You should call 911 for any emergency.

The use of 250-354-3919 for all non-emergency reporting helps to keep the 911 lines available for people reporting an emergency situation.

If you are unsure how serious an incident is, call 911 and they will advise whether or not to call the non-emergency number 250-354-3919.

Examples of Emergency 

Examples of calls to 911 for police:

• an event that involves an immediate threat to person or property (e.g. screams or shots fired)
• a substantive in-progress crime (e.g. fight, break and enter or impaired driving; this includes drug dealing if the suspect is on scene)
• a serious crime that has just occurred (e.g. sexual assault or robbery)
• a suspicious circumstance that may indicate an immediate criminal act (e.g. prowler, door-to-door salesperson who doesn't have proper identification, vehicle "casing" the neighbourhood)

Non-Emergency Examples

Examples of non-emergency calls for police:

• reporting a crime with no suspect (e.g. theft of license plate)
• reporting a non-emergency crime with suspect, but suspect is not on the scene (e.g. fraud)
• reporting a serious crime with suspect, but with a lengthy delay (e.g. assault that occurred last night at a bar)
• non-emergency incidents in-progress (e.g. noisy party, barking dog)
• ongoing crime issues, not in-progress (e.g. graffiti problems, or ongoing drug dealing with the suspect not on the scene)
• a suspicious circumstance that may indicate an on-going criminal activity (e.g. marijuana grow operation)

For information on how to obtain a Criminal Record Check or a Police Information Check, click here.

For information on how to get a copy of your Police record, click here.

Call 250-352-3103 to reach our office. We have someone answering the phones 24 hours a day. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call at 250-352-3103.

Generally, no, backyard burning is not allowed. At the discretion of the Fire Chief, however, a brief period of time may be opened up to the citizens to participate in a limited backyard burn, usually in spring. Intended to mitigate build-up of hard to remove fuel, it is not a guaranteed annual occurrence.

When backyard burning is allowed, citizens must come to the Fire Hall with a copy of their home insurance to apply for a temporary burn permit. Burning without a permit may result in a fine or a fee for service. Applicants must meet certain basic safety and burn material requirements prior to a permit being issued to an address. Once a permit has been issued, owners must call the fire hall prior to lighting their pile of yard debris. This helps establish if the day’s conditions are favourable for burning, and helps avoid the arrival of a fire truck to your address. There is a $10 fee for the permit, payable by cash or cheque at the fire hall.

For more information, please call 250-352-3103.

Look at your owner's manual. Usually this is the sign of a weak battery. For more information, please call 250-352-3103.

This time the answer is "No, with exceptions."

Campfires are not allowed within the city limits, including fires within manufactured appliances and backyard fireplaces. 

Campfires fueled by propane or natural gas are permitted as long as the appliance is CSA-rated and unmodified.

Special exemptions are subject to approval by the Fire Chief. See Bylaw 3268 for a list of exemptions. 

For more information, please call 250-352-3103.

Often the cause of these false alarms is spiders and insects in the detectors. Fruit flies are notorious for getting into the detectors. Use a vacuum to remove them. You may need to do this several times a year. For more information, please call 250-352-3103.

No. You should contact the City of Nelson's Building Department regarding installation guidelines for wood burning stoves and fireplaces.

No. Go to the BC Ministry of the Environment website for more information.

Fireworks are only permitted in the City of Nelson when used under the direction of a federally certified Display Fireworks Supervisor, and as permitted by the Fire Chief. Even the lighting small, family-sized fireworks is not allowed within city limits. In Nelson, fireworks have been known to cause serious personal harm and even house fires. If you want to see fireworks, Nelson's firefighters put on a professional show for the entire city's enjoyment every Canada Day (July 1st). For more information, please call 250-352-3103.

After regular work hours we answer the phones for certain City departments. If a call out to Public Works or Nelson Hydro is required, for instance, we dispatch them to the scene. In the case of Nelson City Police, when their phone lines are all in use the overflow is channeled to the fire hall's phones. For more information, please call 250-352-3103.

Check the Recruitment section of our site, or look for advertisements in the local newspapers. You are always welcome to call the fire hall at 250-352-3103 or come by to ask more questions about qualification requirements.

To have the electrical service at the address you are moving into transferred into your name, to have your account transferred from your existing location to the new location, or to close your electric account please call a Nelson Hydro Customer Service Representative at 250-352-8206 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or you can come directly to City Hall, or you can start the process online.

If terminating an account, please allow three working days' notice in advance of the date you want the service to cease. If the termination of service needs to involve removing electrical lines from a mobile home or building, please advise Nelson Hydro (the process may take longer).

Please note: An account is automatically terminated when an application for a new account is received from a new customer for that address. The registered customer is liable for all outstanding charges until the account is terminated. For more information, please call 250-352-8206.

Please provide as much advance notice as possible so that a meter reader can take readings at your old and new addresses and your closing and opening bills will accurately reflect your usage. Premises may be assumed to be vacant and subject to disconnection if we have not received an application for service. For more information, please call 250-352-8206.

Contact Nelson Hydro at 250-352-8240, Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. to apply for a new electrical service or an electrical upgrade. You will need to hire a licensed electrical contractor. Your contractor can call Nelson Hydro on your behalf, or you can call directly. All required permits and payments must be received by Nelson Hydro before your electricity can be connected and energized.

