“ Trail usage is exponentially busier and is vehicle traffic, camping and Recreational vehicles. Need to increase collaboration with other Elk Valley Communities. Build an Epic Trail and connect communities.” Fernie Trails Alliance
“ Trail users have reached a historic high. The biggest challenge is land use closures.” Fernie Snowmobile Association
“ Fernie does not have the needed visitor amenities to manage volume.” Fernie Chamber of Commerce / Visitor Centre
“ User fees for service. Emulate a National Park, they have developed programs that work.” Fernie Alpine Resort
“ The Fernie Trails Alliance has the opportunity to be the powerhouse and economic driver of the future. New sustainability models required. A mix of private and public lands required for public recreation. Reconciliation with Ktunaxa to empower and develop the capacity for tourism in the Valley.” City of Fernie
DRAFT
“ Watercraft access to the river is restricted to primitive boat launches and access points that are unreliable and inconsistent from year to year, greatly limiting the potential river usage by the tourism industry and for local recreational users.” East Kootenay Angling Guides
“ Fernie’ s tourism economy is growing year-round and even through COVID-19 we have seen signs of growth areas and the demand to expect post-COVID. To better meet the needs of our community and industry we look to the Tourism Master Plan developed and to work collaboratively for long term sustainability and success.” Tourism Fernie
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT- SURVEY SUMMARIES
The four online surveys generated 581 responses. These responses have been separated into 4 sections based on where participants live.
SECTION 1: 350 Area A Resident Participants( including those living in the 3 municipalities of Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford)
SECTION 2:
SECTION 3: SECTION 4: SECTION 5:
149 Area A‘ Rural Only’ Resident Participants( those not living within the municipalities of Fernie / Sparwood / Elkford)
17 Area A Businesses 22 Area A Non-Profit / Interest Group Organizations 203 Area B Residents
It is also important to note that the engagement results from Fernie’ s Tourism Master Plan are also a key engagement element in this project; these details can be found in the plan document.
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