2417 Fairways Dr: Unparalleled mountain views. Pristine 6 bed, 4 bath home. Includes 2 bed legal suite w/ laundry. Separate garage w/ hydraulic vehicle lift. Offered furnished. $1,849,000
Listing Agent: Damon Newport
15 Altitude: PRIME ski in/out location, 2 bed, 2 bath, fully furnished, modern condo with private hot tub and large ski & bike storage.
Listing Agent: Quinn Rischmueller PREC*
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. GST N/A.
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.
alder-estates.ca for more information.
2388 Heffley Lake Rd: 10 mins from Sun Peaks, custom timber frame home on Heffley Lk. 1/2 acre lot, radiant & wood heat, hot tub,
5411 Lookout Ridge Pl: Convenient ski in/out access! 3 bed, 4 bath, family room, detached games room/office, & rooftop
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Visit us: sunpeaksnews.com editor@sunpeaksnews.com 213 - 1130 Sun Peaks Rd. Sun Peaks, B.C.
BRANDI SCHIER
Publisher brandi@sunpeaksnews.com
JUSTIN MOORE
Partnerships Specialist justin@sunpeaksnews.com
HOLLIE FERGUSON
Community Editor editor@sunpeaksnews.com
AIBIIKE ALYMOVA
Community Journalist aibiike@sunpeaksnews.com
MACARENA MANTILLA JUSTIN MOORE
Contributors
CHRIS PAYNE
Layout & Graphic Designer
IN THIS ISSUE
06
THIS MONTH AT COUNCIL
08
GROWTH, GRATITUDE AND COMMUNITY: 10 YEARS WITH SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS
Reflecting on a decade of leading SPIN.
09
MEET AIBIIKE ALYMOVA, SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS’ NEWEST REPORTER
Aibiike Alymova comes to SPIN from The Omega, Thompson Rivers University’s student newspaper.
10
A LOOK BACK ON WINTER 2024/2025 IN SUN PEAKS
Sun Peaks Resort sees ‘best season to date.’
12
TOURISM SUN PEAKS TAKES OVER MANAGEMENT OF SUN PEAKS CENTRE
In addition to managing the Sun Peaks Centre Stage, Tourism Sun Peaks now runs the operations and marketing for Sun Peaks Centre.
14
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF NORDIC SKIING IN SUN PEAKS
Following the well-groomed tracks of Phil Youwe, the man who pioneered cross-country skiing and education on the mountain.
18
THOMPSON-NICOLA CAMPING: WHAT TO KNOW AND WHERE TO GO
There are many sites for outdoor recreation near Sun Peaks. Here are a few.
20
'THIS ISN'T JUST A WOMAN'S ISSUE,' RED DRESS DAY WALK ORGANIZER SAYS
Viola Thomas, residential “school” survivor and previous Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Tkwenem7iple7 (councillor) spoke to crowds gathered to honour and commemorate Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQIA people.
21 PUZZLES
Can you tackle this month’s crossword? Plus, a new Sudoku and the answers to last month’s puzzles.
Become a member of Sun Peaks Independent News and support local journalism in your community. sunpeaksnews.com/ support-us
This month at council is a monthly version of our bi-weekly newsletter recapping recent Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality council meetings. Sign up for the newsletter at sunpeaksnews.com.
By Aibiike Alymova
Temporary Use Permits
A Temporary Use Permit (TUP) for 2508 Mountain View Dr. was approved. The owners of 2508 Mountain View Dr. applied for a renewal application for a three-bedroom residence that serves as a tourist accommodation. Council approved the TUP for one year; however, it was suggested at the April 1 meeting that council should give two-year permits for short-term rentals such as this. According to the applicant, the property includes sufficient space for parking, snow storage and landscaping. The owners have stated they will handle snow removal themselves.
A TUP for 2418 Fairways Dr. was also approved. While the owners reside in the auxiliary suite as their primary residence, they plan to rent out the main three-bedroom portion of the house to short-term guests. Since the property is currently listed for sale,
council requested clarification on their long-term intentions. In response, the applicants explained that they’re planning on using the house for rent and as additional income. The house has been for sale since November 2023.
BC Builds Project update
It was acknowledged that while efforts were made to keep the public informed about the BC Builds housing project, some residents felt communication was lacking.
Council explained that limited communication was due to the confidentiality required by BC Builds. However, any updates that can be shared are publicly available at council meetings, which can be viewed on Facebook, or on the municipal website.
The 110-unit rental collaboration with BC Housing at 1180 Sun Peaks Rd. will be designed specifically for local workers and residents. The municipality is leasing land to the Sun Peaks Housing Authority, which will own and operate the building. Construction has begun and all updates will be shared at council meetings and on the website.
Sun Peaks Skate Park
A public consultation for the upcoming Sun Peaks Skatepark was held on Friday, May 9 at 5 p.m. at the Hearthstone Lodge. Radius Skateparks, a company with extensive experience designing and building skateparks across Canada, including B.C. has been selected to lead this project. This session offered a chance for the community to help shape the design of the skatepark.
Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality council. Photo SPIN
New Bylaw officer
The bylaw department welcomes Tanya Davies as a new full-time bylaw officer. Davies recently joined the team and brings a strong background in both security and community engagement, having previously worked in security at Sun Peaks Resort LLP. She also has prior law enforcement experience. Davies holds a business certificate, which adds valuable administrative experience to the role.
Sun Peaks Centre and Sun Peaks Centre stage
Effective May 1, the Sun Peaks Centre and Centre Stage management, operations and marketing have officially transitioned to Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP). The organization will now handle the seasonal operations and promotions from May 1 to Nov. 1. All bookings and inquiries should now be directed to TSP.
