Fire Hall Replacement

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The Fernie Fire and Emergency Services Department provides an essential service, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. The first Fernie Fire Department was established in 1904 with a contingent of 100% volunteer members. Since that time, the department has grown to include over 40 paid on call members, a full time Fire Chief, a Deputy Chief, and eight full-time career firefighters. The current Fernie Fire & Emergency Services Department (FFESD) responds to over 400 emergency calls per year and serves over 10,000 residents in the City of Fernie and surrounding areas.

From 1979 to 2022 the Fire and Emergency Services department operated out of fire hall located at 692 3rd Ave. The building, originally designed in 1970 as an automotive service garage, was decommissioned 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 City of Fernie is now looking to build a new multi-generational purpose-built fire hall to serve the community for the next 50+ years, and also Fernie Fire and Emergency Services to continue providing effective response.

Advancing the Project

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.

Site Selected: 1500 5th Ave.

On January 23, 2024, at the Regular Council Meeting, Council selected 1500 5th Ave (a portion of Prentice Park) as the site for the City's replacement Fire Hall. This site was chosen as the preferred location as it provides a number of advantages including opportunities for co-use partnerships, adaptability for further growth, and a flexible site layout.

Opportunities to Get Involved

Thank you to everyone who completed the Fire Hall Replacement Project Survey!

The survey was developed with input from the Fire Hall Community Working Group to help us understand your questions, concerns, and priorities as we plan for an urgently needed new fire hall. Your input will help shape our communications and outreach ahead of an anticipated borrowing referendum this fall.

Survey CLOSED May 5, 2025.

Check back here for project updates and more opportunities to participate in the process.

The Fernie Fire and Emergency Services Department provides an essential service, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. The first Fernie Fire Department was established in 1904 with a contingent of 100% volunteer members. Since that time, the department has grown to include over 40 paid on call members, a full time Fire Chief, a Deputy Chief, and eight full-time career firefighters. The current Fernie Fire & Emergency Services Department (FFESD) responds to over 400 emergency calls per year and serves over 10,000 residents in the City of Fernie and surrounding areas.

From 1979 to 2022 the Fire and Emergency Services department operated out of fire hall located at 692 3rd Ave. The building, originally designed in 1970 as an automotive service garage, was decommissioned 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 City of Fernie is now looking to build a new multi-generational purpose-built fire hall to serve the community for the next 50+ years, and also Fernie Fire and Emergency Services to continue providing effective response.

Advancing the Project

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.

Site Selected: 1500 5th Ave.

On January 23, 2024, at the Regular Council Meeting, Council selected 1500 5th Ave (a portion of Prentice Park) as the site for the City's replacement Fire Hall. This site was chosen as the preferred location as it provides a number of advantages including opportunities for co-use partnerships, adaptability for further growth, and a flexible site layout.

Opportunities to Get Involved

Thank you to everyone who completed the Fire Hall Replacement Project Survey!

The survey was developed with input from the Fire Hall Community Working Group to help us understand your questions, concerns, and priorities as we plan for an urgently needed new fire hall. Your input will help shape our communications and outreach ahead of an anticipated borrowing referendum this fall.

Survey CLOSED May 5, 2025.

Check back here for project updates and more opportunities to participate in the process.

Page last updated: 26 Aug 2025, 12:49 PM