Official Community Plan (OCP)

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The City of Fernie is taking meaningful steps to shape our community's future through two key planning initiatives:

  1. The creation of a new Housing Needs Report (HNR); and

  1. A full review and update of the 2014 Official Community Plan (OCP).

These projects are all about making Fernie the best it can be – now, and for generations to come - and we want your voice to help guide the way.

LATEST NEWS

Round 1 Public Engagement Launches September 10, 2025!

Scroll down to learn more and find out how to get involved in Round 1 engagement.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

These planning initiatives include two parts, each playing an important role in planning for Fernie’s future.

Part 1) Housing Needs Report (HNR) + Interim OCP Update

The HNR is a provincially required, research-based report that looks at Fernie’s housing challenges using demographic, economic, and market data. It identifies the kinds of housing our community needs today and in the future - and helps us plan accordingly. The core methodology for calculating housing needs is provided by the Province and must be followed.

As required by B.C.’s Local Government Act, the findings will be integrated into the current OCP through an interim amendment by December 2025.

Part 2) Official Community Plan (OCP) Review and Update

Fernie’s OCP is a long-range plan that sets out our vision, policies, and priorities for land use, housing, environment, transportation, infrastructure, and more. The OCP is the guiding document that helps Council and City staff make decisions that shape how Fernie grows, develops, and evolves.

Our current OCP was adopted in 2014. With over a decade of growth and change since then, it’s time for a comprehensive update. This update includes technical analysis, refreshed policy direction, and a renewed community vision.

PROJECT TIMELINE

YOUR VOICE MATTERS

Community input is critical to creating a plan that reflects Fernie’s values and priorities. Whether you’re a long-time resident, business owner, parent, senior, youth, or newcomer — your voice matters.

Round 1 Engagement Focus Areas

Housing Needs Report + Interim OCP Amendment


Official Community Plan Update



  • Learn how housing data is collected and what it means for Fernie.

  • Review draft findings from the Housing Needs Report.

  • Share your experiences with housing in Fernie to help us refine and finalize the draft HNR and interim OCP amendment.


  • Tell us what matters most to you and provide input on key topics like housing, the economy, tourism, recreation, and more.

  • Your input will help us begin preparing a draft OCP, which will be shared for feedback in early 2026.

Join the OCP Task Force! - CLOSED

We’re looking for volunteers to serve on the OCP Task Force. This advisory committee will include a diverse group of residents who will provide input and advice throughout the project. This is a unique opportunity to help guide the vision, goals, and priorities for Fernie’s future.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including youth, seniors, business owners, young people, parents of young children, sector representatives, and anyone with a passion for Fernie’s long-term success.

Read the Volunteer Opportunity and Terms of Reference, and apply by August 15, 2025.

Apply by submitting a letter of interest and resume to:

Email: planning@fernie.ca

Post: City of Fernie

P.O. Box 190, 501- 3rd Avenue

Fernie, BC V0B 1M0

Round 1 Public Engagement Opportunities

Round 1 engagement launches on September 10, and we want to hear from you!

Public Open House

Drop by to review information boards, chat with the project team, and share your thoughts.

Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Time: 5 - 7 p.m.

Location: Arts Station Theatre (601 1st Ave, Fernie, BC)

Online Survey

Share your input from the comfort of home. The online survey will be open from September 10-24, 2025, right here on this page.

STAY CONNECTED

We’ll be updating this page regularly with new opportunities to get involved, survey links, and reports.

Sign up for the City Connect newsletter to stay in the loop.

Have a question? Reach out to the project team at ocp@fernie.ca.


The City of Fernie is taking meaningful steps to shape our community's future through two key planning initiatives:

  1. The creation of a new Housing Needs Report (HNR); and

  1. A full review and update of the 2014 Official Community Plan (OCP).

These projects are all about making Fernie the best it can be – now, and for generations to come - and we want your voice to help guide the way.

LATEST NEWS

Round 1 Public Engagement Launches September 10, 2025!

Scroll down to learn more and find out how to get involved in Round 1 engagement.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

These planning initiatives include two parts, each playing an important role in planning for Fernie’s future.

Part 1) Housing Needs Report (HNR) + Interim OCP Update

The HNR is a provincially required, research-based report that looks at Fernie’s housing challenges using demographic, economic, and market data. It identifies the kinds of housing our community needs today and in the future - and helps us plan accordingly. The core methodology for calculating housing needs is provided by the Province and must be followed.

As required by B.C.’s Local Government Act, the findings will be integrated into the current OCP through an interim amendment by December 2025.

Part 2) Official Community Plan (OCP) Review and Update

Fernie’s OCP is a long-range plan that sets out our vision, policies, and priorities for land use, housing, environment, transportation, infrastructure, and more. The OCP is the guiding document that helps Council and City staff make decisions that shape how Fernie grows, develops, and evolves.

Our current OCP was adopted in 2014. With over a decade of growth and change since then, it’s time for a comprehensive update. This update includes technical analysis, refreshed policy direction, and a renewed community vision.

PROJECT TIMELINE

YOUR VOICE MATTERS

Community input is critical to creating a plan that reflects Fernie’s values and priorities. Whether you’re a long-time resident, business owner, parent, senior, youth, or newcomer — your voice matters.

Round 1 Engagement Focus Areas

Housing Needs Report + Interim OCP Amendment


Official Community Plan Update



  • Learn how housing data is collected and what it means for Fernie.

  • Review draft findings from the Housing Needs Report.

  • Share your experiences with housing in Fernie to help us refine and finalize the draft HNR and interim OCP amendment.


  • Tell us what matters most to you and provide input on key topics like housing, the economy, tourism, recreation, and more.

  • Your input will help us begin preparing a draft OCP, which will be shared for feedback in early 2026.

Join the OCP Task Force! - CLOSED

We’re looking for volunteers to serve on the OCP Task Force. This advisory committee will include a diverse group of residents who will provide input and advice throughout the project. This is a unique opportunity to help guide the vision, goals, and priorities for Fernie’s future.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including youth, seniors, business owners, young people, parents of young children, sector representatives, and anyone with a passion for Fernie’s long-term success.

Read the Volunteer Opportunity and Terms of Reference, and apply by August 15, 2025.

Apply by submitting a letter of interest and resume to:

Email: planning@fernie.ca

Post: City of Fernie

P.O. Box 190, 501- 3rd Avenue

Fernie, BC V0B 1M0

Round 1 Public Engagement Opportunities

Round 1 engagement launches on September 10, and we want to hear from you!

Public Open House

Drop by to review information boards, chat with the project team, and share your thoughts.

Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Time: 5 - 7 p.m.

Location: Arts Station Theatre (601 1st Ave, Fernie, BC)

Online Survey

Share your input from the comfort of home. The online survey will be open from September 10-24, 2025, right here on this page.

STAY CONNECTED

We’ll be updating this page regularly with new opportunities to get involved, survey links, and reports.

Sign up for the City Connect newsletter to stay in the loop.

Have a question? Reach out to the project team at ocp@fernie.ca.


Page last updated: 04 Sep 2025, 10:01 AM