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WEEKLY NEWS FOR AUG. 27

Good evening folks,

This week I talked to Darcy Alexander, CEO of Sun Peaks Resort LLP, about the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, commonly known as the foreign buyers ban. 

Sun Peaks was caught up in the ban back in 2023, despite the act’s general exemption for tourism-based communities. We learned more about how the resort has been impacted by what Alexander calls a “technical error.” 

Mayor Rob O’Toole also spoke to the broader effects of the ban on the municipality, and we included some information from past reporting to inform how the ban is influencing the budget.

While there is a lot to unpack in all that, there is hope in sight. Along with the resort and municipality advocating for an exemption, the ban is set to expire in January 2027 after an initial extension. O’Toole spoke to how the municipality is preparing for what he hopes will be increased activity when the legislation is lifted. 

Read more below.

Plus, have you been itching to take a beginner course at Sun Peaks Resort, but don’t really know what to expect? I attended the Progression Park’s Never Ever Day and became a downhill mountain biking pro. Well, not so much, but I did go up the progression park carpets and had a blast riding a real mountain bike and learning the basics. If you’re nervous to try something new, scroll down to read all about my experience. 

 
Finally, we are officially entering election season. One of our goals at SPIN is to bolster the democratic process, which is why in each election we’ve held candidate forums, asking those in the running the questions that matter to you. In order to get these questions, we ask readers to fill out a survey and from those responses, we go straight to the candidates. 

It will only take about five minutes, so if you have some time to spare click here to share your thoughts. The survey will close Sept. 10 at 9 a.m., so don’t wait! 

Peaks Pedal Fest weekend is here! From mullets to downhill races, enjoy all the events this weekend Sun Peaks!

SUN PEAKS ‘VERY MUCH OPEN FOR BUSINESS’ AMID CHALLENGES FROM THE FOREIGN BUYER BAN

The ban on non-Canadians purchasing property continues to impact Sun Peaks despite sustained advocacy for an exemption by the municipality and Sun Peaks Resort LLP.

 SUN PEAKS RESORT OFFERS BEGINNERS A CHANCE TO LEARN THE ROPES WITH NEVER EVER DAYS

The resort’s beginner-focused lessons introduce newcomers to mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding with help from trained coaches.

SURVEY: WHAT SHOULD TOP THE 2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION AGENDA?

We believe voters should guide the election conversation, not candidates or parties. Tell us what you think candidates in the 2026 general election should address.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 👀

PEAKS PEDAL FEST IS BACK WITH A WEEKEND OF BIKING EVENTS

Sun Peaks Resort is hosting seven events for Peaks Pedal Fest weekend from Aug. 18 to Aug. 30, from haircuts to derbies.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK 📸

The crowd at Retro Concert Weekend in Sun Peaks just moments before a storm rolled in. Photo by Noelle Suzuki

YOU SHOULD KNOW 🎤️

Local and regional tidbits to be aware of.

⛳ The Flag Protocol Policy was passed in the most recent council meeting to allow for a fourth flagpole to be implemented in front of the firehall with a permanent showing of the Secwépemc flag. This policy also describes the framework for etiquette around when to half mast flags and place the Canadian flag as per the National Flag of Canada Etiquette. 

🚒 Sun Peaks Fire Rescue’s Bush Truck 1 returned to Sun Peaks from the Pear Lake wildfire with a crew of three after the fourth consecutive deployment. This has been the longest deployment in the department's history. Bush Truck 1 will be undergoing maintenance after logging 8,330 kilometres in the past 40 days. “Sun Peaks Fire Rescue greatly appreciates the sacrifices made by these crew members, who spent extended periods away from home and their families to assist communities in need,” shared on Facebook.

🚫 The full area closure of IR 2–5, with restricted access to IR 1 range lands and backcountry access roads, remains in effect until further notice. Temlúps te Secwépemc implemented the closure on Aug. 14 citing “extreme conditions” and wildfire risk. “This closure is necessary to reduce the risk of human-caused fires and to protect our people, land, wildlife, forest and grassland areas,” the nation released in a statement.

