Page 1
Resort Municipality Initiative Annual Report 2016 Submitted by City of Fernie July 30, 2017 Page | 1
1. Project Progress 1.1. Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) Context
The City of Fernie has participated in the RMI program since 2009. The RMI program has spanned two terms: Term One: 2007 to 2011 and Term Two: 2012 to 2016. In 2015, the RMI program was extended by one year to December 31, 2017. As such, each RMI community revised their Resort Development Strategy (RDS), which identifies the community’s vision, goals, and projects in support of RMI program objectives for the 2015-2017 term.
1.2. Resort Development Strategy Vision
The community’s RDS Vision is:
“Fernie is a world class destination that draws new and returning visitors, that encourages visitors to stay longer and spend more, and that provides tourism services and infrastructure which reflect the cultural, recreational, environmental and economic values of the community.” 1.3. Resort Development Strategy (RDS) Goals
The table below lists the City of Fernie’s 2015-2017 RDS goals. The table gives a high-level understanding of the progress of RDS goals.
Resort Development Progress on Resort Development Strategy Goals Strategy Goals No Change Some Progress Extensive Goal Achieved Progress 1. Increase visitor traffic in Fernie’s historic downtown; X 2. Increase commercial accommodation overnight X stays and revenue; 3. Increase number of events and festivals; X 4. Increase local tourism economy; X 5. Increase private investment; X 6. Expand recreational opportunities and accessibility for a wider X demographic; 7. Increase visitor traffic from the business and professional X sectors; 8. Improve recreational infrastructure and services; X 9. Improve visitor infrastructure and services. X
Page | 1
1.4. Project Details
The following section describes progress on the individual projects in greater detail. The financial breakdown for the projects can be found in Appendix 1.
Project Term Revised 2015-17 RDS Project Title Festival & Event Development
Project description Events were developed and facilitated through partnerships with the Fernie & District Arts Council, Fernie & District Historical Society, the Fernie Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations with a target of six to eight sustainable tourism related events annually. RMI funding was also available on an application basis to allow Fernie and area to be responsive to new opportunities that have the potential to build our resort economy. It is anticipated that RMI funding provided through this project will be leveraged by the recipient to take advantage of emerging opportunities. RMI funds may also be allocated to invest in festival and event infrastructure if deemed beneficial in achieving project goals.
Project rationale This project will support tourism related initiatives and objectives identified in the 2010 Cultural and Heritage Tourism Strategy and will allow for existing events to be further developed and new event/festival opportunities to be implemented. Applications for events are evaluated by the Resort Development Strategy Advisory Working Group who make recommendations to Council for their consideration of approval.
Project status Underway
Milestones Actual Start Date 2016/17
Completion Date 2016/17
Operational Date or other Major Milestones
Project activities for VICTORIA AVENUE SUMMER SOCIALS This year we continued with 2015’s format to the the reporting year socials. Each of the four Sundays, had a theme which supported the organizations invited out as well as the activities on the street. This in-turn made the streets lively, full of action and benefited a local non-profit by way of fundraising BBQ. We brought back the bouncy castle, giant chess, checkers, horseshoe, ladder ball, and bean bag toss. Additions were badminton and giant dominos. These items along with music, fundraising BBQ and other activities kept people on the street throughout the day.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES The Arts Station sponsored 7 concerts as part of the Wednesday Night Concert Series. Internationally recognized band, The Cave Singers played to a crowd of over 600 people. Other groups such as the Po’ Rambling Boys, The Raven & the Fox, and the Sealegs turned out equally impressive crowds. The Wednesday Night Concert Series has proven to be a summer staple event to both the tourists passing through and the community.
Stakeholder Victoria Avenue Summer Initiatives Committee (comprised of six community/business Involvement stakeholders) met every two weeks from May to August organizing the events.
Page | 2
The Wednesday Concert Series and Craft Fair series had a volunteer committee of three work in conjunction with the Arts Station.
Project Outcomes to Sunday Socials: date July 10 – Artsy Fartsy 200-220 Head count between 1:30pm and 3:30pm (Overnight Stays: 1 night (4); 2-6 nights (10); 7 or more nights (12) July 17 – Sports Day 100-150 (Overnight Stays: 1 night (2); 2-6 nights (2); 7 or more nights (4) July 31 – Wapiti Pre-Party 75-125 (Overnight Stays: 1 night (2); 2-6 nights (7); 7 or more nights (7) Aug 14 – Show & Shine 225-300 (Overnight Stays: 1 night (1); 2-6 nights (0); 7 or more nights (1)
The Chamber conducted a participant survey the results of which supported the event.
Wednesday Socials The 5th Annual Sunday Socials were a success. The event appeared to draw larger crowds than last year and more organizations wanted to become involved. and Patios were full and lively, businesses such as Elevation, Polar Peek, The Northern and Edge of the World noted being busy with customers.
Average attendance was 150 people and 1,350 people served over the summer
Communication Advertised in Fernie Fix, Chamber On Line Event Calendar, Local Papers, Tourism Fernie and Activities social media accounts.
Project activities for FERNIE 3 ALL-MOUNTAIN STAGE RACE is a three-day classic mountain bike stage race held the reporting year on Fernie’s single-track bike trails organized by the Fernie TransRockies Society. The event schedule included: Day one, Saturday June 27th, the three- and one-day solo, and U13 and U16 races were staged from The Cedars where riders raced on trails at Fernie Mountain Park, Fernie Alpine Resort and Island Lake Lodge. On day two, Sunday June 28th, the event moved to the Fernie Aquatic Centre where bikers enjoyed the Castle Mountain and Ridgemont trails. Day two also featured the popular Kids’ Bike Rally. This event is in its ninth year and was free for kids aged three to nine. On day three, Monday June 29th, the event continued for the three-day soloists at the Fernie Aquatic Centre where riders rode the Montane and Ridgemont trails. The Fernie Aquatic Centre proved to be a great venue, eliminating vehicle and train traffic concerns, while enhancing business in the Downtown.
Stakeholder The Fernie 3 event was organized by the nonprofit TransRockies Society with participation Involvement from local bike organizations, businesses and Tourism Fernie.
Project outcomes to Demographics date Total Participants: 326 riders
Event No. of Riders Fernie 3 166 Women Open 17
Page | 3
Women 40+ 5 Men 50+ 24 Men 40+ 46 Men Open 54 Youth U13 14 Youth U16 5
Markets Percent of total riders No. of riders Fernie 12.5% 21 British Columbia 12% 20 Alberta 65% 108 Saskatchewan 5.4% 9 Montana 3% 5 Idaho 1.2% 2 England .6 1
Participant Survey Feedback (Partial) How was your Fernie 3 overall experience? Excellent 69% Good 24% Poor 7%
How was the value of the Fernie 3? Excellent 50% Good 38% Poor 12%
Will you be returning next year? Yes 44% No 6% Don’t know 50%
Survey Comments Course marking was very good, start/finish setups were great with fruit, water, free beer, food truck, announcer; courses were excellent, live timing=world-class, final banquet was perfect.
Really appreciated the on-sight mechanic!
Suggest adding in Phat Bastard - Red Sonja - Mt Proctor trails once the bridge over Fairy Creek is built by the FTA. Also, worthy of consideration is bringing back Project 9.
Loved the BEER! Need more Food trucks (I know they were all in Elkford this year)
It was great. I wish there was more gnarly descending on all three days.
Trails chosen were too difficult - similar to last year.
Page | 4
More food trucks, ice cream and cold drinks at the finish of stages. Really enjoyed the beer garden!!
Great Event! Day 3 could have been a bit longer. We’ll keep coming!
Communication The Fernie 3 website was integrated with Fernie.com, Fernie’s highest traffic website, to Activities ensure the highest possible online presence. Fernie.com news features, newsletters, and Facebook and twitter feeds were leveraged each month to spread event news and results.
Fernie 3 Facebook page with 1263 likes was used to Like sponsor pages, event news and results.
Page | 5
Pedal, Canada’s Cycling Magazine, ran a post event feature on the Fernie 3.
Riders were provided with a racer package published by the Free Press and 5000 copies were inserted and distributed throughout the Elk Valley.
Mountain Biking BC, a Tourism BC website, featured the Fernie 3 in their events schedule. Tourism Fernie featured the Fernie 3 in their events schedule.
Project activities for GRIZ DAYS took place March 4-6, 2016. The festival featured events all across town and at the reporting year Fernie Alpine Resort. Joining old favorite events like the Extreme Griz and Dummy Downhill were new events like Griz Pub Crawl and Ski with Griz. Griz Days also launched a website this year - www.ferniegrizdays.com and started a magazine that went out three weeks prior to the event which contributed to better event attendance all weekend.
Page | 6
Stakeholder GRIZ DAYS PLANNING COMMITTEE Involvement Martin Brock Geof Hare Sharon Switzer Sheila Byers Andrea Horton Karen Tse Vanessa Croome Merrin Ozols Stacey-Ann Jones Cla Aysha Haines Jeni Pearson Renné Hooper Rebecca Hall Sydney Salvador Patty Vadnais
Griz Days is a community wide event. This year, a number of organizations benefited from fundraising efforts during the week.
VOLUNTEERS Events like this only come together with the support of many. Sixty volunteers put in over 175 volunteer hours.
Project Outcomes to date ATTENDANCE STATION SQUARE FRIDAY – over 500 people came through Station Square and 130 watched the Circus Acts Insomniacs Show
STATION SQUARE SATURDAY – over 950 people came through Station Square with 250 in attendance at the 7:30 Rocky Mountain Lumberjack show.
