EVR and Tourism Fernie announce $200,000 donation to Tourism Fernie Society supporting sustainable tourism & recreation initiatives in the Elk Valley

Elk Valley Resources (EVR) and the Tourism Fernie Society today announced EVR’s $200,000 donation to the Society in support of sustainable tourism and recreation initiatives in the Elk Valley.

Fernie and the Elk Valley continue to see growth in both tourism and local recreation in the outdoors. This growth in the enjoyment and use of area trails, lands, lakes and rivers creates a variety of needs, challenges and even opportunities, that need a collaborative effort to address for long-term sustainability.

The funding from EVR will be used to enhance sustainable access to the Elk River by developing the boat launch at Elko, as well as supporting the continued success of the AmbassadorWILD Program, a program focused on preserving important nature-based locations and promoting safe and sustainable recreation in the Elk Valley. 

“Tourism and recreation are important economic drivers for the Elk Valley and EVR is proud to support Tourism Fernie and their many projects that create a lasting benefit to the community,” said Mike Carrucan, CEO, EVR.

In 2021, Tourism Fernie developed the RDEK Area A Sustainable Tourism Strategy, in partnership with the RDEK, which included results from a public engagement process.  The strategy highlighted key recommendations and specific projects to fund and develop including Elk River access improvements, key trail amenity and safety improvements, amenity improvements for locations such as Silver Springs, data collection and reporting programs, the creation of the AmbassadorWILD Program and more.

Since 2021 over $1 million has been funded through multiple private and public partners to support the development and execution of various initiatives. In 2023, Tourism Fernie won the Community Project Award from the BC Economic Development - Association Summit for its AmbassadorWILD Sustainable Tourism Partnership Programs. 

“We are so grateful for the continued support of  EVR for these important initiatives that support both locals and visitors, and future generations in the valley,” exclaimed Jikke Gyorki, Tourism Fernie’s Executive Officer. “With their funding support we have executed many projects since 2021 and are looking ahead at completing the next big project along the Elk River at Elko, and the continuation of many existing initiatives such as important data gathering and reporting, and AmbassadorWILD, plus confirming further initiatives up the Valley.”

Tourism and recreation are one of the valley’s key economic industries. The long-term sustainability of the industry, and the land and waters for which we enjoy and rely upon, is critical for locals, businesses, community groups, and local employment.

Picture in the above photo L-R: Corien Sieders – Destination Development Manager, Tourism Fernie; Jikke Gyorki – Executive Officer, Tourism Fernie; Zoe Garyfalakis & Kristen Hribar – AmbassadorWILD Team; Justin Paterson – Acting Director, Community & Indigenous Relations, EVR