Fernie Mayor Nic Milligan is eager to take on the city’s housing struggles with the backing of local organizations and businesses.
Milligan said Fernie is dealing with a severe housing shortage, like many other communities.
“We see people struggling to find accommodation in Fernie, one that they could afford, and two that is even available,” said Milligan.
“It’s having a big impact on local businesses and residents in the community.”
While the issue is not unique to Fernie, their approach is locally made.
“We started the Fernie Housing Solutions Working Group, so we work with developers, builders and non-profits and sit at a table with the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Fernie to talk about how it’s impacting the community and what we can do,” said Milligan.
“That table has produced results, and the project at the former fire hall site with the Elk Valley Family Society (EVFS) is one of them.”
This comes as the City of Fernie is working with the EVFS to repurpose the site into a mixed-use development with commercial space and long-term rental units above.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce is embarking on a fact-finding mission to aid the housing sector.
“They’re doing a workforce housing study to look at what the options are for local businesses to collectively, potentially, provide workforce housing,” said Milligan.
“We’re working collaboratively across the community to find creative solutions.”
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