Fernie is situated in the Elk Valley in the southeast corner of British Columbia in the East Kootenays. The community is situated on Highway 3 (Crowsnest Highway), a major corridor linking Alberta and British Columbia through the Crowsnest Pass. This area is known for its world-class recreational activities.

Fernie was incorporated as a municipality in 1904. Much of the heritage housing still standing today was constructed during the coal boom in the early part of the century. The 1970’s and the early 1980’s saw another construction boom resulting in more residential growth in the area.

The economy of Fernie is slowly moving away from resource extraction to a more diversified economy. That said, the mining industry remains strong in the area employing an estimated 60% of the permanent population in the Fernie/Sparwood area. Recent growth in the area has been related more to Fernie’s shift to being considered a world class ski and resort destination.

Keystone Appraisals regularly completes both commercial and residential assignments in the Fernie area.