For a first-time electrical service to a vacant lot, a site visit is necessary. Before any construction can begin, all permits, payments and required easements, rights-of-way pr covenants must be in place.

Please note: Your legal land description can be found in the land title, mortgage papers or tax assessment information. If you rent the property, this information can be found on your lease agreement. Contact your landlord or check with City Hall if you are unable to find your legal land description. For more information, please visit Electric Services.

All meters are read bimonthly. With over 11,000 meters in the Nelson Hydro service territory, meter reading is completed in cycles. The number of days in your billing period may vary based on these cycles. Each billing period will be roughly 60 days and you will receive your bill approximately one week after your reading has been taken. For example, when you receive a bill in January, you are being billed for November and December consumption.

There are three ways to pay your bill:

• Through the online Hydro Portal
• Pre-Authorized Payment (PAP) from your bank account on the first or fifteenth of each month, customers can make payments based on actual usage, or an amount based on an average of consumption over the last twelve months
• In person at City Hall

If payments are not received on time, penalties will be applied. If your payment is not received within 30 days, you will receive an Overdue Notice with a penalty. If payment has not been received after 45 days from the initial bill, a Disconnect Final Notice will be sent, which allows for payment to be made within 5 days. If payment is still not received at this point, service will be disconnected.

If you believe that there may be issues with your meter reading, please contact a Nelson Hydro Customer Service Representative at 250-352-8206, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Power outages may be planned or unplanned. For safety reasons, there are occasions when Nelson Hydro must turn off the power intentionally in certain areas where construction, system upgrades, repairs and vegetation management are taking place. These outages are kept to a minimum and communicated in advance to minimize the impact on customers. Sign up for digital notifications here.

Unplanned power outages can happen for a variety of reasons, such as bad weather, motor vehicle accidents and even animals interfering with the equipment. Weather-related outages which include wind, snow and trees falling on lines are the most common sources of unplanned power outages in the Kootenays. Depending on the cause, some can be restored very quickly, while others can last a few hours or even a few days in the event of a major storm or emergency. 

To report a power outage or get the current outage status please call 1- 877-324-9376. This toll-free line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

First, verify that your entire house is out of power. You may have only blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker and need to check your service panel. Check to see if nearby streetlights are off, or find out if your neighbours are out of power.

If you have verified that the outage is not related to your own power source, turn off or disconnect any appliances you were using when the outage occurred. Leave one light on so you will know when power has been restored.

To learn more contact Nelson Hydro 24-hour toll-free at 877-324-9376 (877-32-HYDRO) for status updates.

Trees sometimes pose a danger to power lines and to our customers, and Nelson Hydro maintains a three-metre clearance from primary distribution power lines for public safety by removing or trimming trees as necessary.

Nelson Hydro does not trim around service lines to homes, which is the customer’s responsibility. You can hire a licensed arborist, or you can do the work yourself. You must contact Nelson Hydro and communications companies (such as phone and cable) to drop the service lines while the work is being done. Contact Nelson Hydro 250-352-8240 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

For more information see our Vegetation Management web page.

Stay at least 10 metres away from the downed power line. Watch for conductive materials like fences or water and secure the area. Do not touch or go near the wire; even if it is on the ground, it may still be live and could kill you. Contact Nelson Hydro (24-hour toll-free) at 877-324-9376 (877-32-HYDRO).

Nelson Hydro substations contain high voltage equipment of up to 63,000 volts. Even much lower voltages can jump through the air and reach you. Contact with high-voltage electricity can result in injury or death.

Knowing where these buried lines are before you dig can avert a major catastrophe. If you are planning a project that involves excavation near buried electrical cables, call BC One Call at 1-800-474-6886 to confirm the location of all underground utility services at your construction site. You must also contact City Operations to have water, sanitary and storm sewers located within the city limits.

Never touch the cable even if you think you have not caused any damage. Contact Nelson Hydro immediately (24-hour toll-free) at 877-324-9376 (877-32-HYDRO).

The City of Nelson Mayor and Council approve rates for the Nelson Hydro Urban Service Area and provide overall governance to the utility as a whole. Urban means areas within the City of Nelson. The British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) approves rates and rate-setting principles for the Nelson Hydro Rural Service Areas. Rural means areas outside of the municipal boundary and within the Regional District of Central Kootenay. For more information click here.

All bills are based on consumption, whether estimated or actual. The time of year, daylight hours, weather conditions, the efficiency of appliances and the hot water temperature setting in your home calm all affect your bill. Being energy-savvy keeps cost down! Billing period can range from 30 to 60 days, depending on a number of factors. For more information, please call 250-352-8206.

Nelson Hydro was established in 1892 and expanded to service rural area customers in 1922. 

Revenue and profits go directly back to the City of Nelson to provide safe, reliable electricity at a lower cost than the alternative of FortisBC. It also funds ongoing capital improvements such as the construction of the submarine cable connection for Harrop and at Lakeside to the Northshore, and into those many services that both rural and city residents enjoy such as parks, arts, and heritage street lights in the downtown.

There are 25 kilometres of transmission lines, 233 kilometres of distribution lines, and more than 5,000 power poles in the rural service area, more than double what is in the City. Therefore, it takes more resources to supply safe, reliable power to our rural customers than to our City of Nelson customers.

