The Free Press, May 22, 2014

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Thursd a y , Ma y 2 2 , 2 0 1 4

FERNIE

City finalizes OCP Page 4

Serving the South Country, Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford since 1898

FRE E

Spring has sprung at the EcoGarden

By Nicole Obre Free Press Staff

F

COMMUNITY

Eat, Drink, Paint fundraiser - Page 12 GHOSTRIDERS

New head coach and GM - Page 11

ENTERTAINMENT

Wizard of Oz dance performance - Page 2

SPORTS

Rugby club welcomes new players - Page 20

West Fernie to be incorporated into the city

Kai Deydey enoying a sunny afternoon during the Fernie’s EcoGarden’s Wednesday Work Party on May 14. For the full story and more photos turn to page 27. Photo by K. Dingman

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ernie council has initiated a boundary extension process that will incorporate West Fernie into the city if they receive the consent of West Fernie property owners. The city is working with the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) on a possible five year term transition to bring properties in the extension area up to the full municipal tax rate. “There’s a lot more to do and there’s things that need to happen, both with respect to this and beyond it, but the fact that we’re having this discussion and making this resolution right now has a very significant place in Fernie’s history,” commented Councillor Randal Macnair. “If we, and [Area A] Director Sosnowski, can bring this forward with the residents of West Fernie, because certainly, we’re one community, and this reflects that, we’re all stronger as a result.” Following last year's Union of BC Municipalities' conference, several discussions took place between city of Fernie staff, RDEK staff, and members of the Minister's staff regarding the potential boundary extension. On December 9, 2013, a letter was sent by Lee-Ann Crane, Chief Administrative Officer with the RDEK, to Marijke Edmondson, director of local government structure with the Ministry of Community, Sport, and Cultural Development, asking the Ministry to provide a detailed offer of restructure assistance to help Fernie council move forward with a decision to incorporate West Fernie. On March 6, 2014, Fernie Mayor Mary Giuliano and Area A Director Mike Sosnowski received a response from Minister Coralee Oakes. The letter stated it was the Minister's understanding that the restructuring will ultimately bring the entire area of West Fernie into the city, the infrastructure upgrades will precede boundary change, and the implementation will take place in phases over a number of years. The letter went on to specify that the RDEK will establish a water and sewer service area in West Fernie by petition, which will replace the West Fernie Waterworks District. The RDEK will undertake borrowing to upgrade the infrastructure, and only once the upgrades are complete will the area be incorporated into the city. Continued on page 4

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