The B.C. government is supporting the redevelopment of Fernie’s old fire hall to make way for rental housing.
“Working people like teachers, nurses and construction workers are the backbone of our local economies, and they’ve been squeezed by the same housing challenges others are facing in the Kootenays and across the province,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing.
“That’s why our government is taking action to deliver more housing of all kinds throughout B.C. through innovative programs like BC Builds, which is fast-tracking construction of thousands of rental homes just like these for middle-income families.”
The project is still in its infancy, but the 44-unit complex is planned to feature a mix of studio, one, and two-bedroom units.
Fernie officials said the building will have five stories, with the bottom floor reserved for commercial space.
“The City of Fernie is excited to work with our exceptional partners, the Elk Valley Family Society, and the BC Builds and BC Housing teams,” said Fernie Mayor Nic Milligan.
“The proposed project will help address a critical gap in the housing supply. We look forward to offering these new housing options to our residents.”
The City-owned property at 692 3rd Avenue was the community’s fire hall until 2022 when the building was deemed unfit to service the department.
Once finished, it will be owned and operated by the Elk Valley Family Society, a local non-profit aimed at providing affordable housing.
“Elk Valley Family Society is delighted to work with the City of Fernie, BC Builds and BC Housing on this exciting project,” said Elk Valley Family Society executive director Katey Taylor.
“Fernie is not unique in its need for housing, and we are thrilled to be a part of that solution.”
Provincial support for the project comes from BC Builds, which is meant to speed up housing developments by leveraging underused government, community and non-profit-owned land.
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