neighbourly chats over coffee, and the same owners who watched their own children grow up in Burfield are now watching the next generation of kids learning to ski.
“We look after our own,” Bourbonnais said. “For the first 14 years, we were the only people on the mountain.”
Over the course of their residency, much has changed on the mountain; Bourbonnais no longer has to chase roaming cattle away from his front door. But what remains is a strong sense of community and interconnection. Burfield Heights is more than just an origin story for Sun Peaks. For those lucky enough, it’s truly a place to call home.
PEAKS SCHOOL (Near P5): 10:00am - 1:00pm WHITECROFT VILLAGE: 2:15pm - 3:15pm
The sixplexes of Burfield Heights are the earliest residential development of Sun Peaks, then Tod Mountain. Photo by Justin Moore/Sun Peaks Independent News
An early capture of the Burfield Lodge and original A-frame cabins that neighbour Burfield Heights, as seen from the Burfield chair. Photo by Justin Moore/Sun Peaks Independent News
EXPLORING THE ANATOMY OF A MODERN SKI CHALET
How local interior design from Nëvo Design House approaches a Sun Peaks home.
By Justin Moore
It’s not uncommon to see a rustic pair of skies adorned to the wall of a living room here in Sun Peaks. They’re a timeless focal piece that differentiates a tranquil ski chalet on the mountain from a typical homey atmosphere you’d find in a Kamloops home. But these small flairs of decor are one of many such details that contribute to the larger identity of a ski chalet.
For Kamloops-based interior design firm, Nëvo Design House (NDH), a large part of this identity is informed by the encompassing mountain environment.
“It’s bringing in the context of the surroundings into the interior of the home,” Cristalee Murdoc said. “So focusing on the palettes that are in the environment. The woods, and the stones, and the greenery.”
“Whether it’s modern or traditional, [homes] have to have that mountain rustic vibe,” designer Tanya Wasson expanded. “When we approach a design, we really take into account what you’re seeing from the outside. Are you under a chairlift? Are you nestled in the forest? What are those influences that make the interior design? We incorporate that with material selections and colour palettes depending on what the client’s tastes are.”
Murdoc and Wasson are the principal designers of NDH. With their team, they’ve completed several custom home, multi-family and renovation projects
in the Sun Peaks village. The two share an extensive home design background and created Nëvo after years of their respective design companies.
One of NDH’s most recent projects, a renovation in the heart of Sun Peaks’ forests, speaks to the natural inspirations of their design principles.
“We opted for dark yet warm wood details, dark wood cabinetry, black hardware, and simplistic tile finishes – creating a cozy retreat with artistic flare,” Reads the description of Nordic Haven. “The colour palette is inspired by the dark pine forests that the home is surrounded by – bringing in the blacks and greens of the outside to the inside.”
Creating a space that’s social and functional
Beyond the overall aesthetics of a home, ski chalets demand a greater attention to the functionality and use of gathering spaces. Hosting a large number of guests influences every design choice, from the size of a room down to the durability of materials.
“The boot room becomes a very important room,” Wasson laughed. “How many people can be in there? Where is everyone’s gear going? How are you drying the gear? It’s always a highly-designed space. Not necessarily with super high-end finishes or anything, just functional design”
This decision to use practical materials, such as wood, stone and live metals, is common in ski chalet projects. Not only do these materials stand up to years of wear and patina, but they also create a more subdued and modern approach to interior design.
Comfort and relaxation are two other pillars of ski chalet design, providing homeowners and guests with a sense of escape that comes with mountain
living.
“[Clients] want that sort of spa-like feel with saunas and sleekness. Or more of that traditional après-vibe with a stone fireplace and hearth,” Wasson said. “It becomes a gathering place for people.”
“It’s focusing more on a comfortable vibe instead of a more formal vibe,” Murdoc added.
Building on a legacy of ski resort design
While Sun Peaks itself might be a younger resort in development and operational history, its design influences draw from much older regions of the world like Southern Austria and Northern Italy.
“When we did the original design for the village, our ownership decided they liked the look of what they call südtirol… A lot of pastel stucco colours, large trims around windows, flatter roofs,” chief of development and infrastructure Peter Nixon explained.
Sun Peaks Resort LLP employs three sets of design guidelines, one for the village, single family homes and multiplexes. These guidelines influence the types of materials used and overall look of the area’s built landscape.
“Everything ties together,” Nixon stated. “You can see elements that are similar between the single family and the multifamily, and even the village hotels that are tied together. Whereas some other resorts you go to, you say ‘that was built in the 70s, that was built in the 90s… there’s no continuity between them.”
