2. Development Variance Permit Application No. 320 – Igor and Anna Landa Lot B, District Lot 4137, Kootenay District, Plan 1623 Except Parts Included in Plans 13159, 13562, 13933 and NEP60610 and Lot B, District Lot 4137, Kootenay District, Plan 13933
Council approved this application and will give notice of their intention to consider issuance of the permit.
2013-04-17 DVPA-320 – Igor and Anna Landa

3. Outdoor Patio Applications:
Northern Bar and Stage, Loaf Real Honest Bread Ltd. (Loaf Bakery) and the Central Hotel have submitted applications to the City for Licences of Occupation to occupy a portion of the municipal sidewalk/road adjacent to their respective businesses to accommodate new outdoor patios.
Council authorized notice of its to intention dispose of property by way of the Licences of Occupation and will consider approval of the Licences once the requisite advertising associated with the notices has been completed.

The proponents also submitted applications to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) for changes to their existing liquor licences in relation to the proposed outdoor patios. Residents and businesses within a 50 m radius of the proposed patios will be receiving notification of the requested liquor licence changes and will have the opportunity to submit written comments in relation to the changes.

BYLAWS
Bylaw No. 2211 cited as, “2013 – 2017 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No, 2211” Council gave first, second and third readings.
2013-04-18 2013-2017 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2211
Bylaw No. 2212 cited as “2013 Tax Rates Bylaw No. 2212”
Council gave first, second and third readings.
2013-04-18 Report from the Chief Administrative Officer – Bylaw No. 2212 -Tax Rates Bylaw 2013

Bylaw No. 2208 cited as Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1923, Amendment Bylaw No. 24, 2013; and
Bylaw 2209 cited as Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 144, Bylaw No. 2209, 2013. Lot 4, District Lot 4588, Kootenay District, Plan 2918 – (1201 6th Avenue)

Council gave first and second reading and referred applications to a public hearing on May 13, 2013.
Bylaw No. 2208 cited as Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1923, Amendment Bylaw No. 24, 2013 & Bylaw No. 2209 cited as Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 144, Bylaw No. 2209, 2013 – (Focus Corp. – Latitude)

Bylaw No. 2206 cited as Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 142, Bylaw No. 2206, 2013”.
Leffler Law Office -1A/1B, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 – Alpine Trail Place.
Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 142, Bylaw No. 2206, 2013 was adopted.
2013-04-15 Report from the Director of Planning re Bylaw 2206 (Leffler Law Office – Alpine Trail Place)

Bylaw No. 2210 cited as Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 145, Bylaw No. 2210, 2013”.
Ted Shoesmith – 501A – 6th Avenue.
Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 145, Bylaw No. 2210, 2013 was adopted.
Report from the Director of Planning re: Bylaw 2210 (Shoesmith – 501 – 6th Avenue)

PUBLIC HEARING
Bylaw No. 2202 cited as Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 139, 2013
Collin Woehl and Christine Abela -1092 – 9th Avenue
To receive submissions from the public, either oral or written to re proposed amendment to Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 to change the use of Lot 6, Block 84, District Lot 4588, Kootenay District, Plan 734 from R1-Single Family Residential to R1B – Single Detached Plus Residential.
Council gave third reading and referred to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for approval.

2013-04-15 Report from the Director of Planning re Bylaw No. 2202

OTHER INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Community Wildfire Protection Plan Task Force
Council dissolved the Community Wildfire Protection Plan Task Force as they have fulfilled their mandate which included the completion of fuel treatment on City owned land above Ridgemont during the fall.
2013-04-10 Community Wildfire Protection Plan Task Force

CBT Grant – Canadian Red Cross

Council amended their April 9, 2013 resolution to the Board of the RDEK by striking out the award of $1,165.00 to the Canadian
Red Cross Society at the request of the Society and directed the $1,165 to the Wapiti Music Festival Society.
2013-04-12 RTC CBT Grant (Canadian Red Cross Society)

Please visit the City of Fernie website at www.fernie.ca for information on what an OCP is and what it means to our community.

To have your voice heard please complete the online survey:
Direct link to the survey www.surveymonkey.com/s/FernieOCPUpdate

Your participation is what will make the plan work for Fernie.

