Home »
Elk River a precious economic resource
Letter to the Editor
The following is a letter written to City of Fernie Mayor and Council, Bill Bennett Kootenay East MLA and Mike Sosnowski Electoral Area A Director re: access and facilities on the Elk River.
Fernie is a unique vacation destination and an area that continues to grow in popularity. For the months of June and July (up to and including July 18) the Highway 3 Information Centre has welcomed 2,020 parties and 3,600 visitors (an increase of 27% on last year’s results).
First time visitors to Fernie are stunned by its beauty and what we have to offer from biking, hiking, fly fishing, white water rafting to just lazily floating the Elk River and enjoying the stunning scenery. In addition, for a number of people the river is their livelihood; a short season where every hour spent out of the water is detrimental to their season’s success but also their long-term sustainability.
Each year we witness a rise in requests about the river and recreational activities. As a world class fly fishing destination the Elk River is not only beautiful, it boasts bountiful fisheries, plus rafting is very popular with two local companies setting out most days with approximately eight people in each boat. Small boats and kayaks are present and those deciding to take a float, fill the river during the afternoon and evening. Safe and well maintained access points remain an area of concern along with the lack of facilities at various points. Visitors leaving a rafting boat are looking for a washroom and a possible facility to wash their hands. Garbage bins are also lacking and as an area of outstanding natural beauty simple steps could encourage visitors and residents to act appropriately and not litter.
The Elk River is a precious economic resource as it is able to offer us great recreational opportunities. The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors would urge you to consider short term remedial work that will improve access and safety to the half a dozen or so well used boat launches but also consideration to a longer term plan that would highlight all aspects from boat launch access to facilities.
Thank you for your consideration to help make river recreation and safety enjoyable and trouble-free.
Sarah Parry, on behalf of the Fernie Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
