Our History
Rooted in the Land and River
For millennia, the Stó:lō nation - "People of the River" have lived in this area. Spanning across the Fraser Canyon, through the valley to the mouth of the Fraser River.
Here, they have built their longhouses, set up fishing camps along the Fraser and Similkameen Rivers, hunted, cultivated plants that benefit their people, and harvested wild plants and medicines.
Today, you can learn, explore & experience the Stó:lō People, Traditions and Culture through their guided tours.
Stó:lō Tourism is a hidden treasure within the Fraser Valley with exciting and memorable experiences for everyone to enjoy.
Times of Change and Challenge
During the Westward Expansion and the Gold Rush in the late 1800s, Hope and the Valley were bustling with energy. Some travelers went North in search of gold, others stayed and panned for gold along the mighty Fraser River, and in the tributaries that led to it. Hunters went out in search of furs to trade. Others helped blast the mountains to find a route for the railroad to pass. Some went home wealthy; others weren’t so lucky. During this time the property was used as a cattle and dairy farm to provide the much needed support to the hungry miners on the Klondike Gold Rush.
During the Second World War, following the attack on Pearl Harbour, Sunshine Valley was used as an Internment Camp for Japanese Canadians, as it was situated just outside the 100-mile exclusion zone. The Tashme Museum, located in Sunshine Valley, commemorates the Japanese Canadians who were kept at the internment camp and who helped to build the Hope-Princeton Highway.
On Nov. 2, 1949, Premier Byron “Boss” Johnson placed a key in a padlock and opened the Hope-Princeton Highway.
The Valley Takes Shape
In 1955 the property was sold to the Boys Town Association for delinquent youth and in 1962, an American firm bought the property planning to develop it into a resort.
However, early on the morning of January 9 1965, two earthquakes occurred in the Valley triggering an enormous landslide, destroying about 3km of the Hope-Princeton Highway. The slide consisting of more than 46 million cubic metres of earth, rock and snow crashed down in seconds from the 2000 metre high mountain ridge forming the north side of the valley. Four people were killed in the fatality and two of the victims were never found.
Following the devastation of the Slide, in May 1970 two brothers Donald and Ray Low bought the land, formerly named Trites Creek Dairy Farm. With plans to transform it into a beautiful year-round Recreational Residential Community, and so aptly named it Sunshine Valley.
With the scenic views and the rugged terrain, Don & Ray had the vision to make it a resort. They built a ski lift to allow downhill skiing on Silver Tip Mountain which still exists today which is used by avid snowmobilers and snowboarders alike.
In 1992, Kevin and Audrey Harris built their first cabin in Sunshine Valley, creating a place to gather with family and spend time outdoors. Weekends and holidays were often spent exploring the area and enjoying seasonal activities. For Kevin, some of the most meaningful memories were simple ones, especially time spent together at the cabin during the winter months.
As he reflects, “Sunshine Valley is truly a magical place.”
Sunshine Valley Today & Tomorrow
In 2005, following in his father’s legacy with John Bull Investments, David Bull and his wife JoAnne fell in love with the beauty and spirit of Sunshine Valley and became involved as developers. Over the years, they have worked closely with those around them to shape a future that supports thoughtful growth while honouring the area’s rich past.
David brings over 40 years of award-winning commercial real estate experience, collaborating with top professionals to help build and guide the development of the valley. JoAnne brings more than 35 years of award-winning experience in food, lifestyle, and design, and leads the company’s branding and marketing. Recognizing the area’s unique charm, part of her role includes helping ensure it maintains its heart through events, relationships, and meaningful connection.
Together, they embrace the guiding idea of “Get Back to Nature,” a simple expression that reflects the essence of Sunshine Valley for residents, recreational owners, and visitors alike. Whether it is hiking, biking, kayaking, painting, or spending time with family, it represents the ability to step away from the pace of modern life and live with intention in a natural setting.
As majority owners of Sunshine Valley Developments Ltd., JoAnne and David invite others to secure their lot, build with intention, and create a place of their own. It is a setting where the pace slows, the noise fades, and the most meaningful parts of life come into focus.
Today, Sunshine Valley Developments Ltd. is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors and a team of experienced professionals and contractors, each bringing unique expertise to the valley’s continued growth. Together, they build on the welcoming character that defines Sunshine Valley, working to create a peaceful, enduring place for families to enjoy for generations to come.