Fire Hall Replacement Project Survey

City of Fernie Fire Hall Replacement Project Survey

There is an urgent need to build a new fire hall to allow Fernie Fire and Emergency Services to continue to effectively provide essential fire protection and emergency response to our community.

The former Fernie Fire Hall on 3^rd Ave. was decommissioned in 2022 due to significant issues with the facility structure and function and the inability of the site and structure to meet current requirements for a fire hall.

The Fire Department has been temporarily relocated to operate out of the City's old Public Works office, adjacent to the Operations Facility at 1492b Railway Ave. A leased Atco trailer is onsite to house turnout gear, and the Operations Facility is utilized for fleet storage. The inefficient layout adds critical minutes to response times.

How familiar are you with the City of Fernie’s Fire Hall Replacement project?

Very familiar

Somewhat familiar

Neutral/not sure

Not familiar

Very unfamiliar

Where have you received your information about Fernie's Fire Hall Replacement project? (select all that apply)

City website

City of Fernie Facebook page

Previous community engagement

Council meetings

News article

Local radio

Word of mouth

Let's Talk Fernie (the CIty's online engagement platform)

Other (please specify)

In order to fund a new fire hall, the City will need to borrow money. Based on what you understand, how likely are you to support the Fire Hall Replacement project in a borrowing referendum?

Very likely

Somewhat likely

Unlikely

Not sure

If you currently support the new Fire Hall Replacement project, what are your main reasons? (select all that apply)

Improved emergency response and safety

Addressing the inadequate current facility

Reducing potential long-term costs of delays

Not applicable

Preparing for future growth in Fernie

Other (please specify)

If you are undecided or do not support the new Fire Hall Replacement project, what are your main reasons? (select all that apply)

Need more information on project details

Uncertainty about financial impact (e.g. taxes, borrowing)

Concerns about how the City will manage the project

Unsure about the long-term benefits

Prefer improvements to other infrastructure instead

Not convinced the temporary Fire Hall is inadequate

Think the design is beyond what is needed

Concerns about misinformation or accuracy of details

Not applicable

Other (please specify)

What additional information would help you make an informed decision about whether or not you support the Fire Hall Replacement project? (select all that apply)

Detailed cost break down

Information on how the project will be funded, and impacts on taxation

Timeline for construction and completion

Further explanation of why the current situation is inadequate

Information on the benefits to the community

Visuals or renderings of the proposed new Fire Hall

Breakdown of space requirements for the new facility

Other (please specify)

How would you prefer to receive updates and information about the Fire Hall Replacement project? (select all that apply)

City website (fernie.ca)

Online engagement platform (Let'sTalk)

Facebook

Email newsletters

Public meetings or town halls

Printed mail-outs

Local media (newspapers, magazines, radio)

Other (please specify)

Given what you currently understand, how important do you think building a new fire hall is for the current safety and future needs of Fernie?

Very important

Important

Somewhat important/neutral

Not important

Very unimportant

Do you have any other questions, comments, or feedback that you think the City needs to consider while planning for the construction of a new fire hall?

Demographics (optional)

Tell us a little about yourself!

10.

What best describes your connection to Fernie?

I live in Fernie and own my home

I live in Fernie and rent my home

I live in Fernie and live with my family who own or rent their home

I live in Fernie seasonally and rent or own my home

I own property in Fernie but do not live here

Other (please specify)

11.

What age category best describes you?

Under 18

18-24

25-44

45-64

65 or older

Thank you for your feedback!

Your input will help shape how we move forward with the Fire Hall Replacement project. For more information, visit letstalk.fernie.ca/firehall