REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT
Local's Perspective Jack Norris and Russ Trand Freestone Construction
As long-term residents of Fernie, we were hearing daily about the difficulty in finding builders in town; especially ones that were willing to undertake renovations. We felt this situation would only get tougher with the onset of the COVID pandemic and the continued downturn in Calgary promoting strong in-migration to Fernie. We had both been working with an established builder in town for several years (Russ as a Project Manager and Jack as a Lead-Hand Carpenter) and while it would have been very easy to continue working for them, we felt the opportunity to start our own business had never been greater. Since we started the company, we have been fortunate to have worked on some really interesting and challenging projects, with some really great clients. Most of them wouldn’t have hired us without references from other people in our community, which of course is very gratifying. We have been fortunate to have worked on some really interesting and challenging projects since we started the company, with some great clients. Most of them would not have hired us without references from other people in our community, which of course is really gratifying. The greatest thing about this journey, however, has been working with such talented, passionate, and similar minded staff. Also, developing a corporate culture that everyone buys into - we have a lot
of fun at work and genuinely enjoy each other’s company! Without them we would be nothing. It’s hard to miss the current building boom in Fernie and the fantastic opportunity it’s provided to builders, carpenters, and subtrades to make a more consistent living yearround. This is obviously a good thing, but it does open up a lot of challenges in terms of affordability of construction, housing for workers and expansion into the accessible green spaces that many of us hold dear that make Fernie so special. We hope that our City, the Regional District and industry can navigate a path through these challenges in a sustainable and environmentally considerate way. Q. We live in the Elk Valley because… A. It’s one of the best places in the World to live! We love the accessibility of the outdoors, the small-town vibe, and our community values. It’s hard to imagine a better place to raise our kids! Q. Summer in Fernie is so special because… A. We can shed three layers after winter. Q. Something we make sure to do each summer in the valley (at least once!) is... A. Run Heiko’s.
Over the years, Fernie has increasingly become a popular destination for second home owners. During the pandemic, many of these individuals made the move permanently to this community, alongside additional people who were able to work remotely and wanted to move away from the big city to a small town nestled within the mountains. Development can be a touchy subject especially in a small town like Fernie. There is a desire to retain the elements that make Fernie the unique town it is, the elements that have drawn people here in the first place. Fortunately, there has been support and interest in renovating or building within developed areas, developing with minimal impact on the land, promotion of multi-unit development to decrease pressure on the market, and incorporating green spaces into developments.
Q. One Fernie secret we are willing to share is... A. Miner’s Mud tastes better than it sounds and is probably the best coffee in town! FERNIEFIX.COM | SUMMER GUIDE 2022 || 65 65 FERNIEFIX.COM
