Fernie adopts fire hall funding plan despite community pushback

The City of Fernie has contentiously trudged forward with its plan for a new fire hall with the adoption of several financing plans. 

On Tuesday (Sep. 9), Council voted to adopt a loan authorization bylaw, direct an application to the Strategic Priorities Fund, and commit to the City’s share of $12,000,000 to construct the project.

That decision comes despite vocal pushback from several community members, including a petition signed by over 900 residents to save the land on which the fire hall will be built – the Servello Field in Prentice Park.

Councillor Ted Shoesmith joined Councillor Harsh Ramadass against the motion, saying he’s been facing anger from several community members due to the issue.

“I’m not really happy with any of that. In fact, when people try and pressure me in that manner, it makes me want to vote against them just to spite them,” said Shoesmith. 

“I really do feel that this is a generational decision. The town would have been better served had we went with a split presence on both sides of the tracks.”

Mayor Nic Milligan, as well as councillors Troy Nixon, Kevin McIssac and Kyle Hamilton, voted in favour.

“Hearing people’s voices does not necessarily mean agreeing with the direction they’re proposing,” he told Council. “It doesn’t mean we haven’t heard them, we haven’t listened. We have listened.”

“I’ve lost a lot of sleep over this. You might not think so, but [this issue] has created a deep division in the community. I don’t disagree with that, but here we are.”

Councillor Audia Kelly abstained from the vote.