City of Fernie receives $7 million in funding through the Strategic Priorities Fund for Fire Hall Replacement Project

July 30, 2026

The City of Fernie is receiving $7 million through the Strategic Priorities Fund. This federally funded program supports infrastructure projects that are beyond the capacity of a single local government, under the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) Community stream in BC.

The City of Fernie will use this funding towards the construction of a purpose-built fire hall that meets current and future community needs. The Fire Hall has been designed as a modern, efficient facility that prioritizes emergency response, fire fighter health and safety, and long‑term operational flexibility. This facility will allow Fernie Fire Rescue to continue to provide essential fire protection and emergency services to the community. Project planning and design is complete, and construction is getting underway at the start of August 2026, with fire fighters expected to move into the new Hall in fall 2027. The grant will cover 45% of the $15.5 million construction budget for the new Fire Hall.

On July 30, 2026, the federal and provincial governments along with the Union of BC Municipalities announced a federal investment of more than $152 million to support 55 community infrastructure and capacity-building projects. The City of Fernie Fire Hall Replacement Project is one of the 55 recently announced projects.

The Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) Community stream is a transfer-based program that provides $2.5 billion per year in funding to communities across Canada. The Province of British Columbia receives over $310 million annually from this stream, which is administered by the Union of BC Municipalities and distributed to local governments through the Community Works Fund, Strategic Priorities Fund, and Metro Vancouver Regional Fund.

Quotes

"For local governments across British Columbia, the right investment can support housing, foster connection and build strong communities. This project will make a lasting impact and reinforces our commitment to building bold, building strong, and building together.”

The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

 

“Fernie's new fire hall will provide Fernie Fire Rescue with the modern space and facilities needed to respond to emergencies and continue serving residents. “This project reflects the strong partnership between the Government of Canada, UBCM and the City of Fernie to deliver modern infrastructure that strengthens emergency response.”

Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

 

“This funding is a significant investment in the safety and resilience of our community. A new fire hall has been a long-standing priority for Council and will provide our fire fighters with the modern space they need to train, respond, and serve our community effectively for years to come. We are grateful to be a recipient of the Strategic Priorities Fund, and it is exciting to see this important project turn into a reality.”

Nic Milligan, Mayor of Fernie, BC.

 

Quick facts  

  • British Columbia’s 2026-27 allocation under the BCSF Community stream is over $326 million.
  • The total federal contribution towards the 55 projects is $152,313,226.
    • The 29 capital projects are receiving a total of $145,945,502.
    • The 25 capacity building projects are receiving a total of $6,367,764.
  • The funding provided for these projects comes through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities’ application-based Strategic Priorities Fund.
  • See the attached backgrounder for details of the projects.
  • The Build Communities Strong Fund Community stream provides predictable, long-term and stable funding to local governments for investment in infrastructure and capacity-building projects. This program is funded by the Government of Canada and administered in British Columbia by the Union of BC Municipalities.   

 Related Products

Backgrounder: Building Communities Strong in British Columbia with $152 million funding 55 new infrastructure projects

Associated Links

Build Communities Strong Fund
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gtf-fte-eng.html 

Infrastructure Canada - Canada Community-Building Fund Allocation Table 
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/bcsf-fbcf/community-communautaire/index-eng.html#tables

Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan 
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Strategic Priorities Fund
https://www.ubcm.ca/bcsf-spf