Fernie

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Fernie, BC, incorporated as a city in 1904, population 4448 (2011c), 4217 (2006c). The City of Fernie lies in the narrow valley of the Elk River, amidst peaks of the ROCKY MOUNTAINS forming part of the CONTINENTAL DIVIDE. It is 970 km E of Vancouver. Originally called Coal Creek, the city was later named for William FERNIE. It was founded in 1898 with the construction of the Crow's Nest Pass Ry. Wiped out by fire in 1908, it was rebuilt in impressive fashion. Referred to in its early years as the "Pittsburgh of the West," it became the centre for the region's coal mines, particularly Coal Creek Mines. At the end of WWI, 4500 people resided there.

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A recession followed that was prolonged by the switch from coal to oil on American railroads and intensified by the Great Depression. The first coal was shipped to Japanese steel makers in 1970. Fernie's economy today is diversifying in the areas of tourism and recreation, while its residential base is sustained in part by the 4 nearby coal mines operating in the Elk Valley. The Snow Valley ski area is a popular attraction for local people and tourists from Alberta.
Fernie
Fernie

Author WILLIAM A. SLOAN


Links to Other Sites
Fernie
The website for the Fernie Chamber of Commerce.

The Crowsnest Pass Railway Route
This collection of photographs records the history of rail travel through the Crowsnest Past region of British Columbia. A Canadian Museum of Rail Travel website.

Community Profiles
See maps and statistical data for regions and communities throughout British Columbia. A Government of British Columbia website.

BC Geographical Names
Search the BC Geographical Names Information System for historical and geographical data about specific locations in British Columbia.

British Columbia Archives
Explore the fascinating history of BC through online digitized copies of selected government documents, manuscripts, maps, architectural plans, photographs, illustrations, audio and video files, newspapers and much more.

When Coal Was King
The multimedia website “When Coal was King: Coal Mining in Western Canada” explores the history of Alberta’s coal mining industry. Check out the glossary and educational activities. From the Alberta Online Encyclopedia.

Geotour Guide for the East Kootenay region of British Columbia
See an extensively illustrated guide to the geology of the East Kootenay region of British Columbia. A Government of British Columbia website.

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