Harshan Ramadass is officially launching his campaign for Mayor of the City of Fernie on Saturday, September 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Fernie Legion.

The launch will mark the official beginning of Ramadass’s campaign and provide an opportunity for residents to meet the candidate, hear his vision for Fernie’s future and talk about the issues that matter most to the community.

“Fernie is at an important crossroads,” said Ramadass. “The next four years should be about turning plans into progress, making good decisions and building the infrastructure and community we need for the future.”

He says his campaign will focus on stronger leadership, practical action and putting residents first.

Prioritize

Too many things to do, too few resources – focus is a leadership decision.

• Set a clear, ranked agenda at the start of term – and hold the focus to finish it.
• Make the hard calls about what gets done first – and be straight with residents about the rest.
• Re-set the relationship with the province – the Mayor works directly with ministers to cut through regulatory.

Uncertainty and reform what hasn’t worked, for the direct benefit of residents

Deliver the Infrastructure

Move from plans to progress on the systems this city depends on.

• Fix the wastewater system: adhere to the timeline for the inflow-reduction program and the treatment plant upgrade.
• Address streets, facilities, and pavements with a funded, multi-year maintenance schedule.
• Fund it honestly – a combination of debt, grants, and where necessary, a transparent conversation with residents about taxes, utility fees, and reserves.

Make Fernie Livable and Affordable

A community people can afford to live in – and a city that spends like it matters.

• Core services front and centre – garbage collected on time, snow plowed on time, streets cleaned on time, permits issued on time – city working on time.
• Work with the developer community and the province to unlock missing middle, purpose-built rentals, and targeted density – so younger people and families can afford to stay in Fernie.
• Apply engineering-grade rigour to the city’s budget – every dollar must earn its place, for the direct benefit of residents.

Strengthen Partnerships, Advance Recreation

Invest in the amenities and spaces that make Fernie a great place to live year-round.

• Welcome Fernie Trails Alliance as an official city partner organization by 2027.
• Increase the outlay of community discretionary grant funding as the tax base expands.
• Appoint councillors into key liaison roles on inauguration night – Arts Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Heritage Library, Historical Society, and Senior Drop-in Centre – and apply rigour to city-service partner relationships so these organizations can thrive.
• Proactively support the true gems of Fernie – the service organizations that hold this community together.
• Commit to a facilities improvement timeline and adhere to it through the term.

Open for Business

Make Fernie a place quality investment wants to come.

• Cut through the red tape – faster permitting and approvals so businesses and developers can get to work without unnecessary delays.
• Actively attract and retain quality investment that creates good local jobs.
• Ensure City Hall is a partner to economic development, not an obstacle.
• Build a local economy that works for residents, not just visitors.

Ramadass is inviting residents, community organizations, businesses and supporters to attend the campaign launch and be part of the conversation about Fernie’s future.

Ramadass for Mayor campaign launch

Saturday, September 19 – 6–8p.m. at Fernie Legion.

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