February 10, 2026 

Here are the highlights from the February 3, 2026 Regular Council meeting.

Council discussed several draft resolutions to bring forward at the upcoming Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Governments (AKBLG) annual general meeting held in April. These resolutions serve as one of the methods by which municipal governments can share concerns and ideas with different levels of government. Council agreed to submit resolutions on the topics of: simplifying tax reporting requirements for renting a room or secondary suite within a primary residence; requesting federal and provincial governments establish accountability standards for online marketplace platforms in order to reduce fraud and improve online safety; requesting federal and provincial governments pass legislation establishing a clear duty of care for digital platforms to protect users from exploitation and foreign interference; and directing UBCM to conduct a study related to municipal procurement processes as it relates to municipal government contracts and cost escalations out of line with inflation.

Resolutions that pass at the AKBLG AGM are presented at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Annual Convention each year.

Council passed a resolution to allow a Development Variance Permit (DVP) to the Nelson Leafs Hockey Society that will allow the Society to add an additional two shipping containers at the recycling deport at 120 Silica Street. This creates additional temporary storage space, allowing the society to keep up with the demand of a growing list of acceptable materials.

Council adopted the Airport Establishment Bylaw Amendment Bylaw 3561, 2026, a housekeeping amendment that ensures the bylaw is legally accurate, current, and clear to staff and the public.

Council voted to appoint Corporate Officer Sarah Winton to the role of Chief Elections Officer, and Deputy Corporate Officer Sonya Martineau to the role of Deputy Chief Elections Officer for the upcoming local municipal election o Saturday, October 17. Both staff members have served in these respective roles in the past and have extensive experience administering general local elections.

Council passed a resolution directing staff to apply for a $100,000 grant provided through UBCM Community Resiliency Investment Program, which would fund fuel management activities to increase the City’s wildfire resilience.

Council adopted the Action Items and Reporting Policy, which establishes a quarterly reporting process, and confirms that staff work is directed only through Council resolution. This policy supports improved governance clarity, workload management, and aligns with Council’s strategic goals.

Council received for information the Accounts Payable listing Dec 1-31, 2025, Building Permit Statistics Dec 1-29, 2025, and Action Items.

A motion to install signage at the Nelson & District Community Centre EV charging station was withdrawn, because the action outlined in the motion has already been begun.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:02pm.

More detailed information about many of these topics will be included in the February newsletter. To receive the monthly City newsletter directly to your inbox, sign up here. Residents are welcome to review the Council agenda or watch a recording of the meeting on the City of Nelson's YouTube channel.

February 6, 2026

Baker Street’s heritage buildings are Nelson icons, but protecting them depends on modern infrastructure beneath our feet.

On Monday February 9, City of Nelson Water Utility crews will begin installing new watermain infrastructure along the 400–500 blocks of Josephine Street. The initial work will begin on the north side of Baker Street to Hume Lane. Baker Street traffic will continue as usual and public access will be maintained. Hume Lane will not be affected at this time, open for deliveries and commercial travel. These upgrades will replace 100-year old underground systems, improving water quality and system reliability, and reduce the risk of major service disruptions that could impact businesses, damage property, or compromise emergency response during wildfire events.

Typically, operations crews are focused on snow removal at this time of year. However, thanks to a mild winter, the City is able to advance the planned construction schedule, helping minimize disruption during peak tourism and patio season. Construction is expected to begin in mid-February and take approximately 12–14 weeks to complete, depending on weather and technical challenges.

Work will take place between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Please expect closures and traffic control throughout the project.

How You Can Help

• Obey all signage and follow flagger directions
• Use alternate routes when possible
• Allow extra time when travelling through the area
• Avoid parking near active construction zones

Operations staff are also able to move ahead with early-season work such as road sweeping, pothole repairs, alley grading, and trail maintenance at the lakeside dog walk and waterfront pathway.

Affected businesses will receive direct communication throughout the project, and general information and project updates will be shared through the City’s social media channels. 

To stay up to date on the latest news and project developments, subscribe to the monthly newsletter. Infrastructure improvements are an investment in the long-term safety, resilience, and economic vitality of downtown Nelson, aligning with the City’s strategic goal of ensuring services and infrastructure are future-ready, so the city’s historic heart remains strong for generations to come.

·         Updating most zone names to better align with OCP language

·         Changing how building height is measured

·         Clarifying landscaping requirements for new development

·         Requiring space for refuse and recycling in all new residential development

·         Requiring public engagement and a rezoning process for all large-format retail

January 12, 2026

The City of Nelson has launched a new Housing Dashboard that provides a centralized, accessible, and reliable source of information about the city’s housing market. The Housing Dashboard looks at the period from 2020 to 2025 and offers a picture of the current housing market, trends and progress towards key housing goals identified in Nelson’s most recent Housing Needs Assessment and Official Community Plan.

In 2020, the City and the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) released Nelson’s first Housing Needs Report in response to new provincial legislation and growing housing pressures. Like many Canadian communities, Nelson has been experiencing rising housing costs and increasing demand for homes.

Housing Needs Assessments use census data and input from the housing sector to identify gaps in the local housing supply. Under the Local Government Act, these reports must be updated every five years. Because the housing market is constantly changing—and new data and provincial requirements are now in place—the City commissioned an updated Housing Needs Report in 2024.

The 2024 report confirms that:

• Nelson’s population is growing and changing
• Housing costs continue to rise for renters and homeowners
• Housing need is significant and likely underestimated
• The housing market has been slow to respond
• Demand is expected to grow over the next 20 years
• About 3,104 new homes will be needed across different housing types over the next two decades

This initial version of the Housing Dashboard will be updated and evolve over time as information becomes available. Staff have started with a limited set of data to ensure reliable information is provided to the public.

