Beaumont mulls commemoration for Ryan Shtuka

BEAUMONT -- The City of Beaumont is exploring plans to commemorate former resident Ryan Shtuka.

Shtuka went missing in Sun Peaks, British Columbia, in the early morning hours of Feb. 17, 2018. He had traveled to the area from Beaumont just before his 21st birthday to work as a ski lift operator. Shtuka had been at the Sun Peaks resort, located 45 minutes outside Kamloops, for only two and a half months before his disappearance.

At their meeting on Apr. 14, 2026, Beaumont City Council heard a motion from Nathan Netelenbos which called on Administration to provide a report outlining potential locations, associated costs, and a recommended approach to establishing a commemoration in remembrance of the former Beaumont resident. He says Shtuka was a valued member of the community and a commemoration in his honour would be of benefit to the City.

"Although I never had the opportunity to meet Ryan personally, I know several people who have. They speak of his high maturity, his kind soul, his want to always help others, his leadership, and the strong friendships he made across the community of Beaumont," said Councillor Netelenbos. "As a highly respected member of the youth community in Beaumont, it's important to his friends, his family, many community members, as well as myself."

Despite major search efforts by his parents and volunteers, along with significant media coverage over the last eight years, no trace of Ryan Shtuka has ever been found. The case remains open to this day, and anyone with information can contact their local police.

Beaumont staff are expected to return with cost estimates, potential locations, and recommended action for a commemoration of Ryan by the end of Q3 2026.