The‘ Fernie’ experience could be even more.
SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY & INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVES
General customer service improvements across sectors and especially with respect to offerings at the ski hill and in shoulder seasons.
More accommodation options at peak times, as well as updated accommodation facilities, restaurants and trip planning services targeting‘ boutique’ and higher-yield guests.
Traffic and parking management as well as improved access to Fernie and continued connections between the ski hill and downtown.
Increased / enhanced indoor amenities( pools, arts / culture halls) and also new facilities to attract other markets in the non-peak times such as sport tourism( hockey, tennis), events and conferences( Conference Centre).
The visitor level is comfortable for now, but existing core attractions and services are beyond capacity at times.
A large majority of both residents and businesses indicated a general comfort with current levels of visitation. That said, many feel Fernie is on the cusp of becoming‘ too busy’ at peak times given current capacities.
INSIGHT: Stakeholders will have to understand which weekend / seasons and activities / locations are experiencing overcrowding and address these pinch points.
Support for tourism growth exists in the shoulder seasons, and there is a preference to maintain summer and winter levels.
Most businesses and residents leaned toward supporting growth in visitor levels in the fall and spring. Perspectives on summer and winter visitation levels varied with residents more supportive to maintain current levels than the businesses who were split on whether to maintain levels or grow them during these seasons.
“ The need to manage the growth of tourism in a sustainable manner. Fernie will automatically see continued growth in this area and if our community doesn’ t work together to manage it effectively Fernie will easily become what Canmore is today. Fernie needs to ensure the authenticity isn’ t ruined, that nature isn’ t heavily impacted, that our facilities are well-maintained and improved for both residents and visitors, that the community is part of the solution. We need to work on issues such as labour shortages, places to park, proper trail signage for visitors, trail infrastructure, river access, downtown store hours, and local understanding of tourism and how to work together on its sustainability.”
Feedback from Survey Responder
INSIGHTS
The availability of housing and a positive work / living environment are important for attracting and retaining good quality staff.
As the most expensive community in the Kootenays to buy a single family residential property affordability is a concern for attracting and retaining staff.
There is a correlation between median household income and housing prices.
With tourism growth expected to continue, efforts to manage visitor overflows and spread visitation throughout lower demand periods are required.
Better understanding key transportation pinch points and parking overflow issues while promoting active transportation as much as possible during peak months can help.
The natural places, trails and rivers that attract visitors and residents to Fernie and area are gems that need to be experienced but protected as well.
The private land of Island Lake Lodge, shared access, and trail amenities are critical assets for existing and new tourism experiences.
Supporting visitors to integrate with and respect the local community through targeted marketing and communications could help to improve the interactions between particular visitors and residents. 31