Fernie community centre closure greatly impacting user groups

“The society has been created by a collaboration of community groups and organizations to find solutions to the critical gap in the recreation and gathering infrastructure as a result of the closure of the community centre,” she said.

“The purpose of this society is to support the physical, mental economic and social well-being of the Elk Valley by funding, building and operating a recreation and gathering facility.”

She said the closure impacts almost every resident in some way.

“Virtually no segment of our population is untouched by this closure. Residents young and old in the entire Elk Valley have stepped foot in the community centre whether for sports, recreation or entertainment,” she added.

“There are more than 1,500 impacted sports and recreation users, thousands of event participants and hundreds of school children.”

She said a new community centre was already going to be needed due to the city’s population growth.

“There is a growing need as well. Population growth has far exceeded the projections in the OCP of 4,800 residents by 2024 and 5,000 by 2031. Today Fernie has over 6,200 people,” she said.

“There is already pressure on the existing facilities to accommodate user group demands. The population of Fernie is expected to continue to grow at a rate of 17 per cent per year.”

The society’s temporary solution for the closure is to construct either a dome or fabric-covered structure or a steel structure over the outdoor rink.

A dome or fabric structure could potentially be installed by late winter and can be relocated to a future permanent facility location.

Fernie council advised staff to prepare a report regarding the society’s proposal, which is expected to be ready by the Sept. 24 regular council meeting.

MORE: Fernie council contemplates plan for addressing indoor facility crisis (Aug. 22, 2024)

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