By Erin Knutson

A new version of the Elk Valley Recreation Access Pass Memorandum of Understanding (EVRAP MOU) was approved by the City of Fernie council at its February 24 meeting.

Since 2017, this MOU has enabled the three communities to participate in regional recreation. The EVRAP MOU allows residents to use recreation facilities across all three municipalities, increasing access and opportunity. The agreement remained unchanged until 2023, when an assessment prompted municipal representatives to review the contract in fall 2025 to ensure its relevance and alignment with residents’ priorities.

“Collaboration has been at the heart of this initiative since its inception,” said Fernie Manager of Parks and Recreation Jacquie Hill. “The updated MOU is the result of a thorough review and revision process by all participating communities.”

In December 2025, a new draft was presented to Fernie council at a Committee-of-the-Whole meeting, with staff recommending its adoption.

Sparwood and Elkford councils approved the updated MOU earlier in February. Fernie was the final community to ratify the agreement at its Feb. 24 council meeting. The latest amendments ensure the agreement addresses the needs of each municipality.

Councillor Ted Shoesmith raised the question of the Regional District of East Kootenay’s (RDEK) affiliation with the EVRAP MOU.

Chief Administrative Officer Michael Boronowski clarified the RDEK does not currently offer recreation programming in the Elk Valley and, therefore, was not consulted on the new agreement.

“By revising the EVRAP MOU, we are advancing intermunicipal collaboration in the Elk Valley, ensuring residents benefit from shared resources and opportunities for years to come,” said Hill.

Lead image: A cyclist rolls downhill on Hartley Lake FSR near Fernie. e-KNOW file photo 

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