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WEEKLY NEWS FOR AUG. 13

Good morning folks,

Last weekend, there was a wildfire near Heffley Creek which is now out, thanks to the quick work of BC Wildfire crews and Sun Peaks Fire and Rescue. With that being said, we wanted to use this newsletter to reshare some important information about safety and wildfire preparedness and remind readers to stay vigilant during this time of elevated wildfire risk.

Starting off, we have a new guide on on how to support evacuees across the province. With a number of organizations working around the clock to help those who have left their homes, financial contributions are most effective. However, if you know someone who has had to evacuate, offering a place to sleep or board pets can make all the difference in the world. Scroll down to read more.

There is also a prohibition on the operation of any off-road vehicle, including motorcycles, side-by-side vehicles and all-terrain vehicles on Crown land. Learn more in the news brief below.

For reshares, we put together a guide on what to do in case of an evacuation a few weeks ago, with some resources informed by the Sun Peaks Master Evacuation Plan and Sun Peaks Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan. Be sure you have a go-bag packed and make a household plan just in case! Read more below.

Finally, at the start of the summer we chatted with Captain James Griffith of Sun Peaks Fire and Rescue. He shared some information about how Sun Peaks Fire Rescue prepared for the season and passed along tips on FireSmarting. Scroll down to refresh your memory. 

Try to make the most of this last bit of summer by enjoying some of the events going on this weekend, and please stay safe this weekend Sun Peaks!

A GUIDE TO HELPING WILDFIRE EVACUEES 

The most effective way to support those in need is through financial donations to trusted organizations, the province says. 

OFF-ROAD VEHICLES PROHIBITED FROM CROWN LANDS DUE TO WILDFIRE CONDITIONS

Provincial off-road vehicle clubs ask members to stay clear of forests as Crown land prohibition goes into effect. 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN EVACUATION: THE BASICS

When preparing for an emergency evacuation, pack a go bag, register for support services and stay informed.

SUN PEAKS STEPS UP WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS AS SUMMER BEGINS

Wildfire fuel-reduction work on Morrisey is nearing completion, while Sun Peaks Fire and Rescue urges residents to FireSmart properties, monitor restrictions and prepare for emergencies.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 👀

MEGAN PRETORIUS FINISHES FIRST IN THE 2026 CANADIAN DOWNHILL CHAMPIONSHIPS

15-year-old Megan Pretorius was the fastest female rider of the day during the race, adding to her impressive season so far.

YOU SHOULD KNOW 🎤

Local and regional tidbits to be aware of.

🧯 The municipality has sent out a reminder of the current restrictions in place to mitigate wildfire risk. There are no campfires allowed, and folks are urged to stay out of the backcountry unless absolutely necessary. Please keep vehicles off dry brush and grass, stay mindful of equipment and exhaust systems and avoid creating heat as much as possible. 

❤️‍🩹 The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce has launched a landing page with resources for evacuees sheltering in the area. There are a number of businesses offering support, from storage to free coffee. Check it out here. If your business is able to provide help for evacuees, email marketing@kamloopschamber.ca to be added to the page. 

🏆 The Stanley Cup is coming to Kamloops! Former Kamloops Blazer Logan Stankoven will bring the storied trophy back to his hometown after winning the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes. The celebration is free to attend at the Rotary Bandshell in Riverside Park, Aug. 16 from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more here.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK 📸

The fireweed flowers lining the Vista Trail on top of the Sunburst Express Chairlift. Photo submitted by Tina Tricco

Have a photo of the week? Send it to editor@sunpeaksnews.com to see it featured in our newsletter and print. 

EVENTS 🎫

🎨 From Aug. 17 to 21, join ArtZone Sun Peaks for a full week of summer camp activities including swimming, yoga, fairy gardens, pirate adventures, bug exploration, magic class and acrylic painting. Children are welcome to join for the full week or drop-in days. For more information or to secure a spot, click here. 

🐶 Head over to Sun Peaks Village for the Pup Parade & Patio Crawl on Aug. 15 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Eight patios will be participating with a different category each for folks to vote on (best dressed, best trick, loudest bark and more). Pups will receive a variety of prizes for each category. Click here to register your dog.

📽 Following the Pub Parade, head down to the Sun Peaks Centre Stage for a free movie night for showing of Because of Winn Dixie at 6 p.m. followed by Marley and Me at 8 p.m. For more information click here.

🎶 Sadie Baker will be playing live music at Masa’s Bar + Grill on Aug. 15 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., followed by weekly live music continuing on Saturdays. 

🚵 On Tuesday, Aug.18, there will be a beginner downhill mountain biking lesson at the Sun Peaks Progression Park from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. For $50 the lesson includes a standard downhill bike rental, Progression Park lift ticket and a two-hour lesson. Call 250-578-5474 or email sportschool@sunpeaksresort.come to register.

WEEKLY 

Sundays

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

📚 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

🎾 Join in Community Tennis in Sun Peaks at 5:30 p.m. Email John Weston at john.weston@chfi.fit to be added to the Sun Peaks Community Tennis WhatsApp group.

👐 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. 

Saturdays

🎾 Join in Community Tennis in Sun Peaks at 10 a.m. Email John Weston at john.weston@chfi.fit to be added to the Sun Peaks Community Tennis WhatsApp group.

🎵 Head over to Masa's Bar & Grill on Saturday nights for live music at 8 p.m. each week

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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