Local's Perspective Todd Penke
FERNIE TRAILS ALLIANCE My family moved to Fernie in the Fall of 2020 for the recreational opportunities in the area, the feel of the community, and proximity to family just over the border in the Crowsnest Pass. We loved our home in Seattle, but it was time to leave the grind and get closer to family and the spaces we love. The birth of our second child early in 2020 made it even more clear. I was fortunate to be in Fernie as the Fernie Trails Alliance (FTA) sought to fill a new Executive Director position. I think my experience supporting philanthropies and non-profits during the day, serving on the board of a conservation org, and general passion for the outdoors helped get me in the seat. That and perhaps a set of fresh eyes. Regardless, I couldn’t be more excited for this role. The town’s network of trails and outdoor opportunities are supported by a tireless group of organizations, volunteers, local businesses, and landowners that make Fernie so special to each of us. I hope that I can help to keep the good work going, lessening the burden on volunteers and enabling more people to enjoy time outside. One of the things I love so much about Fernie is how ubiquitous use of the trails feels for the people here. On any day out on the trail, I think I see a mix of genders and ages, from toddlers on their parent’s mac-rides, to silver-haired ladies pausing briefly at the top of Swine Flu before charging down. I think that is the awesome thing about conservation and outdoor recreation, now. Yes, there’s a challenge in the incredible growth in outdoor user-ship over the past two-years, but it’s also an opportunity. How do we build trail networks and communities to reduce the barriers for new users, while still maintaining an incredible experience for those long in the tooth? It's amazing seeing the relatively recent rise of organizations like She Jumps, Outdoor Afro, Brown Folks Fishing, etc. helping share the outdoors to previously underrepresented communities. The more communities and people care about the outdoors, the more voices we'll have to protect it.
RECREATION Fernie still has a great feel and is taking the right steps to stay ahead of these trends. The new funding announced for sustainable tourism is a great example of this. The program, managed by Tourism Fernie and in partnership with a plethora of local orgs, is taking steps to maintain or improve the experience of classic Elk Valley treks and haunts, and preventing them from being loved to death. Q. We live in the Elk Valley because… A. Where else can you do so much? From trails like Swine Flu, to floating the Elk for native westslope cutthroats, this town is paradise. Q. Summer in Fernie is so special because… A. The bike, and the daylight. I love seeing people of all ages out and about riding around. I also love that the 10pm sunsets enable parents like myself to tuck their kids into bed and still get out for a ride. Q. Something we make sure to do each summer in the valley (at least once!) is...
Not surprisingly, the value of recreation has become even more pronounced these last couple of years. Alongside the freedom and enjoyment it provides, the physical and mental health benefits have helped many to navigate challenging times. This summer, there is an excitement in the air. We are all ready to get out, explore and connect – both with nature and one another. There is a respect and an appreciation for the opportunities these spaces, trails, waterways and mountains provide. And a gratitude for the many individuals and organizations dedicated to creating, maintaining and enhancing recreation in the Elk Valley.
A. Dinner at Island Lake Lodge. We had a meal last summer with friends that featured a rare bison ribeye, melt-in-your mouth halibut, and a cow moose that sauntered by our balcony table. Q. One Fernie secret we are willing to share is... A. Not sure how secret it is, but have you tried Graffito pizza?
FERNIEFIX.COM | SUMMER GUIDE 2022 || 15 15 FERNIEFIX.COM
