A column by Bruce Uzelman
Fernie was founded on the potential of the emerging coal industry in 1898. William Fernie, a native of Scotland, arrived in B.C. in 1860 and prospected for gold for several years. Michael Phillips ventured from England to the Elk Valley, also in 1860. In 1873, Phillips embarked on a major gold prospecting trip. Instead, he discovered vast coal deposits, and the Crowsnest Pass.
The CPCC owned the townsite. William Fernie surveyed the town of Fernie in 1898. He became the CPCC’s land commissioner, and sold both commercial lots along Victoria Avenue and residential lots. Before 1899 ended, dozens of businesses lined Victoria Avenue. Fernie suffered devastating fires in both 1904 and 1908. Early morning, April 29,1904. A fire started in Richards General Store. In quick succession, it spread to Mitchell’s Taylor Shop, the Fernie Drug Store and the Victoria Hotel. The water system failed, incapacitating the fire fighters. Within hours the entire business district was wiped out. Sixty-five buildings on Victoria Avenue were obliterated.
The fire jumped the Elk River and encircled the city. Soon all of Fernie was aflame. The fire fighters directed residents to a few safe stone buildings. All others were forced to flee the city. Both CPR and Great Northern Railway trains shuttled terrified escapees through the flames enveloping the tracks. At the Elk River they disembarked, so the trains could return for those still trapped within the city.
The elegant stone and brick buildings on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Avenues and elsewhere have survived more than a century, and distinguish Fernie today as they did in 1910.
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