Fernie Fire Hall OCP Amendments are now open for public feedback as the City of Fernie begins the next step toward building a new fire hall at 1500–5th Avenue, a portion of Prentice Park. To move the project forward, the City must amend the Official Community Plan (OCP), which currently designates this area as Park. The proposed amendment would redesignate the land as Institutional and add “Fernie Fire Hall” as a permitted use, allowing the project to move ahead.
Because the OCP sets long-term land-use direction for the community, any change from park space to institutional use requires formal approval. Both an OCP amendment and zoning amendment must be completed before construction can begin.
As part of the required early consultation process, residents are invited to review the proposed changes and complete a short comment form.
Feedback Form Availability November 14–24, 2025:
• Complete it online through Let’s Talk Fernie, or
• Pick up and submit a paper copy at City Hall
All input will be summarized and presented to City Council on December 9, 2025. If the amendment bylaw proceeds, a formal public hearing will take place later in the process.
Fernie Fire and Emergency Services has been protecting the community for more than 120 years, beginning in 1904 as a fully volunteer operation. Today, the department includes more than 40 paid-on-call members, a Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, and eight full-time firefighters. The team responds to over 400 emergency calls per year and serves more than 10,000 residents across the city and surrounding areas.
From 1979 to 2022, the department operated out of the fire hall at 692 3rd Avenue—a former 1970 automotive service garage converted into a fire hall. Over time, significant structural issues, inadequate space, and modern operational requirements made the facility unsuitable.
In 2022, the building was formally decommissioned.
The department has since been operating out of temporary facilities, including:
• The former Public Works office (1492B Railway Ave)
• A leased Atco trailer for turnout gear
• Operations Facility space for fleet storage
These temporary arrangements emphasize the need for a modern, purpose-built fire hall designed to support the community for the next 50+ years.
In July 2025, City staff presented the detailed design, Class C cost estimate, and a proposed funding strategy. At a Special Meeting on July 15, Council approved the project budget and directed staff to apply for a $7 million Strategic Priorities Fund grant.
Key financial actions include:
Council approved 1st, 2nd, and 3rd readings of the Fire Hall Loan Authorization Bylaw, allowing up to $12 million in approval-free borrowing under new provincial legislation.
The total project budget is $16 million, funded through:
• Borrowing
• Reserves
• Potential grants
• A contribution from the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK)
The budget includes:
• Class-C cost estimate + contingency
• Ball diamond improvements
• Site connectivity upgrades
• Required utility and site-servicing work
• What It Means for Residents
If the City secures the $7 million SPF grant, the borrowing requirement drops to approximately $3.5 million.
Over a 30-year loan, this translates to an estimated $55 per year for the average household.
Next Steps
• Community feedback accepted Nov 14–24
• Summary report to Council on Dec 9, 2025
• If the amendment moves ahead, formal public hearing
• OCP + zoning decisions
• Fire Hall project may proceed to final design and construction
Source: City of Fernie
