Fernie Chamber Announces Winners for the 2026 Business Excellence Awards
The 2026 Fernie Business Excellence Awards were held on October 15 at Cirque Restaurant. The sold-out event brought together the Fernie community to celebrate the outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals who help make Fernie such a special place to live, work, and do business.
Local emcee Sadie Rosgen kept the evening lively with her energy, humour, and signature sparkle. Opening remarks were delivered by Mayor Nic Milligan and Chamber Chair Simon Howse, followed by the awards ceremony recognizing this year’s deserving winners and finalists. Guests also enjoyed an incredible dinner and warm hospitality from the Cirque team.
Many of this year’s award recipients have been part of Fernie’s business community for years, reflecting the longevity and resilience of local businesses and organizations. Several celebrated impressive milestones, including Polar Peak Books (33 years), Yamagoya Sushi (23 years), Giv’Er Shirt Works (23 years), Patti Party Rentals (22 years), the Emily Brydon Youth Foundation (20 years), and The Fernie Fix (20 years). These milestones reflect the dedication, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit that help keep Fernie’s business community thriving.
Another theme that emerged throughout the evening was the strength of women-led businesses and the importance of peer mentorship, collaboration, and supporting one another. These connections help build a stronger, more connected business community.
It was a wonderful evening celebrating this year’s winners and finalists, and a reminder of what makes Fernie such a special community.
The Fernie Chamber extends its sincere thanks to everyone who submitted a nomination, as well as all nominees, finalists, and award winners.
Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Elk Valley Resources; Welcome Sponsor, Cameron Enterprises; and Shuttle Sponsor, Tunnel49. Award Sponsors: the City of Fernie, College of the Rockies, Elk Valley Resources, Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie Brewing Company, Peacock Hospitality, FortisBC, Island Lake Lodge, Pattison Media, StellerVista Credit Union, Timber Benefits, and Tourism Fernie. Supporting Sponsors: Cirque Restaurant, The Fernie Fix, and Columbia Basin Trust.
Your support and investment in the local business community help make events like this possible and contribute to a thriving Fernie.
2026 FERNIE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS
Citizen of the Year – Sponsored by the City of Fernie
• Aysha Haines
Community Group of the Year – Sponsored by Fortis BC
• Emily Brydon Youth Foundation
New Business of the Year – Sponsored by Fernie Alpine Resort
• Kamu Sauna
Community Tourism Achievement – Sponsored by Tourism Fernie
• The Fernie Fix
Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Peacock Hospitality
• Giv’Er Shirt Works
Environmental Sustainability – Sponsored by Fernie Brewing Co.
• Wapiti Music Festival Society
Businessperson of the Year – Sponsored by College of the Rockies
• Laura Frost & Jessica Riley | Spa 901
Outstanding Customer Service – Sponsored by StellerVista Credit Union
• Yamagoya Sushi
Youth Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Island Lake Lodge
• Vogue Theatre
Chamber Business Legacy Award – Sponsored by Pattison Media
• Patti’s Party Tent Rental
Fernie Business of the Year – Sponsored by EVR
• Polar Peak Books
Peoples Choice Award – Sponsored by Timber Benefits
• Western Financial Group