Day of the Honey Bee
Council directed staff to forward the letter to Wildsight for their consideration

Fernie Rod and Gun Club – Annual Awards Dinner and Dance
Council authorized grant funding from the Resort Municipality Tourism Initiative Investment Fund to the Fernie Rod & Gun Club to help cover the rental costs of the Fernie Memorial Arena and the Community Centre for their upcoming Annual Awards Dinner and Dance to be held Saturday, April 27, 2013.

Zoning Amendment Bylaws

Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 141, Bylaw No. 2205, 2013 for Rick and Shirley Mercier
Council adopted Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 141, Bylaw No. 2205, 2013.

Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 139, Bylaw No. 2202, 2013 for Collin Woehl and Christine Abela, 1092 – 9th Avenue.
Council approved first and second reading and referred the application to an upcoming public hearing.

Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 145, Bylaw No. 2210, 2013, Ted Shoesmith, 501A - 6th Avenue, Council approved first and second reading and referred the application to an upcoming public hearing.

Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 143, Bylaw No. 2207, 2013 for Jane Wilson, 1102 – 11th Avenue.
Council approved first and second reading and referred the application to an upcoming Public Hearing.

Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 142, Bylaw No. 2206, 2013 for Leffler Law Office, 1A/1B and 2-9 Alpine Place Trail.
Council approved first and second reading and referred the application to an upcoming Public Hearing.

Development Variance and Development Permits
Council approved notice of intention to consider Development Variance Permit Application No. DVPA-324 for Collin Woehl and Christine Abela to vary setbacks and projections at 1092 – 9th Avenue.

Council approved notice of intention to consider Development Variance Permit Application No. DVPA-326 for Heather Hockley to vary setbacks and projections at 1121-4th Avenue.

Council approved the form and character changes to Phase I of Development Permit No. 293 for S.V. Ski Base Ltd., Inc. No 180080, located at 451-1st Avenue.

Council denied issuance of Development Variance Permit No. DVP-325 to Stuart Robbins and Ami Barras to vary the maximum parcel coverage from 35% to 38% for 1301A – 9th Avenue.

Revenue Sharing Program
Notification of the City of Fernie’s success in $87,351 (Small Community Grant) from the Strategic Community Investment Fund program.

April is Daffodil Month
Council for the City of Fernie proclaims April as “Daffodil Month” and April 27th, to be “Daffodil Day.”

And strongly encourage all residents of Fernie to continue to recognize and support the Canadian Cancer Society.

1. Bylaw No. 2204, Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 140, 2013
This bylaw proposes to change the zoning of Lot 2, Block 87, DL 4588, KD, Plan 902 from R1- Single Family Residential to R1B – Single Detached Plus Residential. If adopted, the applicant will be allowed to construct a new detached garage with a second-storey secondary dwelling unit on the lot.
2013-03-06 RTC from the Director of Planning and Zoning bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 140, Bylaw No. 2204, 2013

2. Bylaw No. 2205, Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 141, 2013
This bylaw proposes to change the zoning of Lot 14, Block 83, DL 4588, KD, Plan 734A from R1 – Single Family Residential to R2 – Duplex Residential. If adopted, the applicant will be allowed to construct a duplex containing two dwellings with separate titles. At the Public Hearing, a concerned resident, though in favour of the project, raised questions related to placement of the house, parking and snow removal.

Board Appointments – Board of Variance
Council appointed Mr. Jordan Earl as a member of the Board of Variance for a three year term starting March 12, 2013.
The City of Fernie is required to establish a Board of Variance, consisting of 3 members, under the Local Government Act to consider variances or exemptions that if complied with would cause the person hardship.

Release of Covenants and Equitable Charges -
Subject land is Miners Village located east of Rivermount Place and the Pinnacle Ridge multifamily development. Council authorized the release of Section 219 Covenants (KM101703 and KM101704) and Equitable Charges (KM101705).

