Funded by the Province of British Columbia, the truck will primarily support Tourism Fernie’s AmbassadorWILD program.

AmbassadorWILD, a sustainable tourism and recreation program developed by Tourism Fernie in 2022, is announcing the launch of its new fully electric truck, an asset that will play a vital role in supporting and driving positive actions within the surrounding area.

As part of the recent $200,000 grant awarded to Tourism Fernie, the fully electric truck will primarily be used to support the AmbassadorWILD program, an initiative that helps take care of nature-based locations in and around Fernie, collects data for informed decision-making and educates outdoor enthusiasts about safety, etiquette and responsible tourism and recreation.

“We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport’s Destination Development Fund,” said Jikke Gyorki, Tourism Fernie’s Executive Officer.

“As the newest addition to the AmbassadorWILD team, the vehicle not only aligns with our commitment to sustainable practices, but it also empowers us to make a positive impact in our community and the natural beauty that surrounds us.”

The truck will also help support the community by ‘driving good deeds’ in Fernie and the surrounding area. Ambassadors will use the truck for activities including:

• Supporting and partnering with local organizations such as the Fernie Trails Alliance, Elk River Alliance, Coal Creek Heritage Society, Fernie Search & Rescue, Wildsafe BC and the Winter Trails & Grooming Collaborative.
• Supporting the community by completing good deeds. This service will be based on requests and availability.
• Spreading awareness of sustainable, responsible and safe tourism and recreation in the area through educational opportunities with the public, schools and youth groups.

Over the lifespan of the vehicle, an estimated 8,777 gallons of gasoline will be saved through its fully electric operation. The truck emits zero emissions and noise, making it an environmentally friendly asset to both Tourism Fernie and the community it serves.

Launched in 2022, AmbassadorWILD is an innovative program created in partnership with the Regional District of East Kootenay Area A (RDEK), Elk River Alliance and College of the Rockies – Fernie Campus Mountain Skills Training (MAST) Program, with seed funding from RDEK Area A, TECK, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, the Province of British Columbia, Tourism Fernie and the Government of Canada’s Canada Summer Jobs Program.

To learn more about AmbassadorWILD, visit www.AmbassadorWILD.com

Lead image: The truck is fully electric and will support Tourism Fernie’s AmbassadorWILD program. L-R: Neve Richards, Jikke Gyorki & Reese Pagnucco. Photo submitted

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