Financial bylaws
Council is in the final steps of adopting the fiveyear financial plan and tax rate bylaw.
The plan must be adopted by May 15 and include projections for the current and four subsequent years. The tax rate bylaw sets property taxes needed to fund municipal operations and collect taxes of the province, school boards, police services, the Municipal Finance Authority and the BC Assessment Authority. The budget preparation began in November, with the director of finance teaming up with departments to plan ahead. The preliminary budget, which includes a 5.5 per cent property tax increase, was approved on Jan. 21. The bylaws are expected to be formally adopted soon.
Election Report
In accordance with the Local Government Act, an advance voting opportunity was held on March 26. Additionally, mail voting was offered under Mail Ballot Bylaw No. 0017. Out of the 2000 available ballots, only 330 were issued, 319 were accepted without objection. Six ballots were rejected, two mail ballots were missing voter ID or signatures and four others were rejected for errors such as selecting more than one candidate. These rejections had no effect on the final election results.
Community survey results
A community survey was conducted between late December 2024 and early January 2025, receiving only 160 responses. In comparison, the 2020 survey saw 943 participants. Both surveys asked residents which community facilities they wanted to prioritize. The 2025 version included new facility options that were not previously listed, such as a zipline course. The community rated its experience with the health centre, giving a 76 out of 100 satisfaction score. The council's performance received an average rating of 2.4 out of five.
Sun Peaks Housing Authority borrowing
The Sun Peaks Housing Authority (SPHA) currently has a borrowing limit of $900,000 and asked council for the ability to borrow $5 million for the BC Builds project.
Meranti Developments Ltd. has been chosen to construct the SPHA/BC Builds project at 1180 Sun Peaks Rd., and while it will be fully financed during construction with a long-term mortgage, it requires a Project Development Funding Loan, a standard component in BC Builds projects.
Council approved a limit increase of $1 million. Once the final mortgage amount is confirmed, a separate council meeting will be required to authorize additional borrowing.
Kamloops Cancer Centre support request
MLAs from Kamloops Centre, Kamloops – North Thompson, Fraser – Nicola, Cariboo – Chilcotin and Prince George-Valemount have requested local governments advocate for a redesign of the proposed Kamloops B.C. Cancer Centre to ensure it aligns with the standard of care provided throughout British Columbia. The concern comes from the significant changes to the original proposal. The current plan outlines a split facility across two buildings.
Council opted to support the initiative by signing the joint letter being coordinated by the MLAs.
GROWTH, GRATITUDE AND COMMUNITY: 10 YEARS WITH SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS
Reflecting on a decade of leading SPIN.
By Brandi Schier
Last weekend I was sprawled on the floor in my office, surrounded by over 20 years worth of SPIN archive issues. That’s because this spring marks 10 years since I’ve been at the helm of our community publication, and I wanted to look back and see where it all began for me.
Memories and nostalgia spilled across the pages with so many personally and professionally important moments, but mainly so many community milestones. A decade ago, SPIN was chronicling the beginning of the Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association, breaking ground on the Health Centre and the new rink, and marveling at over 90 kids enrolled in the Sun Peaks School. We were talking about the future skate park, a new event called Snowbombing and the effects of a heating housing market.
The community has changed, and so have the people in it, growing into different roles and fulfilling different needs. Neighbours, coworkers and clients became my lifelong friends. Shredding pals became amazing mountain mums and dads, entrepreneurs and community leaders. I’ve seen seasonal workers become managers, directors and even council members.
Friends, we’ve come so far.
Together we’ve navigated incredible challenges, from years of a global pandemic and threats from wildfires, to inflation, recessions and other factors well outside our control. My hope and goal throughout these events is that SPIN provided the information and perspective readers needed in the moment, and helped you reconnect with the community on the other side.
In our first issue, I talked about the importance of reemphasising the “Independent” in our name, and a year later I wrote about “flying by the seat of the pants” as the new publisher. In those ways, I guess some things haven’t changed. The other strong through line has been my gratitude for our readers,
advertisers, my team, my family and the friends turned family. It’s been an incredible journey, punctuated by an especially challenging personal year for me, and knowing the community was there to support me and provide a soft place to come home to has been irreplaceable.
Like many other long-time locals, I’ve also struggled with certain aspects of living in Sun Peaks. At times it seemed too small, too isolated or too expensive. But the moments of struggle pale in comparison to the privileges we all enjoy here. I have so much gratitude for a home that’s not only safe, but provides abundant access to nature and activities we love, and the friendships and communities that grow around them. This place has given me so much, including space to try new things and to fail.
From a business perspective, the shift to individuals stepping up in a meaningful way to help financially support our journalism has had a significant impact on SPIN but also myself professionally. The work that we are doing together here provided the evidence and inspiration for me to innovate with this model in other communities and publications. It’s allowed me to share our success in academic papers and classrooms, refuting the overwhelming narrative that local news is dying and that people don’t value it. The wealth of professional experience I’ve gathered here has guided me on national boards, and at speaking events and conferences across the country.
Out of all the stories I get to help tell, the story of SPIN and everything we’ve learned together over the past 10 years is my favourite one to share. Please know that your strong support of community journalism has a difference. It’s truly been a privilege to grow alongside our community and thank you for trusting me along this journey.
SPIN's publisher Brandi Schier. Photo by Tamra Jaeger Photography
MEET AIBIIKE ALYMOVA, SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS’ NEWEST REPORTER
Aibiike Alymova comes to SPIN from The Omega, Thompson Rivers University’s student newspaper.
By Aibiike Alymova
Aibiike Alymova enjoyed telling stories her whole life. Though she first dreamed of a career in film directing, she found herself in Kamloops, pursuing a journalism degree.
