The EVR Summit Centre groundbreaking was celebrated in Fernie this week, marking the next major step toward construction of the new $4-million community fieldhouse.
About 50 people gathered under sunny late-summer skies on Monday, August 31, as representatives of the Elk Valley Fieldhouse Society, major project funders and community partners officially turned the first soil beside the Fernie Aquatic Centre.
“We look forward to getting the big shovels in the ground and actual construction underway,” said Elk Valley Fieldhouse Society spokesperson Aysha Haines. “It’s hard to believe that we’ve come this far in just over two years.”
The Elk Valley Fieldhouse Society was formed in 2024 following the closure of the Fernie Community Centre, with the goal of creating accessible space for physical activity, social interaction and community events.
Fernie City Council endorsed lease and operating agreements for the project late last year, allowing the society to construct and operate the new fieldhouse on City-owned land next to the Fernie Aquatic Centre.
Haines also recognized the work of society volunteers, joking that the group has “one of the most active WhatsApp groups around.”
The $4-million project has received significant financial support from several organizations.
Major funding partners include:
- $1,000,000 – Elk Valley Resources (EVR)
- $525,000 – Provincial Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funding through the City of Fernie
- $500,000 – Columbia Basin Trust
- $40,000 – Tourism Fernie Society
- $10,000 – Fernie Youth Soccer Association
- $10,000 – Fernie Volleyball Club
- $10,000 – Peacock Hospitality, owners of the Fernie Fox Hotel
The City of Fernie has also provided the land beside the Fernie Aquatic Centre through a 60-year lease, allowing the nonprofit society to develop and operate the facility.
Another significant contribution has come from the Fernie Academy Society, which has provided a three-year, $2-million loan to allow construction to proceed while fundraising and grant applications continue.
The EVFHS is also pursuing additional government support, including an application for federal funding through PacifiCan.
Mayor Nic Milligan, Columbia Basin Trust Director Melanie Jeannotte and Tourism Fernie’s Jykki Gyorki joined representatives of Elk Valley Resources and the Fieldhouse Society for the ceremony.
Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it Nasukin Heidi Gravelle welcomed those attending and was joined by Dawn Mahseelah and Mary Mahseelah for an opening prayer song.
Earlier this year, the Elk Valley Fieldhouse Society selected Lethbridge-based Elevate Construction to build the facility.
Elevate has now applied for a building permit. Once the permit is approved, full construction of the EVR Summit Centre can begin.
Vince Mo Photo
