A Q&A with prospective councillor Rob O’Toole

“In 2012 we moved back to Sun Peaks to raise our kids in this amazing community,” O’Toole wrote to SPIN via email. “Looking back it’s the best decision ever made. Before serving the last eight years on council I served on the Sun Peaks Education Society board for two years. Community service is the best way I know to thank the community that has helped shape our family and support our family business.”

“A new community-led board is now in place. That was step number one. From that, the board is working on a plan for reopening. That plan will set out the services to be offered after reopening. Over the last few months, I have met with the B.C. Minister of Health, and the Interior Health clinical director. During these meetings we’ve been exploring ways to work collaboratively with Interior Health and the ministry to support services in Sun Peaks once the clinic is open. In late August the province announced new programs designed to support services in rural community medical centres.”

To review SPIN’s coverage of the health centre, visit our dedicated landing page. 

“A great deal of work has gone into this and continues still. This is a top priority of the municipality, Sun Peaks Resort LLP, B.C. government, Canadian National Ski Council and Canada West Ski Council. 

During the UBCM Conference I [had] four meetings where this [was] the priority; one federal meeting and three provincials. If it’s removed, our plan will be to support new construction growth in any way we can. This could include fast tracking infrastructure projects, expedite processing of developments and simply get the word out that Sun Peaks is open for business.”

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“My first focus is to get the community growing so we can broaden our tax base. Right now, that means wastewater capacity expansion. After that it’s a new water treatment plant followed by water reservoir capacity expansion.

There are two challenges I see here. First, how we fund them and second, how do we complete the work in a timely manner.

Timing may require public and private partnerships. As a small municipality, we lack the resources or staff to manage multiple projects in a short window of time. 

Funding them will require a multi-pronged approach. This could include borrowing, reviewing and adjusting tax categories, ensuring all properties are in the correct tax class and looking internally for cost savings.

A couple of months ago I brought to council the idea we should look at Master Service Agreements and Integrated Project Development. The city of Kamloops has used these systems to build many infrastructure projects over 10 or more years. During that time, all these projects have come in on time and on budget. Staff are preparing a report that will be brought to the new council later this fall.”

“My family owns and operates a restaurant in the village. Over the last two years, during my time as mayor, I have taken a step back in co-leading the business. Before that as a councillor I made it a priority to always ensure I’m not in conflict. 

Mayor Al Raine always told me to be sure you aren’t benefiting financially and to be transparent.”

“Work to get a community base centre in Sun Peaks. I’ve been looking at this in other communities, and I see a need here. Rossland has one run by the Youth Action Network. It’s been a huge success in giving the young people of Rossland a place to call home.

More infrastructure to support youth in the spring and fall when snow sports and biking aren’t operating. 

Getting our brick-and-mortar school moving. We are meeting with the Infrastructure Ministry during the UBCM Conference. We’ve had some productive meetings with the new leadership at SD 73 and I’m optimistic about our future school.”