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Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality held a regular council meeting Aug. 11. Below are the highlights of that meeting.
MLA Stamer
MLA Ward Stamer provided council with updates on wildfires, state of emergencies and healthcare advocacy.
The East Lake wildfire was put out quickly and the small Saskam Lake wildfire was being monitored because of thin provincial resources. Stamer noted the potential for lightning in the next few days, noting that the Forest Service is fully prepared.
The premier and minister of emergency readiness declared a state of emergency allowing for rapid resource mobilization, road closures and securing emergency accommodation, which Stamer commended.
“We are incredibly thankful for all the frontline workers, not only the BC Wildfire Service, but our emergency response, our fire departments, [emergency operations centre] people and all the volunteers that have been helping tirelessly throughout British Columbia knowing full well that we still have another month before the weather significantly changes and the worst is hopefully over,” Stamer said.
Stamer highlighted his strong working relationship with the Ministry of Health, allowing him to raise issues involving healthcare challenges. He is committed to advocating for residents in need of assistance, specifically with Sun Peaks and the healthcare systems in place, reminding folks that he is accepting feedback to help him lobby for more services.
Stamer advocated for a protocol to allow first responders to get immediate authorization from a cardiologist to transport patients to meet critical care units because of the difficulties/burdens that come with having fire departments as the primary medical first responders in a small community.
Stamer also discussed doctor shortages in Clearwater, criticizing provincial policies that employ general practitioners directly in Lower Mainland hospitals, whilst forcing rural and semi-rural doctors to fund and run their own private offices.
Waste solutions
A working group met to collaborate on commercial waste and cardboard program solutions within the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.
Chief administrative officer Deanna Campbell reported that the Heffley dump lacks capacity. Officials with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District clarified that Heffley serves as a temporary holding station. Waste here is only consolidated into 50-yard bins before being moved. In turn, businesses must transport their waste to the Grasslands depot in Kamloops.
Chief administrative officer report
Campbell advised the community to remain vigilant and follow the restrictions in place. Although there are no active fires in Sun Peaks and Sun Peaks Resort is open and operating, the recent fire in Summerland displays how quickly everything can change.
Sun Peaks Fire and Rescue continues to assist BC Wildfire crews on the Pearl Lark wildfire with the Sun Peaks community hosting evacuees from other impacted regions.
Residents are urged to monitor the BC Wildfire app or website and to sign up for Voyent Alert.
Plus, the process has officially begun for the 2026 general local election. Nomination packages are available and the submission window runs from Sept. 1 at 9 a.m. to Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
Additionally, the 311 request for service platform is now live on the municipal website for folks to submit their non-emergent issues and is already being used.
Campbell highlighted Sun Peaks’ CAST membership that is comprised of 31 ski-dependent municipalities and 22 associate members. Whistler and Sun Peaks are the only Canadian members. Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality has not yet attended in-person, with plans to attend the Winter 2027 AGM.
CIBC Line of Credit agreement
Council approved a resolution which includes annual borrowing to maintain an existing, currently unused $500,000 operating line of credit with CIBC to address unexpected cash flow.
Temporary use permits
2431 Fairways Drive TUP: A temporary use permit was presented for a property on Fairways Drive that was operational for three years as a one-bedroom auxiliary short-term rental basement suit with zero complaints.
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