GRIZ PUB CRAWL – OVER SOLD, 41 participants. This is a new event to Griz Days and proved to be a popular one. This can be looked at as a potential revenue stream for Griz Days.
Page | 7
EXTREME GRIZ COMPETITION – 12 participants with John Gallant and Christine Walsh taking top honors. A huge thank-you goes out to Fernie Alpine Resort and Jeni Pearson for their assistance on this event as well as our Griz Wrangler, Gary Bergeron.
PARADE – The rain let up just in time for people to line Second Avenue for the biggest Griz Days parade in years. An estimated 750 people came out to see this year’s 25 parade entries. Prizes were given to floats that captured the Griz Days theme and embraced creativity.
RAIL JAM AND AQUATIC CENTRE ACTIVITIES – 50+ spectators came out to watch 15 competitors.
Griz Stomp II saw almost 250 people gather at the Fernie Community Centre to support the foundation and dance the night away with
Page | 8
Communication A focused effort was put into the online marketing of Griz Days in 2016. The introduction of Activities www.FernieGrizDays.com with a mobile friendly event calendar helped ensure people knew what was happening when and where. We can see from Google Analytics that there was heavy traffic on the site during the weekend. ONLINE MARKETING Google Analytic reports are from Feb. 21, 2016 to March 12, 2016. Sessions per day during the weekend: Thursday - 201 Saturday – 462 Friday – 319 Sunday - 185
Page | 9
Referrals to ferniegrizdays.com
Facebook.com/GrizDays was also a key tool used to spread information about the event. Facebook report for February 9 to March 7 2016 saw Facebook reach over 21,000 people.
Page | 10
Griz Days began the Facebook campaign in January and we can see that it resulted in building a bigger audience. The growth of the page in 2016 is 379 likes. We will continue to post on Griz Days throughout the year to keep people excited for next year’s 40th anniversary event. Jan 1 – 1239 Mar 1 – 1517 Feb 1 – 1367 Mar 23 -1618
Instagram – wanting to capture a large audience, Griz Days also joined Instagram this year. In a few short weeks, ferniegrizdays had 178 followers. And there are 140 posts with the #ferniegrizdays hashtag. Continued efforts will be put into building this social buzz about Fernie’s winter festival.
PRINT AND RADIO MARKETING Traditional Marketing Effort include print and radio. Griz Days ran advertisements with Fernie Fix, Free Press, B104 and the Drive, Summit Radio. In-kind promotions were offered by Tourism Fernie, e-know, fernie.com, and ourfernie.com.
Page | 11
Project activities for The FERNIE MUSEUM builds visitor awareness of Fernie’s rich history and what makes our the reporting year community unique. Hosmer: Boom, Bust and War Exhibit Opening October 13 | Fernie Museum The exhibit highlights the history of Hosmer from its inception in 1906 to its near demise following the closure of the Hosmer mine in 1914 to its life as a hamlet today. The evening included brief welcoming comments from Museum Director Ron Ulrich. The exhibit examines the many aspects common to the early boom-and-bust mining communities of the Elk Valley. Refreshments and appetizers were served. Attendance 50
Exploring the Ruins: A Hosmer Bus Trip October 15 | Fernie Museum/Hosmer/Bellevue After a short visit to the Hosmer exhibit participants travelled by bus from the Fernie Museum to the ruins of the Hosmer mine and townsite. A guided tour was hosted by Hosmer historian Fred Lightfoot. Lunch followed the tour at the Hosmer Community Hall, with entertainment during lunch provided by Lindsay Vallance. The bus then continued to the Bellevue Underground Mine, where participants learned the story of Hosmer's hero, Fred Alderson. Tickets for the event were $55 and included lunch, admission to the Fernie Museum and the Bellevue Underground Mine. Attendance 21
Heritage Christmas Traditions Tuesday, December 13, 7:00 to 9:00 pm | Fernie Museum The Fernie Museum celebrated the traditions celebrated by the many ethnic groups living in Hosmer in 1910. The event featured short vignettes as “town criers” read from the Hosmer Times in the 4 weeks leading up to the holiday season, traditional folk music and food and a Christmas Bizarre. Food was collected for the local food bank. Attendance: 104
Stakeholder The Museum partnered with Tourism Fernie to advertise exhibits and programs within the Involvement Kootenay and Southern Alberta region on CTV Lethbridge and CBC Radio (interview done with exhibit’s guest curator and broadcast throughout the interior of BC).
Project Outcomes to date MUSEUM ATTENDANCE and PARTICIPATION
VISITATION General Community Extension Year Visitor Programs/Events Exhibits/ School Archives Total Programs 2013 11,759 - - - -
2014 12,413 750 - 200 50 13,413
2015 14,973 1,981 - 426 50 17,430
2016 11,270 8,056 300 386 76 20,088
Page | 12
Rise and Fall Book Launch February 18 | Fernie Museum The evening event was held at the museum. Coffee and Italian baking from Alba Fabiano was served. Introductions and comments were made by R. Ulrich, on behalf of the museum, and Randal Macnair, on behalf of Oolichan Books, and Mayor Guiliano. Adriana Davies read from the book and signed copies for the audience after the event. Attendance 30
Peace Park Exhibit Opening February 26 | Fernie Museum Official opening of the exhibit highlighted with a panel discussion on photography and the journey of Riley with guests Kyle Hamilton and Mark Gallup. Tickets $10. Wine/beer service with cheese boards from Grande Fromage. Attendance 25
Island Lake Photography Workshop February 27 | Island Lake Lodge This day long workshop started at the Museum Gallery with N. Riley discussing various aspects of photographs in the exhibit. Group travelled to Island Lake for lunch and photography opportunities while walking to the lake. Attendance 6
Page | 13
Crown of the Continent Conference – Opening Reception March 16 | Fernie Museum This organization held its annual conference at the Best Western in Fernie on Wednesday and Thursday. The group was hosted at the museum for a wine and cheese social to showcase the Peace Park Exhibit. Participants were all from out of town, southeastern BC, southwestern Alberta and northern Montana. The exhibit was the reason the conference was held in Fernie. Attendance 62
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Conference - Opening Reception This organization held its annual conference at the Best Western in Fernie on Wednesday and Thursday. The group was hosted at the museum for a wine and cheese social to showcase the Peace Park Exhibit. Participants were all from out of town, southeastern BC, southwestern Alberta and northern Montana. The exhibit was the reason the conference was held in Fernie. Attendance 71
Current Exhibit Opening June 15, 2016 | Fernie Museum This exhibit featured a full range of local artists ranging from fine arts to pottery to metal sculpture to a handmade canoe. More than two thirds of the artists attended the event. Opening remarks were delivered by Museum Director Ron Ulrich. Refreshments and appetizers were served. Attendance 75
Elk River Plein Air Workshop August 19 and 20, 2017 | Fernie Museum/Elk River The program was led by accomplished artist Pamm Ciupa. The workshop was suitable for all – beginning painter to lifelong learner. Program included a Friday night visit to the Fernie Museum’s Currents art exhibit and demonstration and introduction to Plein Air, daylong painting session on the banks of the Elk River with Artist Baguette lunch. Program Fee $95 does not include supplies Attendance 3
MUSEUM REVIEWS
“Worth the entry fee. This small museum is located on the main street in a former bank building built in 1909. There's an exhibit that relates to the short-lived boom and bust of the community of Hosmer a little to the east of Fernie. That made me want to go and visit to see the old coking ovens which are still there. An activity for another, less snowy, time.
Most of the communities in the Elk Valley owe their existence to coal mining and Fernie and Hosmer are no exception. The museum depicts this rich history in creative ways. Fernie endured two devastating fires in 1904 and 1908 and rose from
Page | 14
the ashes each time. Amazing. We spent about an hour there, well worth the $5 admission which goes to maintain the museum.” Trip Advisor Review | Rick B, Alberta | December 29, 2016
“Great local history archive. Particularly enjoyed the interactive videologues of stories provided by locals. Fernie is an area rich in history with the development of the coal mines and subsequent immigration.” Trip Advisor Review | Steve C., Calgary, AB | November 14, 2016
USER RATINGS | 2016 • Facebook: 4.9 out of 5 • Trip Advisor: 4.5 out of 5, ranking #3 of things to do in Fernie (April 7, 2017). Earned a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor.
Communication Marketing Campaign Activities The total value of the CTV marketing campaign purchase included a $6,000 30 second ad rotation and a $1529 digital ad buy for the CTV Lethbridge website. It also included a $500 CTV Morning live spot and $873 ad production costs, for a total of $8902. This cost was shared by Tourism Fernie and the Fernie Museum. Tourism Fernie/Fernie Museum also received bonus airtime of $9,114 in additional ad rotations; 168 Community Calendar occasions @ $85 per occasion, $14,280; Dory Story 3@$1,200, $3600 totalling a $26,994 contribution from CTV. The total value of the Picariello CTV tourism campaign was in excess of $35,896.
