Sun Peaks resort on May 27 (Image credit: CFJC)

By Connor Gunn

2030 WINTER OLYMPICS

Sun Peaks could see major impact if 2030 Vancouver Olympic bid is selected

May 27, 2022 | 4:03 PM

SUN PEAKS, B.C. — The community of Sun Peaks could host competitions if the Vancouver and Whistler bid is awarded the 2030 Winter Olympic games.

After some events in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics were negatively affected due to snow conditions at Cypress Mountain — Sun Peaks would replace Cypress.

The community says in the event the bid is awarded to Vancouver, the town would see a major impact.

“Obviously it would be a lot of work hosting the games but the positive would certainly raise the profile and the image of Sun Peaks and as a community, we would hope that there would leave some legacy,” says Sun Peaks Mayor Al Raine.

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Raine said if the bid became reality, the events hosted in Sun Peaks could grow the popularity of the hill.

“In my understanding, they are looking at 24 events in snowboarding and freestyle skiing and the interesting part of that these are more new events and they’re events that attract younger people and it certainly would help put Sun Peaks in really a good place for younger people thinking about a snowboard or ski vacation.”

Owner of Jardines Sport Shop, Kerri MacGowan, hopes the games could impact the youth population.

“This will be perfect for our mountain — they’re catering it to our mountain. We have an incredible kids program, that’s the freestyle program. Having those kids see these athletes come into our own town I think is going to be really exciting for them.”

MacGowan says the influence the competitions could have would be vital for growth.

“The energy would be just phenomenal. To have that opportunity to see that in your own backyard I think is just going to be mind-blowing.”

A new event centre and Olympic village may need to be built for Sun Peaks and ties to local First Nations could be strengthened.

“First of all, venues that we would have venues that we don’t have at the present time they would be there for athletes in snowboarding and skiing. Secondly, working with the four host First Nations from Vancouver and the four local bands we could see a great opportunity to improve the relationship that Sun Peaks has today with the four neighbouring first nation bands.”

Although the bid is in the preliminary stages and the Olympics in question wouldn’t be until 2030, the town of Sun Peaks is hoping for the best.