City Appoints Director of Planning and Development Services

January 16, 2026

The City of Fernie is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeremy Johnston to the position of Director of Planning and Development Services.

Johnston joins the City from the Community Energy Association, where he served as Community Planning Lead, supporting communities across BC on sustainable growth, land use and development initiatives. Prior to that, he held senior planning roles with the municipalities of Elkford and Sparwood, building strong regional expertise in land use planning, development approvals, and long-range community planning within the Elk Valley.

CAO Michael Boronowski says, “We’re excited to welcome Jeremy to the City of Fernie. He brings a strong mix of experience and leadership both here in the Elk Valley and in working with communities across the Province. Jeremy has a proven track record of collaborative leadership and, and we’re looking forward to bringing his broader perspectives to practical, locally grounded planning and the services we provide to the community in support of high-quality development.”  

“I’ve called Fernie home for the past 10 years, so it’s meaningful bring my professional experience to the community where I live,” says Johnston. “I’m looking forward to working alongside Council, staff, and the community to support thoughtful planning and responsive development services. My work across BC has shown me what works well in different contexts, and I’m excited to apply those lessons in Fernie in a way that reflects our community’s unique character, priorities, and growth pressures.“

Mayor Nic Milligan adds, “Council is committed to supporting a community that is vibrant, diverse, and liveable. Jeremy’s appointment strengthens our ability to advance key priorities around housing diversity, sustainable growth, and thoughtful development, ensuring that Fernie continues to grow in a way that meets residents’ needs and reflects our long-term vision.”

Johnston will officially join the City on February 2, 2026.