Stefano Carlin was one of 77 crazy people that braved frigid air and water temperatures during the annual Slush Cup celebrations at Sun Peaks Resort. Carlin was one of only two people that made it across the icy pond and for his efforts won a 2008-2009 Sun Peaks Seasons Ski Pass.
Photo: Adam Earle

Be aware for bears

Last year the death of two black bears at Sun Peaks-a sow and her cub-made apparent the dangers of interfering with bears' natural habits.

This year, the community is taking action with a bear awareness program to educate residents how to avoid another unfortunate situation.

Colin Cannon, fire prevention officer for Sun Peaks Fire Rescue, says it's unlikely Sun Peaks will be part of the provincial Bear Aware program due to the costs and required labour; however he will be fronting an awareness program himself.

Sun Peaks Fire Rescue Chief Bill Stoner who has been an integral part of the survey process says the new rating is a huge achievement for Sun Peaks.

"My goal is to educate and keep in the front of people's minds that we live in a resort where bears also live and there's things we can do to make [co-habitating with bears] a lot better," he says.

Sun Peaks received the better rating after following the recommendations given by the underwriters in 2005, such as hiring more full time firefighting staff, and purchasing a laddered fire truck.

Lisa Sohni, communications manager for Tourism Sun Peaks, says she will also be working on a bear awareness project which may be in conjunction with Canon's program.

As Cannon explains it's the residents' job to be aware and protect the bears from us, so that we in turn are protected from them.

If someone leaves their garbage [out] pick it up and let them know that leaving garbage out attracts bears, informs Cannon. "We can all look after this place," he says.