Fernie outdoor rink plans are moving forward after the Fernie Outdoor Rinks Society signed a 30-year lease with the City of Fernie, securing a permanent location for outdoor skating and year-round community recreation.
The agreement allows the volunteer-run society to develop a new outdoor rink on City-owned land at 250 Pine Avenue, near the Fernie Aquatic Centre.
The Society plans to construct a temporary natural ice rink for the 2026–27 winter season, with construction of a permanent concrete pad targeted for 2027.
Fernie’s Home Hardware and Canadian Tire have already committed donations to support the first phase of the project.
The new rink will be located on a different portion of the Aquatic Centre grounds from the former outdoor rink, whose site is now being developed for the EVR Summit Centre.
The new $4-million indoor recreation and gathering facility is currently under construction, with an opening targeted for winter 2027.
The outdoor rink was closed for the 2024–25 winter season because of infrastructure and operational challenges. Volunteers with the Fernie Outdoor Rinks Society subsequently worked with the City and Elk Valley Field House Society to reopen the rink for part of the 2025–26 winter season.
Following a review of several potential locations, Fernie City Council approved the new rink site at the Aquatic Centre in August 2026.
Under the 30-year lease agreement, the Society will pay $10 annually for the land and be responsible for developing, maintaining and operating the recreational facility.
The Society’s longer-term vision extends beyond winter skating and hockey.
Construction of a permanent concrete pad is planned for 2027, creating a multipurpose outdoor space suitable for recreation and community activities throughout the year.
Preliminary plans presented to City Council have also included the possibility of a future roof structure and refrigeration system, subject to additional planning, funding and approvals.
The 30-year lease provides the Society with the long-term security needed to pursue fundraising, infrastructure investment and future improvements.
The Fernie Outdoor Rinks Society credits volunteers, businesses, individual donors and the City of Fernie for helping advance the project.
Donations from Home Hardware and Canadian Tire will help establish the first temporary rink, while additional community support will be important as the Society works toward its permanent facility.
With the lease now signed, the Society is preparing for the upcoming winter season and will provide further updates as development progresses.
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