From renders to reality
While much influence is taken from the natural environment and the historic influences of the built landscape, at the end of the day, it’s the homeowners who have the clearest vision of how the interior of their homes are designed.
“People buy homes up there to relax and to get away from their everyday life. We really get the context from the client of what they want and what their ski chalet to be,” Wasson said.
“Then we’ll take that and develop that so that it fits seamlessly within the architecture and the environment,” Murdoc added.
From start to finish, the NDH team employs an extensive and detailed client onboarding process. From early preliminary conceptual design presentations, to models and on-site reviews during the construction process, client satisfaction is the forefront of every project.
“We’ll also do full furniture and styling packages,” Wasson explained. “We curate furniture to coordinate with the design… shop and style and really dial in the project so that the client is going into a completely finished space.”
All that’s left to do is decide where to hang the skis on the wall.
Nëvo’s Nordic Haven draws design inspiration from the surrounding forests of Sun Peaks.
Photo by Natalie Dollman Photography/Nëvo Design House
SUN PEAKS LOCAL ROWYN KOLLER LAUNCHES 3 PEAKS HOME, A STORE DEDICATED TO MOUNTAIN LIVING INTERIORS.
The home store opens this summer, offering on-mountain options for interior design.
By Louise Hudson
A new home store will open later this summer in the Kookaburra Lodge, offering furniture, appliances, hot tubs and an innovative interior design service to help homeowners shop local when refurbishing their properties.
3 Peaks Home by Rowyn Koller Design is a passion project for Koller who has been running the vacation rental management company, 3 Peaks Rentals, with her husband Tobias for nearly seven years.
“I launched my interior design business in July 2022, but my passion for interior design truly began after my husband and I started our vacation rental management business, 3 Peaks Rentals, in November of 2018,” Koller said.
Managing over 4,000 reservations Koller knows how small changes – like updating furniture, improving lighting or adding decor – can improve a vacation rental.
“That realization inspired me to help property owners make smart, impactful design choices that elevate their spaces and maximize their investment.”
The couple lives year-round in Sun Peaks, where they recently welcomed their first baby boy, Jensen. During maternity leave, Koller is finessing plans for the new store. She has realized while running the rental business that many residents and homeowners want to maximize their sports and leisure activities in Sun Peaks, and are reluctant to waste precious time traveling further afield to source home furnishings, accents and appliances.
“That’s why I am working to launch 3 Peaks Home by Rowyn Koller Design this summer,” she explained. “It will be a Sun Peaks-based furniture store that offers everything homeowners need, right here in the village. Once open, we welcome everyone to stop by before or after their day on the [mountain] to browse our carefully curated selection of high-quality, renterproof furniture, decor, appliances and hot tubs.”
The vacant space in Kookaburra will give Koller around 1,651 square feet to display her range
of home furnishings and appliances. With the intention of upgrading homes to meet the latest standards of contemporary comfort and concepts, her design vision is holistic.
“My design philosophy revolves around functionality, comfort and timeless style,” she said. “Whether I'm curating a furniture package, upgrading a kitchen or transforming an entire vacation rental, my focus is on creating spaces that are both inviting and elevate the guest experience.”
She works to balance aesthetics with practicality, particularly in vacation homes, where durability and guest appeal are essential.
“My goal is to simplify the process, with a dedicated local team handling everything from furniture removal to seamless installation so homeowners can enjoy more of what Sun Peaks has to offer, from skiing and biking to hiking and golfing.”
Working with many homeowners across Sun Peaks already, Koller has handled everything from full interior transformations to targeted upgrades such as furniture replacements, kitchen outfitting, garage storage solutions and artistic feature walls.
While many older homes have solid craftsmanship and character, Koller stresses that they may require updates to meet modern expectations. Key makeover elements include enhancing lighting, optimizing layouts for better functionality, and replacing worn-out furniture with durable, stylish pieces.
“Kitchens and bathrooms are also essential areas where even small improvements can make a noticeable difference in both aesthetics and usability… [these spaces] in particular, offer some of the highest returns on investment, whether for resale or vacation rental income,” she said. “A fresh, updated space attracts more guests, leads to better reviews, and increases nightly rental rates.”
Depending on levels of usage and wear and tear,
she recommends that updates to furniture, decor and appliances should be considered every five to ten years to keep competitive.
“Larger remodels, like kitchen and bathroom renovations, are typically needed every 10-15 years,” she added.
With the current disruptions to the trade relationship between Canada and the US, there are some extra difficulties associated with opening a new store.
