September 11, 2025
A Smarter Future for Wastewater: City of Nelson Seeks Public Input
The City of Nelson continues to seek resident input about the future location of the city’s aging water treatment plant through a new engagement opportunity on the Let’s Talk Nelson engagement portal. The information gathered from this survey, which is open until October 31, will help inform the Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP), a strategic document that will guide both infrastructure like the treatment plant, and the policies and programs that manage liquid waste.
Nelson’s wastewater treatment plan has served the community for over 50 years. But aging infrastructure, and new regulatory standards mean it's time for a major reinvestment. This stage of the LWMP planning is designed to inform residents about potential plant location sites and provide an opportunity for voting, comments, and feedback. Residents can also see the results of an initial survey that was conducted in 2024.
“This process is about more than pipes and pumps,” says Colin Innes, Director of Engineering, Capital Works & Special Projects at the City of Nelson. “it’s about clean water, a healthy Kootenay River, long-term affordability, and how we protect public spaces, ecosystems, and future growth.”
Residents can review the pros and cons of each of the long-listed sites, and how they compare to the two short-listed locations—the existing site at Grohman Narrows, and the former landfill site at 70 Lakeside Drive. Some of the considerations include whether the site is on city-owned property, its proximity to existing or proposed housing, and whether it is above flood plain elevation.
Residents can access the online survey at letstalk.nelson.ca/liquid-waste-management-plan. Paper copies are also available at City Hall and the Nelson Public Library.