Her journey in journalism started in 2021, when she moved from Kyrgyzstan to pursue her education. For the first two years, she walked past the office for Thompson Rivers University's student newspaper, The Omega, and pull the doorknob, but every time it was locked. In her third year, she heard the newspaper was back, applied for the sports editor position and got it. She worked closely with the TRU WolfPack and the Kamloops Blazers, learning the basics of journalism.
Growing up in Kyrgyzstan, Aibiike started skiing when she was a kid and she’s looking forward to experiencing winter at the resort. She is not only excited about the colder seasons, but also eager to see what summer at Sun Peaks has to offer and get involved in the community all year round.
What excites you about reporting on the community in Sun Peaks?
“Mostly getting to know the community and understanding what makes it unique. I’m especially excited about meeting the people who call Sun Peaks home, hearing their stories and experiencing everything firsthand. I’m looking forward to immersing myself in local culture.”
What do you hope will come about as a result of your local reporting?
“I believe that journalism amplifies community voices and I hope that I’ll give residents the opportunity to be heard.”
Outside of reporting, what are you most looking forward to, in terms of connecting with Sun Peaks and the people who live here?
“I’m really excited about just being part of the community; attending events, exploring local businesses and getting to know people beyond interviews.”
Aibiike Alymova is Sun Peaks Independent News’ new reporter. Photo by Jess Beaudin
Consistent snow helped boost the resort’s numbers during the 2024/2025 season. Photo submitted by Sun Peaks Resort LLP
A LOOK BACK ON WINTER 2024/2025 IN SUN PEAKS
By Aibiike Alymova
Coming out of a rocky 2023/2024 winter season province-wide, this year’s consistent snow and reliable international visitation helped boost the numbers for the 2024/2025 winter season in Sun Peaks.
Despite a delayed start, Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) saw over 4,000 visitors on opening day, according to Christina Antoniak, SPR’s director of communications.
“We are very happy with how the season played out in terms of both snow conditions and visitation, especially compared to the previous winter season,” Antoniak said.
Last season's low snowfall and overall “challenging weather patterns,” impacted visitation Antoniak said. However this year brought steady snow, especially in the week leading up to opening day Nov. 23, boosting guests’ confidence as they booked stays, Antoniak added.
“Right out of the gate, we had very good snow in early winter that set us up for a good, solid snow base, which you need in this business,” Antoniak said. “December was a really good snow month, consistent, continuous snow [through the month] leading up to our two busiest weeks of the year, which are the holidays over Christmas and New Year.”
At the beginning of the season, the resort opened its new alpine chairlift,
West Bowl Express. It was a three-year project at the highest elevation on Tod Mountain. Additionally, SPR also worked with Powder Ventures for snow cross course.
With new infrastructure, reliable snow and consistent temperatures up to the end of the season, SPR closed the season at high numbers with December and March as the two biggest snow months, which helped bring in guests through the spring break period.
“Overall, by the end of the season, we had surpassed our record for the most skier visits in one season,” Antoniak said. “We had our best season to date.”
Tourism Sun Peaks
Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) had a record-breaking season this year, with a 90.7 per cent occupancy rate from November to February and an increase of visitors from the US, according to Naomi Kerchinsky, TSP’s executive director.
“We had more US visitation this year than we had in previous years or [from] other international markets,” Kerchinsky said. “Australia, New Zealand and the UK
were pretty on par, but US visitation was up as in previous years, especially people coming out of Washington. I think that was aided by our involvement with the Ikon Pass.”
Ikon Pass is a collaborative ski pass that allows its holder to attend multiple resorts in Canada, USA, Chile, Andorra, Austria, Japan, France, Italy, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand.
Despite record numbers through the winter, early spring brought a dip in visitors, attributable to a shift in weather patterns at lower elevations.
“We certainly saw warmer temperatures at the resort, but the snow held. That did pull people's attention away from skiing, from mid-March onwards,” she said.
One of the biggest challenges TSP faced with guests included lost luggage for international guests at the airport and long lines for amenities during peak visitation periods.
On the other hand, there were a number of memorable moments throughout the season.
Along with successful events such as the Savour Culinary Event in March, other community based events brought in the holiday spirit.
“We did, for the first time ever, a tree light up event up in the plaza by the park,” Kerchinsky said. “It was one of those nights it was snowing, and everyone was gathered there, and there was music. The school did a bake sale, and we had 250 people gather for the light up. It just kind of felt like that Grinch/Whoville moment. It was really, really magical.”
“Over the Christmas period, we had a couple of magical days when it was just snowing and then it was sunshine,” she said. “ Mother Nature gave Sun Peaks some beautiful powder days.”
PEAKS SCHOOL (Near P5): 10:00am - 1:00pm
VILLAGE: 2:15pm - 3:15pm
Events like First Fridays helped bring in visitors this season. Photo submitted by Sun Peaks Resort LLP
Sun Peaks saw a packed holiday season, with December among one of the busiest times. Photo submitted by Sun Peaks Resort LLP
TOURISM SUN PEAKS TAKES OVER MANAGEMENT OF SUN PEAKS CENTRE
In addition to managing the Sun Peaks Centre Stage, Tourism Sun Peaks now runs the operations and marketing for Sun Peaks Centre.
By Aibiike Alymova
Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) is now the operator of the Sun Peaks Centre, previously managed by Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM).
Taking over the operations, marketing and management of the centre and Sun Peaks Centre Stage, TSP is hoping to increase the amount of use the space gets throughout the year.
As both a pull for tourism as well as a community resource, the Sun Peaks Centre will continue to host the hockey rink in the winter in addition to ticketed events in the summer.
