Fernie City Council held its second meeting of the year on Jan. 25. A number of items were discussed including stricter bylaw enforcement regarding off-leash dogs and releasing funds to the Fernie Snowmobile Association (FSA).
At the Committee of the Whole meeting that morning, the FSA asked for Council to vote in favour of releasing the Resort Municipal Initiative (RMI) funds, which are awarded to resort municipalities across the province. The FSA intends to use the funds to help offset the cost of grooming and maintaining snowmobile trails.
Chief Administrative Officer, Jim Hendricks, suggested staff with the FSA to ensure they supplied the required information in exchange for the funds. Hendricks added the City has been withholding a percentage of the funding granted, roughly 10 per cent, which is released when the groups using the money provide the required reporting.
Council voted in favour of releasing the funds to the FSA and working with the association to ensure the required information is collected.
Council has been focusing on off-leash dogs after a number of citizens came forward and raised their concerns. They voted in favour of a motion that will increase bylaw enforcement and ticketing regarding dogs at large in the city. The motion also specified that staff will look into the option of an Animal Control Officer and the subject will be discussed at the next budget meeting.
A fine for an off-leash dog is $50.