By Erin Knutson

The Fernie & District Historical Society (FDHS) presented at the City of Fernie’s latest council meeting (Apr. 8) at the Senior’s Centre, requesting that city officials adopt their Heritage Strategy before ratifying the next update of the Official Community Plan (OCP).

FDHS Board President Mike Palamarek gave Mayor Nic Milligan, city councillors, and the public an overview of the Fernie Heritage Strategy (FHS).

Palamarek stated his organization’s intention to realign and integrate an existing partnership agreement between the city and FDHS, drafted in 2023, to assess the key performance indicators (KPI) from the FHS released to the public in 2020 and adopt the existing FHS before the next update of the OCP.

“Fundamentally, it’s a guided resource to assist the city in achieving its goals and actions- that’s why it was created,” said Palamarek.

He further explained that the FHS is designed to preserve and promote Fernie’s unique heritage, enhance the city’s cultural identity, and potentially attract tourism and investment, which could bring new opportunities and growth to the community.

Palamarek’s report listed the specifics of the FHS, including the History and Timeline of Fernie’s Heritage Activities, the Vision for Heritage in Fernie, Best Practices/Planning Tools, and Strategies/Actions to Achieve the OCP Goals and Actions.

Touting the success of Kelowna’s Heritage Strategy (KHS), he suggested that Fernie follow its lead as a municipality with comparable heritage resources.

According to Palamarek, Kelowna has successfully adopted the KHS into its OCP and created a community heritage register, conservation areas, a heritage planning committee, protected tree and heritage development bylaws, and historical designations because of its impact.

Fernie council voiced concerns regarding the alignment of the FHS with the current bylaws and the OCP, suggesting that adopting the FHS before the finalization and adoption of the upcoming OCP update could lead to conflicts in future planning.

After careful discussion between the mayor, council, and staff members, Fernie council adopted a motion suggested by City Manager of Planning Derek Cimolini to see both documents (FHS & OCP) adopted together, following a review and refinement of policies in both articles before ratifying either agreement.

The city council’s decision to adopt the new motion was unanimous.

“I think the FHS and the OCP should be adopted together. This accomplishes both and is in concordance through process and legislation as a precaution,” said Milligan.

e-KNOW file photo

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