To learn more, explore the Housing Dashboard and read the 2020 and 2024 housing needs reports at: nelson.ca/715/Housing-Needs-Affordable-Housing

January 9, 2026

In 2026, the City of Nelson will continue investing in its water, wastewater (sewer), and resource recovery (garbage, recycling, and organics) systems to ensure safe, reliable service for residents. Utility rates are adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation and to build the capital reserves needed for major long-term projects, including upgrades to assets including the wastewater force main and wastewater treatment plant, and the replacement of the Five Mile pipeline, which are 50 and 100 years old respectively.

Making these investments now helps ensure our utility systems remain ready to serve the community for generations to come.

Council adopted the annual fee schedule at the January 6 regular meeting after passing the first three readings in December, and public budget sessions in October and November. The increase amounts to $100 for a single-family dwelling (if paid by March 15), broken down into an increase of $39 for water and wastewater operating costs, $36 for capital reserves for future asset replacements, and $25 for resource recovery, which includes waste, recycling, and organics diversion.

Annual water, wastewater, and resource recovery utility bills will be mailed to all households in late January. The bill can be paid in full or in quarterly installments; residents who pay in full before the March 15, 2026 deadline receive a ten percent discount.

Accepted payment methods include:

• in person at City Hall (310 Ward Street) during business hours
• online through your bank or financial institution
• by credit card over the phone to 250-352-5511 (subject to 2.4% credit card fee)

Important dates to remember:

• March 15, 2026: Early-bird Discount deadline (10%)
• March 31, 2026: Full payment due (or Q1 payment due if paying in quarterly installments)
• June 30, 2026: Q2 payment due
• September 30, 2026: Q3 payment due
• December 31, 2026: Q4 payment due

Sign up for NotifyMe payment reminders here.

Since 2016, the City of Nelson has replaced over 12,000 metres of watermain lines, and nearly 15,000 metres of wastewater lines, some of which were nearly 100 years old. In the past five years, the City has invested $17 million into water and wastewater infrastructure, including extension of Anderson/Fell and Selous Creek supply lines to Mountain Station, the Anderson booster station, and partial completion of our treated water storage facility at Mountain Station.

-30-

January 10, 2026

Here are the highlights from the first City Council meeting of 2026, on Tuesday, January 6.

Council heard a presentation from the Nelson Leafs Eco Depot recycling centre, which included information about the programs offered, the successes and challenges that the centre is facing, and a discussion about ways in which the organization can continue to provide recycling services to residents of the City and area.

Council has adopted the Fees and Charges Amendment (2026 Water, Wastewater and Resource Recovery Fees) Bylaw No. 3650, which sets utility rates for 2026. The overall increase is $100 per year after the early-bird discount, with funds supporting annual operating costs and building capital reserves for current and future infrastructure needs. Utility invoices will be mailed to residents in January, and those who pay by March 15, 2026 will receive a 10 per cent early-bird discount.

Council adopted Cottonwood Street Road Closure Bylaw No. 3644, 2026, completing the Trevor Street land exchange agreement. A nine-metre-wide portion of the street will remain open to preserve public access, and a trail has been constructed connecting the street to the Rails to Trails trail system.

The Airport Establishment Bylaw Amendment Bylaw (Housekeeping) 3561, 2026 passed the first three readings. The proposed amendments are intended to ensure the bylaw is legally accurate, current, and clear to both staff and the public.

Planning and Development Services staff presented Council with the Housing Dashboard, which provides a centralized, accessible, and reliable source of information about the city’s housing market. This dashboard presents data consolidated from a number of different resources, including BC Housing and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and covers a 5-year period from 2020-2025. The Dashboard will soon be available on the City’s website and will be updated quarterly, as information becomes available.

The results of a pedestrian scramble crosswalk viability, which was requested by Council at the July 8, 2025 meeting, were presented by the Planning and Development Services staff. Research shows that although scramble crosswalks are successful for traffic calming in similar sized cities, the cost to convert key intersections in the downtown core is prohibitive. Staff recommended to council that converting the intersections at Baker and Josephine, and Baker and Ward streets be further studied and considered as part of the future Baker Streetscape upgrades.

Council passed a resolution supporting staff to move forward with an application for funding up to $200,000 from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Community Resiliency Investment Grant. If successful, the funding would support the City’s FireSmart initiatives, including outreach and education initiatives and administration of the FireSmart Rebate program.

Council received for information minutes from the Cultural Development Committee, the Greater Nelson Economic Development Advisory Committee, and the Nelson Public Library.

Council concluded the public portion of the meeting at 8:40 pm, and adjourned the meeting at 9:15pm.

More detailed information about many of these topics will be included in the January newsletter. To receive the monthly City newsletter directly to your inbox, sign up here. Residents are welcome to review the Council agenda or watch a recording of the meeting  on the City of Nelson's YouTube channel.

December 18, 2025 

City of Nelson revitalizes Angel Program to support residents in need this winter 

Nelson, BC – As winter weather arrives, the City of Nelson is reminding residents about the return of its Angel Program—a community-driven initiative that pairs volunteers with seniors and residents with mobility challenges who need help clearing snow from their sidewalks. 

After every snowfall, City crews work hard to keep roads and public spaces safe. However, under Traffic Bylaw 3156, homeowners are responsible for clearing the sidewalks adjacent to their properties. For some, this task can be a significant barrier. That’s where Nelson’s Angels step in. 

