Increasing numbers of Fernie’s residents are recognising the benefits of condo style living. One such family moved to Fernie with work and stayed because they love the lifestyle – a lifestyle that they feel is enhanced by low maintenance living, giving them plenty of time to enjoy outdoor pursuits.
Jacob Kuiken and Lydia Copland moved to Fernie from Guelph, Ontario. Jacob is General Manager with TricoFreedom. His wife Lydia, a flight attendant with Air Canada, is taking some leave to spend time with the new addition to their family; their son, Asher, was one of Fernie’s New Year’s babies.

A developer who has made Fernie his home and place to raise his family, Jacob believes it is essential to maintain a balance between developing the town without impacting on the things that make it so special. “Projects that respect Fernie’s natural beauty and the environment are essential to preserve our town’s uniqueness” he said. New developments that appeal to both recreational and local buyers is key in building new communities and uniting with existing ones.

901 Fernie, the development of the old high school on 2nd Avenue, is a example of regeneration; an existing building that had played such a huge role in the community is now a luxury development of apartments and townhomes. Its downtown location encourages residents to feel part of the existing community.

Trico’s Tamarack View is set to continue the theme of ‘building society’ with a project that is firmly geared towards family. This next development is a collection of townhomes with plans for a central play park to offer children a safe activity center close to home, a stream will be the central feature of another natural park, and a network of hiking and mountain biking trails right on the doorstep.

This neighborhood will link to our downtown core via a trail system, further enhancing connectivity with the town.

Is this enough to integrate new and existing residents? What is driving this move towards condo style homes in Fernie? One of the primary reasons is cost. Fernie is in a valley surrounded by mountains, the Elk River and its tributaries, the Highway and the Railway tracks - the supply of land is limited. And that’s not all. Labour, and in particular skilled labour, is in high demand, and whilst companies like Trico utilize and promote local Fernie business, the supply is not limitless. As Jacob says, “the supply issues coupled with increased demand leads to high land costs and expensive costs of construction. Condo developments and townhouse developments can be more economical and a better use of land than single family homes “

Strata developments appeal to recreational homeowners because of low maintenance; homeowners are able to enjoy their time here instead of shoveling snow and spending their holidays renovating. This is beginning to appeal to existing Fernie residents too – “It is the primary reason why we bought a townhouse at 901 Fernie,” says Lydia.
“Since moving to Fernie, we’ve learned how to ski, Jacob is learning how to Fly Fish and I’m trying my hand at mountain biking” All that and a new baby in the home means their leisure time can be focused on family activity rather than mowing the yard!

With a growing amount of condo style homes being built, is there a risk that our traditional society will be lost?
Jacob is confident that condo or townhouse estates with a mixture of Fernie residents and recreational homeowners can increase the sense of belonging and commitment to the town.
“New developments that are infill projects or located close to existing neighborhoods quickly become part of the larger community.”
Urban sprawl can be minimized, homes are closer together and communal parks and facilities make it easy to get to know the neighbors. Jacob sums it up well, “Fernie is incredibly beautiful, and the city is full of diverse and active people. My hope for Fernie is that it continues to be a great place to raise a family, that it remains economically viable and can maintain its vivacity.”

Perhaps its diversity will be the key to Fernie’s longevity and prosperity. Whether you are 4th generation Fernie or on your 4th month here, a shared vision of Fernie’s future and appreciation of what makes it magical is a unifying force.