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Fernie amends OCP to support legislation for housing
By Erin Knutson
The City of Fernie moved to amend its Official Community Plan (OCP) to reflect new findings from its 2025 Housing Needs Report and to meet the new Provincial Bill 44 Legislation by the end-of-year deadline at its regular council meeting at the senior centre (Nov. 25).
Manager of Planning Derek Cimolini presented the Housing Needs Report to the mayor and council for first and second readings of Bylaw No. 2540 to amend OCP Bylaw No. 2231 by New Year’s Eve.
Cimolini presented the Housing Needs Report, outlining strategies to achieve the targets of 551 new dwelling units in five years and 1,800 in 20 years, including specific development initiatives and partnerships to meet housing requirements and legislative mandates.
Outlining the housing crisis, affordability, and the low vacancy rate of 0.5 per cent, Cimolini expanded on the population of vulnerable groups in need of affordable housing, including seniors, visible minorities, single-led households, and people with disabilities, during his presentation.
He also mentioned a shadow rate of unoccupied housing of 30%, or part-time residents. “Our goal is to create 71 of these units in the next 20 years, focusing on community benefits and supporting families and individuals in need of transitional and affordable housing.”
Fernie has actively supported housing projects like the Elk Valley Housing Project and North End Court, demonstrating a committed effort to meet community housing needs.
“These units would span across demographics, ensuring that those who fit the criteria will be accommodated,” said Cimolini.
Fernie’s 2014 OCP is being updated with clearer policies and language, ensuring residents have greater clarity on the city’s approach to new legislation and housing strategies, according to Cimolini.
“Using more direct aspirational language in policy amendments will help accommodate affordable housing,” he said.
Mayor Nic Milligan responded to Cimolini’s statement regarding the amendments’ language.
“It is creating conditions that will allow it to happen,” he said.
Milligan proposed the amendment to Bylaw No. 2231, which was moved and seconded by Councillors Harsh Ramadass and Troy Nixon, and it passed unanimously.
“Tightening up the OCP and using plain language that the general population can understand are important,” said Milligan, of moving forward with the new agreement.
e-KNOW file photo
e-KNOW
