The Plan
Five Areas.
One principle: deliver.
The next four years need to be pivotal. I want to put in motion an infrastructure build-out that will serve this community for the next hundred years — not another term of reports and deferred decisions.
A short list of what matters most, and the discipline to finish it.
Prioritize
Too many things to do, too few resources — focus is a leadership decision.
- Set a clear, ranked agenda at the start of term — and hold the focus to finish it
- Make the hard calls about what gets done first — and be straight with residents about the rest
- Re-set the relationship with the province — the Mayor works directly with ministers to cut through regulatory uncertainty and reform what hasn't worked, for the direct benefit of residents
Why it matters
Last term, too much time was lost getting organized. When everything is a priority, nothing is. As Mayor, I will set the agenda, hold the focus, and make sure Council's energy goes where it matters most.
Deliver the infrastructure
Move from plans to progress on the systems this town depends on.
- Fix the wastewater system: adhere to the timeline for the inflow-reduction program and the treatment plant upgrade
- Address streets, facilities, and pavements with a funded, multi-year maintenance schedule
- Fund it honestly — a combination of debt, grants, and where necessary, a transparent conversation with residents about taxes, utility fees, and reserves
Why it matters
Fernie's infrastructure challenges have been known for years. The Integrated Infrastructure Capital Plan (IICP) gives us a clear path forward — the plans are done, the funding mechanisms exist, and the time for more studies is over. This term, we execute.
Make Fernie livable and affordable
A community people can afford to live in — and a City that spends like it matters.
- Core services front and centre — garbage collected on time, snow plowed on time, streets cleaned on time, permits issued on time. City working on time.
- Work with the developer community and the province to unlock missing middle, purpose-built rentals, and targeted density — so younger people and families can afford to stay in Fernie
- Apply engineering-grade rigour to the City's budget — every dollar must earn its place, for the direct benefit of residents
Why it matters
Fernie is becoming a resort town on local wages. Residents deserve a Mayor who is committed to keeping this community livable — and treats every tax dollar as if it were their own.
Bolster partnerships, advance recreation
Invest in the amenities and spaces that make Fernie a great place to live year-round.
- Welcome Fernie Trails Alliance as an official City partner organization by 2027
- Increase the outlay of community discretionary grant funding as the tax base expands
- Appoint councillors into key liaison roles on inauguration night — Arts Council, Historical Society, Senior Drop-in Centre, Heritage Library, and the Chamber of Commerce — and apply rigour to City-service partner relationships so these organizations can thrive
- Proactively support the true gems of Fernie — the service organizations that hold this community together
- Commit to a facilities improvement timeline and adhere to it through the term
Why it matters
Amenities are not simply extras — they are what makes Fernie the best place on earth. The trails, the mountains and the facilities are the connectors of this town.
Open for business
Make Fernie a place quality investment wants to come.
- Cut through the red tape — faster permitting and approvals so businesses and developers can get to work without unnecessary delays
- Actively attract and retain quality investment that creates good local jobs
- Ensure City Hall is a partner to economic development, not an obstacle
- Build a local economy that works for residents, not just visitors
Why it matters
For too long, Fernie has been a slow and difficult place to do business — and we've missed out on the quality investment that creates good local jobs. Economic development starts at City Hall.
Support the plan
for Fernie
Volunteer, donate, or share the campaign with your neighbours.