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An agenda for this meeting is available on the SPMRM website, and you can view a recording of the meeting via the municipality's YouTube channel.
Here are the highlights of the meeting:
Temporary-use permit for home on Sundance Drive
A public hearing was held for a Temporary-use permit allowing short-term rental use within a single-family on Sundance Drive. Council approved the permit for a three-year term, subject to conditions and acknowledgment of potential future regulatory changes.
First Nations collaboration updates
Council reported positive recent meetings with neighbouring First Nations focused on strengthening partnerships and exploring joint projects, including a planned working group for a Medicine Trail initiative. Another community-to-community meeting is being scheduled.
Resort Municipality Initiative-funded facility projects
Upgrades are underway at the municipal catering kitchen to create a flexible, well-equipped space, including plumbing, electrical and fire system improvements, as well as storage and door retrofits. A separate kiosk project in the arena is being planned to provide low-risk, packaged food and beverage service during events. Both projects are fully funded by the Resort Municipality Initiative, with no additional taxpayer contribution.
Housing and BC Builds updates
Construction on the BC Builds housing project is progressing, with the foundation complete and framing underway. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation low-interest mortgage applications are in progress, with final mortgage funding applied upon project completion. The Sun Peaks Housing Authority plans to launch a housing website and strategic plan in the coming weeks.
Community grants-in-aid
Council approved the 2026 Community Grant-in-Aid program, with a budget of $6,000. Five applications were received and staff recommended funding four organizations: Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks, Sun Peaks Freestyle Club, Sun Peaks Alpine Club and the Sun Peaks Recreation Trail Association.
FireSmart community program updates
Recent changes to the FireSmart Community Funding and Support Program were discussed, including a closed 2026 intake due to limited funds and the opening of an adjudicated intake through April 30, with approximately $25 million remaining. Future applications will be limited to one-year projects and fuel management activities are no longer eligible. Council emphasized ongoing coordination with the Ministry of Forests and the Forest Enhancement Society to continue fuel treatment and wildfire risk reduction work.
Food truck TUPs
Council considered a TUP allowing food trucks at Sun Peaks Centre Stage events. Conditions include business licensing, fire and life safety inspections and off-site wastewater disposal at approved facilities. The permit is intended to provide a trial period for mobile food vendors, supporting visitor experience while maintaining municipal services and safety standards. Staff clarified that the TUP applies specifically to temporary food trucks, not permanent kiosks or existing local businesses.
Wastewater infrastructure grant update
Council received an update on Sun Peaks Municipal Regional Management’s March 2025 grant application under the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) for expanded wastewater surge capacity. The application, seeking 50 per cent funding for upgrades to the influent pump tank and effluent balancing pond, was unsuccessful.
These expansion projects, identified in the municipality’s Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Plan are necessary to support future developments, including hotels and new multi-family subdivisions. In the absence of CHIF funding, the projects are on hold, and alternative funding of $1.86 million needs to be secured.
Water rate increases
Council received background and financial information regarding the proposed 2026 water rate increases and related Water Bylaw amendments. Since 2018, the municipality has pursued a policy of operating its water and wastewater utilities as self-financing services, funded primarily through user rates and supplemented by government grants.
As of Dec. 31, 2025, total Municipal Finance Authority debt is $12.5 million, with almost $11 million attributed to water and wastewater services. Debt servicing costs are increasing due to new borrowing and interest rate resets in 2025. To support ongoing operations and move toward long-term financial sustainability, a five-year water and wastewater rate plan includes annual increases of 10 per cent from 2025 to 2029. For 2026, staff recommend applying a combined 20 per cent increase solely to the water system, as wastewater revenues have been used to subsidize water operations.
The increase, effective Jan. 1, 2026, will support operating costs, debt obligations and capital investments, including approximately $15.5 million in water infrastructure projects required by 2030. The rate strategy aims to provide predictable, incremental increases while gradually strengthening the utilities’ financial position. Staff will also review water and wastewater rates to develop a long-term strategy for financial stability and future capital needs.
Council approved the Water Services Rates Amendment Bylaw.
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