Fernie sustainability certification will be part of the discussion when Tourism Fernie hosts its Industry Event and Annual General Meeting on March 31, 2026, bringing together tourism businesses, community leaders, and residents to talk about the future of Fernie’s visitor economy.
The event comes shortly after Fernie achieved GreenStep Bronze Certification, an important milestone recognizing the community’s commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism.
Tourism Fernie coordinated the extensive certification process, working with local partners to gather data and complete a detailed sustainability assessment through GreenStep Solutions. The certification places Fernie among a growing number of destinations working to align tourism development with environmental protection and long-term community values.
To support the work, Tourism Fernie hosted community workshops with local businesses and stakeholders to discuss sustainability priorities and identify actions the community can take to strengthen responsible tourism practices moving forward.
Tourism Fernie’s Industry Event and AGM will take place Tuesday, March 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Fernie Golf Course. The event will include networking, the organization’s annual report, industry updates, and keynote presentations focused on “The Future of Fernie.”
The program also includes regional tourism insights from Kootenay Rockies Tourism CEO Brad Parsell, development updates from Basecamp Resorts and The Royal, and local business recognitions.
Keynote Speakers:
Tim Reid – Orange Crow Leadership
Tim Reid is a tourism strategist and leadership consultant who has worked with destinations across Canada on community-based tourism planning and economic development strategies.
David Wittman – GGA Architecture
David Wittman is an architect and planner with experience in sustainable design and mountain community development, focusing on balancing growth with environmental stewardship.
Ted Morton – All Mountain Consulting & Project Management
Ted Morton is a recreation consultant and mountain bike industry professional who has worked on trail development and outdoor tourism planning across Western Canada.
Fernie’s GreenStep certification marks an early step in what Tourism Fernie describes as a long-term effort to strengthen sustainability across the visitor economy. The next phase will focus on setting measurable goals, improving industry participation, and ensuring that tourism growth continues to support the natural environment and community character that define Fernie.
The Tourism Fernie Industry Event and AGM is open to the public, with registration available online at TourismFernieAGM.com.
