The City of Fernie is moving into the second phase of its Official Community Plan (OCP) update, launching a new round of public engagement aimed at refining the long-term vision for growth, housing, and development in the community.
Round 2 builds on feedback collected during initial engagement in fall 2025, where residents were asked to identify key priorities and concerns related to housing, the economy, tourism, and recreation. The City is now presenting emerging core values and directions back to the public to test alignment and gather more detailed input before drafting updated policies.
The OCP is Fernie’s primary long-range planning document, guiding decisions on land use, infrastructure, transportation, environmental management, and housing. The current plan, adopted in 2014, has been in place through a period of sustained growth and change, prompting a full review and update.
The broader planning process also included the completion of a new Housing Needs Report in December 2025. Required under provincial legislation, the report analyzes demographic and market data to identify current and future housing demand. Its findings have already been incorporated into the existing OCP through an interim amendment, forming part of the foundation for the current update.
City officials are now asking residents to weigh in on several key areas during Round 2 engagement, including whether the proposed core values reflect community priorities, how Fernie should approach future growth, and how specific issues raised in the first round should translate into policy direction.
Participation opportunities include an in-person event, a workbook, and an online survey. The main public event, “Fernie Future Fest,” is scheduled for April 22 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Fernie Family Centre. The drop-in session is designed as a family-friendly environment with interactive displays and opportunities for informal feedback.
Residents can also complete a “Fernie Future Workbook,” available starting April 22 online or in print at City Hall. Completed workbooks can be submitted by May 11 and will be entered into a draw for five $100 gift cards to local businesses. An online survey will run concurrently over the same period.
According to the City, the second round of engagement is intended to confirm direction and deepen understanding of community priorities before draft OCP policies are developed. Further updates, including reports and additional engagement opportunities, are expected as the process continues.
The City is encouraging participation from across the community, including residents, business owners, and stakeholders, as it works toward a revised plan that will guide Fernie’s development over the coming decades.
