Kamloops This Week
Sometime in 2020, Al Raine is hoping to see big-name performers or events heading to Sun Peaks every couple of weeks.
The mayor of the resort municipality said that vision has taken another step toward reality with the announcement of a plan to create a multi-purpose indoor facility that could hold 3,000 people, something big enough to host concerts, large sporting events and trade shows year-round.
The plan is to cover the existing outdoor ice rink and construct additional amenities, including a stage and meeting rooms. The municipality opened its outdoor, refrigerated, NHL-size rink this winter.
The project is expected to cost $7.1 million; the federal gas tax will provide $6 million through its strategic initiative program. The community has already raised $1.8 million that was spent on an ice-making plant, rink and land purchase.
Raine said Sun Peaks’ challenge is never the winter season. Skiers and snowboarders come from around the world to enjoy the amenities.
“Our challenge is the summer and shoulder seasons,” Raine said.
In recent years, summer music concerts have been added to the list of events designed to bring people there when there is no snow.
“But I’d love to have 3,000 who pay a reasonable fee than 800 who come for free,” he said.
The existing sport centre will be expanded to create the new centre.
“For the residents of Sun Peaks, this is an important turning point,” Raine said. “Our goal is to make Sun Peaks a strong summer and off-season resort and this project gives us the tools to succeed.”
He said he hopes to see construction start later this year and be done by 2020.