Our extensive Vegetation Management Program works year-round to reduce the impact of fallen trees and branches during windstorms. 

Rates for our customers vary, depending on their use. For example, homes that have access to natural gas for heating would have a lower electricity bill than those that use electricity for heating.

Based on an average use of 2,300 kWh of electricity bimonthly, a rural residential customer’s electric bill was $273.17 bimonthly in 2022. In 2023, this same customer’s bill would be $300.17 bimonthly. That is about $4.93 per day.

Yes! By reducing your energy use, you not only lower your electric bill, but also reduce the amount of power Nelson Hydro needs to purchase. Lower energy use benefits everyone.  

Check out the Energy Retrofit Program for energy-saving tips, energy evaluations, energy consumption monitors, infrared camera kits, and an infrared heat map of your home and learn how to save 30% and more on your energy bills. By using less energy, your personal impact on climate change is lessened.

On-bill financing refers to the loan service available through the City of Nelson for eligible energy efficiency upgrades or an E-Bike, and will be repaid by the Nelson Hydro customer on their utility bill. For more information, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager by calling 250-352-8132.

Applications are completed online at https://forms.office.com/r/mi7iTyLey1

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Own and live in the home within the City of Nelson
• Be enrolled in pre-authorized direct withdrawal payment for their residential Nelson Hydro electric bill [Note: if you are not currently enrolled in a pre-authorized payment plan (i.e., direct withdrawal), please work with a Customer Service Representative at City Hall or contact hydroclerk@nelson.ca to enroll.]
• Have their Nelson Hydro, Property Tax, and other residential utility accounts in good standing for up to two years
• Have two years of credit history, either with Nelson Hydro or another utility
• Have all persons listed on the residential land title authorize the loan
• Not be a commercial account or property

No. On-bill financing is optional for energy retrofits but mandatory for the E-Bike Program. For more information, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager at 250-352-8132.

• The maximum loan amount for an energy retrofit is $16,000 per household. The maximum loan amount for an E-Bike is $8,000 per household.
• Choice of 2, 5 or 10-year term (5-year renewal date)
• 3.5 % fixed interest rate (Interest rate subject to change at the beginning of each year)
• A $100 processing fee is charged for energy retrofit loans each time funds are dispersed to the Participant

For more information, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager at 250-352-8132.

On-bill financing can be used for any energy efficiency retrofits that are eligible for rebates, with the addition of water conservation–type toilets. Other items and costs that provide a positive energy or water reduction may be determined by the EcoSave Program Manager and may be considered eligible for on-bill financing. For more information, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager at 250-352-8132.

The loan will need to be paid in full upon the sale of the house. For more information, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager at 250-352-8132.

Yes, a loan can be paid off early or a lump sum can be applied at any time. For more information, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager at 250-352-8132.

The contractor is to be paid by the Participant. For more information, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager at 250-352-8132.

Yes. Only the material cost may be financed if the Participant is doing the work, not the labour cost. For more information, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager at 250-352-8132.

Yes. The program forms that need to be filled out have specific areas for contractors and/or Participants. For more information, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager at 250-352-8132.

Yes. It may be necessary to have more than one contractor complete different types of retrofits and at different times. There is a process for receiving progress payments if the work cannot be scheduled in the same time frame. A processing fee of $100 will be applied each time a request for payment is submitted. For more information, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager at 250-352-8132.

It will be based on the Nelson Hydro, Property Tax, and other residential utility accounts in good standing for up to 2 years and have two years of credit history, either with Nelson Hydro or another utility. For more information, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager at 250-352-8132.

The on-bill financing charge will form a component of the Nelson Hydro utility bill and will be subject to the normal utility collection procedures including service disconnects and addition of outstanding amounts to property tax. For more information, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager at 250-352-8132.

Yes, it is encouraged that work is completed within 6 months of applying for the loan. In certain situations, approval may be given after this time frame. For more information, please contact the EcoSave Program Manager at 250-352-8132.

No. Depending on the date, you can use an energy evaluation that was completed outside of the program; you will need to determine if you can still access the current rebate program. Home energy evaluations are encouraged for a number of reasons; however, in some cases approval is granted without one. Contact EcoSave Coordinator for approval. For more information, please call 250-352-8132.

You can find your Customer and Account number on the top right corner of your hydro bill.  The “Account Number” is the first 8 digits and the “Customer Number” is the 6 digits after the dash. 

When you first register for the online portal, the account number you use will be your primary account and will automatically be set to “paperless” billing. If you have multiple accounts, registering your primary account will not change the billing option for your secondary accounts. 

You will need to use the Manage Account ¹ screen to change paper or paperless billing options ² for all your accounts.

You can use the Manage Account screen¹ to change paper or paperless billing options² for all your accounts.

Yes, you can pay your bill using “Pay My Bill” ¹ or “Pay Now” ² links on the homepage of the Hydro portal. You do not need to register your account or sign in to pay your hydro bill. After you select Pay My Bill you will be required to enter your Customer ³ and Account ⁴ numbers which you can find on the top right-hand side of your hydro bill. You will then be directed to a secure payment website to finish the payment process. 

You will only be able to view hydro E-bills for your online registered accounts that have the “paperless” billing option selected. Bills that are created and sent as “paper” bills, either before or after registering the account, will not be available for viewing, downloading or printing on the online portal. On the Billing ¹ screen, if a “paperless” bill is available for download, there will be a download link in the eBill column ². 

