The Station Square Enhancement Project could reshape one of downtown Fernie’s most important gathering spaces, and the City is asking the community to review three concepts and provide feedback.

The City has $415,000 in Resort Municipality Initiative funding available for improvements to Station Square. The funding is expected to cover core work, including continuous hardscaping and accessibility improvements, while additional grants are being pursued for landscaping, shade trees, seating, bicycle parking and electrical upgrades.

Station Square sits at the heart of a downtown that increasingly works best when people are walking, biking, sitting, stopping to visit and spending time outside. The three concepts ask a broader question than simply where cars should park: how much of this central public space should be dedicated to vehicles, and how much should be designed for people and community life?

Three Station Square Enhancement Project Concepts

Concept 1 would convert 6th Street to one-way traffic with angled or drop-off parking. Station Square would remain a community gathering space during the summer and return to parking in winter.

Concept 2 would also make 6th Street one-way but permanently remove parking from Station Square, creating a year-round public square.

Concept 3 would permanently close the short section of 6th Street between the alley and 1st Avenue and incorporate it into the public square. Station Square itself would remain available for events during summer and parking during winter.

Each option offers a different balance.

Concept 2 may have a slight advantage when Station Square is considered first as everyday public space.

Removing parking from the square would create a large, uninterrupted area for people to gather, sit, meet and move through comfortably. 6th Street open space would also work well for tents, dancing, displays, vendors, performances and larger crowds when events are taking place.

At the same time, keeping 6th Street open as a one-way route would maintain useful access through the area for drivers and cyclists.

Concept 3 also creates additional public space and retains winter parking, which may appeal to those looking for a more seasonal balance.

Beyond the three layouts, the project is also an opportunity to improve how people arrive at and use Station Square throughout the year. Better bicycle parking, pedestrian connections, seating, trees and landscaping could make walking and cycling downtown more convenient while making the square more comfortable and welcoming every day.

Have Your Say

The concepts are preliminary and will continue to be refined through public feedback and detailed design.

The Station Square Enhancement Project survey is open until September 21, 2026 and asks respondents to identify a preferred concept and priorities including public seating, trees and shade, bicycle parking, event infrastructure, downtown parking and flexible public space.

The City will also hold an open house Tuesday, September 15 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Arts Station, 601 1st Avenue.

Station Square is already an important part of downtown Fernie. This project offers an opportunity to make it a better everyday public space — a place designed first for people and community, with events as one of the many ways it can be used.

Take a look at the three concepts and let the City know what you think here.

Editor