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WEEKLY NEWS FOR MAY 7 

Good evening folks,

This week, I have an overview of the budget ready for you all. Council and the director of finance Cheryl Taylor-Gale presented this budget to the public last Thursday, and SPIN was able to ask a few questions and clarifications.

Homeowners in the municipality can expect an eight per cent tax increase this year after council read the plan three times on May 5. It will go before council again for adoption on May 12, and residents can contact Taylor-Gale at dof@sunpeaksmunicipality.ca with any questions or concerns.

Plus, we are sharing a few stories from our Home Issue that hit shelves in April! This is one of my favourite themed issues of the year, so I hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it. A huge thank you to seasonal contributor Louise Hudson for her work on this issue. Another thank you to those who let SPIN in their homes, shared photos, tips and tricks for interior design. We couldn't have made this issue without you!

Below you’ll find some interviews with a few locals and part-time residents who speak to the unique interior styles of Sun Peaks, as well as the realities of navigating renovations from afar. Plus, we chatted with Sun Peaks Painting, a local family business working hard to keep homes on the mountain looking their best. 

Can you believe it’s May?

FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN HIGHLIGHTS STABLE, BUT PRESSURED BUDGET FOR MUNICIPALITY 

If approved, homeowners will see an 8 per cent municipal tax increase in 2026. The financial plan will go in front of council for adoption on May 12.

SUN PEAKS PAINTING ON KEEPING MOUNTAIN HOMES MAINTAINED

Mountain weather is tough on paint jobs. Here’s what experts suggest to keep homes in Sun Peaks looking great. 

COMPLETING RENOVATIONS AS A PART-TIME RESIDENT CAN BE TRICKY. HERE’S HOW ONE COUPLE MANAGED THEIR KITCHEN REFRESH

The Skinners took on their Sun Peaks renovation from afar with the help of local contractors and careful planning.

HOW TO MAKE A ‘HOME FEEL TRULY UNIQUE’ THROUGH ART, MEMORIES AND NOSTALGIA

 Locals Marj and Roy Knive incorporated personal experiences and colour into their home, reflecting a larger move away from “refined minimalism,” according to interior designer Jamie Banfield.

RENOVATING SUN PEAKS: HOW SOURDOUGH MADE ONE LOCAL COUPLE OVERHAUL THEIR CONDO

Melissa and Dave Buches simply wanted a kitchen they could cook together in. But the eye of a Kamloops design firm Nevo Design House helped bring the spirit of Sun Peaks to their whole home.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 👀

SUN PEAKS RESORT MUNICIPALITY TO PAY $90,000 MORE IN REGIONAL TAX FEES 

The average homeowner will pay $562 to the Thompson-Nicola Regional District in taxes this year.

YOU SHOULD KNOW 

Local and regional tidbits you should be aware of.

📄  Property tax notices will be mailed this month! If you do not receive your notice by mid‑June, please contact the municipal office. The municipality encourages all to sign up for an Online Services Account to receive notices via email. To sign up, you will need a previous copy of your tax notice. 

🥙 Kamloops is back with the Farmers’ Market from April 18 to Oct. 31, 2026. Located at 200 block of St. Paul Street, there will be music, home producers, community artisans and home-based businesses.

✅ Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality has hired a new director of corporate and legislative services. This role includes council support, records management and procedural advice and processes, along with governance and risk management, human resources and communications. 

“I am thrilled to join the team at Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality to support council, our CAO, and staff to move strategic priorities forward that benefit the taxpayers, residents and visitors alike,”  Donna Monteith said.

According to a municipal statement, Monteith has experience in local and Indigenous governments, overseeing corporate and legislative services portfolios, finance, economic development, emergency management and human resources. 

🚨 The Canadian Armed Forces will no longer be running Operation PALACI, the avalanche control military operation through Rogers Pass, as of August.

No replacement program has been announced for the roughly 43-kilometre of high avalanche risk terrain along the Trans Canada Highway.

“Ensuring public safety and maintaining the efficient, reliable flow of vehicles and goods along the critical Rogers Pass remain top priorities for Parks Canada,” Jennifer Burnell, Parks Canada media relations wrote email. “Active discussions remain ongoing with the Department of National Defence to this end.”

EVENTS 🎫

WEEKLY

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. 

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. 

KEEP IN TOUCH 📲

Did you know we are on social media? While Meta’s response to Bill C18, the Online News Act, significantly reduced the amount we are able to post on Facebook and Instagram, SPIN posts regularly on BlueSky. From time-to-time we may even hop on a TikTok trend! Follow us on both using the icons at the end of this email.

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