The City of Fernie is inviting community feedback on its 2025-2027 draft Resort Development Strategy (RDS), a critical plan designed to guide approximately $1.5 million in provincial Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funding towards local tourism projects, events, and activities over the next three years.
As a designated resort municipality, Fernie benefits significantly from RMI funding, which enhances the city’s tourism infrastructure, supports cultural events, and addresses seasonal and capacity challenges. The draft RDS details specific projects aimed at strengthening Fernie’s tourism appeal while maintaining sustainability and quality of life for residents.
Key highlights from the draft strategy include:
• Core Event Funding: Stable financial support for beloved events such as Griz Days, Wednesday Socials, Wam Bam, Elk Valley Pride Festival, and the Holiday Kickoff, enhancing visitor experience and supporting local businesses.
• Winter Trail Grooming: Consistent grooming and expanded winter trail access, benefiting Nordic skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing, making Fernie a more attractive winter destination.
• Downtown Animation and Infrastructure Improvements: Investment in murals, seasonal decorations, enhanced seating, and streetscaping to create vibrant and inviting spaces for both visitors and residents.
• Enhanced Gathering Hubs and Signage:Creating accessible and welcoming spaces for visitors, including clear wayfinding and interpretive signage featuring Ktunaxa Nation storytelling, supporting cultural exchange, emergency preparedness, and sustainable visitor management.
• Station Square Upgrades: Transforming the downtown core into a dynamic, accessible venue with shade structures, seating, and event-friendly infrastructure.
The City developed the strategy with input from the Resort Development Strategy Advisory Working Group and Tourism Fernie, aligning it closely with the broader Tourism Master Plan and Fernie’s Official Community Plan.
Citizens are encouraged to review the draft strategy documents and offer feedback or ask questions to ensure the plan reflects community needs and aspirations accurately. Residents can submit their feedback via the City’s feedback form or by sending an email to letstalk@fernie.ca with the subject line ‘2025-2027 RDS’. This review period provides a crucial opportunity for Fernie residents to influence how the city evolves as a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant tourism destination.
The detailed draft RDS and project outlines are available for download and review:
Consolidated RDS Project Outlines
Public engagement and thoughtful feedback will shape how effectively Fernie navigates its next stage of growth, balancing tourism benefits with community well-being and environmental stewardship.
Fernie residents are urged to participate, ensuring the future of the city reflects the collective vision of its citizens.
