Meet Sun Peaks’ prospective councillors

With a council byelection in Sun Peaks on April 5, SPIN asked the four nominees in the running a few questions to help voters decide who to elect. The mayor’s chair will be filled by acclamation, since former Coun. Rob O’Toole is the only candidate; one of the four nominees will take his vacant seat on Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality’s (SPMRM) council.

Each candidate — Dave Burnham, Katherine Campbell, Brian Gillespie and Alice Muirhead — also told SPIN subscribers more about who they are, and why they chose to put their name forward. 

Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Candidate bios

Dave Burnham:

For the past eight years, I’ve been privileged to call Sun Peaks my home. What began as annual vacations 23 years ago, evolved into a deep commitment when my wife Cathy and I made Sun Peaks our permanent residence in 2017. Today, three generations of my family live in Sun Peaks, giving me a unique perspective on the broad spectrum of community needs.

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My professional career spans decades of senior leadership in financial services and technology, where I’ve managed complex budgets, led strategic planning and fostered innovation. I am known for a leadership style that is open, communicative and inclusive. My background offers a different perspective from our current council members, whose valuable experience in hospitality, government and not-for-profits would be complemented by my expertise.

I am already engaged in the community. For the past three seasons, I have been an active volunteer instructor with Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks (ASSP), and am on the ASSP Board of Directors. I have been regularly seen at council meetings, in person or online, occasionally giving my perspective or asking a question, and was a participant on council’s Short Term Nightly Rental Select Committee.

Katherine Campbell:

Like many of you, I chose to make this incredible mountain community my home. My husband, Marc and I moved here with our two kids, Marigold and Jude, back in 2020, and we’ve been investing in Sun Peaks ever since. You’ll see us on the slopes, at community events and supporting local businesses. But my commitment goes beyond just living here. 

As executive director of ASSP, I’m passionate about making our mountain accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. As president of the Rotary Club of Sun Peaks, I’m focused on addressing local needs and strengthening our community spirit. I also sit on the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors of the Sun Peaks Freestyle Club, contributing to policies and programs that benefit us all.

With over 25 years of leadership experience in both the non-profit and business sector, I have experience in strategic planning, financial management and community engagement. 

Jane Goodall said, “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” 

My decision to run for council is rooted in my strong desire to help.

Brian Gillespie:

My Sun Peaks journey began in 2007, starting in lift operations and retail before focusing on my career in hospitality at Bottoms Bar & Grill. Today, as the general manager and a partner, I am deeply committed to the community and its growth.  Over the years, I have developed strong relationships with local businesses, residents and community organizations. My experience navigating challenges like economic fluctuations, tourism sustainability and workforce housing has given me valuable insight into the needs of our municipality. I am committed to ensuring responsible growth, financial stability, and a thriving year-round community.

Alice Muirhead:

Close to eight years ago, I moved from Prince George to Sun Peaks, and I’m so glad I did! The endless outdoor activity options are a huge draw for me, as I love to ski, bike and run, but it’s really the people who make Sun Peaks special. I’m running for council to serve the people of Sun Peaks, to give back to a community that has given me so much. I work remotely for the Rural Coordination Centre of B.C. during the week, and from November to April as a coach for the Sun Peaks Alpine Club. In the fall, I spend a few weeks coaching the Sun Peaks Powderhounds cross-country running team.  I put my name forward in this by-election because I would like to contribute to making Sun Peaks a great place for anyone to live, work, and visit.

What are the top issues you feel Sun Peaks needs to address at the municipal level?

Dave Burnham: 

Short-Term Rentals and Affordable Long Term Housing: I believe we need a balanced approach that respects our zoning bylaws while acknowledging the importance of tourism to our economy. The current policy review is an opportunity to gather actual data on which rental segments are oversupplied and which need more capacity. My background in data analysis and financial management would bring a fresh perspective to this discussion, focusing on solutions that balance the legitimate interests of property owners with the community’s need for long-term housing options.

Daycare and Community Services: The recent daycare transition showed we need a better communication process with the community. I would advocate for early community involvement through information sessions, clear timelines communicated well in advance and regular updates throughout the process. Most importantly, I’d ensure accountability measures are built into any contracts with service providers that protect the quality and accessibility of these essential services. With three grandchildren in the community, I understand firsthand how critical these services are to families in our community.

Infrastructure and Growth: Proactive planning is essential, we need to be looking ahead and planning for future services, not just responding to immediate needs. We have a unique situation in Sun Peaks and we need to work closely with the Sun Peaks Resort to ensure alignment of future projects, and that development preserves what makes our community special.

Katherine Campbell:

Strengthen Relationships [and] continue to build ongoing relationships with the three local bands: Adams Lake Band, Neskonlith Band and Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw. 

