Photo submitted by Bob Ball

I read Adam Earle’s opinion piece entitled “The smell of money” on the Enduro motorcycle race July 9 and 10, and would like to share some facts and opinions with you.

First of all, I don’t have an issue with a motorcycle race if it’s done in a sustainable way that doesn’t harm our wonderful environment at Sun Peaks. Unfortunately, this race left scars that’ll have to be fixed or will be with us for a very long time. I have an issue with Adam’s comment: “The grass and bushes will grow back, the mud puddles will dry and the money will stay where it belongs . . .”

Take a walk up Great Grey Trail and see for yourself the destruction left by this race (see photo). Ruts more than 1 foot deep will not “grow back”. All cover has been removed and this leads to erosion, more ruts, and sediment pollution of the streams the trails cross. Adam calls for a “shout out” for the enduro organizers; I would feel more like shouting out if they had the decency to remove race signs, arrows and ribbons (this is a small point compared to the environmental damage 180 dirtbikes have done to our trail system, but it’s indicative of an attitude of NOT leaving the environment as they found it). And don’t hold your breath if you think they are going to fix up the devastated trails.

The Sun Peaks Resort Corporation has worked very hard to establish a reputation of great environment stewardship for our premier family resort. I, for one, support events that will maintain or enhance this reputation.  Let’s not throw our reputation down the ruts on the moonscape that used to be the Great Grey Trail.

Bob Ball, Sun Peaks, B.C.

Vertical Juice wouldn’t have become the place it was without all the great locals and travellers, families and friends. Your faces, conversations, friendly hellos and jokes will be dearly missed. We wish you all the best and look forward to hopefully crossing paths in the future throughout the resort.

Again, thank you for making Vertical Juice a part of your day!

John Dormer, Nikki Kirton
Vertical Juice & Smoothy

Every system is always part of a bigger system and, in turn, consists of a number of smaller systems. For example, our solar system is part of the galaxy, and consists of the sun and planets, including planet Earth. The Earth has its own complex systems, including geology, oceans, and human civilization amongst others.

In general terms, sustainability is a system’s ability to maintain its state over time without need for external resources or energy. The solar system, with planets spinning around the sun on stable orbits, can be considered a sustainable system.

I am not a real believer in the idea that sustainability can be achieved simply by appealing to the conscience, although educating people is an important part of it. I also disagree with those who call for stopping the progress, reducing the needs and shrinking the population. There’s no light of hope in a future like this.  ­­

In fact, real sustainability is not an ideal state, but a goal. It is not just a “feature” either, like a solar panel or a wind turbine. Yes, it can be started from a small element, but it has to become a crystal around which the sustainable structure would grow.

In the urban context, specific combinations of components and their interconnection should be involved in planning for sustainable architecture integrated with the environment, proper density, infrastructure for alternative transportation, and more green spaces within the city. On the national level it’s energy planning based on the long-term impact, and not short-term benefits, encouraging industries, working in the area of alternative energy, waste recycling, and investment in research in those areas.

Vladimir Grebenyuk,
Sun Peaks, B.C.

Although the sale is over, the kitchen team has offered to do a hot dog day in the village in the days to follow to continue this momentum. In addition, we are still getting a few calls to purchase other items so this may not be the final tally.

“We are one team, one community!” The monies raised will all go to local charities in the Kamloops area.

Sincerely,
Joel Rivera,
Director of People Resources,
Delta Sun Peaks

Melissa Bahula, Sales & Catering Coordinator
Delta Sun Peaks Resort

Why not leave a lift or two open that would allow access to the most commonly used areas, and cut hours of operation or do whatever it takes to secure the bottom line? I expect the expenditure will be well justified.

I think it worthwhile to remind all involved that we, as a community, do not take second place to anyone or any place. The pride we all feel is reflected in the need to share this beauty with as many as possible, as often as possible, for as long as possible and in the best circumstances possible.  The question is, why would anyone want to do otherwise?

Roy Fox, Sun Peaks

I wish to publicly thank the Sun Peaks volunteer fire service for their quick response time on that day.

Chief Bill Stoner and Colin Cannon and the rest of the boys who attended to me on that day no doubt saved my life.

Also, a big thank you to John Sharun who drove my wife down to Royal Inland Hospital in his own vehicle. After an air ambulance flight down to St. Paul’s in Vancouver, and a little surgical intervention, I am on the recovery road.

Visitors to Sun Peaks should feel great comfort in the knowledge that we have such a great support system here on the mountain.

Terry McGarry, Sun Peaks, B.C.

I did have a concern that so many very young children were out in the bright sun/snow without eye protection. At the very least, the resort should install some posters, warning of the dangers associated with being out in the snow without adequate eye protection.

A couple of kudos: Jardines you rock! Your staff and service are second to none!

Chopstixx is the only one of several restaurants I tried that excelled at every measure: great food, great service and friendly, knowledgeable service.

Thanks for the fun!

Don Mackay, Vancouver, B.C.

Earth Hour is upon us once again, and on Saturday, March 26 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. over a billion people worldwide will be switching off their lights.

Last year, 50 per cent of Canadians reportedly participated in Earth Hour, strong evidence, I think, that Canadians are looking for action on climate change.

For even stronger evidence, look at the new poll conducted for the World Wildlife Federation which found that 84 per cent of Canadians are “as convinced or more convinced than last year that urgent action is necessary on climate change.”

Climate change is ultimately about how we produce and use energy. So switching from non-renewable to renewable energy as quickly as possible and finding ways conserve and use energy more efficiently are ultimately the keys to solving climate change.

Something to think about for an important hour on March 26.

Mike Taylor
Port Moody, B.C.