“When I… talked to the different stakeholders, [Sun Peaks Centre and Sun Peaks Centre Stage] keep coming up again and again as an underutilized asset in our community and being an
“With that long-term event strategy in place, and us looking to become a multi-season destination that's vibrant in multiple seasons, not just winter, we really saw the Sun Peaks Centre and the Sun Peaks Centre Stage as an anchor of this strategy.”
economic driver for business,” Naomi Kerchinsky, executive director of TSP said.
Through conversations with community members, the municipality and Sun Peaks Resort LLP, Kerchinsky said it made the most sense for TSP to run the centre.
Along with hiring a long-term event management contractor and rolling out an event strategy, the goal is to use the centre as an economic driver.
“With that long-term event strategy in place, and us looking to become a multi-season destination that's vibrant in multiple seasons, not just winter, we really saw the Sun Peaks Centre and the Sun Peaks Centre Stage as an anchor of this strategy.”
2024’s Brett Kissel concert at Sun Peaks Centre Stage is just one example of the many ticketed events Tourism Sun Peaks hopes will bring crowds to the village all year long. Photo by Catheryne Bossé/Sun Peaks Resort LLP
Community and tourism events
While seeking to attract visitors, the focus is still on balancing the needs of the community and TSP will work closely with SPMRM to ensure that happens.
“We will balance the needs of community and corporate for these facilities,” Kerchinsky said. “The municipality will really think about the community’s needs, because that is their goal. Wearing our tourism hat, we also are going to be thinking about, ‘how are we using these facilities to draw more tourists into the destination?’”
In addition to ticketed events at the centre, a few TSP events to look out for this summer include Rockin’ In the Peaks and the First Friday series at the Clock Tower as well as Friday Night Music.
“We have a killer lineup for this summer,” Kerchinsky said.
Going into the fall, folks can expect the Alpenglow Arts Festival, Paws in the Peaks Dog Festival and more. Other events are unconfirmed but in the works, and a sneak peek of the summer events can be found on TSP’s website.
Sun Peaks Centre is now under the management of Tourism Sun Peaks. Photo by Zuzy Rocka
Naomi Kerchinsky, executive director of Tourism Sun Peaks says balancing the community and corporate needs will be a priority as TSP takes on management of the Sun Peaks Centre.
Photo provided by Naomi Kerchinsky
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF NORDIC SKIING IN SUN PEAKS
Following the well-groomed tracks of Phil Youwe, the man who pioneered cross-country skiing and education on the mountain.
By Justin Moore
Nordic camps led by Glenn Bond have been in operation for over 13 years, driving more passion for the sport on the mountain.
Nordic skiing wasn't always the prevalent sport as it’s seen in Sun Peaks today. As of this season, nearly 40 kilometres of cross-country ski tracks are groomed and traversed. But in the early 1990s, Sun Peaks Resort was strictly a downhill skiing destination. This ultimately changed in 1994 with the arrival of Phil Youwe and an energetic group of cross-country skiers who would change the trajectory of the sport in Sun Peaks forever.
Growing up in Kamloops, Youwe always considered Sun Peaks to be his home mountain, with downhill skiing becoming a large part of his life early on. He competed with the Tod Mountain Racing Team for a period in the late ‘60s before heading to university. This would be where a group of friends introduced him to Nordic skiing, setting up a crosscountry trip to Lightning Lakes in E.C. Manning Provincial Park.
It wasn’t long before Youwe sparked a passion for the sport, competing in a Nordic marathon that
spanned 50 kilometres from Lac la Hache to 100 Mile House.
“I went out there in my touring skis and finished it in six and a half hours, and I thought, ‘this is a great sport,’” Youwe said.
Youwe later moved to Heffley Lake in 1987 where he taught his kids to ski. He would become a mentor not only to his own family, but to many other children in the budding Sun Peaks community.
The beginning of the Jackrabbit program
With many young families calling Sun Peaks home in the early ‘90s, a new generation of skiers was emerging. With Youwe’s own kids beginning to ski the mountain, he took inspiration from Overlander Ski Club’s junior development program at Stake
Lake and took initiative to organize his own on the mountain.
“Nordic really wasn't a part of the mountain before I came in ‘94. It was an opportunity to start to expand it because I’d grown a love for Nordic,” Youwe said.
Running the Sun Peaks rabbit program on Sundays, a day after Stake Lake’s Saturday class, Overlander volunteers could participate in the brand new program. Borrowing a tracksetter from the resort, Youwe laid the first course where the 18th hole of the golf course sits today. This began the first of many Nordic programs on the hill.
“Within a year or two we had 30 kids. We didn’t have a lodge or a little hut or anything. After our session we would walk the kids over to the Alpine Club cabin, which is over there in P3. We’d have our hot chocolate and cookies. [The program] took right off,” Youwe explained.
Photo submitted by Phil Youwe
Interest builds for Sun Peaks Nordic
Interest in Nordic began to steadily increase throughout Sun Peaks in the late ‘90s, and a core group of cross-country enthusiasts began to emerge around Youwe, instructing Nordic, telemark skiing and the rabbit program.
In 1998, Youwe created a Nordic host program, which saw a group of volunteers become ambassadors for cross-country skiing on the mountain. They’d interact with visitors, relay grooming schedules, maintain trail signage and generally advocate for the sport.
During this period, cross-country loppet organized by Youwe also started, with courses spanning the Morrisey Connector right down to the Village Day Lodge.
“It was definitely growing well. There was a period there when I was running two loppets a year. We had a Kookaburra Loppet which was to celebrate some of the Aussies coming up here in January. And then we had the Sun Peaks Loppet later in March.”
Youwe remembers the tremendous support from early sponsors, resort events coordinators and volunteers.
“That guy loves prizes,” Glenn Bond laughs. “Phil was great at talking to suppliers. I’ve been around events a long time but the Sun Peaks loppets had the most prizes of any event I’ve ever seen.”