Royal Hotel – Temporary Change to Liquor-Primary License
Council supported the Royal Hotel’s application to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) for a temporary change to their license to allow for the extension of their hours of operation to 4:00am on the evening of Saturday, April 13, 2013. Council has supported this extension on a trial basis for which they shall base future support on the outcome of this event.

Carbon Neutral by 2012
Council authorized that Fernie’s carbon offsets be purchased from the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Darkwoods project, subject to the Carbon Neutral Kootenay’s project negotiating a final purchase agreement. As one of the 180 communities in British Columbia, the City of Fernie has made a commitment to become carbon neutral by 2012. The carbon offsets purchased compensate for the community’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Development Variance Permit Application No. 325 – 1301- 9th Avenue
Council authorized that notice be given that they will consider the issuance of a development variance permit to vary the maximum parcel coverage for a second-floor sundeck from 35% to 38% at 1301 9th Avenue, at their March 25, 2013 Regular Meeting.

Griz Days – Partnering Agreement
Following Sarah Parry’s update to the Committee of the Whole on the success of the 2013 Griz Days Winter Festival, Council resolved that staff bring forward a report to Council on extending a partnering agreement with the Chamber of Commerce for the delivery of this service.

Relay for Life – Awareness Week – March 18-24, 2013
This year’s event will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at the Fernie Secondary School from 11am – 11pm. For more information, please visit their website at www.relaybc.ca.

The next regular meeting of Fernie City Council is on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 7:00pm will be held in Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 501 – 3rd Avenue, Fernie BC. Agenda packages are available on the City website by 4:00pm on the preceding Friday.

Committee of the Whole meetings are held on the same day AS Regular meetings at 10:00am. They are a less formal forum for Council to review and gather information relative to a particular topic. A Committee of the Whole does not have the authority to initiate an action (limited to providing direction to the CAO).

Anyone wishing to be a delegation before Council or the Committee of the Whole, are asked to submit a written request to the Director of Corporate Administration Services. This written request should include the name(s) of the person(s) who would be making the report or presentation if approved (referred to as a “delegation”), and a copy of the report or presentation in written form.

The written submission must clearly state any requests being made of Council and any recommended Council resolutions. Please keep in mind that all written requests must be received by 12:00 noon on the Wednesday, preceding a regular Council Meeting.

Special Occasion Liquor License – Park Place Lodge
Griz Days Street Hockey Tournament on Saturday, March 2/13
Council approved the request from the Park Place Lodge to operate a beer garden in the rear parking lot of the Park Place Lodge at 742 Highway 3 on Saturday, March 2, 2011 from 11:00am to 7:00pm as part of the 2013 Griz Days Festival

Valley Wide Selenium Management Action Plan – Teck Coal
Council received the following correspondence from Teck on the work done to date on the Valley Wide Selenium Management Action Plan.

Elk Valley Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) Program – 2013
An interactive injury prevention program aimed at teens, focusing on making smart choices and the consequences of poor decision making in risk taking behaviors will be going ahead again this year:
 March 27, 2013 &; April 3, 10 and 17, 2013
 Fernie Hospital from 8:45am – 3:15pm

Aerial Filming by Raven Eye Photography
Council approved the request from Raven Eye Photography for permission to use City land for the purpose of obtaining aerial photographs using an un-manned aerial vehicle (UAV) subject to the applicant providing proof of insurance naming the City of Fernie as an additional insured. The applicant is looking to take aerial photos of the Fernie Town site, 2nd Avenue and historic buildings.

Fernie Lions Club Request for Use of City Property
Following Council’s review of the Lions Club request to obtain a designated area within the City of Fernie boundaries in which to hold the Annual Demolition Derby, Council resolved to contact the Ministry regarding the possible lease of the 41 acre parcel of crown land northeast of the new transfer station.

