Here are the highlights from the September 9 City Council meeting.
Following a public hearing directly before the Regular council meeting, councillors voted unanimously to approve Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 3629, 2025. Council passed a motion to amend some of the language in section 4.9 to clarify intent.
Council voted to adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment (Official Community Plan Update) 3626, 2025; Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment (Official Community Plan Update) 3627, 2025. The proposed amendments include housekeeping matters and the introduction of fines, to a maximum of $500 for “failure to obtain” and “non-compliance with” a Heritage Alteration Permit.
Council adopted Development Application Procedures Amendment (Official Community Plan Update) Bylaw No. 3628, 2025 which introduces a new policy tool, Development Approval Information, a specific mechanism established under section 485 of the Local Government Act, which allows municipalities to create bylaws specifying what information developers need to submit to ensure development proposals are consistent with the City’s strategic directions and priorities as outlined in the OCP. The information provided in a DAI report helps to ensure that potential community impacts of proposed developments are understood and considered prior to City Council or City staff making a decision.
Council adopted the Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3645, 2025 which simplifies the fee structure for Short-Term Rental (STR) guest room licences, streamlining the application process, and ensures greater clarity and flexibility for licence holders.
The draft 2026 council meeting calendar and the draft 2026 acting mayor schedule were presented and referred back to staff for revision.
Council approved the Fire Dispatch Service Agreement with the Regional District of Fraser Fort George to provide outsourced fire dispatch services. As a current provider of this service to the Regional District of Central Kootenay, this arrangement improves coordination and communication in adjacent response areas. Additionally, the new service will enable Nelson Fire & Rescue Services (NFRS) to optimize the use of its fire suppression resources and budget by outsourcing fire dispatch functions.
Council received the Q2 Purchasing Report, Building Permit Statistics for the period August 1-31, 2025, and the AP Cheque Listing Summary for August 2025.
The council meeting was adjourned at 10:15 pm. Residents are welcome to review the Council agenda or watch a recording of the meeting or the public hearing.