“Supply chain challenges and trade tariffs can impact material costs and availability, but I prioritize working with a mix of Canadian and international suppliers to ensure flexibility and maintain high quality,” said Koller. “With the launch of 3 Peaks Home, I will focus on curating a selection of durable, stylish pieces that cater to a range of budgets. By sourcing wisely and staying adaptable, I can offer clients well-made products without excessive price increases, ensuring excellent value every time.”
In regard to home trends, she has noticed a move towards warm, organic modernism.
“Think soft neutrals, textured fabrics, natural wood tones and earthy accents,” she described. “Bold statement lighting, mixed metals and moody colours like deep greens and rich blues are also making waves.”
Her recommendations for rental revamps are layered lighting to add coziness, plush but durable furniture and high-end appliances for kitchens. Her design service includes makeovers and redesign for every room in the home, colour consulting, furniture selection and space planning.
“I’m incredibly excited about the launch of my furniture store,” she said. “My goal for 3 Peaks Home is to provide homeowners and rental owners with everything they need to create beautiful, functional spaces that stand out in the market.“
Trappers Landing - bedroom redesigned by Rowyn Koller. Photos by Dom Koric Photography
WHERE TO FIND STAFF HOUSING IN SUN PEAKS
A round up of a few employee housing options.
By Nicole Perry
For those new to Sun Peaks finding accommodation can be one barrier to living and playing here.
Between 2016 and 2021, census data showed the population in Sun Peaks increased 127.9 per cent, jumping from 616 to 1,404. While the population has had a boost, housing has not. Despite efforts from the Sun Peaks Housing Authority and funding from the Housing Accelerator Fund, accommodations in Sun Peaks remain low and in demand.
While securing housing solo can be daunting, those already employed at Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR), Sun Peaks Grand Hotel (SPG) and various village businesses have a few options to make relocating for work a bit easier.
SPR/SPG staff accommodation: within the pod
Housing is available for employees of SPR and SPG in the corporation’s five facilities, Red Fox Lodge, Whispering Pines Lodge, the Burfield Staff Accommodation, Black Bear Lodge and Little Shuswap Lodge, four of which are bunched together in a staff housing pod off Alpine Road near Peaks West.
“In general, our staff accommodation is intended for seasonal employees,” director of communications for SPR, Christina Antoniak said. “But we’ll work with employees on housing solutions if they are transitioning to permanent roles and into longer term accommodation in the community.”
Red Fox Lodge can house up to 116 employees, catered toward couples and made up of either studio units or units with a separate bedroom, both with one large bed and creative storage solutions. Residents can access further storage for bikes and other larger items in the basement.
Black Bear Lodge and Whispering Pines Lodge both consist of two-person dorms containing a kitchenette and bathroom.
Additionally, Black Bear Lodge includes a common social room for residents across all the buildings.
A unique design, Little Shuswap Lodge consists of four individual bedrooms adjoined to a common living space including a kitchen and bathroom.
Unlike Black Bear Lodge and Whispering Pines, Antoniak said Little Shuswap tends to house shift workers and supervisors.
As much as possible, she said they place night shift employees inside Little Shuswap, and within the same apartments.
Beyond the pod
Located outside of the staff housing pod, the Burfield Staff Accommodation lies just across the street, with a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments.
“Some have full kitchens and laundry in-suite, but there is a mix of amenities available,” Antoniak said, adding that there is a laundry facility located in the basement, as well as underground parking and ski lockers.
In addition to its role as SPR staff accommodation, Antoniak said the Burfield’s 35 apartments are leased privately to independent businesses. Because of this, some staff of businesses separate from SPR and SPG are able to be housed here.
There are also options for accommodation in the Village for these employees, including at Sun Peaks Lodge and Hearthstone Lodge. Hearthstone Lodge encompasses restaurants and shops such as Jardines, Tod Mountain Café and Mountain High Pizza while Sun Peaks Lodge is the site of the Steakhouse and Fondue Stube.
Many businesses have also partnered with the Community Lodge Program, which Antoniak said is accepting applications from homeowners. Permanent employees of SPR and SPG are eligible to rent a unit from a homeowner who has opted into this program for a monetary or product incentive.
Employees of Bottoms Bar and Grill, Mountain Man Dog Sled Adventures, Capones Italian Kitchen, Sun Peaks Spa, 3 Peaks Rentals, Ohana Deli and Market, Cahilty Creek Kitchen and Jardines may be able to secure accommodation through this portal.
