|
Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality held a public hearing and regular council meeting June 9. Below are the highlights of those meetings.
Temporary use permit for approved 2417 Fairways Dr. and 2442 Fairways Dr.
A new application for short-term rental in a basement suite for 2417 Fairways Drive was approved with no written submissions or speakers.
Council authorized issuing permits for both addresses, subject to safety inspections and the conditions that council can approve the term of up to three years, on-mountain manager will be provided, the main dwelling unit cannot be used for Tourist Accommodation, the occupancy of the auxiliary dwellings is limited the municipality may complete random inspection and the owner must comply with Short-term Rental Policy Number 15.
Flight Deck Cannabis Co. rezoning application approved
Flight Cannabis Co.’s rezoning application for Unit 8, 3250 Village Wy. was approved with 30 written submissions in support and 24 in opposition.
The co-owners of Flight Cannabis Co. presented to council that a smaller, 200 square foot location better fits their retail model and integrates naturally into the village core. They emphasized their track record of five-years incident free and requested parity with the nearby liquor store. They also introduced a voluntary “social contract,” which entails frosting their lower windows for limited visibility for children with discreet signage and adding the distribution of free pocket ashtrays for the community.
Numerous residents of Sun Peaks came forward in support of the rezoning amendment speaking in favour. These supporters mentioned the convenience for tourists, the safety benefits for pedestrians travelling to the location and the applicant’s excellent standing in the community.
Some opponents, primarily linked The Grand Residences voiced their concerns about security with the retail space being accessible through their residential lobby that has a lack of key-fob restrictions.
During the regular council meeting, municipal staff confirmed that the proposed space is already designed for retail use and that the proper public notification procedures were legally followed. Ultimately, council gave three readings followed by adoption. Council also granted a site-specific exemption to the 250-metre park buffer zone and forwarded a resolution of support to the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.
Mayor and council reports
Mayor Rob O’Toole and a group of representatives from Sun Peaks Resort LLP and members of council hosted the new superintendent of School District 73 and the new secretary treasurer for a tour of Sun Peaks, with a focus on the school.
“They were very honest and forthcoming and didn’t promise us anything, but definitely gave us the sense that they’re on our side and in our camp and want to move forward with whatever it takes to get a brick-and-mortar school,” O’Toole said.
CAO Report
The Sun Peaks Health Association name was officially changed to Sun Peaks Community Health Association. Chief administrative officer Deanna Campbell noted there are a number of individuals looking to joining the health association and invited folks to contact council about their interest. The current board is reviewing candidates to form the new board of directors.
A new management plan is being rolled out in partnership with Sun Peaks Resort LLP to address snow removal, garbage, grooming, landscape, maintenance, signage and a bike dismount program, regarding the safety of e-bikes and motorized scooters in the village.
The fire department and municipal staff are working closely with the resort and Tourism Sun Peaks for coordination on wildfire readiness, emergency response and communication strategies.
The 2025 municipal annual report was completed and posted on the website.
Development Cost Charges bylaw update
Current forecasts indicate that Development Cost Charges (DCC) reserves will be depleted by 2029, prompting an update to program, intended to boost the reserves for future projects.
Director of operations Clint Burton presented a proposal to council seeking to increase the developer fees by approximately 18 per cent.
“The low reserves risk necessitating the use of tax dollars and/or utility rates to service debt for growth projects built to serve new developments,” Burton wrote to SPIN via email. “To date, not collecting DCCs at subdivision has meant [the municipality] has not collected over $1.25 million (plus interest) in DCCs, further contributing to the strain on DCC reserves.”
Council passed the second reading emphasizing the need for further public and developer engagement before a third reading and/or adoption.
|
