By Erin Knutson

The Skatepark Redevelopment Project received a boon when the City of Fernie added the Skatepark parking lot to the Downtown Parking Revitalization Project at its Monday (Aug. 22) council meeting.

“Steep rises in the cost of materials are putting pressure on the budget for the preliminary designs of the park,” said Manager of Engineering Jenny Weir.

It was chosen following a decision to evaluate three possible alternative parking sites to be included in Fernie’s 2022 downtown parking revitalization scheme at the city of Fernie’s Aug. 8 council meeting.

Of the contenders, the Skatepark was selected over a parking lot near the Bike Park and a parking area alongside Cemetery and Ridgemont Trail Head.

Funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the timeline for the new Skatepark is slated for spring 2023.

According to Weir’s report to council, the location and design aligned with the city’s revitalization project.

“The existing Skatepark parking area is to be expanded and formalized with proposed asphalt surfacing, accessibility improvements, and paint delineation,” she said.

Its expansion would include 17 new parking stalls, and its proximity to downtown would provide parking for motorists in the area to help relieve traffic congestion.

Due to cost hikes, New Line Skateparks Inc. reported experiencing difficulties keeping to the original design created in 2020.

“Through the construction of the skatepark lot with this project, we will help relieve some of the pressure on the skatepark budget,” said Weir.

Mayor and council unanimously approved staff’s directive.

“This is really fantastic to help support the cost of the construction of the skatepark and to stay on budget,” said Mayor Ange Qualizza.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

Article Share