Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI)

The Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) is a provincially funded program that supports small, tourism-based municipalities to build and diversify their tourism infrastructure, deliver exceptional visitor experiences and incorporate sustainable tourism practices and products. Many resort municipalities have a small tax base and the demands of tourism activity often strain the resources available to provide infrastructure and event programming. The RMI program allows resort municipalities to dedicate funding to improving tourism-based infrastructure and amenities to attract more visitors and encourage longer stays.

The City of Fernie is one of 14 resort municipalities that receives funding through the RMI program. As a requirement of the program, the City has developed a Resort Development Strategy to guide the allocation of RMI funding. A limited amount of funding will be made available to the public each year to support opportunities that will improve the toursim economy. 

Click here to read the Resort Development Strategy.
Click here to read the project outlines.

Every year, the City is required to submit an annual report to the province outlining how RMI funding was spent. To view the City's annual reports, click here. 

RMI Tourism Events & Animation Funding Program

The City of Fernie, in partnership with Tourism Fernie, is pleased to offer funding support through the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) Events & Animation Funding Program.

This program is designed to support local non-profit organizations in delivering tourism-related events and animation activities that bring vibrancy, culture, and memorable experiences to our community while strengthening Fernie’s visitor economy.

Program Goals
Through this program, we aim to:

  • Extend and diversify Fernie’s tourism seasons
  • Increase visitation and encourage repeat visits
  • Enhance visitor experiences
  • Support the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector

Who Can Apply
To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be a registered non-profit society/organization in good standing
  • Demonstrate experience in event/animation delivery
  • Have a board-approved letter of support
  • Provide a budget and evidence of tourism impact

Funding Details

  • Up to 50% of the total event or animation budget may be requested (maximum $15,000 per intake).
    • Fall 2025 Special Intake: September 2 – September 30, for events running November 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026.
  • Two intakes are held annually:
    • Spring Intake: April 1, 2026 – May 15, 2026 (for events Nov 1, 2026 – Apr 30, 2027)
    • Fall Intake: October 1, 2026 – November 15, 2026 (for events May 1, 2027 – Oct 31, 2027)

How to Apply

  1. Review the full RMI Event Funding Program Overview (PDF).
  2. Complete the application form included in the package.
  3. Submit your application by email to ula.gasiorowski@fernie.ca with the subject line: RDS Events and Animation Application.

Important Notes

  • Recurring annual events are eligible but may receive lower priority, as the program is designed to help events grow toward self-sustainability.
  • Applications must demonstrate at least 30% visitor participation and include clear evidence of how the project supports Fernie’s tourism economy.
  • Applicants are encouraged to start planning marketing activities targeted outside the Elk Valley well in advance.

Questions?
Contact: ula.gasiorowski@fernie.ca for more details or application support.