Fernie’s economic focus

Tourism and heritage preservation are important elements to be considered by Fernie’s economic planners

Fernie's historical city hall is one of many heritage buildings that are maintained for their cultural significance in Fernie, B.C. — Kimberly Shellborn photo

A month after the Elk Valley Regional Economic Collaboration took place in Sparwood, Kootenay Business asked Mary Giuliano, mayor of Fernie, B.C., what aspects of economic development in Fernie continue to need an individual approach. Giuliano said that because mining is an important economic driver for all of the communities in the Elk Valley, a collaborative approach to economic development in the valley makes sense.

“However,” she said, “Fernie does have a strong tourism component with the ski hill and other outdoor recreational opportunities that draw people from all over the world, and in that area we need to maintain an individual approach.”

Giuliano believes that at more than 100 years of age, Fernie’s historic public buildings—including the library, museum and arts centre, courthouse, city hall and several churches—present the city with challenges that Sparwood and Elkford, as younger communities, do not have.

“The placement, history, and the diverse people that call Fernie home definitely requires that economic development use an individual approach to moving ahead,” Giuliano said, “while still working to ensure that our region as a whole is supported so that it continues to prosper.”