Little Shuswap Lodge is one option for staff housing. Photo by Nicole Perry/Sun Peaks Independent News
HOME-BASED BUSINESSES IN SUN PEAKS OFFER A RANGE OF SERVICES
From dog grooming to life coaching, learn more about some local home-based
businesses.
By Nicole Perry
Sun Peaks offers a variety of services and products to the community throughout its many businesses.
The Village Stroll hosts many shops, restaurants and everything in between, however home-based businesses are not lacking in Sun Peaks.
SPIN chatted with the owners of three of these home-based businesses, each offering up services for varied client bases.
PETicures and Patterns
Open for two years, PETicures and Patterns is run by Karly Harel out of Whitecroft, servicing clients in the surrounding area, including Sun Peaks, Knouff Lake, McLure, Heffley Creek and Rayleigh.
Being the only dog groomer in an area where dogs are a common addition to households, she said it didn’t take long to build a large client base. Currently, she’s fully booked until July, though she does have a cancellation list.
“It was a plan for me right from the start to hopefully get something going home-based up here for the people,” she said. “So that dogs didn't have to do the massive journey to town, the drive time, plus the four hours in the production line of a salon.”
Having a home-based business is ideal for Harel, who is able to work around her family’s schedule. As a dog groomer for nearly 20 years, she felt
confident in the timing of opening up her own space, where dogs could get a haircut and avoid the pressure and potential stress of public groomers.
The entry level of her three-level split home is her salon, with a bathroom and a wide open space shared with a TV and wood stove.
“It is, from what people have told me, a very comfortable space,” Harel said. “I groom right in front of the window, so all my dogs have a beautiful view.”
A full groom includes a bath, brush, fluff, clip, nails, sanitary trim and ear cleaning, with glands and ear plucking available upon request.
A guideline on Facebook, with contact information listed, specifies that coat condition, density, size and temperament determine final price, ranging from around $75 to $200.
Sun Peaks Creatives
Along with her co-owned business, Discover Sun Peaks Adventures, Maria Cannon began her own business in 2019.
Passionate about music and design, she started up Sun Peaks Creatives to share these passions with others.
The flexibility of a home-based business is a large benefit for someone working seven days a week during the busy times of the year, she explained.
From a music studio space in her home, she offers singing and voice coaching lessons, as someone trained in vocal technique with the Berklee College of Music in Boston and with experience in radio.
Her voice coaching helps with public speaking and voice confidence.
Singing lessons are popular among her client base, which is mostly local to the Sun Peaks area.
“I'm not a classically trained singer,” she said. “But I've always loved to sing, always loved music, and I've done it since I was very young.”
From six year olds to those around 75, there’s no age limit to who she takes on as a student, and no discrimination when it comes to skill levels either.
Lessons are individualized based on age, skill and preferences on style and genre.
“It really helps [students] build confidence,” she said. “And they're not necessarily going to be performers or anything, but it's something they really enjoy, and they kind of want to develop that a bit more.”
Another music lesson she will be offering starting in the fall is Cello lessons, something she’s looking forward to immensely.
Life Untethered Coaching
In
offering one-on-one life coaching to a range of people.
Using Zoom, she meets with her clients once a week, with chat support offered between these calls, providing help with career, finances, relationships, anything she can.
Her main focus is women in midlife at a crossroads, perhaps to do with empty nest syndrome, divorce or retirement.
“It's having a safe, non judgmental space where they can talk about whatever is bothering them, no matter how inconsequential it might seem,” she added.
Having a virtual business allows Hull to work with clients across Canada and even around the world, with some in Europe and Australia and allows flexibility. She enjoys being able to move around to different spaces when working on content creation and holding calls at her dining room table.
Noise from neighbours in her home can be a hindrance to hosting efficient Zoom meetings, however, and maintaining proper work/life separation takes focus.
Aside from these challenges, another benefit is choosing when to make herself available to clients. Hull chooses to run meetings on Wednesdays and Thursdays, providing space in the remainder of her week for speaking engagements, workshops, social media, podcasting and writing her book, Your Goddess Era.
“It's an intense relationship,” she said, explaining that she works with a maximum of 10 clients. “It takes a lot of focus and energy, and I want to be able to be there for each one of them.”
Some clients have been with her for years, but three to four available spaces are opening up in the next few months. People wanting to fill these slots can book a free 40 minute strategy session online.
“Whether people do decide to be a yes for coaching or not, they always get value from those sessions,” she said. “….even from the very act of you showing up for yourself and asking for support and thinking it through out loud with someone, it will get you some clarity and help you figure out how you want to move forward.”
