Welcome to the official website for the City of Fernie!
On behalf of the City of Fernie, welcome to our online community. Here you will find information regarding City Council and Departments, bylaws, services, parks and recreation. If you can’t find what you need please feel free to contact us, we are happy to help.
Despite the global economic crisis, in 2009 we are forging ahead with an ambitious capital plan designed to renew and expand our public infrastructure, services and facilities. That plan will see major investments in the City’s water and sewer systems, road network, civic, cultural and recreational facilities. Through these investments we will build a more sustainable community, provide increased employment opportunities and be well-positioned for continued growth and investment in Fernie.
On March 6, 2009 the federal and provincial governments announced funding in the amount of $4.8M from the Building Canada Fund for improvements to the City’s water system including a new reservoir and alternate water supply (well), and dedicated transmission main. Combined with City funding the total project value is estimated at over $7.2M and work will commence this year.
Later this year, the City will go to tender for the completion of phase 2 of upgrades to 13th Street between Highway 3 and 9th Avenue and between 2nd Avenue and Ridgemont Avenue. This project will renew public infrastructure and enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety for this busy street. Total project value is estimated at $1.4M.
More recently, the Province announced that the City’s Resort Development Strategy was approved. This initiative, part of the Province’s Resort Municipality Initiative, will provide Fernie with approximately $2M over the next five years to invest in tourism infrastructure, programs and services. Those investments will grow the tourism economy and enhance amenities and services enjoyed by residents too, thereby strengthening community pride and economic sustainability.
In 2008 the City of Fernie undertook two significant property acquisitions: the purchase of the Heritage Hydro Building on Victoria Avenue and the purchase of the Max Turyk School. The Heritage Building has been leased to the Fernie and District Historical Society for 25 years and will house a downtown museum and archive and visitor information centre. Plans for the Max Turyk School include a childcare facility, pre-school, possibly a francophone school and other community uses including, of course, soccer and other recreational activities on the sports fields and in the gymnasium there.
The challenges facing the City of Fernie in 2009 are many. The road ahead will not be easy but Fernie has a long history of perseverance and rising up to meet the challenges that have confronted it. Meeting these challenges and preparing Fernie for the next century will require a strong vision, coordinated effort and a desire to seek new solutions to old problems.
Enjoy your visit and take a moment to sign our guest book.
Allan Chabot, Chief Administrative Officer
