The Community Services Assessment (CSA) is a legal encumbrance listed on the title of most properties within the Fernie Alpine Resort community. It is officially known as and is listed on title documents as the “Rent Charge”.
The CSA is funded by ski hill residents and property owners to cover services “similar to those provided by a municipality”. Examples of annual CSA expenditures include fire protection (fire hydrant system), snow removal and pathway maintenance, ski-out and cross-country trail grooming (e.g. Silk), garbage disposal, street lights, summer landscaping, and tennis court maintenance.
In addition, community improvement projects (“Special Projects”) are also funded from time to time, such as building new pathways, and implementing traffic safety initiatives. These are usually initiated by the Fernie Snow Valley Community Association (FSVCA).
RCR (via FAR Utilities Corporation) also separately charges ski hill residents and itself for Water and Sewer services:
• Generally on a cost recovery basis
• For homeowners, assessed based on the number of estimated bedrooms in each residence
• The water tariff is regulated by the BC Comptroller of Water Rights
• The sewer tariff mirrors the water tariff structure
Residents of FAR typically pay the CSA annually. RCR also pays the CSA on its ski hill properties (e.g. Lizard Creek, Day lodge, Cornerstone, Slope Side). Only the original houses on Timberline Crescent (excepting 2 homes) and the Griz Inn are not subject to the CSA. All new houses in Lower Timber Landing, Timberline and Polar Peak and Timberline strata's are subject to the CSA.
The CSA is assessed as a percentage of the home/condo assessed value up to a maximum of 0.40% of the assessed value of the property.
The CSA is governed by a five member committee comprised of two RCR representatives, and three ski hill residents as elected by the FSVCA. Four out of five votes (super-majority) are needed to approve any motion.
The CSA Council has worked in an open and cooperative manner for over 20 years.
Additional information about the CSA can be found on the Fernie Alpine Resort website at https://skifernie.com/community-services-rent-charge/
Information from FAR about utilities can be found on the Fernie Alpine Resort website at https://skifernie.com/utility-services/