No, signing up for hydroportal.nelson.ca will not change any of your current payment plans. If you are set up for Pre-Authorized Payments you can see what type of plan you are on as well as your next payment amount and draw date on the Transactions ¹ screen. This information is presented in the blue box ² located above the transaction records. If you would like to change your payment options please contact a Nelson Hydro Customer Service Representative.

Quite often website problems are due to unsupported or older web browsers. If you have trouble viewing a webpage, or the webpage doesn’t present information properly, please try using a different web browser. We suggest trying the latest version of one of these: Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome. 

 If you have any further questions or concerns, please give our Customer Service Representatives a call at 250-352-8206 and we will be happy to assist you.

In order to vote, a person must be:

• 18 years old or older; and
• A Canadian citizen; and
• A resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration, and
• A resident of the City of Nelson OR an owner of property in the City of Nelson at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration; and.
• Must not be disqualified by any enactment from voting in a Local Government Election or otherwise disqualified by law (currently incarcerated or having been convicted of election offenses). 

• A person is a resident of the municipality where the person lives. To answer the question, "Where do I live?" refer first to the address given on the driver’s license and on Income tax statements. It is also the place where one would register minor children for school.
• A person may not be resident in more than one municipality at a time.
• A person does not cease to be a resident by leaving for temporary purposes (ie. vacation, school).
• A resident does not have to own property. A resident may be a renter.

• A person is a non-resident property elector if they do not live in the municipality but instead own property in the municipality.

Only one of the owners may vote on behalf of the property as a Non-resident property elector. If the property is owned by more than one person, the majority of owners have to decide which of them wilt be voting on behalf of the property and complete the Consent form.

The land title proves both ownership and identifies how many people are on title. If there are more than one person on title, a written consent is required to designate one of the owners as the voter.

No, you must be a Canadian Citizen to vote.

Yes, if the requirements of a resident or non-resident elector are met.

No.

No. No person may vote more than one time in any election.

No. Only people can vote.

• Anyone who commits an election offence, such as voting more than once or signing a false statement, is liable to a fine of up to $5,000 and up to one year in prison.
• Anyone convicted of a more serious election offence, such as vote buying or intimidation could be subject to a fine of up to $10,000 and two years in prison.
• They may also be prohibited from holding office and voting in local government elections for up to six years.

• The police are responsible for investigating alleged election offences, and the Courts are responsible for adjudicating allegations, making decisions and imposing penalties.
• The Chief Election Officer has limited authority to enforce election rules, such as the authority to challenge the nomination of a candidate or the eligibility of an elector in the Courts, and to maintain order at voting places. The Chief Election Officer does not investigate alleged election offences or administer penalties.

Yes. The person translating for you must sign a solemn declaration before providing any assistance. Speak to the presiding election official at the voting place for further information.

• Yes. If you need assistance, an election official may assist you to vote. If you are caring for someone (e.g. a child or elderly relative) at the time you cast your ballot, the presiding election official may allow you to have that person in the booth with you.
• Anyone providing assistance to another elector is required to sign a solemn declaration before providing any assistance. Speak to the presiding election official at the voting place for further information.

Yes. You must sign a written statement and also sign a solemn declaration in order to assist someone to vote. Speak to the presiding election official at the voting place for further information.

If you believe someone has committed an election offence, contact your local police. The police are responsible for conducting an investigation and recommending to Crown counsel whether charges should be laid. Election offences are prosecuted through the judicial system. The Chief Election Officer does not investigate alleged election offences.

On June 1, 2020, Council approved the roll-out of a city-wide E-bike Program for residents with the goal of promoting active transportation, community wellbeing and reducing GhG emissions.  The E-Bike program aligns with the Province’s active transportation strategy titled “Move. Commute. Connect.” that aims to build a cleaner greener future for all British Columbians.

1) Apply online.
2) Nelson Hydro Reviews the Loan Application
               -Pre-Approval: Email Confirmation issued with Loan #, link to the Terms and Conditions, link to the online Reimbursement Form, and the next steps.
               -Denied: Email explaining why the loan application was denied.
3) Purchase e-bike(s) and accessories.
4) Complete the online Reimbursement Form and send digital copies of invoices
5) Final Approval with Email Confirmation
6) Reimbursement Issued
7) Loan Payments Start

Approval can take from one to two weeks.

City of Nelson residents who own and live in their homes.

The City of Nelson needs to secure the loan by tying the loan to property taxes in the event of a default, and there is no system in place in the case of default for renters.

The City of Nelson cannot loan funds to non-residents as per the BC Community Charter. The E-Bike program is administered by Nelson Hydro but it is a City of Nelson taxpayer supported program.

A cheque in the applicant’s name will be issued and mailed to the address provided when completing the online Registration Form.

It can take up to approximately 10 days to be reimbursed after receipts have been submitted.

The preferred method is to buy the equipment upfront and then you will be reimbursed. If this is not an option for you, please email the program manager to make alternate arrangements. Program Manager: ecosave@nelson.ca

Yes, but if you are not approved for the loan you will not be reimbursed.

To qualify for an E-Bike or Energy Retrofit loan through your Nelson Hydro bill, the Loan Applicant must:

• own and live in the home within the City of Nelson.
• be enrolled in pre-authorized direct withdrawal payment for their residential Nelson Hydro electric bill.

