Members of provincial government were given a taste of Fernie lifestyle on December 21, from the perspective of a fatbike.
Member for Kootenay-Columbia Wayne Stetski met with Fernie Mayor Ange Qualizza and Councillor and Fernie Mountain Bike Club president, Troy Nixon, to discuss future projects and tour the Montane trail system.
“There is a lot of value when our elected representatives take time to engage local government, and in this case, I felt very proud to show off our world class trail system and discuss how important it is to our community,” said Qualizza.
“It is always a great opportunity to build relationships with our elected officials who work hard on our behalf and I hope this will be the first of many opportunities I have to show off Fernie’s great trail system,” she added.
While touring the Montane trail system, the group passed over a dozen trail users out on a walk, run, or ride. MP Stetski remarked at how surprised he was to see so many individuals out on the trails at midday.
Local resident Robert Champagne was also in attendance and, on behalf of the Fernie Trails Alliance, suggested to Stetski how valuable it would be to have a trail built from Fernie up to the ski hill.
The group also discussed partnerships with private landowners and how the trail system is an asset.
Nixon welcolmed Stetski’s visit to Fernie and said it was a pleasure to lead the ride for two levels of government.
“I do wear various hats but combining two of them and taking our Minister of Parliament Wayne Stetski and our very own Mayor Ange Qualizza on their very first fat bike ride was amazing,” he said.