Bond, who was Nordic Manager at SilverStar Mountain Resort at the time, became an instrumental part of Nordic event coordination with Youwe, later starting his own ski camp outfit that still coaches today.
“We still didn’t really have a Nordic presence, in the sense that we didn’t have a club or anything at that time. From the mid-’90s through 2000 we ran almost ten loppets in a row. We made a few real firsts in B.C. where we decided to run dual loppet events. That meant we could run a classic race and a skate race all at the same time.”
Much of this foundation and passion for Nordic skiing in Sun Peaks steadily increased over the next 10 years. Trails became groomed more frequently, annual events were indicating support and word was getting out that Sun Peaks was a great destination for Nordic enthusiasts. But this was only the beginning.
From retirement to Nordic Coordinator
In 2011, Youwe made the decision to retire after working for 35 years in range management for the Ministry of Forest. With more time on his hands, Youwe set out to create a robust Nordic program for Sun Peaks.
Bouncing ideas off his friend, Christopher Nicholson, Youwe created a five-year plan which highlighted increased revenue opportunities for the resort, established more loppet events, detailed the creation of an official Nordic club and described the job position for a Nordic Coordinator.
That fall, Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) hired Youwe for that exact position.
“So that took off. And then I realized that in order to really start growing the sport of Nordic skiing in an alpine resort, you’ve got to create some awareness,” explained Youwe. “People didn’t really know what equipment to buy, how to dress for Nordic skiing… So I started running lectures.”
These lectures were guested by gear outfitters, nutritionists and other friends of Youwe who shared their experiences in the sport with guests.
More winter camps had also become available with Bond’s arrival on the mountain. Taking inspiration from Youwe, Bond introduced SilverStar coaches to the Sun Peaks Mountain, later educating and developing a strong team of local coaches.
Loppets had also grown alongside Nordic education. The Holy Cow had competitors starting at the top of the mountain, racing down to the valley below in an exhilarating twist on cross country racing.
“Holy Cow is an appropriate name for that trail, and the fact that we put an event on that… this is wild,” laughed Bond.
“We did a lot of new things in that sense. At that point, you could really start to see the growth of Nordic and the attention that Nordic was receiving,” Youwe said.
The legacy of Phil’s Way
Now, after 30 years of pioneering Nordic skiing on the mountain, Youwe is once again retiring. But as his impressive and extensive collection of skis indicates, he won’t be stepping off the trails anytime soon.
“I’ll continue to be a presence up there on the trails,” Youwe said. He’s looking forward to working more closely with the Nordic club he established as he steps away from the role of Nordic Coordinator.
His is a legacy that can best be celebrated by the recent opening of Phil’s Way, part of 2.7 kilometres of new Nordic trail opened this season, named in recognition of Youwe’s service to the sport.
“That’s a very humbling experience, to have a legacy like that, to have a trail named after myself. I thank the resort for doing that. We have a few other trails on the courses - Heinz’s Way and Siggy's Shortcut named after two of our groomers. It’s good to see that the resort is recognizing some of the players that have brought cross-country skiing to the resort.”
Looking back on his personal history, Youwe credits many who stood by him over the course of his time at SPR. From event marketers to volunteers and even the alpine grooming team that evolved to become expert Nordic trail groomers.
“You only have to go up to the cabin and read the log books we’ve had there over the years,” Youwe said. “People love it.”
Nordic skiing remains a prominent sport in Sun Peaks today thanks to the contributions of Phil Youwe, who is stepping away from the position of Nordic Coordinator.
Photo by Justin Moore/Sun Peaks Independent News
Loppets like the Holy Cow became a staple in the winter seasons, organized by Youwe and Bond. Photo by Justin Moore/Sun Peaks Independent News
THOMPSON-NICOLA CAMPING: WHAT TO KNOW AND WHERE TO GO
There are many sites for outdoor recreation near Sun Peaks. Here are a few.
By Macarena Mantilla
Looking to get outside this spring and summer? Whether seeking a day trip, or an overnight camping excursion, the Thompson-Nicola region boasts many beautiful options for exploration within a short driving distance.
BC Parks reminds campers that long weekend reservations require a booking of three nights minimum for front country camping, which includes Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
“Only book for dates that you intend to use,” BC Parks said in an email. “Access to reservations should be fair and equal for everyone.”
Additionally, every outdoor space in B.C. has a unique ecosystem and a rich cultural heritage. Please camp with respect to these spaces and practice Leave No Trace. To learn more about the seven principals of Leave No Trace, visit Leave No Trace Canada.
While camping, do not approach wildlife, and be Bear Aware if recreating in areas with populations. Bears are attracted to food and garbage, so never store food in tents or leave it outside in a cooler.
Always take into consideration any fire restrictions or bans when camping, and stay up-to-date by visiting the province's dedicated web page.
Campbell Lake
Located to the southeast of Kamloops, Campbell Lake has a recreation site with 31 campsites and has been a popular spot for fishing. The lake spans 115.4 hectares and approximately 285 acres.
The recreation area has a boat launch, tables and toilets. There is a $15 camping fee operating on a
first-come, first-served basis once you get to the recreation site.
Duffy Lake
Duffy Lake is located south of Cherry Creek on Greenstone Mountain, the recreation site has 52 campsites. It is popular among fishers and off-road vehicle motorists due to its trails and rainbow trout.
The site has boat launch, tables and toilets along with a $15 camping fee. Camping works on a first-come, first-served basis once you get to the recreation site.
Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park
The park offers various activities like fishing, boating, hiking, biking, paddling and swimming along with a recreation site that has 144 campsites. For frontcountry camping folks can drive their
vehicle directly to the campsite, making it accessible and easy to set up. For vehicle accessible camping there is a $23 fee per party per night. There is a BC seniors’ rate depending on the time of year.