Project activities for FERNIE & DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL 2016 was a fantastic year for arts and culture in our the reporting year community. The Fernie & District Arts Council saw its membership continue to grow, had increased attendance at its festival events, and saw a major spike in our online social media presence. The support of the RMI funding has allowed us to increase our visitor capacity by providing quality programs and events that are pleasing to both the community and have drawn many tourists to our venue to take in a program or participate in one of our events. Stakeholder Established in 1973, the Fernie & District Arts Council (FDAC) (the “Arts Station”) serves the Involvement communities of the Elk Valley located in the East Kootenay region, and includes Fernie, Hosmer, Sparwood, Elkford, Elko and the South Country. FDAC has played a vital role in enhancing the area’s artistic and cultural expression by providing artistic programming and executing artistic events and cultural festivals in the community throughout the year. The Dumpster Art project is organized by a committee of volunteers including representation from City Council committees working with the Arts Station. Support was also provided from Southeast Disposal for the dumpsters.
Project Outcomes 2016 was a fantastic year for arts and culture in our community. The Fernie & District Arts to date Council saw its membership continue to grow, had increased attendance at its festival events, and saw a major spike in our online social media presence.
The support of the RMI funding has allowed us to increase our visitor capacity by providing quality programs and events that are pleasing to both the community and have drawn many tourists to our venue to take in a program or participate in one of our events.
Page | 15
Reel Canadian Film Festival – January 15th – 17th 2016 The 8th annual REEL Canadian Film Festival was a true highlight of the past year and the most successful REEL festival to date. With a great year in film, it was not difficult to select a winning showcase of Canadian films that were a hit to our audiences. We were fortunate to be able to bring the co-writer (Josh Epstein) and costume designer (Fernie local Flo Barrett) to the festival to present their award winning film “Eadward” as the festival opening film. REEL has become a destination event that has seen patrons come from as far as Calgary to participate in the weekend.
“The full house crowd thoroughly enjoyed both the film (Eadward) and reception afterwards” reel.ca
REEL sold a total of 582 seats over the January 15th to 17th weekend.
All the Time in the World won People’s Choice Award.
Out of the Box: A Dumpster Project – July 10th, 2016
Page | 16
In its third year, “Out of the Box: A Dumpster Art Project” is an annual initiative in collaboration with The City of Fernie and Southeast Disposal; “Out of the Box: A Dumpster Art Project is a public art initiative in which 10 commercial trash dumpsters are transformed into works of public art by regional artists. The Dumpster project has attracted positive attention and engaged the community locally to participate in creating art.
Wednesday Night Concert Series – Every Wednesday Evening in July and August 2016
The Arts Station sponsored 4 concerts as part of the Wednesday Night Concert Series. Internationally recognized band, The Cave Singers played to a crowd of over 600 people. Other groups such as the Po’ Rambling Boys, The Raven & the Fox, and the Sealegs turned out equally impressive crowds. The Wednesday Night Concert Series has proven to be a summer staple event to both the community and tourists passing through.
Page | 17
The Cave Singers crowd
Our survey findings showed that people would recommend this event to others at an average of 9 (when 10 is extremely likely).
Almost 75% of people were visitors to Fernie with people coming from as far as England, America and Ottawa.
The primary purpose for those visiting Fernie was for a Vacation at 37.5% while 12.5% had come specifically for the event.
Please see Schedule B for Wednesday Night Concert Series Survey Findings
Fernie Chautauqua & Fall Fair – September 8th to 11th 2016
Another event presented this year with the cultural partners in Fernie (Museum, Library, City of Fernie), was the successful “Fernie Chautauqua & Fall Fair”. This event was based on the original Chautauqua arts and cultural festival that toured to Fernie in the 1930’s. To revive this concept, the cultural partners planned a weekend (September 8th - 11th) of arts and culture, featuring the Art Station planned and organized Art Walk, a “Doors Open” historical building tour, a literature festival featuring local authors, a children’s tent, main stage with music performances, and Ktunaxa Nation presentation featuring Ktunaxa singers and dancers. Through the use of surveying tools, we have estimated that this weekend attracted
Page | 18 some 4000 visitors to our community. Because of this success, we have slated this to be an annual event that will continue to successfully engage our cultural tourism market.
There was an average of 200 visitors through each gallery and involved business.
Our survey findings showed that people would recommend this event to others at an average of 9 (when 10 is extremely likely)
66% of the visitors were from out of town and included people from as far as Australia.
32% of visitors to the Art walk had come specifically for the Chautauqua and 23% where vacationing in Fernie.
Quotes from the surveys included:
“The Art Walk adds such vibrancy to Fernie. Keep it up!” “Excellent event with friendly people. Having loads of fun!” “Great job will be back!” “Hope to be back loved our stay!” Please see Schedule C for Art Walk Survey Findings. Lantern Festival – Into the Woods – November 19th 2016
The 4th bi-annual Lantern Festival has become a community staple and beloved festival to the community. Attendance saw a record 500+ people attend the Into the Woods festivities held at the grounds beside the Aquatic Centre. Into the Woods included over 500 lantern installations hung aglow throughout a forest. Entertainment at the event included a fire throwing performance, djs and fireworks.
Page | 19
“This bi-annual lantern festival, hosted by the Fernie Arts Station, reached an all time record high in attendance numbers, attracting over 500 people to celebrate in a unique art project experiment.” Phil McLachlan Fernie Free Press
Photo on the right is one of the lanterns created during the free community builds leading up to the festival. “Art can be thought provoking, emotionally responsive and create a dialogue within community, 'Into the Woods’ engaged our community by encouraging public participation in both creating a lantern and showcasing it in the parade and installation site. When we invite others to experience art or create their own work; magical things start to happen. New worlds are created like ‘Into the Woods’.” Erin Teeple talking to the Free Press
Quotes from Facebook Lantern Festival Page after the event:
“Excellent! What a wonderful night. You have all done a great job putting this together! And whoever made it snow - please keep it up” Jennifer Asselin “That was amazing!!! Thank you!!!” Alesha Thompson “What an amazing event!! We loved it! Thank you so much to everyone involved!!” Nicole Knauf “Thank you for the amazing time. You outdid yourselves!! Thanks for all the hard work and countless volunteer hours that went into a truly magical night! We live in the best town” Samantha Hubka Sedlows Sugar Plum Festival – Throughout the month of December, 2016
The newly branded Sugar Plum Festival (originally What the Dickens) was a month long Festival with events for all the family to enjoy! It kicked off with the Deck the Walls Gallery Gift and Art show on November 24th and continued into December with superjazz group Turboprop concert, ornament and wreath making, caroling and a reading of 'A Christmas Carol'. All events were free for everyone to enjoy with friends and family during the holiday season.
Page | 20
“Community was full of holiday spirit both young and old” Rachel Butterworth on the Caroling in Station Square as part of Sugarplum Festival offerings
New Programs and recent Initiatives: Fernie & Elk Valley Cultural Guide
The Arts Station has introduced a number of new programs and initiatives that we feel all will strengthen the arts in our community. In particular, The Fernie & Elk Valley Cultural Guide has really given a voice to our artistic community and has laid down the roots of establishing our community as an artistic and cultural destination, not just a recreational one. We know through data collection and provincial studies that cultural tourism is becoming the fastest growing tourism economy in British Columbia and feel very proud that we have been quick to act and promote our arts and culture. This has provided our local artists agency and voice, and has provided an impact where they can feel like they are contributors to our cultural tourism’s landscape.
“I have noticed since the introduction of the Culture Guide I get regular visitors weekly to The Arts Station Gallery who are on the downtown walking tour of Fernie and have the Culture Guide in hand” Louise Hilliard Assistant Administrator
Page | 21
Communication This project was promoted on Fernie.com, Arts Station website & event calendar and Tourism Activities Fernie.
Project Activities Annual Roll and Sole Trail Fest ran on July 2nd & 3rd. The festival’s emphasis was fun and for the reporting social participation, with guided hike and bike rides in the morning, followed by a catered year lunch by The Chopstick Truck on Saturday and Yama2Go on Sunday. The afternoons were filled with community participation events for all ages. Weekend Passes were sold for $40.00, Day Pass for $25.00, and Family Passes (2 adults, 2 children) $60.00. Entry fee included guided hikes or bikes, a social lunch, entry for great draw prizes, cash event prizes, and participation in all of the Crazy Fun Events. Stakeholder Local businesses supported the festival by running an event and providing their staff to Involvement facilitate it. Door prizes donated by local businesses.
Project Outcomes Survey to Date How long will your stay in Fernie be? Day 1 night 2-6 nights 9 7-13 nights 14 nights 2 n/a local 3
We had visitors from many Canadian cities including Calgary, Kimberley, and Nakusp. In addition, participants from United States and Netherlands attended with ages ranging from 2-80. A total of 35 out of town visitors attended, some of which stayed in local accommodations as indicated above.
Participation Adults 54 Page | 22
Kids (12 & under) 73 Locals 92 Out of Town 35 Total 127 Guided Events Hikes 13 Bikes 8 Communication The following communication modes were used: Activities Fernie Free Press Fernie Fix FTA website and Facebook page Websites: Fernie Alpine Resort and Tourism Fernie Posters displayed at various local business and bike park Project Activities adVenture Capital Conference – several day conference to for the reporting attract prospective businesses to the Elk Valley and seek year investment in existing businesses.
Stakeholder Event developed with oversight by the Elk Valley Economic Initiative committee with partners Involvement including City of Fernie, Elkford, Sparwood and local Chambers of Commerce. Project Outcomes to Date
Page | 23
Communication Activities
Project Activities Each year Fernie Alpine Resort runs a free ‘Family New Year’s Eve’ event from 6pm until 9pm for the reporting on December 31st. The event consists of a variety of fun activities that kids and parents can year enjoy together, such as an arts and crafts station, a family scavenger hunt and more. This has been and currently stands as the only organized family friendly event on New Year's Eve here in the community of Fernie.
