The history of Fernie begins with its remarkable geology, which put the community on the map in the late 1800s with the discovery of rich coal seams. More than 100 years later, the town’s fortunes still depend on the mining industry for its past, present and future economic strength. But it’s not the industry that made the town—it’s the miners themselves who have built Fernie’s foundations.

To that end, the City of Fernie is in the planning stages of installing an outdoor exhibit on the grounds of City Hall that will tell the story of mining in the Elk Valley.

Mary Giuliano is one of the members of the Miners Walk Exhibit Steering Committee, the organization behind the installation. Giuliano is thrilled by the backing the project is getting from the City and the community.

“I’ve always wanted something like this for Fernie because I’ve lived here almost my whole life and I love Fernie,” she said.

Coming together

Giuliano said project manager Lorne Perry helped create a cohesive visual concept of the walk, which will include a multi-segmented optical illusion sculpture by Calgary artist Jeff de Boer. The piece will depict the head of a miner, which requires the viewer to move about the grounds to what Perry called the “sweet spot,” where the separate sections align to create a completed, comprehensive image.

At this point, the committee is working closely with the City towards the goal of completing the installation some time in 2012. In the meantime, Giuliano said the organization is seeking funding for the project through donations and grants. The goal is to raise $130,000, and Guiliano said they are approximately three-quarters of the way to meeting their objective.

“We have received huge support from Teck Coal,” said Giuliano. “We have received support from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. (East Kootenay MLA) Bill Bennett gave us a wonderful letter of support (that ensured ministerial attention).”

Giuliano said many local businesses and organizations have stepped in with funding, in-kind donations or pledges of support, including the Columbia Basin Trust and the Regional District of East Kootenay. Additionally, a fundraiser that involves selling individual bricks that will bear the name of the donor will be available in the spring. 

For more information, email Giuliano.