Note: if you are not currently enrolled in a pre-authorized payment plan (i.e. direct withdrawal), please work with a Customer Service Representative in person at City Hall or contact hydroclerk@nelson.ca to enroll.

• have their Nelson Hydro, Property Tax, and Other Utility residential accounts in good standing for up to 2 years. If there are several late payments or notices or actual disconnections then your application will not be approved.
• have two years of credit history, either with Nelson Hydro or another utility.
• have all persons listed on the residential land title authorize the loan.
• not be a commercial account or property.

Yes, you can apply once your payment history has improved, and we suggest the auto-withdrawal and/or the equalized payment option.

Any payment that you make on your Nelson Hydro bill will first be applied to the repayment of the loan, then second to the electrical consumption portion of your bill. If you default any payment of your electrical bill including the loan, the disconnect procedures will take effect.

Electric bikes, non-electric bikes, used bikes, and do-it-yourself conversion kits that will be used for commuting. It doesn’t have to be a ‘commuter’ style of bike, so long as you understand that the objective is to reduce GHG emissions by promoting active transportation.

There is no way for us to know this, so we are instituting the honour system and hope that the loan helps you to reduce the time you spend in your non-electric vehicle.

No, we have waived our usual $100 processing fee for on-bill financing.

The Participant may repay all or any part of the loan balance at any time.

Yes, a loan balance statement is emailed at the beginning of every calendar year. You can request your loan balance at any time by contacting hydroclerk@nelson.ca

PST Exemption

• As of April 21, 2021, the Provincial Sales Tax is no longer charged on most E-Bikes purchases. 

Scrap-It Program

• British Columbians who scrap a qualifying car or truck can receive a $750 rebate when they buy a new E-Bike. Visit scrapit.ca for more information.

• Please also be aware that instead of receiving an E-Bike credit, you may be able to get a $500 credit that can be used with the Kootenay Carshare Co-op.

Cargo E-Bike

• Business owners in B.C. with a valid business license, non-profit organizations, and public sector organizations can get up to $1,700 when they buy a cargo E-Bike. Learn more here.

Pre-treatment works by grinding and dehydrating household food waste, producing a dry, almost odor-free material that can be used as a soil amendment in your home garden. This process reduces the weight of food waste by approximately 70% to 75%.

The end product is dry and shelf-stable, making it easy to store at home until you are ready to use it in a home garden or drop it off at one of the public drop-off bins. Pre-treating food waste helps us keep food waste out of the landfill, and also reduce the likelihood of attracting wildlife to your curbside garbage. 

The program is open to all residents living in single-family homes within Nelson’s city limits, including both renters and homeowners. If you own a home but rent it out, your tenants can register themselves for a FoodCycler. 

At this time, residents of multi-family dwellings —such as apartment buildings, condos, or strata units—are not eligible except for one pre-selected building currently participating in a limited pilot project. If you are interested in future program opportunities for MFDs, you are encouraged to register online at nelson.ca/organicsregistration and join the waitlist so we can contact you if the program expands to other multi-family buildings. 

For Property Owners:  

If you are a property owner interested in learning how the program works for your rental property, please refer to our Landlord FAQs by clicking here. 

For Tenants:  

If you are a tenant curious about how the program will impact the property you rent, you can find information in our Tenant FAQs by clicking here. 

Participants receive training and educational materials when they pick up their appliance, along with a link to a 12-minute Program Tutorial Video. If you’ve moved into a home that already has a FoodCycler, complete a moving form or contact us at organics@nelson.ca for support. 

We’ve also launched a video series to help residents get the most out of their FoodCyclers at nelson.ca/organicsresources.

If you have accessibility needs, we’re happy to help. Residents can request a home drop-off of their FoodCycler appliance. Program staff can deliver the unit directly to your home, along with all necessary educational materials, and can assist with setup if needed. For any other accessibility-related questions or support, please contact us at organics@nelson.ca. 

No, the City of Nelson owns the FoodCycler appliance. This is outlined in Waste Management and Wildlife Attractant Bylaw No. 3198 (2011). Each FoodCycler is registered to the user and their civic address. If you move, the appliance must either be returned to City Hall or stay with the property, depending on what arrangements you made with program staff when you signed up. 

Residents are required to notify the program when moving in or out of a home.  

See FAQ #8: “I’m moving what do I do with my FoodCycler?”  

Removing or misusing the FoodCycler may result in replacement costs for the registered user. This bylaw helps ensure that FoodCyclers remain in the community, are used responsibly, and continue to contribute to the City’s waste diversion goals. Both homeowners and tenants are eligible for the program. This bylaw applies to both. See the  Waste Management and Wildlife Attractant Bylaw No. 3198 (2011) for more information. 

If your FoodCycler is producing odors during a cycle, it’s likely time to replace the carbon pellets, which filter odors while the unit is running. The carbon pellets should be changed approximately every 3–6 months. 

What to do: 

Replace the carbon pellets.  

When the pellets are no longer effective, odors can occur while the FoodCycler is running. Replace the carbon pellets to resolve this.   

Where to get carbon pellets: 

Nelson residents can pick up free replacement pellets at: Safeway (211 Anderson St) For best results, use the new pellets right away.  