“The Angel Program is one of those small but powerful examples of what makes Nelson special,” says City of Nelson Mayor Janice Morrison. “A cleared sidewalk is a small but mighty action that can help magnify the connection and kindness in the community.” 

How the Angel Program Works 

The program runs through the winter months, connecting eligible residents with volunteer “Angels” who remove snow and debris from sidewalks in front of residential homes at no cost. 

Residents may apply if they: 

• Live within Nelson city limits; and 
• Are seniors or have mobility limitations that prevent them from clearing their sidewalk. 

Become a Volunteer Angel 

Nelson’s Angels can be individuals, families, businesses, or community groups—anyone willing to help make winter a little easier for neighbours in need. 

Volunteers must: 

• Be physically able to clear snow and debris; 
• Provide their own shovel and appropriate winter clothing; and 
• Commit to assisting at least one home for the season. 

Youth Angels Welcome 

Youth under 19 who want to gain volunteer experience can also participate. A parent or guardian must complete the application on their behalf. At the end of the season, youth volunteers will receive official recognition from the City of Nelson for their contribution. 

Learn More and Get Involved 

For more information about the Angel Program, to register for service, or to volunteer, please visit www.nelson.ca/889/Angel-Program or email angelprogram@nelson.ca.  

Holiday Fire Safety Tips From Nelson Fire & Rescue Services

The holiday season brings extra lights, decorations, and gatherings—along with an increased risk of home fires. Nelson Fire & Rescue Services encourages residents to take a few simple steps to keep their homes safe this season.

Water Your Tree: If you have a real Christmas tree, water it daily. Dry trees ignite quickly, while well-watered trees are far safer. Keep trees away from fireplaces, heaters, and candles.

Use Extension Cords Safely: Check extension cords and holiday lights for damage and avoid overloading outlets. Never run cords under rugs or furniture, and turn off decorative lighting when you leave home or go to bed.

Clean Your Chimney: If you use a fireplace or wood stove, have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a WETT-certified professional. Proper maintenance reduces the risk of chimney fires.

Keep Hydrants Clear: Please keep fire hydrants near your home clear of snow and ice, with at least three feet of clearance around them. Clear access helps firefighters respond quickly in an emergency.

Test Your Smoke Alarms: Before holiday guests arrive, test your smoke alarms to ensure they’re working properly. In the busyness of the season, early warning can save lives.

A few preventative steps can make all the difference. Nelson Fire & Rescue Services wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

❄️ Winter Snow Operations

As we head into winter, here’s a quick refresher on the City’s snow clearing and sanding priorities:

• Priority 1: Emergency routes, schools, bus routes, major access roads, and downtown streets
• Priority 2: Critical utility routes and major hills
• Priority 3: Cross streets, intersections, crosswalks, accessible downtown parking, bus stops, and fire hydrants
• Priority 4: Dead-end streets
• Priority 5: Rear lanes and dead-end lanes

Reminder: We follow this priority plan for all snow and ice events. Specific location requests can only be addressed once priority routes are complete.

On-street parking:

From November 1 to April 30 each year, vehicles are required to be parked on the odd side of the street on odd numbered days, and on the even side of the street on even numbered days in residential areas. This gives snowplows the opportunity to clear roads effectively. Under Traffic Bylaw 3156, 2010 vehicles that interfere with snow removal operations can be towed, so follow the even/odd rule when parking your vehicle. Watch for posted signage on streets.

💡 Helpful Tips:

• Use Priority One routes during snowy/icy conditions
• Avoid side streets when possible to ensure smoother travel
• Remember the even/odd rule in residential areas

Our dedicated snow operations team works hard to keep the community safe. For more details, including maps of priority routes, road closures, and our comprehensive Snow and Ice Control Policy, visit: https://www.nelson.ca/369/Winter-Snow-Ice-Management. Let’s work together to keep Nelson accessible and safe this winter!

December 15, 2025 

The holidays are a time for fun and festivities, but they can also generate a surprising amount of waste and recycling materials. With just a few simple steps, you can help keep these items out of the waste stream and support the City of Nelson’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management. 

Wrapping Paper and Gift Bags: Reuse gift bags whenever you can—they’re practically made for a second life. If you’re recycling wrapping paper, be sure to remove handles, ribbons, and other non-paper parts. And remember: metallic or glittery paper can’t be recycled, so those go in the trash. 

Greeting Cards: Cards with glitter, foil, or plastic embellishments look festive, but they can’t be recycled. Consider going digital or choosing plain paper cards that can easily be placed in your blue bin. 

Electronics and Packaging: Styrofoam packaging should be dropped off at the depot (70 Lakeside Drive or the Grohman Narrows Transfer Station). Broken electronics can be taken to the Nelson Leaf’s Recycling Centre near Cottonwood Park to ensure they’re handled safely. 

Glass and Dishware: Glass bottles and jars should be brought to the recycling depot. If you’ve got broken dishware or drinking glasses, wrap them securely and place them in the garbage—they can’t be recycled. 

Holiday Trees: Christmas trees can be taken to the Transfer Station for just $3. Please remove all ornaments, hooks, tinsel, and lights to avoid contamination. 

Flexible Plastics: Items like candy wrappers, plastic envelopes, and zipper-lock pouches are recyclable at the Lakeside Drive depot. These materials never go in your curbside bin. 

By following these tips, you’ll help reduce holiday waste, support community sustainability goals, and start the new year with environmental responsibility top of mind. Every small action makes a difference! 

December 8, 2025

Here are the highlights from the December 2 City Council meeting.  

