Council Approves Fire Hall Funding Strategy

July 16, 2025

At the July 15 Special Meeting, Council approved the budget and proposed funding strategy for Fernie’s new Fire Hall, and directed staff to apply for a $7 million grant through the Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF.)

Council gave 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading to the fire hall loan authorization bylaw, authorizing up to $12 million in approval-free borrowing under new provincial legislation. The total project budget is $16 million. In addition to borrowing, the City will utilize reserves, potential grants and a contribution from the Regional District of East Kootenay to fund the critical facility replacement.

The current project budget is developed based on a Class-C cost estimate, and contingency, and also includes improvements to ball diamonds, site connectivity, and required utility and site servicing work. To be eligible for the SPF grant, the City needs to be able to show approved funding for the remainder of the project budget. With a successful grant application, the amount that the City would be required to borrow would be roughly $3.5 million. Spread over a 30 year loan this would equate to roughly $55 annually for the average household.

Utilizing the increased limits, now available to BC municipalities to borrow without voter approval through a referendum or alternate approval process, positions the City to meet the September 12 grant deadline and keep the project moving forward.

The new fire hall will be constructed at 1500 - 5th Ave, a portion of Prentice Park. It has been designed on that site based on extensive pre-planning work and consultation and will enhance firefighter safety, emergency response, and long-term community resilience.

The City is targeting breaking ground in 2026, with the facility expected to be operational in 2027. Follow our Let's Talk Fire Hall Replacement page for project updates.