What to do with used pellets: 

Do not process used pellets in your FoodCycler. Instead, dispose of them in one of the three community drop-off bins.  

Need more help? For step-by-step instructions on refilling your carbon: See page 8 of your program manual or Watch the Program Tutorial Video

Reset the carbon replacement indicator timer: 

After installing new pellets, reset the built-in carbon timer: Hold down the indicator light, located above the power button, for 6 seconds or until the unit beeps.

Note: You can reset the timer even if the indicator light is not currently active. 

If you're moving, it's important to notify the program as soon as possible. 

To do this, simply complete the Moving Form available on our Program Resource Page at nelson.ca/organicsresources. Once we receive your form, program staff will follow up with the next steps based on your situation. 

You can also notify us directly by emailing organics@nelson.ca.

If you no longer wish to participate in the program and would like to return your FoodCycler, please follow these steps: 

Notify program staff:

 Email us at organics@nelson.ca or call 250-352-TALK to let us know you intend to return your unit. 

It is the users responsibility to ensure that their FoodCycler is returned in good working order. Before returning, please ensure the following: 

• The unit is clean and wiped down 
• The FoodCycler is in working order (no damage, mold, or missing parts) 
• All components are included: 
  • Bucket 
  • Lid 
  • Power cable 
  • Program guide 

Returning FoodCyclers that contain food waste or mold, or have not been cleaned, may result in replacement costs as outlined in the Waste Management and Wildlife Attractant Bylaw No. 3198 (2011). This is important for the health and safety of staff and to keep appliances in good condition for future users.

Return location:

Bring the FoodCycler to SK Electronics, located at: 902 Front St, Nelson 

Open weekdays 8:30 to 4:30 

Wipe down your appliance: 

Before bringing your FoodCycler to SK Electronics, please take a moment to clean the appliance. A quick wipe-down helps the repair technician and ensures it is ready to be re-issued to the next user. Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated.   

Parking:

Parallel parking is available in front of the store entrance, on the right-hand side of the side-road off of Front Street. 

Be ready to provide:

• The name of the person who registered the appliance 
• A brief explanation for the return (including any issues with the unit, if applicable) 

Inspection and confirmation:

Staff will inspect the unit to confirm its condition. Once approved, you’ll receive an email confirming we’ve received your return. 

Need help using your FoodCycler instead? 

If you're not ready to return it and just need support or tips, we’re happy to help. 

Quick Tips Video Series

Email organics@nelson.ca or call (250) 352-8274. 

One of the key benefits of the FoodCycler program is access to a nutrient-rich soil amendment. 

It’s important to note that the by-product created by the FoodCycler is not compost and should not be used as a direct substitute for compost. Instead, it functions as a soil amendment, helping to enrich soil with nutrients and organic matter. 

Always follow the City of Nelson guidelines for using the material in your garden and preventing wildlife attraction, outlined in our Program Guide. 

We recommend adding 1 part amendment to 10 parts garden soil, or 1 part amendment to 20 parts garden soil if processing meat products through the FoodCycler, and mixing thoroughly to a depth of 6 inches. Allow the material to break down in the soil, and wait at least a week before planting.  

Are you a keen gardener, and ready for more detailed information about the soil amendment and how it can be used in your garden? For extra information, you can review Food Cycle Sciences’ Foodilizer Gardening Guide. Just remember that in order to amend your soil and avoid attracting wildlife, you  must always mix the material thoroughly into your garden to a depth of 6 inches.

The FoodCycler end product (soil amendment) has significantly less odor than wet food waste, which helps reduce the risk of attracting wildlife. However, it still has to be handled properly in the garden.  

Avoid attracting animals: 

Always store the soil amendment indoors in a sealed container until you’re ready to drop it in one of the drop-off bins or use it in your home garden. 

See FAQ #10 Is the soil amendment “Foodilizer” safe to use in my home garden? For how to mix it into your home garden without attracting wildlife.  

Participants can drop off their soil amendment at any of the three drop-off bin locations across the city. You can find the locations on our Drop-Off Bin Map. 

The lock combinations for these bins are printed on the back page of your Program Guide. Please keep the lock combination to yourself, to help prevent contamination in the drop-off bins. If you've misplaced your Program Guide or need assistance accessing the bins, feel free to contact us at organics@nelson.ca or call (250) 352-8255. 

You can also deposit used carbon pellets in the drop-off bins. Do not process the pellets through your FoodCycler. Simply deposit them in the drop-off bins. 

All materials collected at the drop-off sites are transported to the Regional Compost Facility in Salmo, where they undergo aerobic digestion to become high-quality Class A Compost. 

See our drop-off bin video for a refresher on using the bins (Using the Drop-off Bins for Soil Amendment) 

Each FoodCycler cycle uses approximately 1.5 kWh of electricity. On average, you’ll use about 1 kWh per kilogram of food waste processed. 

For a a two-person household using the FoodCycler regularly, that’s around $2 per month on their hydro bill.

Additionally, the City is powered by clean, hydro-electric power from Nelson Hydro’s Bonnington Dam, making the program even more environmentally friendly. 

