Fire Hall Project Update - October 2025

In July 2025, staff presented the detailed design and Class C cost estimate, and a supporting funding strategy. At the July 15 Special Meeting, Council approved the budget and proposed funding strategy for Fernie’s new Fire Hall and directed staff to apply for a $7 million grant through the Strategic Priorities Fund.

Council gave 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading to the fire hall loan authorization bylaw, authorizing up to $12 million in approval-free borrowing under new provincial legislation. The total project budget is $16 million. In addition to borrowing, the City will utilize reserves, potential grants and a contribution from the Regional District of East Kootenay to fund the critical facility replacement.

The current project budget is developed based on a Class-C cost estimate, and contingency, and includes improvements to ball diamonds, site connectivity, and required utility and site servicing work. To be eligible for the SPF grant, the City needs to be able to show approved funding for the remainder of the project budget. With a successful grant application, the amount that the City would be required to borrow would be roughly $3.5 million. Spread over a 30-year loan this would equate to roughly $55 annually for the average household.