It’s Canadian Small Business Week and we’d like to take a moment to congratulate all the recipients of the 2026 Fernie Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards held Oct. 15 at Cirque Restaurant.

What a night celebrating the incredible people, businesses, and organizations that make Fernie such a special place to live, work, and do business!

The Fernie Business Excellence Awards are about recognizing the passion, dedication, hard work, and community spirit that make our business community thrive. Every nominee, finalist, and award recipient should be incredibly proud of what they do and the impact they make in our community.

A HUGE congratulations to our 2026 award recipients.

Citizen of the Year: Aysha Hines

Community Group of the Year: Emily Brydon Youth Foundation

New Business of the Year: Kamu Sauna

Community Tourism Achievement: The Fernie Fix

Employer of the Year: Giv’Er Shirt Works

Environmental Sustainability: Wapiti Music Festival Society

Businessperson of the Year: Jessica Riley & Laura Frost, Spa 901

Outstanding Customer Service: Yamagoya Sushi

Youth Employer of the Year: Vogue Theatre

Chamber Business Legacy: Patti’s Party Tent Rental

Fernie Business of the Year: Polar Peak Books

People’s Choice Award: Western Financial Group

To everyone who nominated a business or individual, cast a vote, attended the event, or helped bring the evening to life — thank you! Your support is what makes this celebration so meaningful year after year.

And, of course, a massive thank-you to our incredible sponsors. Your generosity and commitment to our local business community make this event possible, and we couldn’t do it without you!

Here’s to the people who make Fernie shine.

Lead image: City of Fernie Mayor Nic Milligan presents Aysha Hines with the Citizen of the Year award.  Images by Collateral Photography

Fernie Chamber of Commerce

Article Share