Council heard a presentation from Nelson Public Library Chief Librarian Tracey Therrien and Board Chair Anni Holtby that included some of the highlights of 2025, as well as a 2026 budget request. 

City staff also presented Council with information from the two-year Pre-Treated Organics Pilot Program. The presentation included information about the findings of the pilot, as well as the methodology. An in-depth question and answer period followed.  

Council adopted both the Hydro Services Bylaw (Rural Rates) Amendment No. 3648, 2025 and the Hydro Services (Urban Rates) Bylaw Amendment No. 3649, 2025, after passing the first three readings of both bylaws at the November Council meeting. These bylaws set the rural and urban hydro rates for 2026 and 2027.  

Council adopted the Bylaw Repeal Bylaw 3647, 2025, this bylaw repeals a number of outdated and redundant bylaws that have either been superseded by legislation or pertain to activities that are no longer relevant to municipal operations and have no administrative or enforcement purpose. A complete list of the repealed bylaws can be found in the meeting agenda package.  

Council passed first three readings of Fees and Charges Amendment (2026 Water, Wastewater, and Resource Recovery Rates) Bylaw No. 3650, 2026. The proposed rate increases are: a $25 annual increase for resource recovery (from $150 to $175 per year); a 5 per  cent increase for water utility rates and a 2.2 per cent increase for wastewater rates due to inflation; and an additional 3 per cent increase for water and wastewater rates to help fund the above-noted upgrades to capital infrastructure for water supply and wastewater treatment. 

Council passed the first three readings of the Cottonwood Street Road Closure Bylaw No. 3644, 2026, in order to complete the land exchange on Trevor Street in Fairview, which Council approved in 2024. A nine-metre-wide portion of the Cottonwood Street right-of-way will be retained to preserve public access and support a utility corridor. The exchange provides several notable community benefits, including enhanced emergency access for residents in the Trevor and Selby Street area, a future road connection between the Gyro and Fairview neighbourhoods, improved wildfire protection through better management of high-risk interface lands, expanded parkland and green space, strengthened active transportation networks, and new residential development opportunities. 

After receiving information about the Pre-Treated Organics Pilot Program earlier in the evening, Council voted to defer a decision to provide more time to review the collected data, and consider all options. 

Council passed a resolution directing staff to formally request additional funding for the operation and maintenance of Lakeside Park and waterfront sports fields. Along with Salmo’s KP Park, these areas have been designated as regionally significant by the RDCK Regional Parks Commission (S202). Since 2019, S202 has provided annual grants to Nelson and Salmo to support park operations, but funding has not kept pace with rising costs due to inflation and longer operating seasons. The amendment was necessary to provide clarity to the request. 

Council received, for information, the Greater Nelson Economic Development committee, the Nelson Public Library, and the Nelson Housing committee. Council also received for information the Accounts Payable Listing October 1-30, 2025 and the Building Permit Statistics Nov 1-24, 2025.  

The meeting was adjourned at 10:01 pm.  

Residents are welcome to review the Council agenda or watch a recording of the meeting on the City of Nelson's YouTube channel.

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

City of Nelson Announces 2025 Sustainability Leadership and Heritage Awards, 2026 Sports Ambassador and Cultural Ambassador

Nelson – The City of Nelson is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Sustainability Leadership, and Heritage Awards, as well as the 2026 Sports Ambassador and Cultural Ambassador. These awards recognize outstanding leadership, innovation, and community spirit. This year’s honourees represent a remarkable cross-section of organizations and individuals working to build a more resilient, connected, and vibrant Nelson.

Nelson Lions Club – Sustainability Award

For 80 years, the Nelson Lions Club has been a steady force in community service. What began as a small volunteer group has grown into a dynamic organization known for initiatives such as the annual Firewood Sale, the Christmas tree pickup, Spring Lions Park Day and of course the July 1^st pancake breakfast. These projects help fund a series of community grants that support local needs year-round. 

With membership on the rise and new volunteers helping carry their mission forward, the Lions continue to expand their impact. This year they launched a new Leos Club at L.V. Rogers Secondary School, offering local youth hands-on opportunities in leadership and service.

Their long-standing dedication to community resilience and sustainability has strengthened Nelson for generations. The City is proud to recognize the Nelson Lions Club for eight decades of leadership and service.

Gabe Tyler – North Mountain Construction – Sustainability Award

North Mountain Construction has demonstrated leadership in sustainable development across the region by making environmentally responsible building a clear priority in their work. They focus on practical, energy-smart construction that reduces a building’s environmental footprint, using efficient building systems, durable materials, and design choices that support long-term performance and resilience. Their projects aim to create spaces that are comfortable for occupants while using fewer resources and contributing to lower emissions over the life of a building.

Based locally, they also strengthen our economy by providing meaningful employment for more than 50 residents. Contributing to local projects like the Youth Centre Indoor Skate Park, and the new Supportive housing project at 45 Government road, North Mountain Construction continues to set a high standard for sustainability-focused construction and is helping build a more resilient future for our region.

Kootenay Co-op – Sustainability Award

A cornerstone of Nelson for over 50 years, the Kootenay Co-op continues to model what a people- and planet-centered business can be. Guided by values of fairness, community, and environmental responsibility, the Co-op has:

* Raised over $180,000 for community organizations

* Built partnerships with 126 local suppliers

* Diverted more than 40,000 containers from landfills through its Bring Your Own Container program

The Co-op has also earned Green Certified and Water Friendly certifications from BC Green Business, highlighting its ongoing leadership in sustainability. Their commitment to supporting a resilient and local food economy makes the Kootenay Co-op a deserving recipient of this year’s Sustainability Award.

