Fernie stands at a crossroads—one that pits community safety against the preservation of cherished recreational space. At stake is a new $16 million firehall proposed for a portion of Prentice Park, more commonly known as Servello Field, and the future of public engagement and transparency in civic decision-making.
The need for a new firehall is not in question. Since 2022, Fernie’s fire and emergency services have operated out of a temporary location—an old public works building supplemented with trailers. The former station, designed as a 1970s-era auto garage, was deemed structurally and functionally inadequate. The case for modernizing our fire infrastructure is clear: a purpose-built, multi-generational facility is vital for effective emergency response, especially as Fernie grows and wildfire risks intensify.
Council has taken substantial steps to make the project financially viable. On July 15, 2025, they approved a funding strategy that includes a $7 million grant application and up to $12 million in borrowing under new provincial legislation, which avoids a public referendum. With the grant, the impact to households would be a manageable $55 annually.
But here’s where the debate flares up.
Opponents of the Servello Field location raise compelling legal, procedural, and community concerns. Chief among them is the presence of a restrictive covenant on the land, donated by Shell Canada in 1972, which mandates its use as a “public park and recreational facility.” This covenant is still listed on the land title, and no registered amendment has been made. Legal precedent suggests that failure to respect such covenants can invalidate bylaws—as seen in cases like Schlenker v. Torgrimson (2013) and Community Association of New Yaletown (2015).
The optics of fast-tracking three readings of the borrowing bylaw in a single meeting—while not illegal—have further fueled public skepticism. Petitioners argue that insufficient transparency and a lack of public consultation could open the city to legal challenge or force a future reversal.
Then there’s the community impact. Servello Field is more than just grass and fences—it is a cherished recreational hub. Fernie supports more than 14 baseball teams, and with climate change increasing the flooding threat at James White Park, reducing play space at Prentice Park could hurt the community long-term. In a town that has already lost key amenities like the Ridgemont fields, outdoor arena, and the original community centre, every green space feels sacred.
Those opposed are not arguing against a firehall—they are asking: why this site?
Critics point to two overlooked alternatives: the old high school soccer field, potentially available via a land swap with the school district, and 902 2nd Avenue—a centrally located property reportedly acquired for just this purpose by a previous council. Both offer access, flexibility, and preservation of recreational space. Why these sites were dismissed remains unclear, especially given their potential to unify rather than divide the community.
City Council must weigh the need for urgent action with the importance of process. Building a firehall that meets future needs doesn’t have to come at the cost of trust, legality, or community well-being. Transparency matters. Public space matters. So too does fiscal responsibility.
Fernie deserves both a modern firehall and a council willing to slow down long enough to ensure we don’t lose something irreplaceable in the rush to build something new.
At a time when public trust in institutions is fragile, Fernie’s council should err on the side of caution, legality, and inclusion. The decision ahead is not just about buildings. It’s about priorities, process, and the kind of community we want to be.
— Fernie.com Editorial Board
