We, the undersigned supporters, call on the City of Fernie Council to save Prentice Park (Servello Field, 1500 5th Ave) and remove it from consideration as the site for a new firehall.

While we agree Fernie needs a new firehall, it must not come at the cost of one of our most cherished and legally protected green spaces.

 
Background
Prentice Park is more than just a field. It is land given to the City with a covenant requiring it to be used as a public park and recreational facility. This covenant includes a possibility of reverter—meaning the land could legally revert back to Shell Canada ownership if it is used for anything other than recreation.

This was the clear intent of the donors, families, and community leaders—including the Prentice and Wilson families—who were instrumental in securing and protecting this land for future generations. Those families are now on record as opposing the firehall being built on Prentice Park.

Shell Canada, who holds the covenant interest, has not given a position on whether they will sign off on releasing the possibility of reverter. Until this is clarified, the risk of building a firehall on Prentice Park remains unresolved.

 
Concerns

• Loss of Parkland: Prentice Park is an active recreational space, used regularly by adult ball leagues and community groups. Once parkland is lost, it is gone forever.
• Legal Uncertainty: The covenant and its possibility of reverter create real risks for the City if it proceeds. Building a firehall here could trigger legal complications that threaten the City’s clear ownership of the land.
• Community Opposition: At open houses, surveys, town halls, and council meetings, citizens have consistently voiced strong opposition to using Prentice Park for the firehall.
• Alternatives Exist: Other sites are available for consideration that would allow Fernie to build a firehall while protecting Prentice Park. 

Our Request
We respectfully urge the City of Fernie Council to:

• Remove Prentice Park from consideration as a firehall site.
• Protect the covenant and honour the wishes of the Prentice, Wilson, and other families who worked to safeguard this land.
• Evaluate alternative sites that meet public safety needs without sacrificing protected recreational space.
• Respect community voices by upholding the values of transparency and accountability in this important decision.

Conclusion
We are not anti-firehall — we are pro-community. Fernie can and must have both: a modern firehall and the preservation of Prentice Park as a recreational hub for generations to come.

By saving Prentice Park, City Council will honour the community’s heritage, respect the donors’ intent, and avoid legal and social conflicts that will otherwise divide our city.