💦 By mid-August the South Thompson basin sat at drought level 4 and the Nicola basin reached the most severe rating on the province's scale, level 5. Streamflows across the southern Interior fell to record lows, including at Nicola Lake and Mamit Lake. According to the Thompson-Nicola Conservation Collaborative Trinity Creek, a tributary of the Shuswap River, has fully disconnected from the mainstem, cutting off Chinook and Coho salmon spawning route. The Wren recently answered questions about Kamloops’ new water restrictions to help mitigate drought. Read more here. 

🙅 Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar has left the Conservative Party of BC, citing misalignment with the party’s current leadership. “I completely respect the vote of the membership, and that Kerry-Lynne Findlay has earned the right as leader to shape the party as she sees fit,” Milobar shared in a press release. “It has, however, become clear to me over the last few months that my values don’t align with this new direction.” He will now sit in the legislature as an Independent.

EVENTS 🎫

💇 Head down to the village to get a mullet or some speed streaks from Heidi MacGowan during Peaks Pedal Fest weekend on Aug. 28. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., bring a $10 donation to get a fresh new do, with all proceeds going toward the Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association and the Sun Peaks Skate Park Foundation. Click here to learn more.

🚲 The Summer Stoke Series is back for session two on Aug. 28 at the Sun Peaks Progression Park Pump Track from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. All ages are welcome for a head-to-head pump track race for $15 with spectators welcome to come watch. Click here to register. 

🥾 Bike or hike around Sun Peaks’ cross-country trails and participate in the XC Scavenger Hunt from Friday Aug. 28 to 30 for a chance to win a prize pack from Patagonia. Scan any of the QR codes throughout the weekend and enter your name in the draw, for more information click here. 

🚵 Head down to the bike park for the 2026 Sun Peaks Junior DH. From Aug. 28 to 29, come support riders aged eight to 16 as they compete. Volunteers are needed and registration is still open, to secure a spot click here or here to volunteer.

🛻 Sun Peaks Resort is partnering with Toyota Pacific to provide free truck shuttles on Morrisey on Aug. 29 and 30. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. meet at Guest Services in the village day lodge for a free ride up Mt. Morrisey to explore the downhill trails that have no lift-access. For more information click here.

WEEKLY 

Sundays

👩🏼‍🌾 Stroll through the Sun Peaks Farmers' Market from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

⛪️ 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

From July 6 to Aug. 24 Quizzy Rascal Quiz Nights will be at Masa's starting at 8 p.m. $2 cash per person, with teams of up to six!

Tuesdays

💪🏽 Join Heffley Creek Hall for Golden Fitness classes, all ages and fitness levels welcome. Dancersize is at 11 a.m., followed by gentle weights at 12:30 p.m., Tai Chi walking at 1:30 p.m., chair pilates at 2 p.m. and chair yoga at 2:30 p.m.

Fridays

❤️ AA community addictions meetings run every Friday at Sun Peaks Secondary beside the Health Clinic, starting at 7:30 p.m. 

DOWN THE HILL

💃 Kamloops’ Music in the Park is coming to an end, with the last night of daily live music at Riverside Park Aug 31. Food trucks open at 6 p.m. and free live music goes from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

🫂 Every last Saturday of the month marks the Meeple Meet up at the Kamloops Museum and Archives from 1:30 p.m to 3:30 p.m. for anyone looking to find community and friends. Light snacks and board games will be available, but folks are welcome to bring their own games or activities for the event. Click here to learn more about the Meeple Meet up.

🍷 Head over to Monte Creek Winery for the BC SPCA Summer Tail Gate Series on Sept. 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets include admission for two, a bottle of wine, a charcuterie box and local live music. All proceeds go toward the BC SPCA, click here to grab your ticket.

KEEP IN TOUCH 📲

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