BC parks has a website available to reserve your campsite online, giving you the option to choose a tent, camper, trailer or RV at Lac Le Jeune. For camping, bookings are required from May 10 to Sept. 22 and the area fills up fast.
The campsite has a boat launch, tables, toilets, playgrounds, sani-station and potable water. The campground officially opened on May 15.
Paul Lake Provincial Park
Paul Lake is located to the northeast of Kamloops with 90 campsites surrounded by trees, offering various activities like cycling, wildlife viewing, fishing, canoeing, swimming, hiking and a beach.
The park operates on a first-come, first-served basis, but campsite reservations are also available online. For vehicle-accessible camping there is a $18 fee per party, per night including a tent, camper, trailer or RV. There is a BC seniors’ rate depending on the time of year. The campground officially opened on May 15 and gates are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
The campsite has a boat launch, picnic areas, toilets, playgrounds, sani-station and potable water.
Steelhead (Sk'emqin) Provincial Park
Located near Kamloops Lake for those travelling through Highway 1, this is an overnight camping spot easier for travelers, boating and fishing enthusiasts. The park has 240 metres of beach on the lake, the campground is located near Savona along with amenities.
Steelhead (Sk'emqin) has 44 campsites operated on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not accepted. Some campsites overlook the lake, others the river and others are in a field with room for large vehicles. For vehicle-accessible camping there is a $23 fee per party, per night. There is a $5 fee for electrified sites per night and a BC seniors’ rate depending on the time of year.
Activities like waterskiing, windsurfing, cycling, fishing, canoeing, swimming and hiking are available at the campground. The campgrounds have a boat launch, electrical hook-ups, potable water, picnic areas, toilets and showers.
The recreation site of Campbell Lake. Photo by Recreation Sites and Trails BC
The view of Duffy Lake from the recreation site. Photo by Recreation Sites and Trails BC
The dock at Lac le Jeune near the recreation site. Photo by BC Parks
The beach at Paul Lake. Photo by BC Parks
The recreation site at Steelhead (Sk’emqin) park. Photo by BC Parks
Tunkwa Lake Provincial Park
The park is located southwest of Kamloops with mid elevation grasslands, wetlands and forests. It has two man-made trout fishing lakes, Tunkwa and Leighton. Tunkwa Lake is one of the top ten provincial rainbow trout fisheries.
There are three separate campgrounds which offer 55 traditional style sites and 220 informal sites. The traditional camping site can accommodate anywhere from a tent to a large recreational vehicle. The informal sites allow groups of camping units to camp together. Some areas are designated for longstay camping where a minimum of four consecutive weeks have to be booked. Contact a park operator to book for long stays.
For vehicle accessible camping there is a $18 fee per party per night and long-stay camping has a $70 fee per week. There is a BC seniors’ rate depending on the time of year. Activities like fishing, hunting, canoeing, swimming and hiking are available.
The campground has picnic areas, toilets, potable water, and boat launch.
Isobel Lake
Isobel Lake has some activities including hiking, fishing, paddling, swimming, biking, canoeing and more. It has a three kilometre low mobility trail with benches, picnic tables, outhouses, docks, boat launch and toilets.
There is a stock of rainbow trout on the lake, along with 19 campsites and no fees are charged for camping.
Pass Lake
Pass Lake is popular among fly fishers to get rainbow trout. There are 13 campsites available with no overnight fees.
Amenities like toilets, boat launch, picnic tables and hiking trails are available. Camping is limited to a maximum of 14 consecutive days per visit.
The lake is located to the south of Kamloops, it has 14 exposed sites and is known to be a popular place for fishing and paddling. Rainbow trout is available at the lake along with fly fishing and trolling.
The recreation area has a boat launch, wharf, tables and toilets. There is a $15 camping fee operating on a first come, first served basis once you get to the recreation site. The campsites cannot be reserved and if there is camping it is limited to fourteen consecutive days per visit.
East Barrière Lake recreation site has recreational opportunities like watersports. The campground has 16 campsites where there is a $15 camping fee operating on a first come, first served basis and will officially be open on May 15.
Amenities like toilets, boat launch, picnic tables, hiking trails, fishing, canoeing and swimming are available. Camping is only allowed for a maximum of 14 consecutive days per visit.
Mcgillivray Lake
Mcgillivray Lake is located near Sun Peaks and is popular for fishing. It is considered a swampy lake with characteristics like barrage of mosquitoes and leaches at the edges of the lake.
There are three campsites available and no fees need to be paid. Camping is only allowed for a maximum of 14 consecutive days per visit. It has tables and toilets available. Some water activities can be done in the lake.
Heffley Lake
Heffley Lake is a popular spot over the summer with 30 campsites available which cannot be reserved in advance. There are several boat launching areas available depending on the watercraft. Amenities like toilets, picnic tables, fishing and canoeing are available.
There is a $15 camping fee operating on a first come, first served basis and camping is only allowed for a maximum of 14 consecutive days per visit.
There is also a privately owned area called Lakeside Heffley Hideaway which will open for the May long weekend. There are hiking and water spots available as well as camping starting at $50 per night. If you want to know more you can visit their website.
Johnson Lake
Johnson Lake is close to Barrière, the campground has 12 campsites operating on a first come, first served basis. The recreation site is considered to be rustic with two pit toilets and no running water or electricity in the area.
Make sure to follow proper outdoor etiquette since there can be overcrowding and misuse, leading to environmental challenges. There is a car-top boat launching access only and there is a recommended engine power restriction of 7.5 kilowats at the lake.
There is a $15 camping fee and camping is only allowed for a maximum of 14 consecutive days per visit.