Yes, this program is designed with sustainability and circularity in mind. Both the City and the manufacturer are committed to environmentally responsible practices throughout the program's lifecycle. This includes: 

• Comprehensive lifecycle analysis to evaluate the environmental impact of the appliance 
• Sustainability criteria integrated into the purchasing process 
• Emissions reductions by considering embodied carbon in the appliances and bins 
• Collaboration with local retailers to supply program accessories 
• Local repair program to extend the life of the appliances 
• Compostable refillable carbon filters to reduce waste 
• Modular design allowing for part replacements without discarding the entire appliance 

By incorporating these practices, the program aims to reduce environmental impact of waste management and support a more sustainable future. 

The Nelson Farmers Market is a community-focused public market operated by the City of Nelson that brings together local farmers, food producers, artisans, and community organizations in a welcoming, accessible space. The market is a proud member of the BC Association of Farmers Markets (BCAFM) and follows provincial best practices that prioritize locally grown and made products, transparency, and fairness for vendors and customers. The market also participates in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program, which helps improve access to fresh, healthy local food for community members while supporting local farmers. With a long-standing history in Nelson, the market continues to evolve to reflect community values, strengthen the local food system, and serve as a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

The Saturday Farmers Market runs from 9:00am to 2:00pm at Cottonwood Falls Park, beginning Saturday, May 16th and continuing weekly until Saturday, October 31st. The Wednesday Farmers Market runs from 10:00am to 2:00pm on the 600 block of Baker Street and at Hall Street Plaza, beginning Wednesday, June 3rd and running through Wednesday, September 30th.

For the 2026 season, the Wednesday Farmers Market is planned to operate on the 600 block of Baker Street and at Hall Street Plaza. There may be a short-term move to Cottonwood Falls Park at the start of the season due to construction on Josephine Street. The market’s goal is to return to Baker Street as soon as construction is complete. Any location updates will be shared clearly and promptly at www.nelson.ca/market.

Yes! Several special events are planned for the 2026 season, and planning is already underway. The Mother’s Day Garden Starter Market will take place on Sunday, May 10th, offering a fun and festive kickoff to the season, a perfect stop after Mother’s Day brunch to support local farmers and artisans. Two Summer Night Markets will return on Friday, July 24th and Friday, August 21st, bringing music, dancing, and evening energy to Baker Street. Harvest Fest will move to a Sunday this year to allow for improved layout and logistics and will take place on Sunday, September 20th on Baker Street.

The market is free for everyone! Community members are encouraged to come out, enjoy the atmosphere, and support local farms, artisans, food vendors, and live music.

The Nelson Farmers Market is a welcoming place to spend time, whether or not you plan to make a purchase. Saturday markets at Cottonwood Falls Park are a great spot to relax in the shade, enjoy the fresh air, and listen to live local music. Wednesday markets offer a chance to stroll through downtown, take in the murals and street life, and connect with the community — all with no expectation to spend money.

The Nelson Farmers Market runs rain or shine, so don’t let a little weather stop you from supporting local! In the event of extreme or unsafe weather, updates will be shared on the market website and social media channels.

The best way to stay up to date is by visiting www.nelson.ca/market and following the City of Nelson and Nelson Farmers Market on social media. Updates on market days, locations, special events, and any changes will be shared regularly through these channels. 

The Nelson Farmers Market is on Instagram and Facebook.

HomeSave is a free home energy retrofit support program for residents of the RDCK and participating member municipalities. It helps you understand how your home uses energy and where upgrades can make the biggest difference.

Formerly known as the Regional Energy Efficiency Program (REEP), HomeSave now also offers rebates that complement existing provincial and utility programs. In partnership with Nelson and District Credit Union (NDCU), eligible participants can access financing for retrofit projects. Nelson Hydro customers within the City of Nelson may also be eligible for on-bill financing.

No. There is no cost to register for HomeSave or to receive general retrofit guidance and support with third-party rebates.

There is a cost to complete EnerGuide Home Energy Evaluations before and after upgrades if you wish to access HomeSave rebate. Subsidies for these evaluations are available while funding lasts.

To access HomeSave rebates and financing, the home must be a year-round primary residence that is at least 12 months old. Eligible homes include single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, row homes, townhouses, suites, and manufactured homes on a permanent foundation with a metered utility service.

Retrofits must be within the existing building footprint and conditioned living space. New additions, off-grid properties, outbuildings, garages, workshops, and secondary or accessory structures are not eligible.

Yes, as long as the home is a year-round primary residence. HomeSave and some provincial rebate programs allow renter participation with landlord permission using the required landlord consent form.

Other third-party rebate programs may have different eligibility rules. It is also a good idea for renters and landlords to confirm how upgrade costs and rebates will be handled. For financing, tenants can apply for an NDCU loan. For Nelson Hydro on-bill financing, the property owner must apply since the loan is tied to the property.

Getting started is simple. Follow the link below and complete the short intake form. Once you register, a HomeSave advisor will follow up to help you understand your options and next steps.

Register here.

After you register, a HomeSave advisor will contact you to discuss your home and goals. They can explain the retrofit process, outline potential upgrades, and guide you through EnerGuide evaluations, rebates, and financing options.

Advisors can help review quotes and provide support throughout your retrofit journey. While they offer guidance based on best practices, advisors are not building science professionals and do not conduct home visits. Homeowners should consult qualified professionals for technical advice.

No. Registering for HomeSave does not obligate you to complete any upgrades. You can explore your options, receive guidance, and decide what makes sense for you and your home.

Anyone within the RDCK can contact HomeSave for general advice and answers to questions about home energy upgrades.

