1. Paul Attala I strive to take business, volunteering and adventure sports to the next level. Working with my patients at the chiropractic office, finding time to race competitively in mountain biking and kayaking, and founding the Ghostrider Kids Camp are all a part of this. I was actively involved in raising funds for the Women’s Resource Centre. My family and I are very proud to call Fernie home.
What gets me up in the morning? 6:30 a.m. at the Attala household—"Daddy milkies." I have a passion to live life to the fullest—whether it is family, work or play.
2. Matt Brazeau
I left Ottawa to become a ski bum in Fernie 10 years ago, and quickly realized it wasn’t enough. In December of 1999, I opened the Eldorado Lounge with my partner to help expand Fernie’s cultural appeal. I worked hard to bring in diverse and talented acts. Big Sugar, BC/DC, Jelly Jazz, Sweatshop Union, and many others travelled to Fernie the six years we operated. Now, when I see big names at the Royal, the Northern and the Central on a Friday night, I can’t help but feel happy that Fernie’s music scene is still growing. I continue to be involved in this development, volunteering when I can.
What gets me up in the morning? The need for quiet time and a cup of tea before heading to the Brick House. 3. Casey Brennan
I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, and moved to Fernie in1990. From the beginning I have tried to be actively involved in community. My volunteer work with Wildsight, a leading local environmental organization, during the '90s led to a fulltime position in 2003. I have travelled to many other places in the world and have never felt a connection to the land like I do here. This is an amazing corner of our planet and we are so lucky to live in an area that continues to support such a rich natural heritage. I am honoured to be able to provide for my family while helping to find a balance between our community and nature.
What gets me up in the morning? My kids. 4. Emily Brydon
Born in the Fernie Hospital, I am proud to be a true Fernieite. I always keep ties with Fernie while my ski racing takes me around the world. I am so proud to be from this notorious community that I promote it wherever I go.
Writing a column in the Free Press for the last 10 years and now in the Fernie Fix allows me to show residents how much they have helped me to get to where I am today. I also take part in charity functions and support skiers whenever I am home. Last summer I started the Emily Brydon Youth Foundation, which supports local kids at any age who want to experience the sport of skiing.
What gets me up in the morning? The anticipation of what the day will bring. 5. Amy Chris
I moved to Fernie in 1999 to take the MAST program and ended up staying to become a paramedic and, in 2004, a volunteer ski patroller. I volunteer my services with many local organizations such as the Elk Valley P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth) program, the charity tree at Park Place Lodge, Tim Horton’s camp days, McDonald’s McHappy days, the annual Ambulance Charity Drive for the Salvation Army, the Christmas Kettles and the Angel Tree. I enjoy coaching youth soccer, and in 2004 my husband and I began a dog-sledding business.
What gets me up in the morning? My love for being a part of everything around me, whether it’s my community, my environment, or the people (and dogs) in my life. 6. Troy Cook
I am passionately involved in the arts in Fernie. As head of the concert committee at the Arts Station, I book all the music for the council. Back in the day, I was the driving force behind the Gathering at Island Lake Lodge, growing in popularity each year it was held. When the opportunity arises, I enjoy entertaining with my band at various venues and events and we offer our talents to many concerts held in Fernie. It is very rewarding to be involved in the community, whether it is through my art, the various committees I work with, or the kids I give guitar lessons to.
What gets me up in the morning? The possibility that today might be the day I meet an alien.
7. Simon Croome I don't think I'm different from anyone else. I just want to live in Fernie and earn a living, leaving the big city mentality behind. Why did I start OurFernie? I suppose because I believe in it and because I could.
What gets me up in the morning? Sachiko (my soon-to-be-wife) makes me. I've never been good at mornings.
8. Vanessa Croome
Starting the Fernie Fix with my business partner Krista has been a great experience. We wanted to create a newsmagazine to showcase all of the exciting people and businesses that make Fernie what it is. Each month I look forward to sitting down with all the articles, images and ads that have been compiled over the previous weeks and lay them out to create the new Fix. Knowing that the Fix is appreciated and welcome each month is extremely rewarding. I also have a personal commitment to OurFernie and have been a small part of it since its creation.