Edith Lake
East Barrière Lake
The dock at Tunkwa Lake. Photo by BC Parks
The dock of Edith Lake. Photo by Recreation Sites and Trails BC
The view of Isobel Lake. Photo by Recreation Sites and Trails BC
The view of Pass Lake.
Photo by Recreation Sites and Trails BC
The view of East Barrière Lake. Photo by Recreation Sites and Trails BC
The view of Mcgillivray Lake.
Photo by Best Sun Peaks
The view of Heffley Lake.
Photo by Recreation Sites and Trails BC
The view of Johnson Lake.
Photo by Recreation Sites and Trails BC
'THIS ISN'T JUST A WOMAN'S ISSUE' RED DRESS DAY ORGANIZER SAYS
Viola Thomas, residential “school” survivor and previous Tk emlúps te Secwépemc Tkwenem7iple7 (councillor) spoke to crowds gathered to honour and commemorate Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQIA people.
By Macarena Mantilla
Editor’s note: As a member of Discourse Community Publishing, SPIN uses quotation marks around the word “school” because the Truth and Reconciliation Commission found residential “schools” were “an education system in name only for much of its existence.”
As rows of Kamloopsians walked down Tranquille Road from the Lii Michif Otipemisiwak office to Spirit Square for Red Dress Day, many held cedar bows tied in red fabric and sang songs. Every so often, a car would honk in support.
Lii Michif Otipemisiwak and Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society organized the Red Dress Day walk to bring awareness and commemorate the day on May 5. This year, hand painted signs once again called on all levels of government, especially the newly-elected Liberal federal government, to take meaningful action to help protect the lives of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA people.
Some people held signs that read “No More Stolen Sisters” and some wore T-shirts with the name of friends and family members who are missing, such as Alice Maureen Chingee who went missing in McLeod Lake, B.C. last year. Besides the sense of solidarity during the event, there was a sense of tiredness and sorrow that this is still an ongoing issue. Year after year folks come together to remember their missing family members and ask for justice long ago promised.
Organizers gave many of the roughly 50 participants ribbons and cedar tied in fabric. In many Indigenous cultures, cedar is burned to drive out negative energies and bring positive energies as a purifier.
In Spirit Square, Viola Thomas, Tk'emlupsemc residential “school” survivor and previous Tk emlúps te Secwépemc Tkwenem7iple7 (councillor), spoke to the crowd.
“This isn’t just a woman’s issue, the right of safety is the right of safety for all,” Thomas said.
“We call out to the governments on all levels to implement the calls to action [also known as calls to justice] which are 231 calls to action from the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry.
“Of the 231 calls to action only two have been implemented. The final inquiry report was released in 2019 and here we are still today waiting for action from all levels of government for the implementation of the calls to justice.”
Thomas has worked to advance the rights of Indigenous people for 30 years. She was the first Indigenous woman elected as National President for the National Association of Indian Friendship Centres and participated in the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry.
Back in 2018, Thomas participated in the truth gathering process of the national inquiry. She spoke to the panel about the impacts of colonialism on Indigenous women and two-spirit people and the importance of restoring traditional Indigenous ways.
Residential “school” aimed to make people feel ashamed of their Indigenous identity and bodies, she said, “compounded by the layers of systemic, institutionalized racism by the state.”
In contrast, Indigenous laws and ways of knowing can “offer a springboard opportunity to revitalize our dignity as the first peoples of this country,” she said, which includes traditional ways of understanding gender roles.
“There is no he/she in our language – in Tk’emlúps language,” she said. “There is no, in my opinion, gender distinctions within our ceremonies, our songs and our dances. We celebrate and honour our diversities through our traditions.”
Thomas said more action could be taken by asking the province to get forensic experts to go through the cases of MMIWG.
The history and meaning of Red Dress Day
Red Dress Day originated in 2010 when Métis artist Jaime Black did an art installation named REDress Project using red dresses as a visual representation of MMIWG across Canada.
The project gathered traction to help commemorate the lives of those who were lost or are missing due to violence.
Empty red dresses hang in public spaces like lamp posts, trees and more to bring attention to the high number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
According to the Assembly of First Nations, 16 per cent of Indigenous women are homicide victims and 11 per cent are missing.
Additionally, Indigenous women are twice as likely to experience violence from their former or current partner and four times more likely to be victims of violence compared to non-Indigenous women, leading the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls to use the term genocide to describe the ongoing intergenerational harms faced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.
Statistics Canada found the RCMP were less likely to lay or recommend a charge of first-degree murder if the victim was Indigenous in 27 per cent cases. Instead, the charges of manslaughter and second-degree murder were more common.
During the event, Thomas spoke about how action like making signs, wearing red and marching in solidarity with survivors was important to make voices heard in all government levels. In addition, acknowledging colonization and the effect of residential “schools” on Indigenous Peoples is increasingly important in response to the rise of residential “school” denialism.
People leading the Red Dress Day walk. Photo by Macarena Mantilla
23 Planet in a '70s sitcom 24 *Large oared craft on a sailing ship
25 Detached, musically: Abbr. 28 Smartphone forerunner, briefly 30 H2O, to Henri
*Employees, collectively
Russian emperors 38 Figure in a human evolution sketch
___ crossroads 40 "The Waste Land" poet's initials
Become compost
Stone in an oyster bed
*Dog breeder's ancestral concern
Seasonal worker of the north? 50 Having five sharps, musically
___ the crack of dawn 24 ___ Saint-Jean, Québec
1 "Self" starter?
