Skip to content

Fernie council approves permits for affordable housing projects

Plus five-year financial plan adopted; new machinery approved; and support for organics recovery
16156404_web1_Fernie-City-Hall---summer-web
City Hall in Fernie. File photo

The City of Fernie has paved the way for two projects designed to meet growing demand for affordable housing.

At the March 25 regular meeting, public hearings were held for two development variance permit applications from local developer Parastone.

The first lot is located on Eckersley and McDonald roads in West Fernie, where Parastone plans to build homes catering to first home buyers, empty nesters and people with disabilities.

“It’s a product Fernie needs desperately,” said Parastone Director of Planning Jacqueline Arling.

City planner Derek Cimolini found the requested variance to exterior setbacks would reflect the surrounding neighbourhood while improving the width of the Eckersley Street right of way and, facilitating a more intensive redevelopment of the parcel.

The DVP was approved by council.

The second applied to Lot 68 in Montane. The City received four letters of concern, which raised issues including congestion and affordability.

A Cedar Bowl Drive resident also attended the hearing, expressing concern that she and her neighbours were not invited to respond to a project she feels will aggravate a pre-existing parking issue.

Arling apologized and vowed to improve communication, also clarifying that parking will be included in future stages of the Montane development.

The second DVP was also approved.

Other City of Fernie news

Public art jury appointment

Director of Community Services Marta Proctor has been appointed to the Fernie District Arts Council jury for 2019 Public Art Project as a non-voting member. FDAC has received a $24,400 public art grant from Columbia Basin Trust for the project, which must completed by the end of summer. The chosen mural will reflect Fernie’s “heritage, culture, hopes, dreams and aspirations” and be erected on the side of Beanpod along 7th St. Visit Theartsstation.com for more information.

Support for organics recovery project

The City of Fernie has signaled its support for organics recovery. At the March 25 meeting, council voted to send a letter of support to the Regional District of East Kootenay for a joint application to the Organics Infrastructure Program. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, the program offers 66 per cent match funding and will facilitate the investment of $30 million towards organics processing infrastructure in B.C. RDEK Community Energy Manager Megan Lohmann said this represents an immediate opportunity to move toward a long-term, collaborative vision of developing “Canada’s first integrated resource recovery network” in the East Kootenay.

Five-year financial plan adopted

Council has adopted the Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw following public engagement. The plan provides a summary of revenues, operating and capital expenditures, along with information on funding sources and distribution of taxes between property classes. The big ticket items in this year’s capit budget include design and construction of a new public works building ($5,056,000), paving 8th St and 4th Ave ($1,080,000) and upgrading the Maiden Lake Dike System ($1,385,000). More than 45 people attended a budget open house hosted by the Fernie Aquatic Centre on March 4. Mayor Ange Qualizza requested staff investigate where storyboards used at the open house can be displayed permanently. The bylaw was adopted despite opposition from Councillor Phil Iddon, who voted it down. Review the plan at Fernie.ca/budget.

Purchase of new machinery approved

Council will buy a new grader and loader at a cost of $359,627 and $297,995, respectively. The City’s current grader is 19-years-old this coming year with approximately 8763 engine hours, while the loader is 18-years-old with approximately 9535 engine hours. Both are scheduled for replacement. The new machinery will provide the City with more efficient and reliable street cleaning, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.