Fernie fire hall plans for Servello Field have cleared a major legal hurdle after Supreme Court Justice Baker dismissed the Prentice Park Society’s petition challenging the City of Fernie’s proposed emergency services facility.

The decision removes a significant obstacle to the long-needed construction of a permanent fire hall and allows the City to move forward with a modern emergency services facility at 1500 5th Avenue.

Fernie’s former fire hall has already been demolished, and the department is currently operating out of a temporary fire hall. That makes the project more than a future infrastructure upgrade; it is a necessary step toward restoring permanent emergency services facilities for the community.

The legal challenge focused on whether Servello Field, part of Prentice Park, should remain protected as public park and recreational space. Justice Baker heard arguments related to charitable trust status, the City’s decision-making process, and the Prentice Park Society’s standing. With the petition dismissed, the City is now positioned to proceed with construction.

The proposed 15,919-square-foot fire hall is designed to support modern emergency response, firefighter health and safety, training, equipment storage, and the long-term needs of a growing community. The City has completed the design phase and fixed-price construction contract, with the facility targeted to be operational by August 2027.

For Fernie, the ruling is an important step toward moving beyond temporary fire hall operations and building a purpose-built facility that better serves residents, businesses, visitors, and firefighters.

The Prentice Park Society said in a public statement that the decision was disappointing and that it is reviewing Justice Baker’s detailed decision. The Society described Prentice Park as a place of recreation, community history, family memories, sports, gathering, and public use.

While the loss of Servello Field as a ball diamond is a change for park users, the broader community need for a safe, functional, and future-ready fire hall has been clear. Emergency services are core municipal infrastructure, and Fernie needs a permanent facility to support reliable fire protection and emergency response.

To help address the recreation impact, the City has allocated $100,000 for improvements to remaining ball facilities, including fields at James White Park.

The ruling marks a turning point in one of Fernie’s most debated civic infrastructure decisions. After years of discussion over location, cost, park use, and emergency service needs, the City can now move ahead with a project intended to strengthen public safety for decades to come.