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High hopes for EVR Summit Centre to break ground soon
A generous loan from the Fernie Academy Society will allow work to begin quickly
The Elk Valley community could be using the EVR Summit Centre (formerly known as the Elk Valley Field House) as soon as the end of 2026.
“If the stars align, we could be open this year,” said spokesperson for the Elk Valley Field House Society (EVFHS), Aysha Haines. “We could be open in December, but of course a lot of supply chains have to come together for that to work out.”
Speaking at the unveiling of the name for the new facility in Fernie on July 30, Haines said the Field House Society’s goal of providing much-needed indoor space for Fernie sports and community groups was within reach.
“The building permit has been applied for and we’re well into the consultation phase with the building inspector, and we’re hopeful it’ll be issued by mid-August and we’ll be able to break ground immediately after that,” she said.
Funding was top of mind at the unveiling of the name of the facility, which will be constructed behind the Fernie Aquatic Centre on Pine Ave. With an early, $1 million donation towards the facility which is projected to cost around $4.3 million by the time it is complete, EVR has naming rights for the next ten years.
While 50% of the total funds needed have been raised, Haines said that the facility could break ground as soon as they had a permit thanks to a generous loan.
“The Fernie Academy Society has provided a three-year $2 million loan so that we can start construction on the building right away, rather than waiting for it to be fully funded,” she said.
Head of the Fernie Academy, Jocelyn Somebowski, said the EVR Summit Centre is an important project for the Elk Valley.
“The Fernie Academy Society is proud to support this much-needed facility which will be an invaluable addition for the entire community.”
The Elk Valley community can learn more about the EVR Summit Centre on August 12, when the Elk Valley Field House Society will host a public information session at the Fernie Seniors Drop-In Centre.
More details to come. Until then, locals can learn more about the Centre at thesummitcentre.com.
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