Eligibility requirements apply only to the HomeSave rebate and financing offers. Even if you are not eligible, our team can often help point you toward other programs, rebates, or resources that may still support your goals.

Information collected through the program is used for program delivery, reporting, and evaluation. Data shared for reporting purposes is anonymized and aggregated.

To arrange an EnerGuide evaluation, participant contact and property information is shared with CLEAResult, the EnerGuide evaluation service provider. Personally identifiable information is not shared beyond what is required to deliver program services.

Yes. A pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide Home Energy Evaluation is required to access HomeSave rebates and financing.

If you are not planning to use HomeSave rebates or financing, an EnerGuide evaluation is not required. Some third-party rebate programs may also have different requirements. Your HomeSave advisor can help clarify what is needed for each program.

To qualify, you must register for HomeSave and meet program eligibility requirements. A HomeSave advisor will confirm eligibility and help refer you for a subsidized EnerGuide evaluation.

Subsidy funding is limited. If funds are fully allocated, you may still participate by paying for the evaluation out of pocket.

HomeSave works with a recommended program partner, CLEAResults, to complete EnerGuide evaluations. Your advisor can help support booking and review the results with you once the evaluations are complete.

The evaluation provides useful insight into how your home uses energy and which upgrades are likely to have the greatest impact. It is recommended even if you do not plan to access HomeSave rebates.

Possibly. Please contact HomeSave to discuss your situation.

In some cases, a previous EnerGuide evaluation may be accepted if the home has not changed since the evaluation was completed and the report accurately reflects the upgrades being considered. Approval is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

HomeSave can be used on its own, but participants are encouraged to combine it with other provincial or utility programs where possible to maximize total savings. This is often referred to as “stacking” rebates.

Your HomeSave advisor can help explain how different programs work together.

The NDCU loan ranges from $5,000 to $40,000.

The interest rate is NDCU Prime plus 0.5%, with a five-year term and a ten-year amortization period.

Yes. Financing is optional.

You do not need to take out a loan to receive HomeSave guidance, complete an EnerGuide evaluation, or access the HomeSave rebate.

Loan approval is determined by the lender and subject to standard credit assessments.

HomeSave staff can help explain the process, but all loan decisions are made directly by the lending institution.

Upgrades that reduce your home’s energy use and greenhouse gas emissions can help improve your pre- and post-retrofit results and may be eligible for a rebate. The only exception is a stand-alone natural gas furnace upgrade, which is not eligible.

All approved upgrades must collectively achieve at least a 20 percent reduction in energy use to qualify for a HomeSave rebate. Smaller measures on their own, such as minor air sealing or installing a programmable thermostat, are unlikely to meet this threshold without additional upgrades.

Related non-energy measures, such as health, safety, or climate resilience improvements, may be included when completed alongside energy retrofits.

Examples of eligible energy retrofits include windows and doors, insulation, space and water heating systems, solar PV and batteries, air sealing, and programmable thermostats.

No. To be eligible for HomeSave rebates or financing, you must register and receive approval before starting work. Starting upgrades or completing work before the EnerGuide evaluation may make them ineligible.

Yes. HomeSave advisors can help you understand which upgrades are most impactful and how they work together. This guidance is based on your EnerGuide evaluation, your home, your budget, and your goals.

Some upgrades, such as insulation, windows, and doors, can be completed as DIY projects. In these cases, only material costs are eligible for rebates; labour costs are not.

Mechanical systems, including heating, electrical upgrades, and solar grid connections, must be installed by qualified professionals. Some third-party rebate programs may not allow DIY work, so using registered professionals may be required if you plan to stack rebates.

No. HomeSave does not require you to use specific contractors to access the HomeSave rebate.

If you plan to combine HomeSave with other rebate programs, those programs may require approved or qualified contractors. Your HomeSave advisor can help direct you to the appropriate contractor lists.

No. Stand-alone natural gas heating systems are not eligible for HomeSave rebates.

A dual-fuel system that combines a heat pump with a gas furnace is eligible and provides a more efficient option, along with added cooling in summer.

No. All equipment must be purchased new from Canadian suppliers or Canadian-based online retailers.

The impact on insurance or property value depends on the type of upgrade and your insurer’s policies. Some upgrades may reduce insurance costs, while others could increase replacement value. It is best to confirm with your insurer.

Energy efficiency upgrades can also increase comfort, reduce utility costs, and may increase property value over time.

You have 12 months from approval to complete your approved upgrades. In exceptional circumstances outside your control, extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Rebates are paid after approved upgrades are completed, the post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation confirms the required energy savings, and all required documentation has been submitted.

Rebate payments are typically issued within 30 days once documents are approved.

No. Participants are responsible for submitting their own rebate applications.

HomeSave does not submit rebate applications on your behalf for either HomeSave or third-party programs. Advisors can help review requirements and answer questions.

Rebates cannot exceed the total cost of your approved upgrades. If you receive rebates from other programs, those amounts are applied first, and the HomeSave rebate is calculated on the remaining eligible project cost.

In most cases, yes, especially over time. Some upgrades may not result in immediate monthly savings, particularly if financing is used.

When considering payback, it is important to account for rising energy costs. Assuming energy prices remain static can underestimate the long-term value of energy efficiency upgrades. Many upgrades also improve comfort, durability, and long-term energy resilience.