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WEEKLY NEWS FOR SEPT. 11

Good evening folks,

Things are getting a bit wild in Sun Peaks this week, and I mean that quite literally. Between bears making their way into local businesses and even residences, it has been a busy week. 

Our team has been keeping tabs on the latest bear activity, including a mother and two cubs that entered the Umbrella Café yesterday morning. The conservation officer assigned to the case believes it was the same mother that entered an unsecured residence on Sept. 3. 

These stories are still unfolding, so we will be sure to update them as we know more. In the meantime, please, please, please do your part to keep Sun Peaks’ wildlife safe. Both articles below outline the ways you can do that, and while that may seem a bit redundant, education and awareness can be the difference between life and death for bears and other wild animals.

Scroll to read more. 

Plus, I spoke with Liz Wilkinson, Sun Peaks Resort’s director of events and partnerships about the Junior Downhill races. I also chatted with Tony Rinaldi who volunteered at the event whilst cheering on his son.

Speaking of Wilkinson, her name is up for council in the Oct. 17 election. She is the only name listed as of today at 8:30 a.m. We will share more information as the nominations are declared, so keep an eye on our website to learn who will be on the ballot. And if you’re interested in running, shake a tail feather; the nomination period closes today at 4 p.m. 

Stay safe this week Sun Peaks, store garbage responsibly and secure all bear attractants.

Enjoy the weekend!

FAMILY OF BEARS ENTERS UMBRELLA CAFÉ CAUSING ‘MINIMAL DAMAGE’

A sow and two cubs accessed the cafe, owned by Sun Peaks Resort LLP, through an air intake early yesterday morning.

BEAR CUBS REMAIN AT RISK AS SUN PEAKS BEAR AWARE PUSHES FOR REHABILITATION

Sun Peaks Bear Aware is urging caution and vigilance as bears bulk up for winter.

RISING RIDERS RACE DOWN SUN PEAKS IN THIRD ANNUAL JUNIOR DOWNHILL COMPETITION

Sun Peaks Resort held the third annual Junior Downhill Race with a record breaking number of participants.

NOMINATIONS ROLL IN FOR 2026 SUN PEAKS GENERAL ELECTION

Nomination packages for candidates running in the general election in Sun Peaks can be submitted until Sept. 11.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 👀

ARTZONE SUN PEAKS WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT AFTER 7 YEARS

Former ArtZone president Marj Kive steps down as KJ Miller takes the reins with plans to expand the organization’s membership, programming and accessibility.

YOU SHOULD KNOW 🎤️

Local and regional tidbits to be aware of.

🚴 An 18-year-old man recently died after crashing an electric scooter, prompting the Kamloops RCMP to issue a reminder to those operating the vehicles. E-scooters are not permitted to people under the age of 16, a helmet is required, riding on the sidewalk is not permitted and having more than one rider on an e-scooter is prohibited. Operating an e-scooter or e-bike under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal. To review safety rules and regulations, click here. 

🚧 If you’re headed to the Kamloops airport, keep in mind that construction is set to begin on a multi-use pathway connecting Fulton Field Park and Airport Road. Crews will be preparing the site beginning today and work will continue into October. The path is expected to be completed by November. There may be increased noise and dust, along with traffic delays during this time, as the project overlaps with the Tranquille Phase 3 Project. 

❤️‍🩹 An inquest jury has urged the RCMP to review detention policies after Randy Lampreau, a Secwe̓pemc man, died in custody in Kamloops in 2019. IndigiNews’ Aaron Hemens and Cara McKenna sat down with Lampreau’s older sister five years after his death to discuss the Independent Investigations Office’s report and learn more about what recommendations are being acted on – and which aren't. Read more here.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK 📸

The Heartland Country Festival brought lots of line dancing and fun to Sun Peaks. Photo by Noelle Suzuki

EVENTS 🎫

🎸 Enjoy live music with Marc Smith at the Village Stage on Friday, Sept. 11. From 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., come down to the village for some free music and dancing. For more information click here.

🧺 Sunday Sept. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. is Sun Peaks Market day in the village. From fresh fruits to handmade jewellery, the market has a variety of goods lined up in the village for folks to take a gander and support local businesses. Shoppers are encouraged to bring reusable bags for purchases. 

🚲 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

🚣 The Kamloops 2026 55+ BC Games is on from Sept. 8 to 12 all day. Participant registration is now closed, but supporter registration is open here. Come out to encourage this multi-sport event that brings the community together. 

🎡 West Coast Amusements is returning to Kamloops from Sept. 10 to 13 for a weekend full of rides, games and fun for the whole family. On Thursday and Friday, the park will be open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday it will open at noon, but it will close early on Sunday at 6 p.m. Head over to the Aberdeen Mall parking lot and enjoy the weekend! Click here for more information.

🚶‍♀️ Sept. 12 marks the 36th Annual Parkinson SuperWalk. Join the Parkinson Society BC at Riverside Park at 10 a.m. for a fundraising walk to support programs and services for people impacted by Parkinson’s disease. All funds go toward the Parkinson Society BC. Click here to register for the walk.

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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