Infrastructure improvements [to] water and sewer systems. Upgrading and expanding water and sewer infrastructure is critical to supporting housing development and accommodating the community’s rapid growth. Projects like the municipal water supply line and wastewater treatment upgrades are essential steps, as are solutions for additional wastewater treatment facilities.

Conduct a comprehensive review of the short-term nightly rental (STR) permit system to balance tourism needs with long-term housing availability. This includes fair regulations, community engagement, and data-driven policy adjustments.

Work towards securing additional funding for the Sun Peaks Housing Authority to expand affordable housing options including employee housing. Build upon our successful bid for the $1.5 million Housing Accelerator Fund and advocate that Sun Peaks still realize the full amount awarded.

Support local business needs [through] expand[ing] light industrial zoning and facilities to meet the growing demand for service-based businesses that support the resort and community operations. Create Sun Peaks’ own “Function Junction.”

Ensure that all projects align with sustainability goals, such as using reclaimed water for snowmaking and exploring renewable energy options as part of infrastructure plans.

Brian Gillespie:

[First] Ensuring we have sustainable water management to support continued growth. 

[Second ]Developing housing solutions that support the needs of Sun Peaks’ workforce and long-term residents, ensuring sustainable growth for the community. 

[Third] Strengthening tourism revenue streams while securing long-term financial partnerships with the Secwépemc bands. 

[Lastly,] implementing regular audits of third-party service providers and fostering better communication with residents.

Alice Muirhead:

The top three issues I think Sun Peaks needs to address at the municipal level [include] finalizing the updated Official Community Plan (OCP), developing and maintaining housing and infrastructure to support the rapidly growing population, and continuing to build and strengthen collaborations with partners.

An OCP is developed to guide municipal decision making and land use policy. It is a general statement of the collective desires of a community, determined through extensive engagement with the community. The initial [SPMRM] OCP was adopted in 2014, a plan based on a population of 1,500 in 2031. In 2022 a draft refresh to the OCP was developed but wasn’t made official. I think it’s important that we work to finalize and make official an OCP that reflects the needs and wants of the current and future population of Sun Peaks. Without an updated OCP, policy development and decision making at the municipal level and acquiring funding from senior levels of government is hampered.

From 2016 to 2021, the population of Sun Peaks doubled from 616 to just over 1,400. As someone who loves living in Sun Peaks, I understand why people are moving here, and I’m so happy to have them join our community. However, housing supply and infrastructure, including water supply and wastewater treatment, have not kept pace with this rapid growth. I’m grateful to everyone within the municipal office and Sun Peaks Resort LLP [SPR] who have dedicated time and effort to these issues for many years, and I’m hopeful that as a member of council I can continue the efforts to minimize tax increases for local residents and ensure tourists are fairly charged for the services they receive.

Finally, but perhaps most importantly, I think it’s imperative that as a municipality we build new and strengthen existing relationships with [SPR] and local businesses; the Adams Lake Band, Neskonlith Band and Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw; School District 73 and the Sun Peaks Education Society; the Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association, ArtZone Sun Peaks and Sun Peaks Skate Park Foundation; the provincial and federal governments; and the many other partners who play a role in making Sun Peaks a great place to live, work and visit. Much of my professional experience is in the area of partnerships and engagement, particularly with First Nations, government ministries and community members. This experience has shown me time and again the exponential value of collaboration. Together, we can be greater than the sum of our parts.

What type of impact do you hope to have as councillor?

Dave Burnham:

I’m running for council because I believe we need greater transparency. The recent daycare transition highlighted the need for clearer communication with residents. I’ll push for more town halls, support more community committees, and provide proactive engagement on issues that matter to you.

We need balanced solutions. As a resort community, we must balance the needs of our tourism economy with quality of life for permanent residents. I’ll advocate for data-driven policies that consider all stakeholders, particularly in addressing our short-term and long-term housing challenges.

We need diverse perspectives. Good governance requires a variety of viewpoints. My background brings a fresh approach to complement the existing council’s expertise.

Katherine Campbell:

I hope to engage with the community by being an active listener and asking the question, How can I help? By listening to community members, I hope to effect change and policies that best reflect the will of all Sun Peaks stakeholders.

Brian Gillespie:

I want to bring clear communication, responsible decision-making and a collaborative approach to council. My experience managing a business in Sun Peaks has taught me the importance of financial responsibility, strategic planning and community engagement. I aim to contribute by ensuring that growth is sustainable, infrastructure investments are prioritized and municipal decisions reflect the needs of both residents and businesses.

Alice Muirhead:

In terms of the impact I would like to have as a councillor, I hope to be energetic and engaged, well-informed and sound in my decision-making. I think public office at any level is a job done in service to the people who elect you, and I hope to make decisions that reflect the collective desires of this community. That’s what I want voters to know — I have put my name forward in service of this community and you, the residents of Sun Peaks.