2021, certified life coach Emma Hull began Life Untethered Coaching, an online-based business
Join Emma Hull for life coaching through Life Untethered Coaching. Photo via Facebook/Life Untethered Coaching
Take your dog to PETicures and Patterns for a grooming by Karly Harel. Photo via Facebook/ PETicures and Patterns
WEATHERING THE PEAKS: HOW SUN PEAKS HOMEOWNERS TACKLE
OUTDOOR HOME MAINTENANCE
From roof maintenance to snow removal, Sun Peaks homeowners see it all.
By Louise Hudson
Climate challenges are a major component in outdoor maintenance for Sun Peaks homes. Heavy snowfall in late fall, winter and spring are the obvious villains. But fluctuating temperatures, humidity, seasonal shifts, summer highs and droughts all contribute to the hurdles hounding homeowners.
Maintaining a home’s exterior is essential for preserving its value, whether for resale, rental or personal enjoyment. From the integrity of the roof and gutters to the upkeep of hot tubs, windows, doors, locks and balconies, every detail plays a role in both functionality and aesthetics. And it’s not just the structure. Thoughtful, climate-resistant landscaping around the property not only enhances durability and curb appeal, but also plays a crucial role in fire safety through strategic material choices, conforming with community guidelines and proper maintenance. In a resort community like Sun Peaks, where tourism thrives and architectural charm is a point of pride, curb appeal is more than just an aesthetic afterthought – it’s a key investment. Well-maintained properties not only attract visitors, renters and potential buyers but also contribute to the overall character of the destination.
Local residents, Harold and Kathy Richins own ‘Morrisey Chalet at Sun Peaks’ on Mountain View Drive.
Built in 2006 it is a large property covering close to 275 square metres. The chalet enjoys excellent views of the Burfield ski runs, and outside there is a spacious driveway, various decks and patios, as well as a private back yard separated from the golf course by conifer trees and a large lawn area. In short, plenty of maintenance is required.
While the couple and personal cleaner Gwen Boggiss, do much of the weekly
cleaning and maintenance chores themselves, they use local professionals for larger indoor and outdoor projects – such as Bear Country for hot tub care and maintenance, and Wallace Plumbing.
A major area for concern and continual vigilance is snow, with its related issues of ice and melt water.
“Water is one of the biggest challenges in a snowy climate,” Richins said. “From melting and runoff to the way water moves through a property, it creates ongoing maintenance issues.”
Managing the piles of snow on outdoor surfaces can sometimes feel like a never-ending task. The charismatic pitched roofs that give Sun Peaks its charm also have functional disadvantages in winter. The texture of roofs required by municipal policy means that snow is accumulated rather than sliding off.
“The pitches can create troughs, leading to ice dams in the spring,” Richins explained.
Heat escaping from inside can melt some of the piled up snow, which then refreezes, creating potentially dangerous ice dams, which may cause water ingress issues.
“Water always finds a way,” Richins added. “When snow melts and refreezes, it forces its way back up under shingles, through walls and into homes. We learned that in our first winter here in 2015. If a roof isn’t well insulated or doesn’t have an airspace or electrical tape on the roof, problems arise – especially with high vaulted ceilings.”
The great room at Morrisey Chalet has a 23-foot vaulted ceiling. It also has huge panoramic windows with mountain and forest views that really bring the outside in, but these require extra equipment for cleaning inside and outside due to the height. Inaccessible windows can create further dilemmas for cleaning and seal maintenance.
Professional help in Sun Peaks
For many homeowners, especially those who are not consistently year-round residents, it can be overwhelming to take responsibility for outdoor upkeep themselves. This is when professional services come into play.
Sun Peaks Aquatics dates back to 1996, with Kurtis Wyllie taking over ownership in October 2020. His sales and service manager is Anthony Van Vliet.
“Hot tubs in the winter are a great thing to have after a long day of skiing,” Van Vliet said. “But they can be challenging in the winter given the temperatures that we get with keeping their set temperature.”
Properly insulated covers are key for this so Sun Peaks Aquatics keeps a range of the lightest and highest quality insulated covers. Breakers can trip too, due to the numerous power outages in the area. This requires regular monitoring as well as checking the heater element is still functional.