In years prior to the event families have expressed disappointment at the lack of a fireworks show in Fernie on New Year's Eve. It has become an expectation that while on a Christmas/NYE vacation there are fireworks on New Year's Eve, as most of our resort community competitors have fireworks as part of their New Year’s Eve celebrations. Listening to the guests, Fernie Alpine Resort reached out to key partners within the community of Fernie to help put on a New Year's Eve fireworks show for both the out of town guests and residents of Fernie, with the inaugural event taking place in December 2013. Stakeholder After the success of the previous two years of Fireworks displays, Fernie Alpine Resort reached Involvement out to key partners again this year. Project Outcomes With the event being free of charge (no tickets were sold), it is impossible to get an exact to Date number of people attending, however, we estimated there to have been around 400-500 people in the base area of the Mighty Moose alone.
Like last year we saw another increase in the number of families taking part in the family activities before the fireworks. All of these families were asking about the fireworks and looking forward to the display. The large number of families’ night skiing and tobogganing was noticeably busier this year as well. This year, as per multiple feedback requests from guests, Slopeside Café was open and served hot drinks and snacks. The Café was busy the whole evening with people waiting for the fireworks to begin.
The guests who completed the Survey Monkey questionnaire showed: - 45% of them did ‘In Town Shopping’. - 45% of them did‘ In Town Dinning’. - 34% of them did ‘In Town Activities’ - 93% of them ‘Skied or snowboarded’
Page | 24
Communication Marketing for the event already included in bigger overall “Resort Holiday Marketing” budget. Activities And used internal platforms – FAR Website, event calendars, weekly ads etc. Project Activities Fernie Snowmobile Association The 2016-2017 winter season proved challenging for FSA for the reporting operations as a result of backcountry access closures coupled with increased visitor numbers. year We were advised in November 2016 by private land owners that the primary snowmobile staging area, located at Coal Creek, and 43% of our groomed trail network (16km of 37km) would be closed for timber harvesting activities. Extensive ground work to promote Fernie as a snowmobile destination in addition to hard-won efforts to establish a high quality, consistent groomed trail product contributed to a 62% increase in annual memberships for the 2016/2017 season. While these increased user numbers were gleefully anticipated, the un- expected logging closure condensed usage into the remaining open parcel of terrain in the Morrissey area. Despite the aforementioned challenges, the Fernie Snowmobile Association continues to make great strides towards establishing outstanding recreational opportunities for snowmobile and backcountry user groups while also providing diverse sources of revenue for the community.
Stakeholder Secured land use agreements for backcountry users with Jemi Fibre, Fernie Wilderness Involvement Adventures, BC Trails and Rec Sites, Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations.
Page | 25
Project Outcomes 2016 Highlights to Date • 67% Increase in annual memberships. • Maintained employment of local contract groomer and two part-time collections staff members to assist at trailheads (trail collections, information, and parking). Hired new part time staff member to handle increasing administrative requirements such as managing memberships, web and social media updates, organization, and reporting. • Provided diverse set of successful events through the season. • Increased participation and support with other local organizations such as Fernie Search and Rescue, Avalanche Canada South Rockies Field Team, BC Conservation Officers and RCMP, local snowmobile guide/avalanche education operators, accommodations and other tourism and recreation support sectors. • Support for the Fernie Trails Alliance via a $5000 donation towards Harvey Pass warming cabin • $500 scholarship provided to a local youth for secondary studies in the welding program at College of the Rockies • Donation of $2028 to local rescue and backcountry safety groups in the Elk Valley • New 16 page FSA Trail Guide now available for FREE with membership or day pass. Features riding areas maps, information and safety messaging. Doubles as Fernie snowmobile tourism marketing brochure. Ongoing improvements to our social media channels and website. • Provided three well stocked warming cabins, maintained two parking areas with plowing, garbage and restroom facilities for backcountry users.
Collected statistics for 35 days this season (Friday – Sunday): 2500 day users counted. We do not track statistics Mon – Thurs but estimate approximately another 1500+ users were unaccounted for at the trailheads on those days in addition to annual membership holders.
Hotel nights: sampling of collection days in January 2017: average about 20 out of town rider groups each day through the winter season, average group size was 3, average hotel night stay was 4 nights.
Events: hosted various events through the season including • Bob Arnott Memorial Ride Jan 21, 2017 • Family Ride, Feb 11th 2017 • Snow Drags, Feb 18th, 2017 • Avalanche Awareness Day, Feb 26th 2017
Page | 26
• Several social, work party days
Continued our Notch grooming (twice this season again) Provided one day of grooming Hartley Lake Installed new avalanche path warning signage up Hartley Lake Added new lower Morrissey parking lot to accommodate increased parking pressure Re-negotiated land use agreements with government agencies and private land owners for access to backcountry terrain on behalf of a wide variety of user groups Maintained three well equipped backcountry warming cabins, several staging areas and backcountry washroom facilities in addition to trail signage program.
Grooming Days Stats • 17 days of grooming (Thurs and Sat evenings when conditions permitted) • 2 additional grooms up the Notch • 1 day of grooming up Hartley (unable to groom additional days due to high avalanche hazard and large avalanche paths which extended over the road).
Communication Created new 16 page FSA Snowmobile Trail guides, online map Activities resources for trail users. Detailed maps, safety messaging, emergency contacts, images, and riding area information as well as promotional space for local businesses. Provided for free at trailheads with purchase of day pass or with purchase of annual membership. Will also be used as promotional material via Tourism Fernie and at trade shows.
Project Activities Fernie Rod and Gun Club Banquet April 30, 2016. This annual event raises funds to for the reporting improve the club’s outdoor archery range. year Stakeholder Involvement Project Outcomes The banquet had an attendance of 900 guests with many repeat attendees. Guests included to Date 177 from out of town resulting in 54 hotel stays. Communication Activities Project Activities Fernie Nordic Society Winter Trail Grooming The 2016-2017 winter was another active for the reporting season. More off-season work was done on the trails of the Elk Valley Nordic Centre to year improve drainage and to complete the warming hut before the first snow. The grooming of trails at the golf course and Nordic Centre has been both more frequent and regular during the season. An additional snowmobile and groomer attachment were purchased and used exclusively by volunteer groomers.
Trails
Page | 27
The Fernie Nordic Society has taken the responsibility of grooming the nordic trails at the Golf Course and at the Elk Valley Nordic Centre. The Golf Course has winter trails of 8 km in length. The trails of the Nordic Centre are about 10 km long and they include the connector trail to the Fernie Alpine Resort. No new major trails were added for this season. A short 200 m long loop through the forest was added near the warming hut of the Nordic Centre. This flat section is designed as a beginner trail for the youngest skiers.
Warming Hut The hut is now completed. It is a welcome addition to the Elk Valley Nordic Centre which is in its fourth season. Staffing the warming hut by volunteers from Friday afternoon to Sunday is new this year and many skiers appreciated it. As a direct result, the sale of day use passes has increased as visitors meet the volunteer at the hut.
Portapotties These temporary facilities were set up at both the Golf Course and at the Nordic Centre. They are maintained by a local vendor.
Interpretive Signage Five large interpretive signs at the Nordic Centre were erected along the trails during the autumn of 2016. Each one follows the theme 'Legacies' about the immediate area and its past history. A few guided tours were held in late December to highlight this new signage. This project was done with the support of the Columbia Basin Trust and RDEK.
Snowmobile Storage One secure storage container was added at the Nordic Centre. It is used to keep a newly acquired snowmobile and Ginzu attachment on site so that one of the team of volunteer groomers can easily do some trail grooming several times a week.
Stakeholder Involvement Project Outcomes The club organized several events this year. Some events attracted mainly local skiers but to Date most activities were planned to appeal to both visitors and local skiers. Each event was displayed on our website and advertised through social media, email, posters and local tourism and event calendars. This was the first year for the Full Moon Skis, Toonie Races and Little Critter Races monthly events. It is expected they will become more popular next season.
Page | 28
A survey was distributed to the club members by email and promoted at large through social media from March 22 to 28, 2017. A total of 104 responses were returned. Some of the results from the entries include:
Full-time resident 69%, Second home 26%, Renter 2% and Visitor 3%
Fernie Nordic Society member 92%, Day pass user 5%, Other 3% Skiers at Nordic Centre: 51% used the warming hut, 53% skied on connector to Fernie Alpine Resort
Visiting skiers also went to the Aquatic Centre and stopped at restaurants, book store and ski shop (3 entries)
Satisfaction with Trail Conditions: Golf Course 58% positive, Nordic Centre 72% positive
Satisfaction with skiing: Golf Course 88% positive, Nordic Centre 96% positive
Communication from FNS: 85% positive
Communication The location of the Elk Valley Nordic Centre was recorded on Google Maps in September Activities 2016. This new entry has been visited over 3,200 times since that date for more online exposure. In cooperation with the Mt. Fernie Provincial Park, the club set up a large directional sign along highway 3 at the turnoff leading to the Nordic Centre and the entrance of the park. The trail system is now easier to find for our visitors.
