I’m writing to respectfully rebut former city councillor Joe Warshawsky’s letter regarding the proposal for a gymnasium and parkade on city-owned land at 402/422 3rd Avenue. Mr. Warshawsky was involved in accepting Mr. Quail’s generous land donation in 1993, and I appreciate his long-standing commitment to the community. However, in my view, opposition to this project overlooks the significant benefits it offers to Fernie.
First, this proposal is not about The Fernie Academy—it’s about Fernie. It’s about building better, free parking in the downtown core and adding desperately needed community space after the closure of the Community Centre due to years of mismanagement. This is a win for everyone.
The proposal does not reduce parking. In fact, it improves it. The number of parking spots stays the same—possibly even increases—but with a covered, heated, well-lit, and safe facility. The parking remains free unless the city decides otherwise, and it will continue to be managed by the city—not a private entity. The current lot is partially unusable for months at a time due to snow accumulation, ice, and springtime mud. A well-maintained parkade would provide a functional, accessible, and safe year-round option.
And that brings me to an important question: does improving this lot violate the intent of Mr. Quail’s generous gift? The land was donated as a public resource for parking, and it remains a public resource for parking in this proposal. Ensuring it is functional, accessible, and safe year-round seems to honour that intent rather than undermine it.
Let’s also clarify what happened at the council meeting on December 17. By my count, 23 people spoke in favour of the project, while only four spoke against it. The overwhelming majority of voices supported this investment in our town.
And finally, this costs Fernie nothing. The city cannot afford the community space it needs. This proposal delivers it—without taxpayers footing the bill.
I respect Mr. Warshawsky’s past contributions to Fernie, but I believe this is an opportunity to make a real improvement—better parking, more community space, and no cost to the city. It’s time to move forward.
Sincerely,
Scott Sinclair
Fernie resident