Having developed an external heater that can be monitored via Wi-Fi, Sun Peaks Aquatics has been able to offer some part-time residents peace of mind. If a hot tub does freeze, it can easily spring a leak within the plumbing system, requiring draining and repairs. Another priority is the walking area around a hot tub which, for safety reasons, has to be kept as dry as possible by clearing snow regularly and ensuring that hoses are intact, allowing water to flow freely to the drain. Keeping a path around the tub, a clear cover and access to the door are the very minimum requirements for hot tub maintenance. At other times of year, hot tubs are less problematic, but it is over-heating which is likely to cause a technical issue that requires resetting. Dirt from outdoor sports, spray tans, lotions, leaves and needles are some of the other seasonal hazards.
Despite looking ethereally beautiful around a home, Van Vliet said “icicles are scary,” after an incident when a large one landed just a foot away from him.
“I wondered if I should start wearing a ski helmet to work.”
Freeze-thaw weather cycles cause icicles to fall suddenly. They are created by hot temperatures inside attic spaces.
“The temperature of the space beneath your roof should be at the same temperature as the ambient temperature outside,” Van Vliet explained. “When houses have poor insulation above their ceiling your house heat will escape into the attic space and cause the snow to melt from the bottom. This in turn causes ice to form and lift up shingles and the water dams up and, when it eventually finds its way underneath your roof, the excess water runs down into your frozen gutter and causes an icicle to form.”
He recommends three ways to prevent this: Heat trace gutters and lower roof, increase insulation in attic spaces and manage air flow to the attic.
An important outdoor maintenance tip is to use snow shovels made from plastic to ensure no damage to decks or other surfaces. It’s hard work but Van Vliet thinks of it as “getting paid to work out.”
For the 2025/2026 season, Sun Peaks Aquatics is expanding to offer a wider snow clearing service for walkways and decks that do not have hot tubs.
Other local professional services for outdoor maintenance include Sun Peaks Property Services Inc., a locally-owned, family-run business that was established in 2000. Alpine Interiors & Maintenance is another Sun Peaks-based service specializing in interior and exterior building maintenance, painting, drywall repair, deck and fence repair/staining and general upkeep.
The exterior of Morrisey Chalet at Sun Peaks. Photo submitted by Harold and Kathy Richins
SUN PEAKS FREESTYLE CLUB ATHLETES WIN BIG AT JUNIOR NATIONALS
Out
of seven Junior National competitors from Sun Peaks across two events, three became champions.
By Nicole Perry
Three Sun Peaks Freestyle Club (SPFC) athletes were dubbed junior national champions at the Canadian Junior Nationals in freestyle skiing, hosted at Calgary Olympic Park, Alta., from March 14 to March 16.
Marigold Campbell became a junior national champion, best overall from U16 women competitors at the event. Jackson Atkinson was champion of men’s U16 and Soneva Lott won for U14 Women’s.
Another Junior National event occurred for Moguls and Ariels in Le Relais, Que. over the weekend of March 19 to March 23, which SPFC’s Logan Brown attended.
Getting invited to events at this calibre is already impressive, Marigold’s father Marc Campbell said, with seven athletes from SPFC attending the two. Three coming out best in their categories was an even bigger accomplishment for the team to celebrate.
SPFC at the Junior National events
Receiving enough points in Timber Tour level events earns athletes a spot at Junior Nationals, where competitors in the average age group of around 13 to 16 compete.
Most competitors after that age can qualify for Canada Cups, Marc Campbell explained. Across three categories for freestyle skiing, Half Pipe (HP), Slopestyle (SS), and Big Air (BA), Campbell, Atkinson and Lott were able to achieve the most points compared to other competitors in their categories.
In each, Atkinson was 10th in HP, 2nd in SS and 2nd in BA for men’s U16, a category in which two other SPFC athletes Wren Grunling and Frank Dusik competed.
With his overall win, Atkinson said he feels great.
“Right now, my main goal is to make it to the provincial team,” he added. “This summer I am going to Wy’East Academy. I will ski most of the summer. Huge Thank You McSporties, mom and dad, coach Justin and my teammates.”
Grunling was 12th in HP, 18th in SS and 4th in BA, while Dusik came out 15th in HP, 10th in SS and 29th in BA.
Lott became a champion of U14 women’s with 2nd in HP, 3rd in SS and 4th in BA, a category in which SPFC’s own Quinn Basko received 4th in HP, 7th in SS
and 2nd in BA.
“I feel very proud of myself,” Lott said. Looking toward her future, she described skiing as her life, intending to do it as long as she can.
The only representative of Sun Peaks in her category, Campbell made the podium twice with 4th in HP, 3rd in SS and 2nd in BA.
“It felt really cool and I loved being up on the podium with some of my best friends,” she said. “It’s always more fun to share the moment with them.”
Going forward, some of her goals include X Games
one day and being a part of team Canada.