Zoning Amendment Bylaws
Council gave first and second readings to the following zoning amendment bylaws and scheduled a Public Hearing for Monday, March 11, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Fernie Aquatic Centre (location amended by resolution on March 27, 2013) to address these applications:
1. Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 140, Bylaw No. 2204, 2013 for Lot 2, Block 87, District Lot 4588, Kootenay District, Plan 902 (1021 9th Avenue)
2013-02-21 Report from the Director of Planning
Zoning Bylaw 2204, 2013
2. Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 140, Bylaw No. 2205, 2013 for Lot 14, Block 83, District Lot 4588, Kootenay District, Plan 734A (1022 8th Avenue)
2013-02-21 Report from the Director of Planning
Zoning Bylaw No. 2205, 2013

The next regular meeting of Fernie City Council is on Monday, March 11, 2013 at 7:00pm at the Fernie Aquatic Centre, located at 250 Pine Avenue, Fernie BC. Agenda packages are available on the City website by 4:00pm on the preceding Friday.

GRIZ DAYS ARE HERE !!
MARCH 1, 2, & 3, 2013
Come out and enjoy the events

Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) Transfer under Agreement payment for 2012
Tourism Revenue contributed to $13.4 billion to the provincial economy in 2011 and provided 127,700 jobs for British Columbians, with one in fifteen people employed in this sector.
The second transfer payment from the Province was received in support of numerous local projects identified under the Resort Development Strategy (RDS).

Fernie Chamber of Commerce – Griz Days Festival, Beer Garden.
Council approved the request from the Fernie Chamber of Commerce to operate a beer garden at Station Square on Friday, March 1, 2011 and Saturday, March 2, 2013 as part of the 2013 Griz Days Festival. This approval was subject to the Chamber providing the City with proof that all insurance requirements were in place prior to the event.

2013 Council Committee, Board and Liaison Appointments
Council reappointed the appointees from 2012 as their representatives to the various Council Committees and community liaisons with the exception of the Fernie Public Library Board naming Councillor Warshawsky as their representative.

RBC Grants for Constituency Groups – After School Programs
RBC recently announced its call for after school grant applications for the 2013-2014 school year. They are offering more than $2.8 million in grants across Canada to fund first-time and renewed grant recipients. Charitable organizations that offer after school programs are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $40,000 funded by RBC Foundation.
Proposals must be submitted directly to RBC by March 15, 2013. Organizations wishing to apply for an After School grant may download the application from RBC’s website at: http://www.rbc.com/donations/after-school.html

School District No. 5 re: “Best Practice” Service
School District No. 5 has contracted the services of “Make a Future” to lead the search for a replacement for their departing Superintendent of Schools.

Western Canadian Junior B Championships – April 2014
Council will provide a letter to the Fernie Ghostriders in support of their bid to host the Western Canadian Junior B Championships in April 2014. This would be a great opportunity to showcase Fernie by bringing this high level championship tournament to the city.

Mayor Giuliano awarded Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) selected Mayor Giuliano to receive a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in honour of the contributions she has made to our community and to all of Canada. FCM chose her to receive this distinction for her exemplary efforts to make our community a great place to live. It recognizes the important role municipalities – and their elected leaders – play in ensuring our prosperity and high quality of life.
For more information on this award, please visit the Governor General of Canada website at: http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=14019&lan=eng

Winter Day and Evening Shuttle – Partnering Agreement
Council approved the Partnering Agreement with Tourism Fernie for the provision of a winter day and evening local shuttle service between locations within the City of Fernie, West Fernie and the Fernie Alpine Resort for the 2012/12 ski season with the option to extend for the 2013/14 and 2014/15 season. The City will provide payment of the sum of $50,000 per operating season to partially pay the costs of the service.

Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Railway Committee
At the 2012 UBCM Convention, resolution B116 was endorsed which was co-sponsored by New West and the City of Fernie. The resolution requested that UBCM establish a rail committee to deal with rail companies to mitigate concerns that have been identified. Some of the issues identified within the resolution included crossings, idling, use of herbicides and whistle cessation.
UBCM staff is currently in the process of preparing a report to their Executive in follow up to the endorsement of the resolution

Appointment of New CAO
Mayor and Council of the City of Fernie are pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Hendricks as the new Chief Administrative Officer.

The financial experience that Mr. Hendricks brings to his new role as CAO will be invaluable in ensuring that Council’s objectives will be carried out with fiscal awareness.
Mr. Hendricks thanked Council and City staff for their support over the last few months stating “he feels fortunate to have been given this opportunity and looks forward to playing a part in helping to shape Fernie’s future as its CAO.”

