In 2024, Fernie achieved significant milestones across social, economic, and environmental sectors, reflecting the community’s commitment to growth and sustainability. This commitment is crucial for Fernie’s long-term well-being and resilience, ensuring the community thrives economically and socially while safeguarding environmental resources for future generations.
Sustainability is not just a moral choice but a strategic one, essential for building a thriving, equitable, and environmentally conscious society. It creates a ripple effect, positively impacting economic prosperity, environmental health, and social cohesion while fostering a shared responsibility for the future.
The highlights of Fernie’s significant 2024 milestones that we have chosen include:
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Fernie celebrated the opening of North End Court, which provides 49 affordable rental homes, including 35 apartments and 14 townhouses, addressing the community’s housing needs.
The Elk Valley Family Society collaborated with the City of Fernie on a long-term lease agreement to transform the former firehall property at 692 3rd Avenue into an affordable housing project.
Conservation
Elk Valley Regional Land Trust progress was made in establishing the West Slope Wildlife Corridor, a conservation initiative ensuring safe wildlife passage and sustainable recreational use. A significant grant was secured to acquire key lands for this project.
Cultural Enrichment
Knox on 2nd, the historic Knox United Church, was transformed into Fernie’s newest performing arts venue, hosting live music, performances, film festivals, and community events. This project highlights the Society’s dedication to preserving Fernie’s built heritage and culture. With the Community Centre closing, Knox on 2nd has helped further support the community.
Community and Business Support
Fernie Chamber of Commerce initiatives supported local businesses on many fronts including creating a workforce housing plan, organizing events, generating support programs and providing resources aimed at economic growth and resilience.
The Columbia Basin Trust introduced its 2024–2034 Management Plan, focusing on health, resilience, and programs that deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits to Fernie and other communities in the region.
Locally Grown Food
Wildsight has created a connected, community-focused network that nurtures sustainable agriculture and food security for Fernie. They brought Evergreens Farm to Fernie in 2024 and is growing leafy greens for local consumption year around!
Health and Recreational Development
The City of Fernie continued to enrich community life by supporting various cultural and recreational projects. The Fernie Skate Park stood out as a vibrant space that strengthens social ties and improves residents’ quality of life.
The City Council provided a contribution of $525,000 and a long-term lease of city-owned land to support the Elk Valley Field House Society’s proposal for a new multi-use field house.
The Fernie Valley Pathway Project‘s final phase is moving forward. Funding and maintenance was secured from the RDEK for the final section connecting Fernie to Fernie Alpine Resort, promoting sustainable transportation and outdoor recreation. The Fernie Trails Alliance requires more funds to complete the pathway when the engineering is complete.
Sustainability and Environmental Achievements
Tourism Fernie created the AmbassadorWILD Program to support the ongoing sustainable tourism initiative. Efforts included refurbishing of the Morrissey boat launch along the Elk River, featuring a new boat ramp, improved access, parking upgrades, and signage, in partnership with the RDEK. The initiative is working on several initiatives in the Elk Valley and is focused on maintaining the regions naturual health for future generations.
Elk Valley Resources (EVR) achieved significant progress in reducing selenium concentrations in the Elk Valley watershed through the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan. This science-based approach reflects EVR’s dedication to mitigating mining impacts and ensuring the health of aquatic ecosystems.
Strategic Financial Planning
The City of Fernie adopted a Five-Year Financial Plan (2024-2028) to guide economic development and resource allocation. This plan focuses on maintaining essential services, advancing key projects, and planning for critical infrastructure upgrades, including progress on the much-needed new Fernie Fire Hall.
Zoning and Development Reforms
The City of Fernie adopted a small-scale Multi-unit Housing strategy, revising zoning bylaws to support diverse housing options.
A Local Government Development Approvals Process was implemented, including an online service to streamline and improve development applications.
These achievements underscore Fernie’s unwavering dedication to fostering a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable community. By balancing cultural enrichment, economic growth, and environmental stewardship, Fernie continues to set a strong example for communities across British Columbia.
We wish you a prosperous, healthy, and Happy New Year!
