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Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality held a regular council meeting Aug. 25. Below are the highlights of that meeting.
Council Strategic Priorities - Operational Plan updates
Municipal chief administrative officer Deanna Campbell presented a comprehensive update on the municipality’s Strategic Plan that was approved in December 2025 and the accompanying operational plan.
The update highlighted major progress, success and key challenges in the core four strategic priorities, including pipes, pavement and power, balancing finances, emergency management planning and strategic partnerships.
While the Operational Plan showed progress towards fulfilling council’s priorities, it does not include every project and or work undertaken by staff.
The full presentation highlighting progress to date can be found here.
Flag Protocol Policy
Council adopted the Flag Protocol Policy which includes displaying the Secwépemc flag outside the fire hall alongside the Canadian, B.C. and municipal flags. This would require building a new flag pole that would cost about $6,000. This policy introduces etiquette around the placement of the Canadian flag and timings for half-mast flags in Sun Peaks.
Wildfire Development Permit area review
A wildfire development permit area review was presented which includes staff hiring a consultant to assess the wildfire Development Permit Area which will review wildfire hazard considerations. This review will involve developing a cost-benefit estimate to understand the municipal and development impact of the permit area. The costs for the consultant are covered by the Community Resiliency Investment grant funding.
2026 Official Community Plan
Council passed the second reading of the updated Official Community Plan draft.This plan outlines the long-term vision for the municipality whilst integrating the town’s emergency and environmental objectives. This includes wildfire resilience and hazard lands, riparian setback adjustment and First Nations partnership.
Council discussed and made amendments to the official community plan draft in its second reading in regards to the transportation plan and emissions management.
The municipality has authorized a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 22 before receiving final feedback from First Nations, TNRD and provincial agencies before the third reading.
Emergency Management and Organization Bylaw
Advances to the Emergency Management Program and Organization Bylaw have been made to establish a structure for the municipality’s emergency response and ensure compliance with the province’s new emergency management legislation before the deadline of Jan. 1, 2027. The full bylaw can be found here.
New Business: commercial use of waste transfer station
Clarification was made by council that Thompson-Nicola Regional confirmed commercial loads are indeed allowed at the transfer stations.
Council calculations show that private haulers, extra labour, tipping fees and transport will cost Sun Peaks businesses up to $400,000 per year. Council warned that this financial strain would impact the same 10-15 local businesses that sponsor youth sports, donate food and fund community events.
These changes may also cause increased traffic, bylaw enforcement pressures and less service for the same taxes.
Council approved a motion to immediately engage in direct communication with the regional district administration to explore alternatives and formally write to ask for a delay in the implementation of the commercial waste program schedule to allow time to construct a cooperative local solution.
Support for the Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association Community Gaming Grant
Council passed a motion to provide a letter of support for Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association for a community gaming grant to assist with trail maintenance and wildfire risk reduction.
Support for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Council passed a motion to write a letter to MP Frank Caputo acknowledging support for the efforts of the Union of BC Municipalities and the prebudget discussion going forward.
Request to reconsider metal roof restrictions
Council passed a motion to reconsider the metal roof restrictions in Sun Peaks after receiving a letter from resident Maria Davis.
As residents of a mountain community surrounded by forest, I believe we need to be continually looking at ways to improve the fire resilience of our homes and neighbourhoods,” Davis’ letter to council states. “Roofing is one of the most important components of a home's wildfire resistance. Metal roofing provides a non-combustible roofing option and can significantly
reduce the vulnerability of a home to embers and radiant heat compared with combustible roofing materials.”
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