In an effort to respect guidelines set out by provincial health authorities regarding social distancing, a number of events, facilities, and operations have been temporarily shut down across the Elk Valley. At this time, it is unclear how long these closures will last.
To check on closures and cancellations within the City of Fernie, please view this document from Tourism Fernie, that has a comprehensive list of all affected businesses.
For updates on facilities and businesses throughout the rest of the Elk Valley, please see below.
Both lists will be updated regularly as more information becomes available. If you know of a cancellation or closure, please email editor@thefreepress.ca so that we can include it in the list.
As of March 18, both the City of Fernie and the District of Sparwood have activated their emergency operations centre in order to better communicate with the community.
Elk Valley Closures
Public facilities
• Sparwood’s main office
• Sparwood Leisure Complex
• Sparwood Fire Hall #1 and #2
• Sparwood Public Works Office
• All Regional District of East Kootenay public facilities
• Fernie City Hall
• Fernie Fire Hall
• Fernie Operations Facility
Events and Meeting Cancellations
• Columbia Basin Trust public meetings
• Elkford Chamber of Commerce AGM
• All upcoming pancake breakfasts at the Elko Community Hall
• Sparwood Fish and Wildlife fundraiser
Schools
• After an announcement by the B.C. government, all schools in British Columbia have been suspended until further notice.
Alternative Services
• Regional District of East Kootenay is still operating online and through phone or email
• Sparwood City Council is still allowing public attendance of meetings however requires delegations who are presenting to call in with their presentations for the meeting.
