In what’s being described as the most ambitious municipal reorganization in BC history, the entire Elk Valley is set to merge into one big municipality — and yes, you read that right.
Under the newly announced “Elk Valley Municipal Community” plan, Fernie, Sparwood, and RDEK Area A — everything from Morrissey to the ski hill to the coal mines — will fall under one giant municipal government. And it will be headquartered in none other than Hosmer, population 131 and home of the iconic Elk River Inn Hotel.
The plan is being fast-tracked, with a binding referendum scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, and early polling shows that 12 out of 14 residents asked thought it “sounded pretty cool.”
One Valley, One Government, One Big Budget
Proponents say the plan will streamline services, reduce administrative overlap, and finally answer the age-old question: “Why do we have two separate mayors, a Regional Director, 12 councillors, and seventeen different community planning meetings with muffins?”
Many pointed to the City of Fernie’s ongoing financial crisis, noting that combined tax revenue from the mines and the ski hill could create a bright future for everyone.
By pooling funds from Sparwood’s mining operations, Fernie’s elite neighbourhoods, and RDEK’s ski resort lands, the new super-municipality would easily fund desperately needed amenities, including:
• Upgraded sportsplex, recreation facilities & community centre
• Modern sewage treatment upgrades
• A new regional healthcare centre
• Shared fire halls
• Abundant affordable housing
“We’ve always known Hosmer was the obvious choice for a capital,” said one anonymous source. “It’s central, it’s charming, and it has fewer traffic lights than Fernie or Sparwood. These new amenities will make Hosmer the hot spot to live!”
New Symbols, New Slogans
Designs for a new regional brand are already underway. Early mockups include a crossed pickaxe and ski pole over a haul truck and snowcat, with the motto:
“Where Coal Meets Corduroy”
Local town names and street signs will remain unchanged, although plans to rename Highway 3 to “Main Street” are said to be in early discussion with the Ministry of Transport.
Skeptics Raise Eyebrows — and Glasses
Critics of the plan have called it “ambitious,” “hilarious,” and “definitely not real,” but organizers insist this is a serious move toward regional unity.
“We’re taking inspiration from successful models like the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass — and maybe just a little bit from SimCity,” said a planning rep over a breakfast beer.
Elkford passed on the concept entirely, with one District official commenting that “shit doesn’t flow upstream.” Off the record, it was implied that “Elkford could tolerate Sparwood — but Fernie is way too flakey.”
Meanwhile, celebrations are already being planned for the proposed amalgamation date — April 1, 2026 — when valley residents will gather to toast the future of their unified Elk Valley and debate who gets to be mayor of the whole shebang.
Photos: Facebook
