Spring is in the air, and while this time of year always signals a change in the daily rhythm of our community, this year also signals a change at the municipal level. Earlier this week, our new mayor Rob O’Toole and new councillor Brian Gillespie were sworn into office following a by-election and mayoral acclamation, marking a new chapter in leadership and governance.
This is the first time in the municipality’s young history it won’t be led by Al Raine, who served as mayor since the community’s incorporation in 2010 until his passing in December of last year. While O’Toole served as a councillor for six years under Raine, and is well positioned and informed to take on the duties of mayor, it no less marks a significant change for the community. Raine was the last local government figure from the original council, which saw almost an entirely new slate of councillors in 2022. That same year, the provincial government denied the municipality’s request to allow the Sun Peaks Resort LLP’s (SPR) appointed councillor position to remain, which had been held by SPR general manager Darcy Alexander since 2010.
All this to say, while it may have only been a by-election, it marks the latest in a series of transitions resulting in a very new-feeling council for Sun Peaks. While Gillespie is the youngest member of council ever elected, both the new mayor and new councillor have a wealth of community and Sun Peaks business knowledge to draw from, alongside the guidance of their fellow council members and municipal staff. Together, they have until the fall of 2026 to prove to residents and property owners they can make headway on some tough issues facing the community.
(L-R) Kelly Dye, Julie Kimmel, Rob O’Toole, Brian Gillespie and Len Hrycan. Photo SPIN
Potential voters spoke loud and clear about the issues of importance to them at the by-election all candidates forum and through the polls. Advocating for an exemption to the federal foreign buyers ban was top of the agenda for many whose businesses, employment and property values are affected by the legislation. This issue has been at the forefront of lobbying efforts by multiple stakeholders, including the municipality, with no movement for several years.
While many other important issues were top of mind, such as short-term rentals and infrastructure, the overall theme was not uncommon for tourism communities: striking the balance between the needs of growing the visitor-based economy and the needs and wants of the residents who power that economy.
It’s a delicate balance few resort communities have been able to perfect, and success is also highly subjective depending on where your interests reside on the wide spectrum of say, seasonal worker to real estate developer, or a young and growing family to a retired couple.
While there are a myriad of complicated and important issues to navigate, a solid foundation has been laid over the last 15 years for this new mayor and council to build upon. It’s important that residents and owners continue to make their voices heard and engage in the community, through council or other groups, so our leaders know how to direct their energy and efforts, and how we want to define success collectively.
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