Fernie: Who’s who in business

Fernie’s predominant claim to fame is as a spectacular winter sports destination, though coal mining is still an important component of the city’s economy.

Fernie's historic City Hall

This beautiful heritage building serves as the City Hall in Fernie, B.C. — Kimberly Shellborn photo

Community Pulse Population4,160 Number of businesses645 Supporting industriesMining, tourism, forestry, construction, trade, service

The city of Fernie has deep roots. In 1873, Michael Phillips discovered coal outcroppings in southeastern B.C.’s Crowsnest Pass. Once the Canadian Pacific Railroad arrived in 1898, the industries of coal mining and logging became established, along with the community of Fernie. Between 1904 and 1910 the town of Fernie burned to the ground twice and was rebuilt, the second time from brick and stone. Though legend had it that an ill-wish hovered over the town from the days of William Fernie’s commerce-tainted romantic liaison with an Indian princess, the population grew and the city thrived. 

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Fernie Chamber of Commerce

The Fernie Chamber of Commerce enhances the community's economic future.

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City of Fernie

Fernie’s predominant claim to fame is as a spectacular winter sports destination, though coal mining is still an important component of the city’s economic foundation. City council meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month.

Contact the City of Fernie:

Address: 501-3rd Ave., Box 190, Fernie BC V0B 1M0

Phone: (250) 423-6817
Email: [email protected]

City Council

  • Ange Qualizza, Mayor
  • Phil Iddon
  • Kyle Hamilton
  • Kevin McIsaac
  • Morgan Pulsifer
  • Yvonne Prest
  • Troy Nixon

Economic development contact

  • Jim Hendricks, 250-423-2225
Ange Qualizza, mayor of Fernie
One-on-one with the Mayor

“Economic development is about turning community visions into plans and implementing them to achieve goals.” — Ange Qualizza, mayor of Fernie

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