Old Firehall housing will bring 44 new homes to downtown Fernie, creating more options for individuals and families who need a stable and attainable place to live in our community.

The Elk Valley Family Society development is making great progress on the former firehall property at the corner of 3rd Avenue and 7th Street.

The mixed-income project will include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, targeting working individuals and families. A minimum of 30 per cent of the units will be offered at affordable, below-market rents.

They will be our neighbours, coworkers, friends and families — people who work here, contribute to the community and want to continue building their lives in Fernie.

The 44-unit development will also include more than 3,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, including new offices for the Elk Valley Family Society and 2,250 square feet of leasable space.

The project includes 45 parking spaces, including one level of underground parking.

Elk Valley Family Society will own and operate the building. New Commons Development is managing financing and project delivery, while North Mountain Construction is the contractor.

Financial contributors and supporters include Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, BC Housing, Columbia Basin Trust, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Elk Valley Resources and the City of Fernie, which contributed the land and $65,000 toward the project.

Affordable and attainable housing strengthens the whole community. It gives more people the opportunity to live close to their jobs, schools, services, friends and families — and to remain part of Fernie.

The Elk Valley Family Society is now accepting names for the Old Firehall waitlist.