Save Prentice Park

We are a group of Fernie residents committed to protecting Prentice Park, a historic public recreation space gifted to the City decades ago for park and community use.

In January 2024, Fernie City Council voted (4–3) to select Prentice Park as the location for the new firehall. While we support building a modern firehall, we strongly believe this should not come at the cost of losing parkland that was legally dedicated for recreation, with restrictions registered on title.

Originally, the City had promised that borrowing for this project would go to the community for approval through a referendum. However, that plan was reversed in July 2025, when Council chose to proceed with “approval-free borrowing” in order to meet a Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF) grant deadline. This decision meant citizens lost their voice on a project with major long-term financial and community impacts through a referendum.

What We Are Doing

We are not suing the City. We are not seeking damages.

We are simply asking a judge to conduct a judicial review to determine:

• whether the City acted in good faith when it reversed its plan to hold a public vote,

• whether all provincial laws and statutory requirements were properly followed when changing the use of dedicated parkland, and

• whether decisions were made under improper pressure from grant timelines.

A judicial review is not a trial. It is an oversight process where the court reviews municipal actions and ensures they were carried out lawfully, transparently, and in the public interest.

Why We Need Funds

Taking this matter to judicial review requires legal expertise and resources. Your donations will help us cover:

• Legal fees for preparing and filing court materials,

• Expert review of land title covenants and statutory obligations,

• Associated court costs.

All funds will be managed by a non-profit society formed specifically for this cause, ensuring accountability and transparency. Any funds raised beyond what is required for legal expenses will be donated to local Fernie charities so that every dollar continues to support our community.

Why It Matters

Prentice Park has been a community gathering place for generations — home to ball tournaments, soccer, festivals, and family events. Once public parkland is lost, it is gone forever.

This case is about more than one firehall site. It’s about government accountability, transparency, and protecting Fernie’s green spaces for future generations.

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Please support us by donating and sharing this campaign. Together we can ensure that the people’s voice is heard and that Prentice Park remains a place for recreation and community.