Fire Hall Replacement Project – Spring 2026 Update
April 30, 2026
The City has reached a key milestone on the Fire Hall Replacement project with the completion of the final design and construction contracting requirements for the new fire hall and are prepared to proceed with construction of this urgently needed facility.
Following extensive planning and technical work we have finalized the design for a purpose‑built fire hall that meets current and future community needs. The project remains on schedule, with the final fixed-price contract for the project coming in at just over $15 million, leaving sufficient funds within the approved $16 million project budget for the 5% contingency and the planned upgrades to a ball diamond at James White Park.
The fire hall is planned for 1500 5th Avenue, a portion of Prentice Park. The City is currently awaiting a decision related to a petition to the Supreme Court of BC regarding the site, which must be resolved before construction can proceed. In the meantime, all preparatory work required to advance the project has been completed. This includes coordination with minor and adult ball and other Prentice Park user groups.
The project schedule has been sequenced to allow construction to begin during the 2026 building season, with an operational fire hall anticipated in August 2027. As construction timing is season‑dependent, extended delays may affect the City’s ability to proceed this year and could require adjustments to scheduling, costing, or delivery approach.
Key Project Highlights:
The new fire hall has been designed as a modern, efficient facility that prioritizes emergency response, firefighter health and safety, and long‑term operational flexibility. The 15,919 sq. ft. building includes four pull‑through, double‑loaded apparatus bays, an integrated hose tower, and a 40-seat multipurpose room that supports firefighter training and emergency operations (EOC) and will be available for public bookings.
The site plan supports both emergency response and broader community use. It includes driveway access from 5th Avenue, 20 staff parking spaces and 12 public parking spaces, a paved parking and training yard with an extended gravel training area, and gravel laneway access serving nearby park amenities including the pavilion and washrooms.
What’s next?
We are ready to break ground on a new fire hall. Pending contract award in the next month, our construction schedule would see work getting underway this spring, and an operational fire hall in 2027.
Build Schedule Overview * Pending Contract Award in May
Mobilization and Site Prep – May 2026
Excavation, Civil, and Foundations – August 2026
Structure and Building Envelope – Feb 2027
Mechanical, Electrical and Interior Finishing – June 2027
Commissioning and Handover, and Fernie Fire Rescue has a new home – August 2027
Follow along at Let's Talk Fernie.