Media coverage this season included three articles in The Free Press and one in the online Elk Valley Herald: EV Herald Oct 26, 2016 Huge Turnout for Great Pumpkin Hunt, by J. Chambers The Free Press Oct 28, 2016 Pumpkin Sellout at Nordic Centre, by B. Catton The Free Press Feb 2, 2017 Teck Kootenay Cup promotional press release, by Madeleine Bragg The Free Press March 21, 2017 Nordic Ski Team places second in Nelson Kootenay Cup, by P. McLachlan
“This year was spectacular, lot of snow, and fairly decent temperatures to ski - I skied almost every day, since the last week in December to now (barring the rainy days) - I have no complaints, the grooming and track-setting was always good - thanks for making it a great season! See you next year!” “Hi guys, Love the nordic initiative in Fernie and I am so appreciative of all the hard work. As a weekender, the trail reports are very important as I plan my weekend activities so if we could be more consistent about providing the trail reports on Fri-Sat-Sun”
Page | 29
“Not big fan of flat course, but nice and open with great views and amazing grooming this year (on golf course)” “Can't think of anything other than what was written above. It was a great season. Thanks for all your work improving and maintaining the trails.”
Project Activities Annual Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent Conference “One Backyard: Celebrating a for the reporting Shared Landscape,” which was held in Fernie on October 12-14, 2016. We had over 150 people year from the 18 million Crown region, including northwestern Montana, southwestern Alberta, and southeastern British Columbia attend the event to address pertinent issues of community, conservation and culture in the region.
Stakeholder Involvement Project Outcomes More than 150 people gathered at the Fernie Mountain Lodge Best Western on October 12-14, 2016 for a tribal roundtable meeting and the 7th Annual Conference of the Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent – One Backyard: Celebrating a Shared Landscape. Key features of the conference.
The majority of participants were not residents of Fernie; less than 10 people were from the city itself. Another 10-15 people lived within travelling distance to Fernie and commuted to the meeting and conference. A few people stayed with friends, but the remainder (and vast majority) purchased lodging. An estimated 225 single hotel room night visits were used for the event.
Participant evaluations were very favorable, with many people stating that this was the best Crown Roundtable conference yet. People expressed special appreciation for tribal and youth perspectives, but also asked for more time for discussion, less content and broader representation from small business and government decision-makers. People appreciated the good food at the Best Western and the walking trails along the river. Several people stated that they were attracted to the conference because it was in Fernie and they wanted to experience the town.
Page | 30
Communication Activities
Project Term Revised 2015-17 RDS Project Title Summer & Winter Trail and Trail Amenity Development
Project description In partnership with the Fernie Trails Alliance, Fernie Nordic Society and snowmobile organizations(s) this project involves development of the summer and winter trail networks through a cost sharing approach in consultation with the Trails Master Plan and Signage Strategy including winter grooming, expanded trail signage and other trail amenities to allow for sustained and enhanced hosting of world-class events. Trail development on private land will only be funded where formal long-term land use agreements are in place.
Project rationale In addition to their utilization by recreational users Fernie’s trails also play host to a number of world class events that draw hundreds of competitors from all over the globe. Proper maintenance and the continued improvement and development of Fernie’s trail network are fundamental to attracting new users and for ensuring the trails remain safe and enjoyable for all patrons.
Project status Underway
Milestones Actual Start Date 2015
Completion Date Ongoing
Operational Date or other Major Ongoing Milestones
Project activities for SUMMER TRAILS & AMENITY DEVELOPMENT the reporting year Similar to 2014, RMI funds provided to Fernie Trails Alliance funded slightly more than 47% of expenditures realized by the organization for further development of the trail network. Significant projects included:
Lazy Lizard Trail The final phase of this 3 year project was completed in 2015 with an extension of 2.5km of new trail. The entire project includes 8km of multi-level trail connecting to Island Lake Lodge resort, a popular Rocky Mountain retreat.
Dairy Run Trail Trail connection from the Visitor Information Centre located at the highway entrance to Fernie was completed linking to Mount Project trail loop. Page | 31
• 1.2km new trail
Morrissey Trails • Drainage and trail improvements
Montane Trail • Ruby’s Way trail loop added to network, bridges and boardwalks. • 3km of new trail • Bridges and boardwalks added
Resurrection Trail • 1.5km of new trail
Trails Groomed/Improved/Built by Volunteers • 25kms
Stakeholder The Fernie Trails Alliance (FTA) represents four member organizations: the Fernie Nordic Involvement: Society, the Fernie Trails and Ski Touring Club, Fernie Mountain Bike Club and Island Lake Lodge with consistent membership totaling over 1,200 members annually. The FTA is a non-profit society and fills a position on the Resort Development Strategy Advisory Working Group. Their members provide support to Fernie’s TransRockies Society hosting major biking events in Fernie. Volunteer hours to support this project in 2015 totaled more than 3,600 hours.
Project outcomes to Development and enhancement of the trail network funded through the RMI program date: continued to enable locally managed professional events that draw participants and spectators from across BC, Canada and around the world. The quality of mountain bike trails in Fernie is such that in 2016 the TransRockies six-day multi community bike event is expected to return to Fernie for two stages of the race.
Statistics:
Tears and Gears 2012 2013 2014 2015 Out of Town Participation 52 56 46 18 Local Participation 83 93 123 101 Total Participation 135 149 169 119 *A decline in attendance for 2015 due to poor weather.
Wam Bam Dirt Jump Jam 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total Participation 69 63 102 90 *This event attracts approximately 2500 spectators including out of town guests and locals each year. Named the Best Sporting Event by the Fernie Fix Best of Fernie Awards in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
High Roller 2012 2013 2014 2015 Local Participation 54 57 64 94 Out of town 42 25 64 63 Participation
Page | 32
Total Participation 96 82 128 157
FMBC1 Toonie Races 2013 2014 2015 Six - Eight events ~20people ~25people ~34people / / event / event event
Fernie 3 2014 2015 Local Participation 13 15 Out of Town Participants 171 122 Total Participation 184 137
Roll & Sole Trail Fest 2015 Local Participation 130 Out of Town Participants 43 Total Participation 173
Kootenay Rockies Enduro 2015 Local Participation 34 Out of Town Participants 102 Total Participation 136
* A new event which attracted a different demographic to Fernie.
Communications Fernie Fix: monthly article showcasing the Fernie Trails Alliance and all of activities Activities: including a trail of the month. Fernie Free Press: Roll & Sole Trail Fest, AGM notice, Trail Razr, Fairy Creek Pedestrian Bridge, Montane trails and Lazy Lizard. Project activities for Fairy Creek Bridge Background the reporting year For many years concern had been expressed about the thousands of mountain bikers, hikers, dog walkers, snow shoers, and local residents forced to either negotiate the dangerous hard shoulder of the highway bridge on foot or drive in
1 FMBC: Fernie Mountain Bike Club Page | 33 order to cross Fairy Creek. A pedestrian bridge was identified as a priority in both the City of Fernie Official Community Plan and the Fernie Trails Master Plan. Budget The City of Fernie partnered with the Fernie Trails Alliance in order to raise funds for the project. Funds were raised though a variety of supporters including the Columbia Basin Trust, MOTI’s Bike BC Fund, RMI and Bill Bennett MLA. The project was split into 8 phases: Connecting trails; Engineering and design; Basic bridge structure; Deck and railings; Superstructure; Paving; Landscaping; and Lighting. The total budget was just over $300,000. Bridge design Following a survey and engineering plan approved by MOTI, concrete footings were dug and poured behind the old highway bridge abutments. Two steel I beams were placed on them and then the deck, railings and superstructure were constructed from Grade 1 fir (as per MOTI specifications). Access and egress trails were paved and the structure has lighting built into it. Construction began in May 2016 and was completed in July 2016. Results The bridge was formally opened in September, with Bill Bennett MLA, various City of Fernie, CBT and MOTI dignitaries in attendance. The bridge has been hailed as a great success; not only a beautiful structure at the entrance to Fernie, but also a much needed safety improvement. An electronic counter on the bridge has so far shown a quadrupling of pedestrian traffic since its installation.
Lazy Lizard Connector This is a trail link from Stove Trail across Mount Fernie Park to Lazy Lizard. This 1,800 meter connector is a great addition as it takes rider and hikers off the road. There is now a 10 kilometer continuous trail from the Mount Fernie Park entrance to Island Lake Lodge. Part of the connector included a lot of work spent building a 10 meter bridge, which was built over the creek crossing as illustrated below.
Page | 34
Trail Network Maintenance and Enhancement We had a very successful trail maintenance summer, which included volunteer work parties supplying 3,900 volunteer hours. RMI Funds were used specifically for hand tools, chainsaw supplies, and chainsaw fuel, flagging, and paint for signs.
Stakeholder The Fernie Trails Alliance represents four member organizations; the Fernie Nordic Involvement: Society, the Fernie Trails and Ski Touring Club, the Fernie Mountain Bike Club and Island Lake Lodge. A corporate annual membership and individual are available. All of our organizations have a strong representation in our community and enrich our community by offering fun events. Project outcomes to Fernie Trails Alliance collects data collected date: from our trail counters for 2016. Twelve counters were in place and the data collection period is from January to November 2016. Daily averages were 262 users.
A comparison of the users between 2015 and 2016 for Cemetery By-Pass (green), Gorby (blue), Lazy Lizard (yellow) and Swine Flue (pink) is below. The biggest increase was the number of users on Cemetery By- Pass with a yearly average of 23,608.
Fernie Mountain Bike Club had the most memberships sold this year at 850. Kilometers of groomed trails improved/built = approx. 111 km (from volunteer hours). Our trail system hosted many biking events this summer and is attracting new ones for 2016, including the Singletrack 6. Page | 35
Communications Our trail network continues to be an asset to our local community drawing both Activities: visitors and new residents. 1. Fernie Fix: monthly article showcasing the Fernie Trails Alliance and all of our activities including a trail of the month (May 2016 included below). 2. Fernie Free Press: Roll & Sole Trail Fest, AGM notice, Fairy Creek Pedestrian Bridge, Montane trails and Lazy Lizard.
