New Sun Peaks Council Has Big Challenge Ahead

(Aired on June 14, 2010)

Sun Peaks residents voted themselves a new council on the weekend, and starting later this month, they will move forward on the long process of putting a community together. It's a tough process. They have to put bylaws in place, they have to determine how they will deal with policing issues, fire issues and other public safety issues. They have to deal with the issue of noisy renters, an issue that could really threaten the new community if it isn't handled properly. Right now, the community couldn't handle any enforcement even if they wanted to. They have to put proper taxation structures in place, they have to ensure that they have a community plan. They have to hire an administrative officer. They have to have offices. The list is endless.

In many ways, it's a neat challenge and a great opportunity. To be in on the ground floor. But can be daunting too. Residents of the community will find that things won't be just status quo. Because they are now the masters of their own fate, they have some control of what happens, more so than if decisions were made by someone like the Regional District. But it also means they have to be accountable, and if they want services, they will have to pay for them.

While the new mayor is anxious not to increase taxes, that doesn't normally happen in new municipalities. The new council has community history and community involvement. They have examples nearby like Clearwater and Barriere, from whom they can probably get some good advice on what pitfalls to avoid in establishing their new community.

A resort municipality is not the same as a normal community. Many of the issues are unique, and must be dealt with differently than they would if we were talking about Kamloops or Ashcroft. One of the biggest challenges is to ensure that the needs of a resort area also mesh with those of the general population. I believe Al Raine and his council will be up to the challenge. But they will have to communicate frequently with the community to ensure they keep everyone up to date on everything they're doing, to ensure that they get things off to a good, positive start. If they do that, they will be well on their way.