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Lease and operating agreements a huge step for Field House
Building a new Field House in Fernie took a giant step forward October 28 when city council endorsed lease and operating agreements for the facility.
The agreements, between the City of Fernie and the Elk Valley Field House Society, allow for the construction and operation of a Field House on the site of the decommissioned outdoor rink.
The agreements are the culmination of several months of discussions between the society and the city.
“We want to thank city staff for working collaboratively with us on these agreements that benefit not only the Field House and the city, but the entire valley community at large,” said Field House spokesperson Aysha Haines.
The 60-year lease will allow the Field House Society, comprised of volunteers from a multitude of local groups and organizations, to build and operate an accessible space for physical activity, social interaction, and community events.
The operating agreement stipulates the Field House will primarily be used for recreational purposes and for events and gatherings and that the society shall be responsible for the operation, cleanliness, maintenance and repair of the Field House.
“By creating a sustainable, community-focused facility, we aim to foster an environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect, engage, and thrive,” said Haines.
City council also directed staff to expedite the building permit for the facility. The society expects to make that application this fall.
The society has been actively fundraising towards its goal of $3 million, having secured commitments for more than half the required amount already.
Elk Valley Resources generously donated $1 million project earlier this year. The project has also received $525,000 in Resort Municipalities Initiatives funding. Tourism Fernie has also contributed $40,000 to the project.
At the October 28 council meeting, Fernie Youth Soccer Association announced it will be donating $10,000.
“Discussions with other possible funders throughout the area have kicked into high gear,” said Haines. “We’ve accomplished a lot already, but it will take the community to push this project over the top.”
Find more information by checking out the website.
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