Alan Ramsden – Heritage Award 

Alan Ramsden (1926–2021) was born in Nelson, a community his family established roots in during the early 1900s. He remained devoted to Nelson and the Kootenays throughout his 95 years, serving numerous organizations including the Boy Scouts, Nelson & District Arts Council, Recreation Commission, Chamber of Commerce and was an original roundtable member of the Kootenay School of the Arts Cooperative. 

Alan’s great community legacy was his role as a founding member of the Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery in 1955. He served on its Board for more than fifty years, and worked tirelessly to safeguard artifacts, build meaningful community partnerships, mentor volunteers, and secure long-term sustainability for the Museum. His passion for protecting the historic Ladybird speedboat - and ensuring its care and preservation - remains one of the many ways he shaped the region’s cultural landscape. Honouring him with the 2025 Heritage Award is especially fitting given his contributions to securing a permanent home for this cherished artifact which recently went on permanent display. 

Alan exemplified the leadership, passion, and long-term vision that this award was created to celebrate. His lifelong passion and commitment to preserving Nelson’s heritage left an extraordinary legacy, and we are grateful for his decades of service that helped shape the Museum and our community.

Allen Rollin – Sports Ambassador Award

Allen Rollin has helped shape Nelson into one of Canada’s premier climbing destinations. Over more than a decade, he has developed numerous climbing and bouldering routes throughout the West Kootenay, making the sport safer, more accessible, and more exciting for athletes of all levels.

His West Kootenay Bouldering Guidebook has drawn climbers from around the world and firmly established Nelson on the global climbing map.

At The Cube Climbing Gym, Allen is known for his creative, challenging route-setting that fosters confidence, skill, and joy among climbers young and old. An elite athlete in his own right, he remains humble, supportive, and deeply committed to mentoring others.

Through leadership, dedication, and passion, Allen exemplifies what it means to be a Nelson Sports Ambassador and continues to elevate both the sport of climbing and Nelson’s reputation as a hub for adventure.

Melody Diachun - Cultural Ambassador Award

A distinguished Canadian vocalist, songwriter, and performer, our 2026 Cultural Ambassador was named Jazz Artist of the Year at the 2023 Western Canadian Music Awards and has earned multiple nominations throughout her career, including a National Jazz Award and a Juno Award nomination—recognition that reflects her remarkable artistic achievement and professional excellence. With five acclaimed albums already released and a sixth currently in pre-production for 2026, she continues to push creative boundaries and is a dynamic force in Canadian music.

Beyond her artistic accomplishments, she’s made a lasting impact as an educator. For more than a decade, she taught in the Contemporary Music and Technology Program at Selkirk College, where she mentored and inspired the next generation of musicians pursuing careers in the commercial music and entertainment industry. In 2022, she expanded her leadership by becoming the School Chair of the School of Arts & Technology, a role that requires deep insight into performing, visual, and digital arts. 

Embodying the spirit of this award, her excellence as an artist, dedication as an educator, and leadership in the arts make her an exceptional representative for Nelson.

The City of Nelson congratulates all of this year’s recipients and thanks them for their continued efforts to build a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving community.

-30-

November 21, 2025

Proposed Utility Rates Increasing with Inflation in 2026 

After reviewing the 2025 utility reserves, including water, wastewater, and resource recovery, City of Nelson staff are recommending an inflation-level increase for 2026. 

The 2026 utility budgets continue to build our reserves for future capital projects planned over the next decade, including: 

• Forcemainre placement (50 years old)
• Upgrades to the 5 Mile pipeline (100 years old) 
• A new wastewater treatment facility (50 years old) 

For most residential properties, this works out to about $8 more per month, and for a commercial restaurant with 50 seats about $18 more per month. These adjustments help close the gap between current rates and the actual rate of inflation; since 2017 inflation has averaged 3.0%, while the City's water and wastewater rates have increased an average of 2.4%. 

Equally important is ensuring that we are able to continue making the much-needed investment in our utilities, so they will be able to provide crucial water and wastewater services for residents for generations to come. 

An increase to resource recovery fees is also being proposed, which cover garbage, recycling, and the organics diversion program. The increase is $2 per month, while the cost of garbage tags will remain at $1.75 per tag.  

The City will continue working closely with partners including the RDCK, to find efficiencies in resource recovery and explore new tools and communications to help residents manage household waste and water use. 

The Nov. 14 budget meeting was one in a series where City departments present their proposed budgets for the coming year, along with long-term plans and major projects. These meetings will continue into the new year, and the final 2026 budget is expected to be presented for adoption in the spring. 

To watch this meeting, or any special council budget meeting, visit the City of Nelson’s YouTube channel.

Nelson Hydro is aware of community concerns regarding the recently advertised draft Pest Management Plans (PMPs).

Please join Nelson Hydro virtually or in-person for a discussion of options for the proposed Pest Management plans within Nelson Hydro rights-of-way.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Tuesday, November 25th

⏰ Time: 3:30pm to 5:00pm

📍 Location: Northshore Hall, 675 Whitmore Rd, Nelson

💻 Virtual: Available via Microsoft Teams*

*meeting link will be sent on the day of the event for those that registered

Vegetation management in the rights-of-way is primarily manual using mechanical removal, such as mowing, trimming, and cutting. Nelson Hydro has never and has no plans for widespread application of pesticides in its rights-of-ways. Nelson Hydro has only applied glysphosate twice within the last 10-years, both times at our locked, fenced facilities.

Nelson Hydro is open to making changes to its Rights-of-Way PMP and this workshop is to discuss the options and path forward to improve the plan.

