The Fernie Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Services is urging key stakeholders to come to the table to discuss the creation of a free trail map.
The Chamber has had requests from some of their members for a handy free guide. Both Sarah Parry, executive director and Rachel Fitzios, membership and visitor services, have noticed the requests for four years now.
Parry wrote a letter to Fernie Council dated February 18, 2014.
“As a resort community and one with an increasing tourism base we are positioning the need for a ‘free’ map to those wanting one. We understand that organizations (including ours) are always looking for ways to increase revenue however, destinations such as Rossland, Golden and Revelstoke have produced a pocket sized comprehensive trail map that is free to all that want it. As a community if we are interested in these dollars from visiting hikers and bikers and families we need to ensure that we have adequate and safe information.
“An important point is that this is a rapidly developing sector of the tourism market and these seasoned hikers and bikers are expecting these topographical type maps to use and ensure that their own safety is not compromised in any way. A free trail map is simply a must have item for an outdoor based tourism community like ours.”
Fernie Council accepted the invitation agreeing to sit down and discuss this concern with all relevant parties.
As suggested by Parry, other shareholders could be Tourism Fernie, Director of Leisure Services Cam Mertz, Fernie Nordic Society, The Fernie Trails Alliance and the Fernie Mountain Bike Club, Fernie Alpine Resort and Island Lake Lodge