City of Fernie Receives Funding to Modernize Development Services Information

FERNIE, BC – The City of Fernie has received $200,000 through the Province of British Columbia's Local Government Development Approvals Program to support the digitization and modernization of planning and development records and information management. The project will improve records, enhance customer access to information, and align with provincial systems. 

"This project will eliminate inefficiencies associated with paper records and transition the department to a modern records management approach that is easier for staff and the public to access," said Jeremy Johnston, Director of Planning and Development Services. "By digitizing thousands of files and creating a new system for incoming information, we'll improve productivity, enhance customer service, and support a more efficient development review process." 

This is the second time the City of Fernie has successfully secured funding through the Local Government Development Approvals Program, building on previous investments aimed at modernizing development approval processes and supporting housing delivery. 

"We have made significant progress in modernizing how residents and applicants interact with the City, and this funding allows us to build on that momentum," said Mayor Nic Milligan. "Digitizing decades of planning records will make information more accessible and help ensure our services evolve in step with the needs of our growing community. We are grateful to the Province of British Columbia and the Union of BC Municipalities for their continued investment.”

The project complements the City's implementation of Cloudpermit for planning and building permit applications, giving applicants the ability to submit applications, upload documents, and track progress online. Together, these initiatives represent another step toward a fully digital development approvals process.