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WEEKLY NEWS FOR SEPT. 24

Good evening folks,

This week, Christina Antoniak, director of brand and communications at Sun Peaks Resort LLP spoke with SPIN about the new sign at the McGillivray Lake Outpost reminding folks overnight camping is not permitted in that area. 

“While people have been camping at this location for years, the no overnight camping rule has not been promoted, nor enforced, so we understand why there are questions coming from the new sign that was recently erected,” Antoniak said. 

There are still several other campsites available. Scroll to read more.

Plus, pop down the hill for the fifth annual Stseptékwles re Sk’elép (Coyote Stories) Indigenous Film Festival at the Paramount Theatre this week. The festival being so close to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is no coincidence, with organizers hoping to open conversations with an Indigenous perspective. Scroll down to read more about the weekend, as well as reporter Breanne Massey’s interview with filmmaker Doreen Manuel.

Finally, below you’ll find our interviews with each candidate running for council. These Q&As provide a bit of information on how each one will navigate transparency, healthcare, infrastructure and more. 

As a reminder, SPIN’s all-candidates forum has been rescheduled to Oct. 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sun Peaks Centre in the Conference Room. Although I will be there to cover the event, there will be no livestream or recording so please try to attend in person if you can.

Support the presentation of this all-candidates forum with a one-time contribution to Sun Peaks Independent News.

With only three more days of the lifts being open, be sure to get your runs in before closing day on Sept. 27.

Enjoy the final weekend of hike and bike season Sun Peaks!

NEW SIGN CLARIFIES CAMPING RULES AT MCGILLIVRAY LAKE OUTPOST SITE

Overnight camping has never been permitted at the site, but the rule had not previously been promoted or enforced.

INDIGENOUS FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS AHEAD OF NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Indigenous storytelling shapes fifth annual film festival over three days in Kamloops this weekend.

MEET PROSPECTIVE COUNCILLOR ELIZABETH WILKINSON

“I am standing as an independent candidate focused on what is best for Sun Peaks,” council candidate Elizabeth Wilkinson says.

MEET PROSPECTIVE COUNCILLOR DAVID BURNHAM

“We have to work creatively with our partners,” council candidate David Burnham says about infrastructure and investment in youth.

A Q&A WITH PROSPECTIVE COUNCILLOR ROB O'TOOLE

As he opts for a council position over the mayor’s seat, Rob O’Toole aims to continue working on key projects if reelected.

A Q&A WITH PROSPECTIVE COUNCILLOR BRIAN GILLESPIE

Here’s how Brian Gillespie answered reader questions as he seeks reelection.

A Q&A WITH PROSPECTIVE COUNCILLOR KELLY DYE

Here’s how Kelly Dye answered questions on healthcare, infrastructure and youth engagement as he vies for another term on council.

YOU SHOULD KNOW 🎤️

Local and regional tidbits to be aware of.

🗳 B.C. Premier David Eby called a snap provincial election which will take place on Oct. 24, just one week after polls close for the Local General Elections. SPIN will roll out a new survey and voter guide next week, specifically for the provincial election. Keep an eye out. 

🪧 There will be a Special Council Meeting on Sept. 29 at the Sun Peaks Centre at 3 p.m. There will also be a public hearing in the Sun Peaks Centre Boardroom on Tuesday Oct. 6, 2026, at 3 p.m. to consider Official Community Plan Bylaw. Learn more about the process of updating the plan here. 

🧡 Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to “honour survivors, remember the children.” Leading up to it, an Orange Shirt Day workshop on Sept. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. invites people to design their own shirt. Learn more here.

🥑 The Kamloops Food Bank says “the need has never been greater” and is looking for about 30 more volunteers to deliver more than 32,000 bags by Sept. 24,  Castanet reports. Volunteers are also needed to collect and sort donations at Aberdeen Mall on Sept. 26. The goal is 60,000 pounds of food. To help, call 250-376-2252.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK 📸

Carwyn Mitchell enjoying the last week of the Sun Peaks Bike Park going down the Level Up trail. Photo by Noelle Suzuki

EVENTS 🎫

👠 Put on your red attire and head down to Cahilty Creek for a five-course meal with different kinds of artisanal ribs paired with hand-selected red wine. This is a pre-paid event for $99 per person, plus 18 per cent gratuity and taxes on Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. Email cahiltycreek1@gmail.com to book your table. 

🚵‍♀️ Celebrate the final day of the Sun Peaks Bike Park for the season at Masa’s Bar + Grill patio! On Sept. 27, folks with a valid bike park ticket or season pass are able to receive a can of beer included with their ticket from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Beverages must be consumed on the Masa’s property and two pieces of ID must be shown. Click here for more information. 

🏷 The end of summer retail sale comes to a close on Sept. 27. With up to 40 per cent off goods, head over to Elevation Bike, Ski & Board, John Tod Trading Co., The North Face Mountain Outfitters, Three Peaks (Patagonia) and the Golf Pro Shop while they clear out their summer gear in preparation for the winter season. For more details, contact 250-578-5474.

WEEKLY 

Sundays

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

⛪️ Sun Peaks Church will be holding a service every Sunday evening at 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join at the Annex.

📚 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. 

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. 

DOWN THE HILL

🌈 Every last Saturday of the month marks the Meeple Meet up at the Kamloops Museum and Archives from 1:30 p.m to 3:30 p.m. for anyone looking to find community and friends. Light snacks and board games will be available, but folks are welcome to bring their own games or activities for the event. Click here to learn more about the Meeple Meet up.

🎨 Sept. 25 and 26 marks the Kamloops Children’s Arts Festival filled with activities and performances for children aged two to 12. This free event will take place at Riverside Park at 4 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. on Saturday. Click here for more details. 

🧺 The Kamloops Flea Fest Market takes place on Sept. 26 at The North Shore. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., shop for clothing, jewellery, toys, vintage goods and more.

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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