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WEEKLY NEWS FOR MARCH 19

Good afternoon folks,

It’s with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jim Davies’ passing. As a dedicated volunteer and longtime member of the Heffley Lake Community Association and Sun Peaks community, Davies made a mark that will not be forgotten. His family provided an obituary remembering him as a man who “showed up,” noting his decades of service and life as a father, husband and doting grandfather. 

Next, we know A LOT has happened over the past few weeks with regards to health care in Sun Peaks. We’ve reported step-by-step on all the updates, but wanted to make information as accessible as possible. So, we created an updated FAQ with reader questions and concerns. Is there anything you want to know we didn’t answer? Send a reply to this email or fill out our survey here. 

Contributor and seasonal local Louise Hudson provided two stories, one on an over-50s line dancing event back for its second year, and the other is a dive into the benefits of cross-country skiing. Give both a read below and check out her work in our print issue, hitting shelves in Sun Peaks and Kamloops Friday. 

Finally, Kamloops Search and Rescue (KSAR) is fundraising for a new hall! The volunteer-based team has been serving Kamloops and the surrounding region for more than 53 years, on average responding to 50 to 65 calls per year, with a record 75 incidents in 2024. KSAR assists ski patrol, helping with six outings in Sun Peaks in 2024. Scroll down to read more about their contribution to safety and how you can help.

LONG-TIME MEMBER OF THE HEFFLEY LAKE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION JIM DAVIES REMEMBERED AS DEDICATED VOLUNTEER

A Celebration of Life for Jim Davies will be held on Saturday, May 23 at the Heffley Lake Community Hall.

FAQS: THE SUN PEAKS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE

As Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality continues the process of finding a new health centre operator, SPIN answers a few frequently asked questions. 

LINE DANCING RETURNS TO SUN PEAKS FOR SECOND YEAR

With global trends spurring the dance style, line dancing offers over-50s in Sun Peaks a chance to get boogying.

CROSSING OVER TO CROSS-COUNTRY: HOW NORDIC SKIING IS HELPING THOSE OVER 50 STAY ON SKIS

The low-impact sport is seeing a rise in participation, particularly with folks over 50, local instructor says.

KAMLOOPS SEARCH AND RESCUE LAUNCHES FUNDRAISING EFFORTS FOR NEW JOINT HALL

Kamloops Search and Rescue is seeking community support to help fund a new joint facility with Kamloops Fire Rescue, ensuring the region remains prepared to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 👀

SUN PEAKS FREESTYLE CLUB CELEBRATES 2025/2026 ‘SEASON OF MOMENTUM’ 

Next year will mark 10 years of supporting local athletes for the Sun Peaks Freestyle Club, which hopes to build on the success of the 2025/2026 season.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK 📸

Thanks to Cara-lee for submitting this photo. Her group dressed up to ski on St. Patrick's Day. 

Do you have a fabulous photo from your own escapades? Send us an email to have it featured. 

YOU SHOULD KNOW 

Local and regional tidbits you should be aware of.

💬 The Sun Peaks Housing Authority (SPHA) launched a new website, sunpeakshousing.ca, to provide information on housing initiatives, strategic priorities and community engagement. The site will provide updates on SPHA’s BC Builds project at 1180 Sun Peaks Rd., and folks can register to receive project updates and important announcements as construction progresses. 

SPIN previously reported on the last engagement session held for the BC Builds project. To read more click here.

🚮 The Thompson-Nicola Regional District increased disposal fees effective April 1. The increases, which will apply to the Heffley Creek Eco Depot, will see raised bagged garbage fees from $1 to $2 per bag, concrete disposal fees from $30 per tonne to $50, and a five per cent increase to all other disposal fees and standardizing minimum charges, in line with neighbouring jurisdictions.

SPIN recently reported on the TNRD’s proposal to restrict commercial loads and commercial organic waste ban at Sun Peaks Transfer Station. To read more click here. 

📄 New legislation will be introduced by the province to prohibit people from interfering with safe access to school grounds and places of faith. If passed, police would be able to arrest or ticket anyone found disrupting or interfering with school activities within the access zone.

This legislation came in response to a rising number of protests against vaccines and SOGI 123, an optional resource package that provides schools and educators with grade-level appropriate materials related to sexual and gender identities.

🩺 The province announced an expansion of medication coverage for menopausal symptoms, cervix self-screening kits and contraception. 

🏅 Jessica Hewitt, an olympic silver medallist, will be part of the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame this year, Castanet reports. Hewitt won medals for short-track speed skating at the 2014 Sochi Olympics before retiring.

EVENTS 🎫

🍫 Ongoing until April 11

Toast s'mores and sip gourmet hot chocolate at Morrisey's Public House from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

🧘🏽‍♀️ Thursday, March 19 

Unwind with a restorative yoga flow at 3 p.m. before après at Capones Italian Kitchen. Tickets are $66.00, plus taxes and fees.

🍷 Friday, March 20

Stop at wine tasting stations throughout the village to learn about local BC wines. VIP tickets sold out; general admission available for $50.00. Tickets required.

⛷️❄️ Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22

Join Spring Snow Fest for the last laps of the season, a live DJ at the Sunburst Lodge Patio Party, followed by a slopeside Après Patio Party between Masa's Bar + Grill and Bottoms Bar & Grill. Evening DJ sets at the Village Platter lift with extended hours until 9 p.m. Free with lift ticket.

On Saturday join for patio beats at Sunburst Lodge, freestyle park sessions with a live DJ at the 5 Mile Pop-Up Park Party, and an après Patio Party between Masa's and Bottoms until 6 p.m. Free with lift ticket.

Sunday closes out Spring Snow Fest with one last Sunburst Lodge Patio Party, followed by the Big Air and Knuckle Huck Invitational on Sundance Mountain. Après Patio Party between Masa's and Bottoms, then evening DJ sets at the Village Platter lift until 9 p.m. Free with lift ticket.

WEEKLY

Sundays

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. The mobile library will not run April 5.

Mondays

Quizzy Rascal Quiz Nights are back! Running every Monday at Morrisey's Public House. Table reservations are strongly encouraged to guarantee a spot. Phone or email: scraig@sunpeaksgrand.com to reserve your table for a specific night or for the whole season. Teams of up to six, two dollar cash entry per person, prizes to be won!

Fridays

AA community addictions meetings run every Friday at Sun Peaks Secondary beside the Health Clinic, starting at 7:30 p.m. 

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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