2 Blade in the pen
3 A handful 4 Newfoundland's nickname 5 Nutty-as-a-fruitcake type
"Get going!" 7 Canada Dry ginger ___
Followed too closely on the road
Wide-ranging, as a bill
Kid's retort to a skeptic
or
Trade 26 Enjoy many a liquid lunch, say 27 Kind of code or rug
29 Washed out, colour-wise
32 Lands with a thud, as a joke
33 Prince William's alma mater
35 "What ___-off!"
36 Canadian building supply chain
37 "Ignore this deletion," on a manuscript
41 Sympathy seeker's tale
44 What a party no-show might send
Be prone
Ball of laughs?
Tsk-tsk, old-style
52 *Wedding band measurement
56 Part of S.P.C.A.: Abbr.
58 ATM added charge, say
59 Merchant with a clickable shopping cart
63 Banister end post
64 Death ... or what each part of the answer to the starred clues can be 66 Seed's hard covering 67 Evening, in Paris
68 Back muscles, in gym lingo
69 Utter, in the Bible
70
EVENTS
MAY
16 - JUNE 13, 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.
FRIDAYS
AA community addictions meetings run every Friday at Sun Peaks Secondary beside the Health Clinic, starting at 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAYS
At Morrisey’s Public House, there is live music at 8 p.m. every Saturday.
MAY 17
On May 17 at 9 a.m., get ready to hit the Sun Peaks Golf Course. Join Harry Bear as he emerges from hibernation from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Hole 1 and get a chance to play with him. Try your luck at the Closest to the Pin contest taking place at Hole 7 and maybe you’ll be the lucky winner.
MAY 17 AND 18
Not sure what to do during the May long weekend? On Saturday, kick things off with yard-style games in the Great Hall from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., then settle in for a movie night in the Conference Room from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (movie to be announced). Entry by donation, so bring your friends and family and enjoy the evening. On Sunday, the fun continues with more yard games from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by a karaoke night in the Conference Room from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Be sure to get there early since the maximum number of attendees is 200.
MAY 25
Join Shelley Trudeau on Sunday, May 25 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge Meeting Room for a hands-on masterclass designed to give you all the tools and tips you need to start baking incredible sourdough bread at home. While there won’t be any baking in class, you’ll leave with the skills, confidence and your own sourdough starter to begin your journey. Plus, enjoy a delicious sample of freshly baked sourdough served with honey butter! The cost of attending is $35 per person. Spots are limited, so sign up early to reserve your spot.
MAY 30 TO JUNE 1
This summer, join the Sun Peaks Centre Stage Crew and get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run live shows. You'll receive free training, a certificate of completion and the chance to get paid to work at shows all summer long! Make sure you register!
Day 1: Dive into classroom training, from stage roles and safety to lighting, audio and how a full-scale production comes to life.
Day 2: Try yourself at stage setup, working with teams to build trusses, install lights and more.
Day 3: Final set up, safety drills and a graduation certification to show off your news skills.
JUNE 6 AND 7
Start summer with Century 21 Diamante's 2nd Annual UNITY Music Festival, a vibrant celebration of diversity, community and incredible live music. It will take place at the Village Stage. While the event is free to attend, make sure to arrive early, as the capacity is limited to 500 people. Music lineup:
Friday, June 6
5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Peter Ernst
7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.: The Infectuals
Saturday, June 7
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.: Duane Regretzky
3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.: Southill
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Lincoln Haze
7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Angie Heinze Band
JUNE 7
This isn’t your typical race, it’s the 5K Foam Fest! Run where good vibes, big laughs and lots of foam are guaranteed. Whether you sprint, jog or stroll, Foam Fest is about having fun. Designed for beginners and professionals, the run includes giant inflatable obstacles and slippery slides. Open to ages eight and up, it also has a Kids Fun Zone for little ones who are not running. Register online.
JUNE 8
Enjoy a vibrant day in the village and support the local community at the sixth Annual Sun Peaks Community Garden Plant Sale on June 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Clock Tower Square. Browse through a beautiful selection of bedding plants, perennials and stunning hanging baskets, everything you need to bring colour to your garden.
JUNE 8
Mark your calendars as the first Sun Peaks Market Day of the year kicks off on June 8! It’s the perfect way to welcome summer while supporting local vendors and enjoying fresh goods.
JUNE 13
Spend your Friday evening enjoying an energetic outdoor performance from one of B.C.’s top acoustic-pop artists on June 13 at the Village Stage. Kamloops-based duo Kevin Roy and Jon Fennell have been performing together since 2019. Often described as a mix between Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi, LooPS has become a standout act throughout the province.
5K Foam Run will be on June 7 this year. Photo via Instagram/sunpeaksresort
Sun Peaks
Peaks during golden hour.
YOUR CHILL SUMMER SOUNDTRACK
SERVING SUN PEAKS & AREA SINCE 1995!
57 Trail's Edge, Sun Peaks, BC
$999,000 GST N/A
2 Bed | 2.5 Bath, 1253 sq.ft., Zoned TA-1
Ski-in/out townhome w/ tandem garage. Centrally located w/ panoramic views of mountains & valley. Zoned for nightly rentals. Offered furnished.
1980 Paul Lake Road, Kamloops, BC
$1,250,000 GST N/A
2 Bed | 2 Bath, 2400 sq.ft., Zoned AF-1
Waterfront home at Paul Lake with stunning views, vaulted ceilings, sunny deck, tandem garage, & yearround recreation close to Harper Mountain & Kamloops.
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.
315 Fireside Lodge, Sun Peaks, BC
$445,000 +GST
1 Bed | 1 Bath, 526 sq.ft., Zoned CC-1
Ski-in, ski-out Condo-Hotel w/ unlimited owner use. Central village location. Shared laundry, hot tub, ski/board & bike storage, w/ secure heated underground parking.
24 Crystal Forest, Sun Peaks, BC
$499,900 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.