Destination of the Month – Montane Distance: Approx. 10km Time: 1.5-2 hrs. Difficulty: Blue
Project activities for WINTER TRAIL MAINTENANCE AND AMENITY DEVELOPMENT the reporting year Funding agreements with the Fernie Nordic Society (FNS) and the Fernie Snowmobile Association (FSA) were executed again in 2015 to improve infrastructure and maintain high quality trails throughout the season substantially increasing the number of visitors across all demographic groups from across the province, Alberta and the US.
The funding granted to FNS has improved the Elk Valley Nordic Centre (Nordic Centre) infrastructure and supported an increase in residents and tourists accessing cross-country trails in Fernie. The initiation of Regional events drew a significant number of new visitors to Fernie and increased numbers of out of town racers at future events is expected.
RMI funds to support the trail network and investments in the Nordic Centre resulted in the first ever Regional Nordic ski event in Fernie in Feb 2016 – The Teck Kootenay Cup Race. Racers from Montana, Alberta and across BC attended with 40% of racers from out of town. RMI funding allowed FNS to leverage RMI funds and secure innovative partnerships with landowners, community groups and other granting bodies to support continued growth and sustainability of the sport in Fernie.
Page | 36
FNS’s prominent presence (team tent, ski team outfits with logo & racer presence) at Kootenay Cup races continues to showcase Fernie as a destination for first class cross- country skiing and translates to increased visits from surrounding BC communities.
Recreational trails were built connecting the Nordic Centre trails to Mt. Fernie Provincial Park and Fernie Alpine Resort with access to the warming hut providing a popular alternative activity for visitors staying at the resort. Directional signage and orientation maps were installed throughout the 9kms of trails.
Construction of a basic warming hut with wood stove installation has become a hub of activities and is frequently used by skiers.
Special Events:
Pumpkin Hunt (Oct 2015): 190 participant children, plus parents and spectators. Racking Rocks (Feb 2016): 69 participants plus 30 spectators
Teck Kootenay Cup (Feb 2016): 82 participants plus 100 specators/volunteers (40% of racers from out of town).
“Thanks to all of you for putting on a fabulous race. You would never know it was your first one. All the extras were included. Bravo! Your very challenging terrain is going to create some very tough nordic skiers in the years ahead. Your warm, friendly, orange toqued volunteers are a credit to your club. Good job everyone. Looking forward to participating again.” ~Racer from Sovereign Lake, via email, Feb 2016
Page | 37
Grooming Highlights:
Season # Kms groomed at Golf # Kms groomed at Elk Total Course and Fernie dyke Valley Nordic Centre & grooming system & amount groomed amount groomed per days at EVNC per week week 2013/14 12 km, 3-4 times/week 3.5 km, 3-4 times/week 45 2014/15 12 km, 3-4 times/week 8 km, 3-4 times/week 16* 2015/16 12 km, 3 times/week 9 km, 3-4 times/week 30
Grooming of trails at the Nordic Centre was done at least three times per week which increased user satisfaction. Drainage and grading projects in advance of the ski season allowed grooming to continue through early March.
Welcome & Directional Signage: Extensive permanent signage was installed throughout the Elk Valley Nordic Centre. Local contractors completed the works.
Page | 38
New Trails:
The Runt trail was built during the summer and fall of 2015 to bypass a difficult hill called The Grunt. It is a one-km trail and offers users an option for an easier, yet still challenging, route between FAR and Mt Fernie Provincial Park. This hill is also an important addition to avoid two-way traffic on hills for races.
A four-km Multi-use trail was built with the support of FNS volunteers, Fernie Trails Alliance, and Fernie Alpine Resort. Feedback after last season, as well as broad support, confirmed that non-skiers would benefit from having a loop accessible from FAR to bike, walk, and snowshoe. This trail is two metres wide, used existing skid trails and bike trails, and is groomed by a snowmobile by FAR.
Maintenance: Three culverts were installed on the trails to control erosion during spring and fall. These culverts allow water to flow under trails in the spring to increase the longevity of trail use. Culverts successfully diverting spring run off to allow for continued use of the trails.
Trail Member Survey: A survey was circulated to members and trail users at the end of the season in early March, 2016. Some key findings and results are listed below, as well as comments and suggestions for future projects. The survey was voluntary, anonymous and was completed by both residents and visitors. All respondents were annual FNS members, and we anticipate with a larger group of trail ambassadors during the 2016/17 season, we will be able to solicit feedback from day pass users as well.
Key Survey Findings ● 95% of respondents indicated either the EVNC or Golf Course were their primary cross- country ski destinations ● 76% of those who visit EVNC indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with their experience on those trails ● 28% of “visitor” respondents indicated the availability of Cross-Country Skiing factored into their decision to visit Fernie. ● All respondents who indicated they were from outside the Elk Valley also indicated they visited one or more local merchant (restaurants, cafes, sports shops) during their stay
Page | 39
● 70% of respondents were either satisfied or very satisfied with their overall skiing experience ● When asked for general feedback on what would improve the ski experience, 27% volunteered the answer that more grooming is needed, and 19% indicated more trails are needed - therefore 46% of respondents would like to see more trails and/or more grooming. ● Many members suggested that a more advanced method of broadcasting grooming reports is needed
Comments from survey ● “Great work, very much enjoy the Nordic Centre, thanks for all your hard work!” ● “So glad that you have presence in the valley. Really great to have restricted use areas.” ● “I can not say enough fantastic things about FNS. The trail system and grooming are fantastic! I let everyone know what a fantastic backyard we have in Fernie that just gets better every year!” ● “Thanks so much. Your work is so very valuable. We have a child in the [SDP] program and we are all very happy with that experience too.” ● “During the off season some attention should be given to addressing the sections on the trail where water accumulates and then freezes into trail-wide ice patches. ● “Location, location, location. We have a cabin at the ski hill so being able to walk out the back door and be at the trail is the bomb!”
Responses to the question “what is the best thing about skiing at EVNC?” ● No dogs/exclusive cross-country network = 11% ● Scenery, terrain, trail network = 66%
Fernie Snowmobile Association Grooming Highlights: As a result of the Fernie Snow Mobile Association (FSA) being able to offset grooming contract costs with RMI funding they were able to provide the best and most consistent grooming product on all of its trails to date. The FSA utilized funds to groom trails from the Wranglers Cabin to the Notch twice this season. This 20km section of trail has never been groomed before and the pilot project was a huge success. The FSA determined there were approximately 6,000 rider days in 2016 resulting in a total of 2,019 hotel nights based on trail head surveys.
“We started in Colorado and have been riding every state north and this is the best snow and grooming that we have seen, we stopped traveling and stayed in Fernie because of the trails and grooming”. From 6 riders from California
Grooming Highlights: • 2800km of trail groomed (contracted groomer 16ft wide compared to previous 8ft wide machine with results in a total amount of 5600km of surface area groomed)
Page | 40
• Grooming was contracted to local company and on a Thursday and Friday night schedule for January, February and March (conditions providing) and on Saturday nights on long weekends.
• The FSA utilized the cat and snowmobile to maintain the Hartley Creek Forest Service Road on an as needed basis with volunteers from FSA.
Projects and Events:
Website: The FSA developed an interactive website to promote events, display grooming schedules, avalanche conditions, trail and weather conditions. This allowed FSA to notify non-resident users in real time of local weather and riding conditions, local businesses and hotels.
Signage: The FSA is an affiliate of the BC Snowmobile Federation and committed to promoting Standardized Provincial Signage. Signs were purchased and installed for riding areas identifying routes, hazards, road alterations, bridges, staging areas, speed zones, multi-user areas and areas closed to snowmobile use.
Avalanche Signage: In conjunction with Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resources three ATES kiosks were installed in the Elk Valley notifying user groups of the terrain, avalanche risks, emergency contacts and motorized vehicle restrictions. These signs increase rider awareness and promote safe travel in avalanche terrain for all riders.
Fernie Snowmobile Association Annual Drag Races: The FSA had a record number of entries from the Elk Valley, the East Kootenay and across Western Canada. There were 89 racers and the event brought over 120 riders and families into Fernie for the weekend. The FSA calculated the even was attended by over 600 spectators even considering the weather and conditions were not favorable.
“Amazing track and turnout, great work by the FSA see ya next year”. “Well done FSA another successful safe race, keep up the good work”. Quotes from Snow and Mud regarding the Drag Races
Island Lake Ride: The FSA partnered with Island Lake Lodge and hosted a year end snowmobile ride. The event was open to the public with a cap of 36 guests (lodge capacity) which was achieved. FSA estimate revenue of $10,800 was generated as a result of the two-day event. Participants from as far away as Manitoba noted they wanted to book again for 2017.
Stakeholder Projects were undertaken by the respective members of the Fernie Nordic Society and the Involvement Fernie Snowmobile Association and the many volunteers that donate their time to these organizations.
The Fernie Snowmobile Association secured a five-year land use agreement with Jemi Fibre Incorporated and had an extremely successful season working closely with Fernie Wilderness Adventures on and around their lands. An agreement was also reached with Ram Creek Outfitters and the Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resources with respect to security and maintenance of the Ram Creek Cabin.