For more information on pest management and to provide feedback on the proposed plans, please visit: https://letstalk.nelson.ca/pest-management

To register for the in-person or on-line event, please visit: www.envoke.com

UPDATE: November 17, 2025: The Let's Talk Engagement session is now live. Residents are invited to learn more and share input.

November 14, 2025

Nelson Hydro is aware of community concerns regarding the recently advertised draft Integrated Pest Management Plans (PMPs) and would like to take this opportunity to share additional information and clarity around the process.

What is an Integrated Pest Management Plan?

An Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) outlines the methods used to manage vegetation such as invasive plants around power poles and other utility-owned infrastructure. Nelson Hydro is required by the Province to file a IPMP every five years.

The IPMP ensures that:

• all work complies with the Integrated Pest Management Act (IPMA) and Integrated Pest Management Regulation (IPMR), as well as all applicable federal, provincial, and regional laws and regulations;
• strategies are developed and implemented to protect domestic and agricultural wells, endangered wildlife, riparian areas, fish, water intakes, and other sensitive ecosystems;
• protocols for the responsible use of pesticides, public notification, and record-keeping are followed; and
• only products approved by Health Canada are used.

Read more about integrated pest management and see the draft IPMPs here.

Why is vegetation management necessary?

If left unmanaged, vegetation can create safety and fire hazards that compromise the reliability of the electrical system and pose safety risks to crews working in the field. Most often, this involves fast-growing brush and tall plants near power poles and lines, but increasingly, invasive species like Knotweed are also becoming a concern.

What is included in Nelson Hydro’s IPMP?

Nelson Hydro uses several methods to control vegetation around substations, underneath power lines and around power poles. The most common is manual and mechanical removal, such as mowing, trimming, and cutting.

The IPMP also includes clear guidelines for when chemical treatment may be necessary. We understand the community’s concern about pesticide use; these products are only used as a last resort, by certified and trained applicators, and applied using precise, targeted methods such as paste or wand application. These techniques minimize product use and ensure accuracy.

Nelson Hydro’s IPMP aligns with other utilities across the province, complies with all regulatory requirements, and follows the City of Nelson’s Pesticide Use Bylaw.

What about glyphosate?

Glyphosate (commonly known as Roundup) is included in Nelson Hydro’s proposed IPMP only as a last resort, when other methods have consistently failed. During the current IPMP period (2020–2025), glyphosate was used only twice—both times within fenced Nelson Hydro substations. In each case, all safety and environmental protocols were strictly followed.

There have been no applications in 2025.

Next steps

The City of Nelson and Nelson Hydro take environmental health seriously and appreciate the community’s engagement on this topic. A Let’s Talk engagement opportunity will be available, where residents are invited to learn more, ask questions, and share input. The link will be shared on Nelson Hydro social media channels once the site is live, and the link will be added to this post as well. We are also organizing a public engagement session specifically on this topic. The date, location and links will be shared on Nelson Hydro social media channels once all of the details are confirmed.

November 7, 2025 

Here are the highlights from the November 4 City Council meeting.

Councillor Kate Tait presided as Mayor while Mayor Morrison joined remotely.

Council heard a presentation from landscape architecture firm Lees + Associates, who presented a proposed long term Cemetery Plan for information and discussion.

Council voted to repeal a number of outdated and redundant bylaws, which were identified by staff through a comprehensive bylaw review. Those repealed are either obsolete, have been replaced by provincial regulations, or pertain to activities that are no longer relevant to municipal operations.

Councillor Logtenberg declared a conflict of interest and recused himself from the council vote relating to a Notice on Title for the property at 303 Vernon Street, commonly referred to as the Jam Factory. Council voted in favour of registering the Notice on Title, which is a consequence of being in contravention of the building code .

City staff presented Council with information about an upcoming Business License Bylaw review project, which will explore methods of improving how the business licensing process can best serve the local and independent business community in Nelson, while upholding Bylaw regulations. The bylaw was adopted in 2016 and is due for a comprehensive review. The presentation highlighted efficiencies, as well as a timeline for engagement with the public and local business owners.

Council received the meeting minutes from the Advisory Planning Commission and the Greater Nelson Economic Development Advisory Committee.

Council received the Accounts Payable Listing for September 1-30, 2025, the Q4 Purchasing Report, Building Permit Statistics for October 1-24, 2025, and the Mayor’s Report for information. They also received the Facility Asset Management Advancement Report for information.

Council passed the first three readings of Hydro Services Bylaw (Urban Rates) Amendment No. 3649, 2025, as well as the first three readings of Hydro Services Bylaw (Rural Rates) Amendment No. 3648, 2025.

Council moved to in-camera at 8:24 p.m. and adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m.

At the October 31 Special Council meeting, Council adopted the Permissive Tax Exemption Amendment Bylaw No. 3646, 2025 for the Granite Pointe Golf & Recreation Society for the term of one year. Council also approved a request from the Nelson Committee on Homelessness (NCOH) to apply for funding on behalf of the City, in order to expand on the existing Street Outreach program by adding clinical and peer-led supports, a medicalized outreach van, and enhanced training for crisis response and staff wellness.

Residents are welcome to review the Council agenda or watch a recording of the meeting on the City of Nelson's YouTube channel.

