I grew up in Fernie and remember a time when there were two restaurants on main street (aka 2nd ave), Ginger Beef and JV’s Pantry. Things have changed and will continue to do so. An effective DMO ensures that any changes work towards helping local businesses. A coalition lessons the threat of the big box organizations moving in, and when/if they do move in, local businesses will be in a more secure situation. We need to stick together and help keep the local shops and services that make Fernie such a unique destination in business.
Getting people here essential, but before we start the mass marketing we should take a look around and make sure we provide an aesthetically pleasing destination that offers all amenities. A conscious effort needs to be made to increase the services we offer in town and at the ski hill, keep businesses open on 2nd avenue, repair roads, etc. Sure, we can get people here once, but it is the repeat visitor that adds value in the end.
valleygirl