“I just hope my skiing will inspire the next generation of young female skiers,” she added.
Having attended his first Junior Nationals, Brown felt he learned a lot from his competition, especially it being his first time in Aerials.
“I felt like my flipping and my air awareness improved a lot after the experience,” he said. “Overall, it was lots of fun and a great experience that I enjoyed.”
Wren Grunling, Jackson Atkinson, Marigold Campbell and Soneva Lott (left to right) in front of McSporties, who sponsor Campbell and Atkinson. Photo by Marc Campbell
8 Watch without downloading 14 Trouble-free, as a guarantee
16 "___ here!" ("Poltergeist" line)
17 One who might ask, "Need a lift?"
19 ___-a-Highway (litter cleanup program)
20 Lighter brand
21 Baby bloomer?
22 What it all adds up to
24 Result of a failed Breathalyzer test: Abbr.
25 Stolen item on a diamond
26 Comic strip crash sound
29 One who might ask, "Need a hand?"
32 Knucklehead
34 Hotel units: Abbr. 35 Unwell 36 Vancouver hockey players 38 Piddlier 42 Ringside ruling
43 Robert Service's McGee 44 Hockey helmet fastener
Barbara Olson
SUDOKU
1 Ancient Peruvian
2 Deserving a treat
3 Really, really
4 Highway on/off roads
5 Q-U connector
6 Prince George's late great granny: Abbr
7 Gets off the fence
8 "I'm with ___" (T-shirt phrase)
9 "Comin' ___ the Rye"
10 Gas pump option: Abbr.
11 Visually sizing up
12 Stir, as suspicion
13 Thread bearer
45 One who might ask, "Need a job?" 15 Police sting or blind date 18 Cowpoke's poker 23 TV role for Robin Williams
25 Refuses to comply, with "at" 26 Secretly include in an email
27 Pie ___ mode
28 Habs home game attendee, likely
30 Hwy. sign distances
31 Article in Der Spiegel?
33 Fists that are "put up"
37 "Kiss the ___" (Newfoundland visitor's initiation)
38 Lodge on the river
39 Jobs creation
40 Water under "le pont"
50 Wad you don't want in your
"To a Mouse" and "To a Louse"
Aspirin initials
Rimouski "rooster"
Burlesque neckwear
Rodeo bucker 58 Meets by chance, with "into"
One who might ask, "Need a break?"
O'Toole and Poilievre, party-wise
Designer inits.
EVENTS
APRIL
18 - MAY 15, 2025
SUNDAYS
Sun Peaks Church will be holding a service every Sunday evening at 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join at the Annex.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library’s mobile library visits Sun Peaks School every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Whitecroft Village from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
MONDAYS
Mark your calendars for Quizzy Rascal Trivia on Monday nights at Morrisey’s Public House, starting at 7 p.m. Each person pays $2 in cash for entry, in teams of up to six people. Table reservations are strongly encouraged, email scraig@sunpeaksgrand. com or call 250-578-6062.
TUESDAYS
Every Tuesday at 6 p.m., there is guided meditation at the Kookaburra Lodge. Dropins are welcome for $15 a session.
THURSDAYS
Bottoms Bar and Grill has karaoke every Thursday night.
Morrisey’s presents Jam Night every Thursday, with $15 jugs, $10 wings and $5 jam donut shots from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
FRIDAYS
AA community addictions meetings run every Friday at Sun Peaks Secondary beside the Health Clinic, starting at 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAYS
Every Saturday morning in March, a pancake breakfast with Harry Bear will be open to all at the Annex. With Sun Peaks staff and season pass holder discounts available, you can chow down on pancakes, hashbrowns and bacon from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
At Morrisey’s Public House, there is live music at 8 p.m. every Saturday.
ONGOING UNTIL APRIL 25
Sun Peaks Alpine Club is hosting a cruise raffle fundraiser for a seven-day Baja Mexico Cruise for two, all food, drinks and excursions are included. Flights and gratuities are not included. The draw will be held at Sun Peaks Alpine Club, 3110-Creekside Way. The winning ticket is drawn using Random Number Generator software. All ticket holders are welcome to attend the draw. Winners will be posted online at https://spac.rafflenexus. com/winners on April 27, 2025.
ONGOING UNTIL APRIL 30
Village shops are clearing out winter gear! Stroll through the village for deals on outerwear, equipment and accessories.