What gets me up in the morning? The alarm clock or the cartoon channel—the alarm clock is a bit easier on my ears. 9. Dawn Deydey
Since 1997, Fernie's mountains have held me; inspired me to help create the Mountain Market; enchanted me to co-ordinate the creation of the Community Eco Garden; empowered me to work together to organize Advocates for Local Living; encouraged me in creating an environmental education series with Wildsight; sweetly awakens me to my beautiful son, Kai, and my soulmate, Jason; delights me with my true friends and caring for the community; and challenges me to continue to work towards my dreams.
10. Marella Falat
Fernie, being small, didn't used to offer much for the young activist—you needed to create your own vision and fly with it. My little dream was to clean up our beautiful town and I did it through the development of an annual project called Trash Bash, which is now sustainable with amazing community support. I have also been involved in other active community groups including being one of the founders of Advocates for Local Living. For Fernie I envision great things. Each day I hear about more inspiring people doing fantastic things to make our town a healthier and happier place to live.
Right now what wakes me up in the morning is the warm Mexican sunshine and the marimba band playing in the zocalo. Back to intro | 1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-40
Key Fernie contacts
Elk Valley Coal Corporation Our company is a global leader in the production and sale of hard coking coal...a relatively uncommon mineral that is essential in the production of steel. With six mines in two Canadian provinces, more than 3,000 employees and a business focused on supplying world steel producers, our company is strongly positioned in a very competitive market.
The Fording River operation is located in the Elk Valley region of southeastern British Columbia, 29 kilometres northeast of the town of Elkford. The minesite is comprised of 20,304 hectares of coal lands of which 3,592 hectares are currently being mined or are scheduled for mining.
Elk Valley Coal Corporation - Fording River Operations PO Box 5000 Elkford, BC PHONE: (250) 865-5103
WEBSITE:
We make your house a home A family owned and operated business, the Bedroom Furniture Galleries has 20,000 square feet of unique showroom space. Whether you're searching for sofas and love seats, tables and chairs or mattresses, dressers, lamps, mirrors and other home accents, the Bedroom Furniture Galleries has beautiful furnishings for every room in your home. We offer a 60-day home comfort guarantee on everything we sell. If you're not completely happy with your purchase let us know and we'll be glad to find you something else or refund your money.
The Bedroom Furniture Galleries 813 Baker St Cranbrook, BC PHONE: (250) 426-2316
WEBSITE:
Freedom. Comfort. Peace of mind. When was the last time you leapt a tall building in a single bound? Unless you like spandex, capes and an undisturbed moment in a phone booth, you probably need insurance. Falkins is proud to offer the same great professional service we've provided to the Kootenay region for more than 100 years. Visit us anytime to talk about your insurance needs. With or without your cape.
Falkins Insurance Group Ltd 907 Baker St. Cranbrook, BC PHONE: (250) 426-2205
WEBSITE:
Teck Cominco Metals Ltd. Teck Cominco is a diversified mining company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The company is a world leader in the production of zinc and metallurgical coal and is also a significant producer of copper, gold and specialty metals.
Teck Cominco is committed to creating value for its shareholders while continually improving its performance as a responsible corporate citizen and a leader in its industry. The company pursues development of new technologies that make mining more economically and environmentally sustainable and strives to be a Partner of Choice wherever it operates and with whomever it is associated.
Teck Cominco Metals Ltd Trail, BC PHONE: (250) 364-4113
WEBSITE:
You can do it. We can help. Whether you need hardware and building supplies, kitchen cabinets, lighting fixtures, hardwood flooring, window coverings, floor coverings, appliances or equipment rental, The Home Depot has got you covered. We provide our customers with outstanding services, as well as convenience, value, quality, and product and project know-how.
The Home Depot Canada 2000 Mcphee Rd Cranbrook, BC PHONE: (250) 420-4250
WEBSITE:
Cummins Western Canada Cummins products can be found in nearly every type of vehicle, from the heavy-duty diesel-powered trucks that travel the world's highways, to tractors that till the soil, large trucks that carry natural resources from the mine and vessels that travel the waterways. Cummins-built generators supply both prime and auxiliary power around the globe. Filters and related products help engines run cleaner and more efficiently. A network of distributors provide repair and maintenance service for customers worldwide.
Cummins Western Canada Sparwood, BC
WEBSITE:
The Cat Rental Store 705 Douglas Fir Rd Sparwood, BC PHONE: (250) 425-2469 WEBSITE: www.catrents.ca
MQN Architects 102-3301 24 Ave Vernon, BC PHONE: (250) 542-1199