🍁 FALL LEAF PICKUP 🍂Watch for leaf pick-up signs as crews move through the city to complete this work.What Should Residents Do?🍁 Rake leaves from boulevards to the street edge against the curb – don’t pile them up.🌧️ If heavy rains are forecast, wait for fair weather before moving your leaves to avoid clogging catch basins.🚫 The City does not remove leaves from sidewalks or private property. Please keep sidewalks free of wet, slippery leaves.🚗  In areas with many parked cars and mature trees, sandwich boards will inform you of upcoming work. 🏡Park your vehicle away from the leaves on the street to help our crews.  Residents with off-street parking should use it.🤎 Thank you for your cooperation!📞 Questions? Call Operations at (250) 352-8238

October 20, 2025

City of Nelson launches monthly e-newsletter

The City of Nelson is excited to announce the return of a monthly newsletter, keeping residents informed about what’s happening in their community in a fresh, engaging way.

Each month, subscribers will receive highlights from recent City projects, upcoming events, and community initiatives that reflect the goals and priorities outlined in Nelson’s Official Community Plan, Strategic Plan, and other guiding documents. Switching to a digital format allows readers to engage with interactive content such as surveys, giving residents a chance to share their ideas and feedback directly with the City.

The newsletter is a simple way for residents to stay in the loop and see how the City’s work supports a vibrant, sustainable, and connected Nelson. Sign up for the newsletter here.

October 17, 2025

Public Notice: Upcoming Road Work in the Downtown Core

Vernon Street Light Standard Replacement

The City of Nelson will be replacing 12 aging light standards along the 500–900 blocks of Vernon Street, with work scheduled the week of October 20. The existing lights, originally installed in the 1960s, have experienced wear and tear including rust, vehicle damage, and leaning, and have been identified as a safety concern. Please expect periodic road closures and single-lane traffic control throughout the project.

Stanley Street Paving

The City is also advising the public of upcoming paving work in the downtown core. Crews will be working on Stanley Street (from Baker to Silica) and the 400 block of Victoria Street in front of the Capitol Theatre. This work is part of the annual Capital Repaving Program, and will also smoothly transition the new pavement in front of the transit exchange. This work is tentatively scheduled for the first week of November. Work will take place between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Please expect periodic road closures and single-lane traffic control throughout the project.

How You Can Help

• Obey all signage and follow flagger directions
• Use alternate routes when possible
• Allow extra time when travelling through the area
• Avoid parking near active construction zones

As project dates are confirmed this notice will be updated, along with City of Nelson social media channels.

Questions?

Call 250-352-8238.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as our crews complete this work.

Here are the highlights from the October 7 City Council meeting. 

Mayor Morrison acknowledged the passing of former City Councillor Bob Adams, who was also a long-time employee in the Public Works department.  

Mayor Morrison recognized resident Fred Wah as the recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Literary Excellence. She also recognized past Nelson Sports Ambassador Jazmine Lowther for her success at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Spain and France, Councillor Jesse Pineiro for being named Coach of the Year, and the Nelson Boxing Club named the province's best club by Boxing BC Association during the Bronze and Silver Gloves.

Council approved a request from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #51 asking for Council permission to paint a commemorative crosswalk on the crosswalk at Victoria Street and Stanley Street, directly across from the pride sidewalk. 

Council approved the 2026 Council calendar and the 2026 acting mayor schedule.  

Council approved the request for the RDCK to apply for and administer UBCM’s Community Emergency Preparedness Fund on the City’s behalf, in order to ensure a responsive, consistent, high-quality Emergency Support Services (ESS) delivery across the region. For the City of Nelson, this investment would ensure consistent oversight of the ESS program, reduce the burden on municipal Emergency Management staff during emergencies, and provide reliable access to regional on-call coverage and coordinated training opportunities. 

Council discussed and approved the request from the Railtown Housing Society for $35,000 from the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) and $65,000 from the Downtown Waterfront Reserve Fund. Securing this funding will allow the Railtown Housing Society to get final project approval from CMHC. The Railtown housing project will create 55 units of workforce housing in the Railtown neighbourhood and aligns with the City’s Affordable Housing Strategy and Housing Needs Report. Council did not approve in-kind engineering support and has suggested Railtown Housing Society resubmit the request once an idea of needs is better understood. 

Council has directed staff to review the Affordable Housing Fund grant funding process to identify procedures that would encourage community engagement. 

Council received the minutes from the Cultural Development Committee, the Heritage Working Group, and Greater Nelson Economic Development.  

Council received the Building Permit Statistics for the period September 1 – September 26, 2025. 

Council moved in-camera at 8:25pm and adjourned the meeting at 9:20 pm. Residents are welcome to review the Council agenda or watch a recording of the meeting on YouTube.

UPDATE: October 15, 2025

The City of Nelson completed repair work on the wastewater force main as of Friday, October 10. Over the course of 11 days, four leaks were identified and repaired, and all water quality tests have returned results within normal parameters.

To ensure the integrity of the system, dive teams conducted three full-length inspections, and a remote operated vehicle (ROV) completed two additional inspections along the length of the force main. No further leaks have been detected at this time. 

Replacing this critical infrastructure remains a top priority for Council and staff; Nelson has applied to the Province of BC’s 2025 Strategic Priorities Fund for $7 million toward the estimated $11.6 million cost of replacing the force main, and project designs are expected to be completed in 2026 with a goal of construction in 2027.

The City extends sincere thanks to the divers, support teams, and the Operations department, who worked tirelessly to address the issue, improve processes, and strengthen future system performance.

-30-

Original message: October 7, 2025

NELSON – City responds to force main leak with environmental safeguards and long-term planning

The City of Nelson is conducting repairs on the Grohman Narrows wastewater force main, after being alerted to two leaks. One of the leaks has been successfully repaired. Evidence of a second leak was identified on October 6; a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is being deployed to locate the leak, and dive crews will be dispatched to complete the repair as soon as possible. The City of Nelson’s proactive safeguards and contingency planning ensure minimal environmental impact while long-term infrastructure upgrades continue.