APRIL 21
The Sun Peaks Grand Hotel will be hosting a Wellness & Ayurvedic Experience from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. At $85+ per person, this Master Class taught by Chef Kartik Kumar not only ends in a delicious menu prepared with his teachings, but introduces the wisdom of ayurveda, a holistic approach to the culinary arts. Reserve your seat at Sun Peaks Grand’s website
APRIL 20 - MAY 11
ArtZone Sun Peaks has put together a fourweek introductory course to machine sewing. Each Sunday during this time from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., you’ll be learning the essentials of key sewing techniques through handson projects. What you need for this course is $180, a sewing machine with a manual, spool of thread, empty bobbin, sewing
machine needles, machine attachments and maintenance supplies. If you have them, for later classes bring pins, hand-sewing needles, fabric scissors, seam ripper, fabric marker or chalk and a tape measure. Find out more at ArtZone’s website.
APRIL 27
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Heffley Creek Hall is hosting a community yard sale. Call 250-5787525 or email HeffleyCreekHall@gmail.com to book a table inside or outside.
APRIL 27
The Youth Art Council is putting on a play with Sun Peaks students from Grades 5 and up. The play, Out of the Box is about nursery toys in a workplace setting, It is full of fun humour for all to enjoy! Admission is by donation at Sun Peaks Centre. Doors open at 6 p.m. and there is a fundraising spaghetti dinner at 5 p.m.
MAY 10
Heffley Lake Community Associations has organized a Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, featuring some knowledgeable and interesting speakers. There will be a FireSmart Assessment carried out and a demonstration to hooking up a pump and sprinklers. There will be draw prizes for those attending and a free BBQ at 2588 Golden Horn Rd. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
MAY 16
The wait is over! The Sun Peaks Golf Course opens for the 2025 season May 16 at 9 a.m. Kickstart your morning by teeing off with Harry Bear, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Hole 1. Book a tee time online or call the Pro Shop toll free 1.855.574.5474.
Out of the Box is about nursery toys in a workplace setting, It is full of fun humour for all to enjoy. Photo via Facebook/ ArtZone Sun Peaks
Sun Peaks Golf Course opens for the 2025 season May 16.
Photo via Facebook/Sun Peaks Golf Course
SERVING SUN PEAKS & AREA SINCE 1995!
30 McGillivray Creek, Sun Peaks, BC
$1,299,000 GST N/A
3 Bed + Flex Room | 3.5 Bath, 1645 sq.ft., Zoned RM-2 Warm and inviting end-unit townhome with vaulted ceilings, river rock fireplace, upgraded kitchen, sunny deck, private garage, & hot tub. Offered fully furnished.
2 Powder Ridge, Sun Peaks, BC
$999,000 GST N/A
3 Bed | 3 Bath, 1557 sq.ft., Zoned RM-3
Ski-in, ski-out townhome with private hot tub, backyard, sunny decks, and tandem garage. Stunning mountain views, luxury finishes, & offered fully furnished.
Alder Estates
Lots starting at $549,000 +GST
Discover the perfect blend of mountain living and outdoor adventures at Alder Estates! Adjacent to Sun Peaks Golf Course, these 16 lots offer prime skiing and biking access. With gentle topography, southern/westerly exposure, underground utilities, and stunning mountain views, this unique subdivision is zoned for short-term rentals. Ideal for investors or dream-home builders, don't miss out on this exceptional mountain retreat! Visit alder-estates.ca for more information.
1332 Burfield Drive, Sun
$950,000 GST N/A
3 Bed | 3 Bath, 1680 sq.ft., Zoned R-1
Half duplex backing onto McGillivray Creek w/ extensive upgrades & landscaping. Site-specific amendment for office-based business.
403 Kookaburra Lodge, Sun Peaks, BC
$424,000 GST N/A
Studio | 1 Bath, 485 sq.ft., Zoned CC-1
Ski-in, ski-out studio loft. Bright south facing location overlooking McGillivray Creek. Ski/board & bike storage, with secure heated underground parking. Furnished.
24 Crystal Forest, Sun Peaks, BC
$519,000 GST N/A
1 Bed | 1 Bath, 547 sq.ft., Zoned TA-1
Upper-floor corner condo with mountain views, gas fireplace, heated tile floors, in-suite laundry, & secure underground parking. Short walk to lifts, shops, & dining.
4119 Sundance Drive, Sun Peaks, BC
$3,190,000 GST N/A
4 Bed | 5 Bath, 4059 sq.ft., Zoned RS-1
Ski-in, ski-out slopeside home with self-contained 2-bedroom legal suite. Soaring windows, radiant in-floor heat, HRV, hot tub, & oversized double car garage.
