Since 2022, Ally has supported Sun Peaks Resort’s emergency management program through training, emergency plan development, hazard and risk assessments, and emergency exercises. Most recently, we had the pleasure of working with Sun Peaks Resort to plan and deliver a tactical exercise focused on wildfire-related evacuations. The primary objective was to evaluate existing evacuation plans while gathering real-time feedback from participants to inform future planning and strengthen operational preparedness efforts. The exercise focused on testing the timely flow of information between responding groups and agencies, identifying emerging resource needs, and clarifying responsibilities during a rapidly evolving emergency.
Walk and Talk Format
Participants moved through the actual locations where they would carry out their responsibilities during an emergency, describing how they would complete key tasks and coordinate with others.
Rather than a traditional tabletop discussion or full-scale exercise, the exercise was conducted as a tactical exercise using a “walk and talk” format. Participants moved through the actual locations where they would carry out their responsibilities during an emergency, describing how they would complete key tasks and coordinate with others. This approach can be beneficial as it encourages discussions and reveals considerations that can be overlooked in a meeting room.
Advancing Wildfire Near Sun Peaks Resort – Exercise Scenario
To begin the exercise, participants were presented with a realistic scenario to establish the operating environment for the exercise. Although the exercise took place in June, participants were asked to imagine the following situation:
“It is Tuesday August 11th. The Fire Index throughout the Thompson-Nikola Regional District is rated as Extreme. A storm front continues to move in from the east bringing lightning activity to the area. Winds are blowing from east to west and are expected to remain steady for the next 48 hours. Fires around Niskonlith Provincial Park (about 10 km away) are threatening to advance towards Sun Peaks Resort area. In preparation, the Regional District issues an Evacuation Alert for the entire area.”
The Situation Escalates
Following the scenario introduction, participants worked through a facilitated discussion before advancing the scenario 48 hours into the future. The situation had deteriorated significantly. Two new fires – likely caused by early morning lightning strikes – had ignited nearby. BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reported that neither fire was contained and that prevailing winds were pushing both towards the resort. In response, the Regional District issued an Evacuation Order.
Coordination and Cooperation
As the exercise progressed, participants were split into teams based on their operational roles at the resort including hotel staff, facilities operations, mountain operations, and other key functional areas. Each group worked through the many tasks, decisions, and communications required to safely evacuate guests and staff during the busy summer tourist season.
Walking through the site together also provided valuable opportunities to validate existing plans, identify operational challenges, and generate ideas for improvements before they are needed in a real emergency.
Walk and Talk Format
Exercises like this provide organizations with an opportunity to test plans in a realistic but low-risk environment. By bringing together staff from across the resort to work through complex scenarios, participants can identify strengths, uncover gaps, and build confidence in their ability to respond effectively.
We appreciate the opportunity to continue supporting Sun Peaks Resort’s emergency management program and thank everyone who participated for their engagement, thoughtful discussions, and willingness to share ideas that will help strengthen preparedness for future wildfire events.
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To learn more about how Ally supports clients in the recreational sector, including Sun Peaks Resort and the Sea to Sky Gondola, visit our portfolio pages for individual case studies of emergency exercises we have designed and executed for clients.
