Fernie invites resident feedback on tourism funding allocation

The City of Fernie is seeking public input as it develops a plan to upgrade the tourism industry, one of its highest economic drivers. 

Lodging revenues hit a record high of $37,921,300 in 2023 after bouncing back from the pandemic, and the City hopes to keep up the momentum by qualifying for the provincial Resort Municipality Initiative. 

“Tourism continues to be a foundational economic driver in Fernie, supporting businesses, jobs, and the quality of life in the community,” wrote the City in a report. 

“Fernie’s tourism industry has proven resilient and adaptive, rebounding strongly from the disruptions of COVID-19 and demonstrating record-breaking performance in recent years.”

To qualify for the program, staff must prepare a Resort Development Strategy (RDS) directing cash flow to much-needed projects. Some of the recommended projects for the 2025-27 RDS include:

• Station square enhancements
• Gathering and staging hub enhancements
• Animation infrastructure
• Winter visitor shuttle
• Winter grooming collaborative

“Fernie is poised for continued growth through strategic destination management, infrastructure development, and sustainable tourism initiatives.”

New accommodation developments, such as the Best Western expansion and the Basecamp condo-hotel opening in 2026, are expected to generate an estimated $8 million in new annual lodging revenues.

Once the recommended strategy is approved, the City will receive $1.5 million in RMI to begin the projects. 

Residents are now invited to review the draft RDS by visiting the City’s engagement portal or by sending an email to letstalk@fernie.ca with the subject line “2025-2027 RDS”.

The strategy was developed in part with Tourism Fernie, as well as community partners and stakeholders, through seven meetings with the RDS Advisory Working Group.