The Fernie Valley Pathway connecting the City of Fernie to the Fernie Alpine Resort is one step closer to reality as new funding has been secured for the project’s final design.

“The Regional District of East Kootenay was successful in applying for the BC Active Planning Grant on behalf of the Fernie Trails Alliance (FTA), securing funds for $50,000 for the Fernie Valley Pathway final design and construction permitting,” explains RDEK Electoral Area A Director Thomas McDonald. “Once complete, this pathway will increase accessibility for all and benefit both residents and visitors.”

McDonald ensured the project was moving forward by contributing $137,657 from the Elk Valley Property Tax Sharing Agreement, a shared property tax levied on the industrial coal mining properties in the Elk Valley.

The Fernie Valley Pathway final design work has been awarded to McElhanney Ltd. and is expected to begin this month. The overall project is funded by the Fernie Trails Alliance, the Fernie Snow Valley Community Association, RDEK Area A Elk Valley Property Tax Sharing Agreement and the Province of BC as follows:

RDEK Elk Valley Property Tax Sharing Agreement – $137,657
BC Active Planning Grant – $50,000
Fernie Trail Alliance Contribution – $34,000
Fernie Snow Valley Community Association – $10,000

“We are grateful to all involved and look forward to the next crucial step in bringing this project to life, which will happen when applications begin for funding of the trail construction,” says the Executive Director of the Fernie Trials Alliance, Melanie Wrigglesworth.