Gateway project seeks support

The Gateway project in Fernie, B.C., is a work in progress.

Andre Labine has kicked off discussions on behalf of the Gateway project in Fernie. His conversations with local business owners are continuing. — Breanne Massey photo

Andre Labine, the manager of what is now known as the Gateway project in Fernie, B.C., took over the task last summer. Labine said that taking over the initiative has been difficult, but his goal is to refocus the project by raising awareness about what a facility like Gateway could offer to the community of Fernie.

“It’s a celebration of all of the components of the Elk Valley,” Labine said.

The Gateway project hopes to offer facilities to educate locals and visitors about the culture and traditions with the Ktunuaxa Nation; other components include a Rocky Mountain Grizzly Centre, a Visitor and Business Opportunity Centre and a coal mining exhibit. The local Oil Derrick Society and the Canadian Avalanche Centre also expect to be involved. The project will have additional resources for people to gain a better understanding about how each of these aspects is integral to the residents of Fernie, why and how people can co-exist with each of them.

Labine is initiating conversations with business owners in Fernie in attempt to gain both moral and financial support. For more information about the project, please contact Labine directly.