Page | 41
Project outcomes to The RMI funding granted to FNS through the City of Fernie’s Resort Development Strategy date: has gone a long way to improving EVNC infrastructure and is supporting an increase in residents and tourists accessing cross-country trails in Fernie. The initiation of regional events at the EVNC has drawn new visitors to Fernie for the sole purpose of cross-country skiing, and we anticipate an increase in registrations and out-of-town racers at future races. The projects undertaken as a result of RMI funding have been crucial to improving user experience and encouraging more tourists and residents to recreate on cross-country trails.
FNS Trail Passes Purchased 2013/14 trail passes purchased (day pass): 41 2014/15 trail passes purchased (day pass): 100 2015/16 trail passes purchased (day pass): 220
FNS Memberships Purchased 2013/14 season members: 387 2014/15 season members: 573 2015/16 season members: 747
Number of Trail users per season 2013/14 season trail uses: - Golf course: 100/week; EVNC: 175/week 2014/15 season trail uses: – Golf course: 350/week; EVNC: 550/week 2015/16 15 season trail uses: –34% of survey respondents indicated they accessed FNS- operated trails more than once per week, and 26% indicated they accessed FNS-operated trails once a week. We continue to explore the most accurate way to show how many users are visiting EVNC on an average day.
Fernie Snowmobile Association In 2015/2016 annual memberships were done online through the BC Snowmobile Federation Silkstart program and not sold at the trail head as they had been in the past. The FSA believes that the annual membership numbers although increasing over last year are lower than 2013/2014 due to the new online system growing pains and lack of hard copy membership sales in the Fernie area. This is reflected in the day trail pass sales. 2013/2014 season members: 229 2014/2015 season members: 148 2015/2016 season members: 168
Project Term Revised 2015-17 RDS Project Title Tourism Signage
Project description The development of a Comprehensive Signage Strategy has been completed. This project will involve implementation of the Signage Strategy to provide consistent, coherent identification of tourism amenities, parks and facilities, businesses and activities. In consultation with the Advisory Working Group and Council, the focus for implementation over the term of the three-year RDS will be on entry monument signs, interpretive signage and information kiosks.
Project rationale Signage has long been an identified need to advertise, promote and enhance the visitor experience in Fernie. Moving people effectively throughout the community enhances the visitor experience and helps maximize existing tourism investments by both the private
Page | 42
and public sector. Existing signage creates some negative visual effects, is confusing, compromises visitor satisfaction and diminishes community pride.
Project status Underway
Milestones Actual Start Date 2015
Completion Date Ongoing
Operational Date or other Ongoing Major Milestones
Project activities for Work completed in 2015 included the completion of engineering drawings and the reporting year construction documents for facility and gateway signage. Construction and installation of signs began in 2015 and continues to 2016. Light pole banner on Highway 3 directing traffic to Downtown, directional wayfinding signs Downtown and in other strategic locations in the City, facility and historic building signs and tourism infrastructure signage are now in place. Gateway signage remains as the largest element of this project that will be considered in 2017.
Stakeholder Extensive stakeholder engagement was incorporated into the development of the Involvement: Comprehensive Signage Strategy to ensure that visitor directional and way-finding needs are addressed in an authentic, sustainable manner that improves the visual aesthetic, captures missed opportunities and creates lasting impressions.
Project outcomes to Installation of tourism signs as the plan is implemented since 2012 is becoming more date: prominent throughout the community. Wayfinding signage and installation of visitor orientation and destination map signage is seen to contribute to attracting visitors to downtown and highlight tourist amenities and attractions. Signage installations in downtown, banners on the highway and several parking lot signs were installed.
Page | 43
Project Term Revised 2015-17 RDS Project Title Fernie Ambassador Program
Project description Starting in late fall 2015, the Chamber of Commerce along with the College of the Rockies, and local businesses sought to create a program that would engage the local workforce in our community while providing them customer service tools to provide an exceptional guest experience. The program borrowed pieces of Tofino and Whistler’s ambassador programs as well as creating local pieces specific to our market.
Project rationale The Fernie Ambassador Program is an education opportunity for all, building on the community spirit and cooperate we are so proud of. It teaches service workers how to provide a superior customer experience through customer service skills and knowledge about Fernie and area.
RDS Strategy, Project Goal – Consistent messaging to visitors.
Project status Underway (Course dates throughout the year)
Milestones Actual Start Date 2016
Completion Date Ongoing
Operational Date or other Ongoing Major Milestones
Project activities for Course development included hand-book creation. the reporting year Marketing material expenses captured in ongoing advertising expenses. Session food – we found after a few courses feeding participants was a logistic challenge. The task force changed to an Industry night to bring participants back to a social gathering. Course administration includes contracted consultant that organizes courses, promotes program with businesses, and solicits businesses to offer Ambassador discounts. Course giveaways budget based on 400 participants, we had half the participants and secured better than expected pricing on the giveaways. Moments of Power – to build on the content of the program, the Task Force invited in from the Whistler Experience a training session. Planning for this session happened in late fall – the course was delivered January 18, 2017. 75 attendees took part in the course including 23 ambassadors. Net surplus will be used to develop and expand programming in 2017.
Stakeholder It was only with the support and work of many volunteers that this program came Involvement: together and continues to evolve. Alicia Clarke – Grow Children’s Boutique Amy Boeckner – EK Employment Anita Palmer – College of the Rockies Jeremiah Pau – Super 8 Fernie Marina Pauw – Super 8 Fernie Nikita Kramer/ Brad xx – Fernie Lodging Company Sheila Byers – Range Property Management Merrin Ozols – Launch Local Marketing Patty Vadnais – Fernie Chamber of Commerce
Page | 44
Project outcomes to In total 12 course dates were offered in 2016 with a total of 206 participants. The date: task force developed a handbook resource for each participant. Moments of Power – to build on the content of the program, the Task Force invited in from the Whistler Experience a training session. Planning for this session happened in late fall – the course was delivered January 18, 2017. 75 attendees took part in the course including 23 ambassadors. Courses were added to the schedule at the request of business owners. This included a special Saturday course for participants of the Non-Stop Ski program. Trained Ambassadors: 206 Businesses represented: 40 different businesses sent employees, 20 individuals attended without a business affiliations. Discounts offered: 17 businesses offering 29 discounts Ambassadors on the app: 50 Net Promoter Score – 73 (npsbenchmarks.com education benchmark – 68) Many companies have invested in sending their entire staff to the program.
What businesses are saying about the program:
“The Ambassador program was extremely motivating for the Fernie Hotel staff. It provided us with a wide range of knowledge about Fernie that has helped us engage and inspire our customers. Attending the course as a team encouraged us as Ambassador’s to elevate the service we provide.” Alicia Denis, General Manager, The Fernie Hotel
“It is imperative my staff is knowledgeable in what Fernie has to offer. The Ambassador Program equipped my team with destination knowledge and customer service skills to be able to go above and beyond for our guest. Improving the visitor experience is beneficial to everyone and this program is doing exactly that.” Marina Pauw, Owner/Operator Fernie Super 8 # 1 Fernie hotel, TripAdvisor“
Communications The Fernie Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Fernie actively promote the Fernie Activities: Ambassador Program.
Project Term Revised 2015-17 RDS Project Title Winter Shuttle Service
Project description In partnership with Tourism Fernie (local DMO), this project provides a winter day and evening shuttle service between the City of Fernie and Fernie Alpine Resort.
Page | 45
Project rationale Since 2010 the City has provided RMI funding for the operation of an evening shuttle service between the City of Fernie and Fernie Alpine Resort during the ski season moving residents and visitors between the two for recreation, entertainment and employment. The service is essential for Fernie as a resort community. The service allows visitors staying in town transportation to the ski resort (~ 5km) and back and provides transportation for visitors staying at the resort to enjoy town and downtown during the day and evening. Though ridership does include locals and resort employees, the majority consists of visitors that do not have a vehicle or who choose to use the shuttle instead of drive and park. This service is demanded by the visitors and is key decision on why people choose Fernie over other ski destinations. Without the service overnight visitation to Fernie would decline.
Project status Annual
Milestones Actual Start Date 2016
Completion Date Ongoing
Operational Date or other Major Ongoing Milestones
Project activities for Mountain High Shuttle is the provider of the service and has been the past four years. The the reporting year service has been run very professionally and consistently allowing visitors, locals and businesses to have confidence and support for the operation.
Stakeholder The operation of the Winter Shuttle was contracted out by Tourism Fernie with funding Involvement: provided through the RMI program and partner contributions from Tourism Fernie; Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc., Fernie Chamber of Commerce, Regional District of East Kootenay and Columbia Basin Trust.
Project outcomes to Season Daytime Evening Total Total Hours Ridership Ridership Hrs of Op Ridership Hrs of Op Ridership Operation date: 2011-2012 14,971 872 6,161 1,094 21,132 1,966 2012-2013 13,707 805 5,135 612 18,842 1,417 2013-2014 19.930 882.5 3,289 500 23,219 1,382.5 2014-2015 16,728 1,412* 2,696 588* 19.424 2,000* 2015-2016 18,491 same 2,522 same 21,013 same 2016-2017 1,966 546 0 0 1,966 546 *includes pre-trip, post-trip driver duties (daily inspections, fueling, cleaning, etc). Shuttle schedule was same 2014/15 & 2015/16.
