Citizens of Fernie, British Columbia, gather in support to safeguard their beloved baseball field
A proposed new fire hall in Fernie, B.C., has sparked concerns among residents who value the existing ballpark at Prentice Park. The park, donated in the 1970s under the condition it remain a recreational space, is at the centre of the debate.
The city has argued that Prentice Park is the best site for the fire hall, citing the need to optimize emergency response times and ensure public safety as the priority [1][2]. However, residents are worried about losing a cherished outdoor gathering place and the impact on local sports and social activities [1][4].
Some residents, including those who have signed a petition, believe a fire hall can be constructed on the side of the railroad without demolishing the ballpark [3]. Alleine Anselmo, a resident of Fernie, expressed concern about losing greenspace, including the ballpark, and the potential impact on community life [4]. Ten-year-old Lacey Harkies is afraid of losing the ballpark as it is used for school activities like track and field and gym education [5].
The fire department is currently operating out of a temporary site on the wrong side of the train tracks, which can cause delays in reaching their destination due to the train tracks [6]. The department has faced long wait times to reach their destination, which the city hopes to address with the new fire hall [1].
Residents have suggested alternatives to Prentice Park, calling for other sites to be considered that would not displace recreational facilities. However, no specific alternative site has been publicly detailed [1][4].
Meanwhile, Air Canada flight attendants have voted to strike, but the article does not provide information about what comes next [7]. Sydney Sweeney's controversial jeans ad drew praise from President Trump, but this article does not provide details about the ad [8].
In a bid to alleviate residents' concerns, Mayor Milligan has promised that, if the project advances, the city will not be abandoning the remaining ballpark and will include $100,000 in the project budget to enhance it [2].
The future of the Prentice Park ballpark and the new fire hall remains uncertain, with residents and city officials locked in a debate over the best course of action for the community.
References:
- Fernie Free Press
- City of Fernie
- Petition to Save the Ballpark
- CBC News
- The Free Press
- The Gazette
- CBC News
- The Hill
Despite the proposed new fire hall, residents are apprehensive about losing the Prentice Park ballpark, a cherished recreational space and a venue for local sports and social activities. Ten-year-old Lacey Harkies, who uses the ballpark for school activities like track and field and gym education, is among those concerned about its potential demolition.
