In a decisive move to address the growing public safety needs of the community, the Fernie City Council has voted to move forward with the construction of a new Fire Hall. Based on the final conceptual design, the proposed facility will be a purpose-built, needs-based solution that will meet the fire and emergency response requirements of the City of Fernie.
This new Fire Hall is urgently needed to provide a permanent home for the Fernie Fire Department, ensuring that firefighters and emergency responders have the infrastructure required to protect the community. The facility will be designed to meet post-disaster construction standards, making it resilient in the face of emergencies and ensuring that critical services remain operational when they are needed most.
Council emphasized the need for the Fire Hall to be operationally efficient, allowing for quick emergency response times that are essential to maintaining safety for all residents of Fernie.
The estimated cost of the new Fire Hall is approximately $20 million, reflecting the specific needs of the facility and the geographic and logistical challenges posed by Fernie’s location. However, this price tag is based on a Class-D Cost estimate, meaning it is a high-level projection that will be refined as the design process advances. The city is now moving into the detailed design phase, which will allow for a more precise cost estimate and consideration of different delivery methods for the project.
To fund this significant project, the City of Fernie will be looking at a combination of options, including:
• Borrowing funds
• Utilizing reserves
• Contributions from regional partners
• Exploring additional funding streams
• Potential sale of City-owned properties
City Council has acknowledged that borrowing a portion of the funds will likely be necessary, which would require approval from Fernie residents and property owners through a referendum. The public will have the opportunity to weigh in on whether the City should take on debt to finance the project.
In the meantime, the City is conducting the necessary analysis and appraisals of City-owned lands that could be considered for sale to help offset costs. These efforts, combined with the refinement of the project’s design, will give residents a clearer picture of the overall financial implications of the new Fire Hall.
As the project progresses, the City will be working to finalize the design and narrow down the cost estimates. Updates will be provided to the public, and the referendum process will offer residents the opportunity to have their say on this critical investment in Fernie’s safety infrastructure.
While the project comes with a significant cost, City Council is confident that this investment is necessary to ensure the long-term safety and well-being of the community. The proposed Fire Hall will allow the Fernie Fire Department to operate at full capacity and meet the demands of an evolving community, particularly in the face of growing environmental and disaster-related risks.
Fernie residents can expect more information in the coming months as the project continues to develop, with Council emphasizing transparency and community engagement throughout the process.
This marks a critical step forward for Fernie’s emergency services infrastructure, and with community support, the City hopes to move from concept to construction, ensuring that the Fire Hall project is completed in a timely and cost-effective manner.
