The 2026 Fernie Business Excellence Awards celebrated the businesses, organizations and individuals who contribute to Fernie’s economy and community, with Polar Peak Books taking home the prestigious Fernie Business of the Year award.
Hosted by the Fernie Chamber of Commerce, the sold-out awards celebration took place Thursday, October 15, at Cirque Restaurant, bringing together local business owners, community leaders and supporters to recognize excellence across 12 award categories.
Local emcee Sadie Rosgen hosted the evening, with opening remarks from Mayor Nic Milligan and Chamber Chair Simon Howse. Guests enjoyed dinner and hospitality from the Cirque Restaurant team before the presentation of this year’s awards.
2026 Fernie Business Excellence Awards Winners
- Fernie Business of the Year: Polar Peak Books
- Citizen of the Year: Aysha Haines
- Community Group of the Year: Emily Brydon Youth Foundation
- New Business of the Year: Kamu Sauna
- Community Tourism Achievement: The Fernie Fix
- Employer of the Year: Giv’Er Shirt Works
- Environmental Sustainability: Wapiti Music Festival Society
- Businessperson of the Year: Laura Frost and Jessica Riley, Spa 901
- Outstanding Customer Service: Yamagoya Sushi
- Youth Employer of the Year: Vogue Theatre
- Chamber Business Legacy Award: Patti’s Party Tent Rental
- People’s Choice Award: Western Financial Group
Celebrating Fernie’s Business Legacy
A notable theme of this year’s awards was the longevity and resilience of Fernie’s established businesses and community organizations. Several recipients celebrated significant milestones, reflecting decades of commitment to the local economy.
Polar Peak Books, named Fernie Business of the Year, has served the community for 33 years. Yamagoya Sushi and Giv’Er Shirt Works have each operated for 23 years, while Patti Party Rentals marked 22 years.
Both the Emily Brydon Youth Foundation and The Fernie Fix celebrated 20 years of contributing to the community.
The evening also highlighted the strength of women-led businesses in Fernie, particularly the importance of mentorship, collaboration and supporting other entrepreneurs. Laura Frost and Jessica Riley of Spa 901 were jointly recognized as Businessperson of the Year.
Community Support Makes the Awards Possible
The Fernie Chamber of Commerce acknowledged the many businesses and organizations whose sponsorship helped make the celebration possible.
Elk Valley Resources served as Title Sponsor, with Cameron Enterprises as Welcome Sponsor and Tunnel49 as Shuttle Sponsor.
Award sponsors included the City of Fernie, College of the Rockies, Elk Valley Resources, Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie Brewing Company, Peacock Hospitality, FortisBC, Island Lake Lodge, Pattison Media, StellerVista Credit Union, Timber Benefits and Tourism Fernie.
Supporting sponsors included Cirque Restaurant, The Fernie Fix and Columbia Basin Trust.
The Chamber also thanked everyone who submitted nominations, along with all nominees, finalists and winners, recognizing the contributions they make to Fernie’s business community.
For more information about the Fernie Chamber of Commerce, visit ferniechamber.com.
