‘We can make it stronger’: new councillor Liz Wilkinson outlines goals for her first four-year term

Newly elected Sun Peaks councillor Liz Wilkinson is hoping to bring her years of experience working with local businesses, organizations and community members to the council table as she begins her first four-year term.

Wilkinson and her husband moved to Sun Peaks eight years ago after spending six years living in Whistler. The Wilkinson’s were looking for a change and visited several ski resorts before deciding Sun Peaks was where they wanted to settle. 

“We came to Sun Peaks and skied for a few days and really liked it and just thought ‘yep, this is where we want to be,’” Wilkinson said, pointing to the village atmosphere and access to skiing as some of the reasons behind their decision.

Over the past eight years, her connection to the community has grown beyond the resort itself. Having watched the village develop and welcome more permanent residents and young families, Wilkinson said she has seen firsthand how the community has evolved. 

Wilkinson’s decision to become more involved in the community began when she left her summer job in Kamloops to take on a full-time role with Sun Peaks Resort LLP. 

She began working for the resort as a ski instructor, spending five years with the sports school before moving into events and partnerships four years ago. 

Through her work in events, she became increasingly involved with local businesses, non-profit organizations and community groups, which eventually motivated her to take the next step into municipal politics. 

“I think there’s amazing people here in the village, and I just wanted to help to make a difference,” Wilkinson said. 

Her role has allowed her to build relationships with local businesses, non-profit organizations and community members, something she hopes will benefit her as she takes on her new responsibilities as councillor. 

“I think people know me and they know that I am a doer,” Wilkinson said. “I know what the end goal is, and I just want to get to that end goal and to bring everyone on board and us all work together to get to that end goal.”

Alongside her work with the resort, Wilkinson is involved with the TELUS Nancy Greene Alpine Classic, helping with year-round planning and fundraising efforts that support the Sun Peaks Education Society. This involvement with local organizations has further motivated her to give back to the community, she said. 

“I think we’re really, really fortunate that we live, work and play in such an amazing place,” Wilkinson said. 

Outside of her professional and community commitments, Wilkinson  competed on the Canadian version of the reality cooking show Come Dine with Me, which she had previously enjoyed watching in the United Kingdom.

Wilkinson spent five nights cooking and hosting alongside other contestants, all while preparing to move from Toronto to Whistler.

At the end of the competition, Wilkinson was named the winner.

“I’m very proud of that,” she said, adding that she also made lasting friendships through the experience.

One of the things Wilkinson said she appreciates most about Sun Peaks is the opportunity to work alongside people who are passionate about the community. 

Now stepping into municipal politics, Wilkinson hopes to continue building on those community relationships through her new role on council, bringing residents, businesses and local organizations together to work toward shared goals.

She acknowledged there will be a learning curve, particularly when it comes to understanding municipal procedures and the background behind previous council decisions.

Looking ahead, she hopes council can address outstanding challenges including the future of the Sun Peaks Health Centre, while continuing to build on the work of previous councils. 

“I think that’s the goal at the end of the day that we set a clear path and that we can build on what’s been done by those that have served before us, and we can make it stronger,” Wilkinson said.