Sun Peaks mayor Al Raine accepts a King Charles III Coronation Medal

The only mayor Sun Peaks has ever had, Al Raine, was awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal during a presentation at a council meeting on Sept. 10. 

Todd Stone, MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson honoured Raine with a speech and presented him with the medal.

Commemorating the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada, this medal honours those who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community. 

Instrumental in putting Sun Peaks on the map as a tourism destination, Stone called Raine a “pioneer in tourism and resort development.”

Raine has contributed to the development of B.C. resort communities such as Whistler and has been integral in developing the political landscape of Sun Peaks.

“I accepted the award on behalf of the Sun Peaks community and it will hang on the wall in the municipal office with thanks to all those who contribute day in and day out to make us a great community,” Raine said to SPIN in an email.

As part of his acceptance of the award, he wanted to mention the Sun Peaks Education Society raising over $2 million over 14 years, and the support from initial council members for a school in Sun Peaks, Sun Peaks Resort LLP and Mr. Okubo’s vision of a major ski area, ski club volunteers, the Rotary Club, the Taekwon-do Club and the Health Association, who raised over $1 million to build the clinic in town and $500,000 to equip Sun Peaks Health Centre.

“We are a ‘can do’ community, full of positive people who are willing to contribute to make Sun Peaks the best mountain community anywhere,” he said. “I had the distinct pleasure of leading the orchestra.”

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include comments from Mayor Al Raine.