The shuttle continues to be essential for Fernie as a resort community as it allows visitors staying in town and the ski resort access to the amenities both in town and at the resort. Tourism Fernie has identified this service as essential for Fernie as a resort community. The service allows visitors staying in town transportation to the ski resort (~ 5km) and back and provides transportation for visitors staying at the resort to enjoy town and downtown during the day and evening. Though ridership does include locals and resort employees, the majority consists of visitors that do not have a vehicle or who choose to use the shuttle instead of drive and park. This service is demanded by the visitors and is a key decision on why people choose Fernie over other ski destinations. Without the service overnight visitation to Fernie would decline.
Important facts about the above table and the varying shuttle schedule each season: • In 11-12 Tourism Fernie contracted Mtn High for the daytime shuttle and the City of Fernie contracted Mtn High for the evening shuttle. o Service dates: Daytime Dec 10-Apr 15, Evening Dec 16- Apr 15. Note Dec 10-15 was only 2 trips in the am and 2 in afternoon.
Page | 46
Initially the schedule consisted of five trips in the morning and five in the afternoon. In the evening two shuttles ran between 6pm-9pm with 3 trips each, then one shuttle continued until 1am, expect on Thurs/Fri/Sat running until 2am. o As of Feb 1st the 2nd evening shuttle stopped operating due to lack of riders and cost associated. Also the daytime service was condensed to 8 trips vs 10 due to the inability to complete a full round trip within 45 min (needed full hour). o There was no service between 11:30am-2:00pm. • In 12-13 Tourism Fernie contracted Mtn High for both the daytime and evening shuttle service. o Service dates: Daytime Dec 21-Apr 14, Evening Dec 16- Apr 1 o The schedule consisted of 4 trips in the morning and 4 in the afternoon, then 6 trips in the evening until 11:30pm. The late evening service was removed due to lack of usage, lack of partner funds and higher costs of operating. o There was no service between 11:30am-1:30pm. • In 13-14 Tourism Fernie contracted Mtn High for both day and evening again, but for 3 years. o Service dates: Daytime Dec 20-Apr 13, Express Dec 28 – Apr 6, Evening Dec 20- Mar 29 o Mtn High also partnered with Non-Stop for an Express Service, that general visitors could use as well but it only operated between Red Tree Lodge and the Resort. o Schedule consisted of 3 trips in the morning, plus 2 Express trips and 3 trips in the afternoon, plus 3 Express trips. The evening had 5 trips between 6pm-11pm o Non-Stop accounted for over 6,000 of the ridership. In past it was around 2,000. • In 14-15 Tourism Fernie contracted Mtn High for both day and evening under year two of a three year agreement. o Service dates: Daytime Dec 20-Apr 12, Express Dec 29 – Apr 10, Evening Dec 20- Mar 28 o Mtn High also partnered with Non-Stop for an Express Service 4 times per day Mon-Fri. o Public and general visitors could use as well but it only operated between Red Tree Lodge and the Resort. o Schedule consisted of 3 trips in the morning, plus 2 Express trips and 3 trips in the afternoon, plus 3 Express trips. The evening had 5 trips between 6pm-11pm. Express trips were only Mon-Fri. • In 15-16 Tourism Fernie contracted Mtn High for both day and evening service for the final season of a 3 year agreement. o Services dates: Day & Evening Service from December 19th to April 1st. Limited day service Dec 5 – 18th and April 2nd – 10th. o Mtn High continued to partner with Non-Stop for an Express Service 4 times per day Mon- Fri. o Public and general visitors could use as well but it only operated between Red Tree Lodge and the Resort. o Schedule consisted of 3 trips in the morning, plus 2 Express trips and 3 trips in the afternoon, plus 2 Express trips. The evening had 5 trips between 6pm-11pm. Express trips were only Mon-Fri. • In 16-17 Tourism Fernie contracted Mtn High for just a daytime service for a one year agreement. o Service dates: Daily from December 26 – March 26th (91 days) o 24 passenger bus contracted to provide a minimum of 2 return trips to the resort in the morning and 2 return trips down to town in the afternoon. o Service agreement also included ability for visitors to book a limited amount of seats on the Non-Stop service between Red Tree Lodge and Resort on Mon-Fri, if available (3 up in AM, 2 down in PM).
For the 2017-2018 season we plan on developing a new model for Winter Shuttle.
Page | 47
Communications Advertising and marketing of the Winter Shuttle service were provided by both Mountain Activities: High and Tourism Fernie.
Project Term Revised 2015-17 RDS Project Title Pave Community Trail
Project description In partnership with the City of Fernie these funds will be used to pave a portion of the Fernie Main Loop making the trail more accessible.
Project rationale Forming part of the Trans Canada Trail much of the Fernie Main Loop Trail follows the eastern shore of the Elk River as it passes through the Annex neighborhood and James White Park. This well used trail provides a scenic bypass of the busy highway district and offers access to picnic areas and many of the community trail spurs but is gravel surfaced which limits its use.
Project status Deferred
Milestones Actual Start Date Dependent on new floodplain mapping.
Completion Date
Operational Date or other Major Milestones
1.5. RMI Projects Completed – Success and Lessons Learned
Learnings emerge at all stages of project development and implementation. Reviewing successes and lessons learned provides an opportunity to profile the continued success of RDS projects and allows knowledge to be shared amongst stakeholders to add value and/or efficiency to future projects.
Unlike most other RMI communities, the Resort Development Strategy Advisory Working Group remains the driving force behind implementation of the Strategy and projects. For Fernie this is considered a good model to govern RMI. The Advisory Working Group took time to reflect on Fernie’s participation in RMI. Fernie has leveraged the RMI funding of infrastructure and events through tourism marketing and agency cross promotions to accomplish Strategy goals. Our review identified the following points: There should be an annual orientation of AWG terms of reference and projects for the current year We should designate one member with responsibility for stats (typically an economic development role) Consider increasing the number of community at large members Engage First Nations Tighten up funding criteria (discourage continual funding and encourage self sustaining events) Process missing for anecdotal feedback from people who deal directly with tourists Keep terms of reference aligned with Provincial guidelines 2. Economic Outcomes
The data in this section is collected by both the resort communities and the Whistler Centre for Sustainability (WCS) and are included in the Annual Program Report developed by WCS. While specific projects can impact these results, the Page | 48 results in this area only show trends over time and should be considered as a long-term impacts of investments in infrastructure, projects and programs
Accommodation Sector Performance Accommodation sector performance provides an indication of the size and health of overall tourism economy (more specifically the accommodation sector), by tracking changes in room revenue or room nights sold. Overnight visitors to the communities tend to participate in more experiences than day visitors, and the additional hours spent in the resort result in increased spending patterns and greater contributions per visitor to the local economy.
Annual room revenue was $15.5 million in the recent reporting year, $1.6 million more than the previous year. This results in a: • 12% increase from the previous year.
• 1% increase compared to the base year.
Visitor Numbers A resort communities’ tourism economy is dependent on visitation. Visitor numbers provide an understanding of the health of the tourism economy, as well as the popularity the community as a tourism destination, quality of the service levels, and the perceived value of tourism offerings. Depending on the employed methodology, visitor numbers includes day visitors and overnight visitors differing from accommodation sector performance. Considering the variation in this indicator throughout the year provides a window into the community’s success at growing tourism throughout four seasons.
Page | 49
Visitor Centre visits amounted to an average of 6.0 visitors per hour and 15,000 total visitors. This results in a: • 20% increase in the average number from the previous year. • 30% increase from the start year in the RMI program. Comparisons • 36% points greater result compared to the
Provincial decrease of 6% from the start year. • Total visits increased from the base year by about 5,000 visitors.
Non-Market Change in Business and Recreation Tax Assessments One of the desired outcomes of the RMI is to diversify the municipal tax base towards a better mix of residential and commercial taxes as well as increased investment in the community. This indicator measures progress in this area by reporting on the change in non-residential assessments.
Non-market assessment total from changes in business and recreation classes totaled $131 million in the most recent reporting year. This results in a: • Minor increase from the previous year.
• 3% increase compared to the base year.
Page | 50
Number of Business Licenses The number of businesses in a community reflects economic success and potentially diversity of tourism offerings. Breaking the results out by tourism business can provide a more direct measure of tourism growth.
This year over year growth results in a: • 3% increase for licenses overall from 2015.
• 11% decrease from the 2008 base year. Fernie business Licenses totaled 660 resident licences and 80 nonresident licences in 2016. Up from 586 in 2015.
Page | 51
2. Conclusion and Outlook
2016 was a busy year for project implementation. The benefits of RMI investments in both infrastructure and events are bringing more people to Fernie to enjoy our emerging four season Resort Municipality. We continue to learn how best to strategically invest RMI funds to build a sustainable Resort community. The 2016 RMI allocation is equal to about a 5% tax increase in Fernie and it is doubtful if we could replace the targeted funds given all of the other priorities in a small community. The impact of the RMI fund has been very important to Fernie and the vision of our Resort Development Strategy, even more impressive is the impact of RMI in the 14 municipalities that benefit from this program. The return on this investment for the Province of British Columbia is considerable.
As we move into 2017 and the final year of the current program, Fernie is well positioned to complete all of the project approved for funding in our 2015-2017 Resort Development Strategy. A major project that is in the design stage is the development of Station Square, an events centre in the heart of our historical Downtown. This will be the capstone project for the current Strategy and we are looking forward to construction in the spring of 2018.
We are also looking forward to continuation of the RMI program and are looking forward to engaging our community to help with the development of a program for 2018 and beyond. We want to thank the Province of British Columbia for its foresight and commitment to this very important program.
Page | 52
Appendix 1 2016 Financial Report
Page | 53