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.
Elk Valley Resources has contributed $1 million, represented at the groundbreaking by Jill Salus, Director of Community and Indigenous Affairs.
The City of Fernie has approved $525,000 through Resort Municipality Initiative funding, while the Columbia Basin Trust contributed $500,000 and Tourism Fernie has contributed $40,000.
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.
