By Erin Knutson

The Trites-Leroux Mansion is one step closer to housing people as City of Fernie council motioned unanimously to successfully convert the historic site into housing units through a strata conversion that would legalize its transformation at the first council meeting of the year (Jan.14), which was held at the Senior Citizen’s Drop-in Centre.

Manager of Planning Derek Cimolini outlined in his report to the mayor and council that the heritage building commonly known as the Trites-Leroux Mansion, located at 321-4th Avenue, must be converted as stated in the strata conversion proposal before it can be legally divided into three dwelling units as part of phase one of its development.

“The strata conversion is proposed to include three housing units and common property, including the accessory buildings and grounds around the building for parking and yard space. The conversion of the previously occupied building is phase one of a three-phase strata application,” said Cimolini.

According to the city planner’s presentation, since the building is recognized as a heritage building of value, any alterations to the site must comply with its Heritage Revitalization Agreement (HRA) while maintaining a Heritage Alteration Permit (HAP).

In 2023, the city granted a Building Permit to convert the building from six dwelling units into three larger units as part of a carefully planned and phased strata development (Phase one, two and three) to create additional housing spaces incrementally, eventually culminating into an inhabitable four-plex with a total of nine units following phase three of the plan.

As Mayor Nic Milligan and council discussed the motion to adopt the proposal, questions arose about the strata’s governance in future phases, including whether the units would be designated for rental.

“The plan is to stratify all units, so the legislation decided upon for phase one will carry into the other phases and align with new or agreed-upon policy,” said Cimolini.

Fernie’s council demonstrated its commitment to housing development by unanimously approving the stratification proposal. While preserving the integrity of the Trites-Leroux Mansion, this decision also highlighted the city’s dedication to enhancing and maintaining its existing assets.

Councillors Ted Shoesmith, Harsh Ramadass and Mayor Nic Milligan celebrated the move, praising the project and the efforts of the property owners and developers in restoring the historic site.

“I took a tour of the Mansion, and the work is excellent. It’s now a beautiful building while preserving a heritage site – it’s no small thing,” said Milligan.

e-KNOW file photo

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