Administration will begin the recruitment process to replace Hendricks as the Director of Finance and Computer Services over the next few months.

Fernie Rural Fire Protection Services Authorization Bylaw No. 2203, 2013
Council adopted Bylaw No. 2203 the Fernie Rural Fire Protection Services Authorization Bylaw which commences on January 1, 2013 and ends on December 31, 2018. The ‘fire protection services’ to be provided under the Agreement include: fire suppression; rescue services; medical first responder and such other services as may be agreed to between the Parties.

Development Variance Permit Application No. 321
Best Western Fernie – Schickedanz Properties B.C. Ltd. Inc. No. 56570
Council approved the above noted application to vary the minimum side yard setback to facilitate the construction of an accessory building to be used as a storage shed on the existing concrete pad located on the east side of the Best Western Fernie Mountain Lodge at 1622 – 7th Avenue pursuant to the Storage Shed sketch details, Site Plan and photographs provided.
2013-01-25 Staff Report to Council

Hendricks joined City staff in 2001 as Deputy Treasurer, and was promoted to Director of Finance and Computer Services in 2003. Before entering local government, Hendricks held several different finance-related roles in the mining and oil and gas service sectors.

“I would like to thank council and City staff for their support over the last few months,” commented Hendricks. “I feel fortunate to have been given this opportunity and I look forward to playing a part in helping to shape Fernie’s future as its CAO.”

Mayor Mary Giuliano and council were happy to announce Hendrick’s appointment.

“The financial experience that Jim Hendricks brings to his new role as CAO will be invaluable in ensuring that council’s objectives will be carried out with fiscal awareness in mind,” said Giuliano. “During his time with the City, Mr. Hendricks has proven to be an effective and dedicated manager, and I’m confident in his ability to work with council, City staff, and our great community to help make Fernie an even better place to live, work, and play.”

City staff will now begin a recruitment process to replace Hendricks as the Director of Finance and Computer Services.

Source: www.thefreepress.ca

Beautification Committee
Ms. Carolyn Dillon has been appointed to fill one vacancy representing the Public at large.

Design Review Panel
Marilyn Baker will serve on the Design Review Panel for a one year term.

Fernie and Area 2012 – 2016 Resort Development Strategy
Council approved the updated Fernie and Area 2012 – 2016 Resort Development Strategy

Facilities Master Plan
The City of Fernie currently owns and operates a number of civic buildings of varying ages; maintenance and replacement needs and requires a master plan that will address these issues to ultimately ensure protection of the City’s investment in the community infrastructure.

Council awarded the development of the Facilities Master Plan to B+H Architects for the contract price of $78,400 inclusive of net tax.

Winter Day Evening Shuttle – Partnering Agreement
Council authorized notice of their intention to enter into a partnering agreement with Tourism Fernie for the provision of a winter day and evening local shuttle service between locations within the City of Fernie, West Fernie and the Fernie Alpine Resort (FAR) for the 2012/13 operating ski season with an option for the agreement to extend to include 2013/14 & 2014/15 for the payment by the City to Tourism Fernie the sum of $50,000 per operating season.

The Partnering Agreement will come back for Council’s consideration after requisite notice has been completed and subsequent submission to the Province.

City of Fernie Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP)
On December 3rd, 2012 a workshop was held with City of Fernie staff, the Mayor, and a community representative from the Official Community Plan Implementation Committee (OCPIC) to look at the energy and emissions data for the community as a whole and decide on an action plan, or a Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP).

Council endorsed their support for the Community Energy and Emissions Plan.

Red Tree Lodge & Restaurant
Council provided their support to the Red Tree Lodge & Restaurant’s application to the Liquor Control Licensing Branch to amend the Food Primary Liquor License to include ‘Patron Participation Entertainment. If approved by the Liquor Control Licensing Board, it will allow for the restaurant to be used for workshops, educational seminars, meetings, and games for patrons of their private Nonstop Group.

