First-term Fernie City Councillor Tracey Audia Kelly has announced that she will seek a second term on council in October.

“Since being elected in 2022, I have acquired a broad base of knowledge about the challenges that we face as a community. I am committed to continuing the work of helping our community move forward so that the future is promising for everyone who calls Fernie home.”

Audia Kelly said four years at the council table have given her a much deeper understanding of the challenges facing Fernie, including the infrastructure deficit, balancing growth and development while retaining Fernie’s heritage and authentic community character, and preparing the city to manage change over the long term.

“It’s about balancing the needs and wants of the community with the financial challenges that local governments face across Canada. We must recognize that issues don’t exist in isolation, they’re multifaceted, and there is still a lot of work to do. We have to continue with well-thought-out growth, strengthen and diversify our economy and expand our tax base.”

Audia Kelly said advancing Fernie’s wastewater renewal project and ensuring the City can reliably deliver its core services will be among her top priorities for a second term.

She also wants to continue building partnerships with community organizations to deliver amenities and services without placing the entire financial burden on municipal taxpayers.

She pointed to the City’s partnership with the Elk Valley Field House Society as one example. Council approved a long-term lease and operating agreement for the EVR Summit Centre, with the society taking the lead on funding, construction and management of the facility. The City has committed $525,000 in Resort Municipality Initiative funding and the use of City-owned land.

The emerging partnership with the Fernie Outdoor Rinks Society provides another example. The City is moving forward with a long-term lease that would allow the society to construct, operate and maintain a multi-purpose outdoor recreation facility on City land.

“We have to continue to work collaboratively to achieve our goals and create livability for Fernie residents,” Audia Kelly said.

Audia Kelly brings extensive community and governance experience to council. A seventh-generation Fernie resident, she spent 20 years on the board of Fernie Minor Hockey, including 12 years as president, and has served with the Fernie and District Historical Society. She also served on the City of Fernie Leisure Services and Resort Municipality advisory boards before being elected to council.

During her first term, she has served as a council liaison with Tourism Fernie and the Fernie Chamber of Commerce and has participated in the City’s Official Community Plan process, which is developing the long-range policies that will guide Fernie’s future growth, housing, transportation, infrastructure and land use.

Audia Kelly has also spent her working life in public service and continues to volunteer in the community.

Looking toward a second term, she identifies infrastructure renewal, protecting Fernie’s heritage and character, responsible growth, economic development, maintaining core services and continued collaboration with community organizations among her priorities.

“We have accomplished much in the past four years, and there is more work needed to reach our goals. I look forward to continuing to serve my community as a member of council. Please support me with your vote on October 17.”

To engage with Tracey Audia Kelly contact her by email; traceyleekelly@icloud.com

Fernie residents will elect one mayor and six councillors in the municipal election on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The successful candidates will serve a four-year term running from November 2026 to November 2030.

Photo: Vince Mo