Message from the Mayor

Mayor’s Message for February 2021

The ski season has now reached the halfway point.  Sun Peaks employees, our businesses and all skiers/boarders are to be congratulated for their COVID vigilance.  The efforts made by all of the front-line staff have made a difference.

Some of our ski resort colleagues have not been as successful, we may have been lucky but so far, we have done well.  Unfortunately, a number of Health Officials are increasingly worried about the vaccination rollout, the virus variants and the forecast of a possible third wave.  The recent outbreaks in other resorts have caused the regulators to take a deep hard look at ski communities across the Province.  Ski communities are now under the public watch!

Our ski season is still not guaranteed, if we were to have a serious outbreak, there is a real risk that we could see a repeat of last March.  I remain optimistic that we can hold COVID 19 at bay and slide to the end of the season but there is increasing pressure to shut skiing down. This virus will be here for a few more months and it appears as though the variants are more contagious than the original virus so we must remain vigilant.

Based on the provincial discussions that I am hearing, I expect greater RCMP presence and more provincial inspections over the next two months.  With inspections, there will be more penalties and fines administered to push for greater compliance.  Don’t like delivering this message but please be cautious, be ready and follow the provincial guidelines.

There is COVID fatigue everywhere, but I am certain that the ‘wind in our faces’, the thrill of the ‘powder’ and the exhilaration of speed have helped us to stay positive and keep smiles on our faces. Stay positive and stay safe!!

Lastly, I would like to thank all the volunteers and donors who have assisted with the Sun Peaks’ food bank, the Sun Peaks Community Helps organization is quietly helping to spread our good neighbour community spirit to everyone.  Community Helps has also received some "Covid kits" from funds donated by Teck Highland Valley Copper. The kits include personal hygiene supplies, and home cleaning supplies in a reusable bag.

Thank you for thinking about others,

Al Raine, Mayor