Fernie Rural Fire Protection Services Authorization Bylaw No. 2203, 2013
The renewed Agreement commences on January 1, 2013 and ends on December 31, 2018. The ‘fire protection services’ to be provided under the Agreement include: fire suppression; rescue services; medical first responder and such other services as may be agreed to between the Parties.

This Bylaw received first three readings and will be included on the January 28th, 2013 Regular Meeting for consideration of adoption.

Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Bylaw No. 2426 Referral
Council provided their support of Regional District of East Kootenay Bylaw No. 2426 which proposes to amend RDEK – Elk Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 829, 1990 by rezoning District Lot 12753, Kootenay District except the most westerly 30 chains from RR-8, Rural Residential (Country) Zone to RS-1, Single Residential (Urban) Zone, RR-2, Rural Residential (Small Holding) Zone and PG-2, Parks and Recreation Zone.

This will facilitate the subdivision of the property to create 37 strata lots, 1 Residential acreage and a proposed vacant remainder lot. The subject property is located 3 km north of the City of Fernie boundary in the Dicken Road area northwest of Kmiecik Road. (22.9 hectares (56.6 acres) and is located outside the Agriculture Land Reserve (Read more)

Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 135, Bylaw No. 2189, 2012
Following the Public Hearing, Council gave Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, Amendment Bylaw No. 135, Bylaw No. 2189, 2012 for Reto Barrington on behalf of 0937657 BC Ltd. third reading and referred it to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for approval. Further consideration by Council is dependent upon Ministerial approval and registration of the Section 219 Covenant on title.

This bylaw proposes to amend the zoning of Lot A, District Lot 4588, Kootenay District, Plan NEP91181 from RR – Rural Residential to PR – Parks and Open Space, including text amendments to definitions within Zoning Bylaw No. 1750.

Our OCP also ensures that decisions from different City departments (e.g., leisure services, engineering, planning) are aligned and working towards a common direction – a vital, thriving and sustainable Fernie we all want to call home.

What’s an Official Community Plan (OCP)?

An OCP is a provincially mandated regulatory document that provides policies on a broad range of topics including land use, transportation, housing, parks and infrastructure. OCPs designate land for specific purposes, like commercial/retail, residential, park, industrial, and often provide specific guidelines around the form and character of buildings and streets.

Local governments also use OCPs to help guide and support decision-making on a number of other important community matters including economic development, transportation, recreation, environmental protection, climate change, arts & culture and more.
Check the OCP Update pages for more info on how you can get Involved.

Timing?

Work started this summer and we expect to complete it by winter 2013. The timeline outlines major project components and expected timing.

Such an approach will recognize the interplay between different components of our community, our economy, our transportation networks, our homes and neighbourhoods, our parks and natural areas, our buildings and infrastructure, etc. and how they must all be considered parts of one larger community system.

Who’s working on it?

We established an OCP Advisory Committee to help review materials, provide input and reach out to the community. The 15-member, volunteer group is made up of a broad cross-section of Fernie residents, two City Councillors and our Mayor.

We are also working with the Whistler Centre for Sustainability (www.whistlercentre.ca), a non-profit organization that provides sustainability planning services to local governments across BC. They are working with a larger consultant team of community planners and technical staff that includes EcoPlan (www.ecoplan.ca) and Cascade Environmental Resources Group (www.cerg.ca).

How can I get involved?

Public participation is an important part of our OCP update project. Whether you are a business owner, a resident, a visitor, or own a home in Fernie, we want to hear from you. There are several ways you can get involved and stay informed:

- Join the email distribution list: Join our email distribution list and be part of the online community! Send your request to join with your email address to FernieOCP@whistlercentre.ca

- Check the website regularly: Check this website for regular updates, upcoming event information and to learn what the community has said. We will be providing all project materials on our website, including newsletters, information posters, open house reports and other materials.

- Participate in public events: Three Open Houses will be held throughout the project, all of which will help feed community input directly into project decisions. Specific dates will be provided on this site as we get closer to the planned open house.

- Talk to us! Have a great idea or want to share your thoughts? Email or talk to a city councilor or a member of the OCP Advisory Committee.

- Check out background documents: If you interested in learning more about the OCP update check out the online resource below.

City of Fernie Official Community Plan