There’s something exciting happening in the heart of downtown Fernie. The old fire hall at 692 3rd Ave is being cleared to make way for a brand-new housing development - one that brings both fresh energy and meaningful impact to our community.
Led by Elk Valley Family Society and New Commons Development, this project will add 44 much-needed rental homes to the local market. Expect a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom units, all designed with local workers and families in mind. And here’s the best part - at least 30% of the homes will be offered at below-market rents, helping address Fernie’s growing need for more affordable housing options.
But it’s not just homes on the way. The project also includes:
700 sq. ft. of office space for the Elk Valley Family Society
2,250 sq. ft. of commercial space available to lease
45 parking stalls, including underground parking
Construction is set to begin this month, with the goal of wrapping up by fall 2027.
What This Means for Local Traffic
As construction ramps up, here’s what to expect around the site:
3rd Ave (between 6th and 7th St.) will become one-way (north to south) for the duration of the project
7th St (between 2nd and 3rd Ave.) will see partial closures - crews will aim to keep two-way traffic where possible, but some parking will be removed temporarily
Nearby alleys will be restricted at times
Occasionally, full closures on 3rd Ave and 7th St will happen for crane lifts - advance notice will be given
Early work includes utility tie-ins and hydrant relocation, which could lead to short-term service interruptions or road closures
The City’s lot at 902 2nd Ave will also be fenced off and used by contractors for parking, materials, and staging during the build.
A Community Effort
The City of Fernie is fully behind this project - providing long-term land access, permit fast-tracking, tax support, and more to help make it happen.
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