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Old Firehall redevelopment moving forward
Community investment and housing affordability at its core
The Old Firehall redevelopment project is advancing steadily, marking an important step toward increasing much-needed housing supply in Fernie’s downtown core.
Led by the Elk Valley Family Society, with development management by New Commons Development and construction by North Mountain Construction, the project will deliver new affordable housing while maintaining alignment with the character and guidelines of Fernie’s Historic Downtown Development Permit Area.
Construction began in late 2025 with foundation and underground parkade work. Structural progress will continue through spring and summer, with framing and roofing phases following.
Exterior finishes are anticipated to be completed in 2027, with overall project closeout expected late fall / early winter.
The site is zoned C1 – Retail Commercial, consistent with Fernie’s downtown core. The project complies with applicable municipal bylaws and underwent Development Permit review to ensure consistency with the City of Fernie’s Official Community Plan and historic downtown design guidelines.
A Heritage consultant was engaged, and the design was presented to the City’s Design Review Panel.
Funding and Community Partnerships
The Old Firehall project represents a collaborative investment from multiple funding partners, including:
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation;
- BC Housing;
- Columbia Basin Trust;
- Federation of Canadian Municipalities;
- Elk Valley Resources;
- The City of Fernie, through land donation and a $65,000 community contribution.
Technical studies supporting the project were contributed by Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Columbia Basin Trust.
The project includes significant affordability provisions under agreements with BC Housing and CMHC.
Per BC Housing guidelines for 2025:
- Studio and one-bedroom units are available to households earning no more than $136,210 annually.
- Units with two or more bedrooms are available to households earning no more than $201,030 annually.
In addition, CMHC requirements stipulate that a minimum of 30% of all units must be rented at below 80% of Median Market Rent, based on national affordability criteria.
The Old Firehall redevelopment reflects a coordinated effort between local government, non-profit leadership, funding partners, and the construction team to deliver long-term housing solutions that support Fernie’s residents now and into the future.
The project team acknowledges that construction activity can cause temporary disruption and is committed to minimizing impacts wherever possible. At the same time, this development responds directly to the ongoing housing challenges facing the community.
Throughout construction, traffic management plans, parking coordination, noise control measures, and dust mitigation strategies are being implemented in accordance with municipal requirements. Clear on-site contact information is posted to address any construction-related concerns.
Lead image: A look at the old firehall worksite in downtown Fernie. e-KNOW file photo
Elk Valley Family Society
