The City of Fernie’s proposed new firehall continues to move forward, with planning milestones achieved and debate continuing over the Fernie Firehall project’s location and impact.
On July 15, 2025, Fernie City Council approved the $16 million project budget and funding strategy for the new facility. The funding package includes a $7 million grant application to the federal Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF), with the remainder covered by a combination of borrowing, City reserves, and a contribution from the Regional District of East Kootenay. If the grant is successful, the City expects to borrow approximately $3.5 million, which would equate to an estimated $55 per household annually over 30 years.
The proposed location for the new firehall is 1500 5th Avenue, a portion of Prentice Park known as Servello Field. Council selected this site in January 2024 following what the City describes as a multi-year planning and public engagement process.
“There’s the suggestion that alternate sites weren’t considered or it’s being rushed, which again isn’t accurate,” said Michael Boronowski, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Fernie. “Years-long processes with a community working group, open houses, many reports, etc., took place. This process was one of the most publicly engaged that I’ve seen in my time in Fernie.”
The City also addressed concerns about the potential loss of a community baseball field. The current project budget includes $100,000 for upgrades to other ball diamonds. The City says it has been working with user groups to plan enhancements and explore long-term options for recreational space.
The chosen site, according to the City, offers key advantages including improved access to Highway 3, adaptability for future growth, and potential co-use opportunities. Critics of the site, however, have pointed to a registered covenant dating back to 1972, which designates the area for “public park and recreational use.” Concerns have been raised about whether this covenant has been formally amended or whether the City has obtained consent from the original grantor, Shell Canada.
In response to legal concerns raised publicly, Boronowski noted that “the legal cases cited are fascinating choices,” but argued that they do not apply directly to this situation. “The Yaletown case is related to the Vancouver Charter and a public hearing process that used to exist… The other [case] is a conflict of interest matter… Still, not really relevant in any way to the matter at hand.”
Next steps for the project include finalizing the SPF grant application by the September 12 deadline, refining the design to a more accurate Class B cost estimate, completing funding approvals, and preparing the site for construction. Groundbreaking is expected in spring 2026, with the firehall anticipated to be operational in 2027.
Boronowski emphasized the City’s openness to continued dialogue. “Most don’t have the time to fact-check this stuff,” he said. “But if it’s of interest, we’re always here for when you or others are looking for details or information.”
The firehall project remains one of the City’s most significant capital investments in decades. While consensus on the location may still be elusive, the process continues to evolve as residents, stakeholders, and City officials work to balance infrastructure needs with longstanding community values.