Water sampling of the Kootenay River is being completed every second day. The results are all within regular parameters and do not pose a risk to residents.

The City has reported the incident to provincial authorities in full compliance with environmental regulations and is maintaining communications with the province.

The force main is continuously monitored by a 24-hour automated system that triggers alarms if flows change unexpectedly. In addition, professional divers conduct bi-annual inspections of both the pipe and surrounding riverbed. These inspections not only assess the condition of the infrastructure but also ensure the surrounding aquatic environment remains protected.

While small leaks are consistent with natural wear over time, the City’s proactive planning and rapid response protocols ensure s that leaks are addressed swiftly and responsibly. Environmental protections are in place and long-term infrastructure renewal is already underway. This incident highlights why replacing aging infrastructure is a priority and reflects the steps Council and staff are already taking to ensure safety and sustainability.

Aging Infrastructure, Modern Solutions

The Grohman Narrows Treatment Plant, completed in 1971, has reliably served Nelson for over 50 years. The submarine force main—constructed using tar-coated steel and anchored beneath the riverbed—was considered state-of-the-art at the time. Only one major repair was needed prior to 2021. However, the corrosive nature of wastewater has led to six small leaks since fall 2021, all of which were repaired promptly and reported to the Province.

This history underscores the importance of ongoing investment in resilient infrastructure, especially as climate pressures and aging systems converge.

Building for the Future

Recognizing the age and vulnerability of this critical infrastructure, the City launched a comprehensive replacement plan in 2023. Nelson has applied to the Province of BC’s 2025 Strategic Priorities Fund for $7 million toward the estimated $11.6 million cost of replacing the force main. Project designs are expected to be completed in 2026 with a goal of construction in 2027.

This priority investment is part of a broader, long-term strategy that includes:

• Upgrades to the Grohman Narrows Treatment Facility
• Enhanced stormwater management
• Reinvestment in critical wastewater infrastructure

These projects are designed to protect the Kootenay River, strengthen environmental resilience, and ensure the community’s infrastructure remains sustainable for decades to come. The City remains committed to fiscally responsible solutions that safeguard public health, support future growth, and uphold Nelson’s values of environmental stewardship and community well-being.

Resident input needed

The City is engaging residents in planning for the future of our liquid waste system. Through the Let’s Talk Nelson platform, residents can explore potential sites for new infrastructure, view results from the 2024 community survey, and share feedback.

The survey is open until October 31, 2025 at https://letstalk.nelson.ca/liquid-waste-management-plan. Paper copies are available at the Nelson Public Library and City Hall.

-30-

Public Notice: Possible Picketing at City Hall

October 6, 2025

The City of Nelson has been advised that picketing may take place outside City Hall (310 Ward Street) in the coming days, possibly as early as Tuesday, October 7. City Hall will remain open to the public.

While the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) does not represent any City of Nelson employees, there are provincial ministry offices located within 310 Ward Street that employ BCGEU members. 

Paying Your Bills

You can continue to make payments using the following options:

• Nelson Hydro bills: Pay online at https://hydroportal.nelson.ca/pay-my-bill, at your bank, or by phone 250-352-8206
• Water, Sewer, and Property Tax bills: Pay through online banking or in-person at your local bank branch or by phone 250-352-5511
• Parking tickets: https://www.nelson.ca/754/Parking-Tickets or by phone 250-352-5511
• Cash or cheque payments: Use the secure drop box located outside the main entrance of City Hall. Please place your payment in an envelope and clearly mark it with your account information.

Need Assistance?

Customer service lines remain open.

For general inquiries please call 250-352-5511.

For Nelson Hydro billing and account inquiries please call 250-352-8206.

Our staff are here to help —thank you for being patient and respectful when speaking with City representatives. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.

-30-

City of Nelson offices are closed Tuesday, September 30 to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

September 29, 2025

What is happening during the strike?

From the Canada Post website: “Canada Post’s operations will shut down during a national strike… mail and parcels will not be processed or delivered for the duration of the national strike, and some post offices will be closed.” 

How will the postal strike impact residents and customers?

The strike means that you may need to change how you get information about your accounts and how you pay your bills.

How can I access my Nelson Hydro bills during the mail disruption?

You can access your Nelson Hydro account online and sign up for online billing at hydroportal.nelson.ca. If you set up your account now, your future bills will be accessible through the portal. Any prior bills will not be accessible online but can be accessible by calling 250-352-8206 or by visiting in person at City Hall.

How can I find my account balances and pay my utility bills while the strike is underway?

You can access your Nelson Hydro and water/sewer account information by calling or visiting our office. You can pay your utility bill though:

• A preauthorized payment plan, which you can set up by contacting Customer Service
• Equalized monthly payments, which you can set up by contacting Customer Service
• Your bank
• Online banking
• Telephone banking
• Visiting City Hall 
• After-hours drop boxes at the entrance doors to City Hall
• Online billing for Nelson Hydro at hydroportal.nelson.ca

Will the City waive penalties for utility bills?

Yes, late penalties for overdue accounts will be waived for any bill issued on September 24 or later until the end of the strike. It is still your responsibility to pay your utility bills on time. In the event that the disruption continues for an extended period of time, we may revisit this decision.

For Nelson Hydro customers on the Equalized Payment Plan, you may notice an adjusted auto-payment in October as annual payment amounts are recalculated. To see your updated equal payment amounts, please sign up for e-billing at hydroportal.nelson.ca

What happens to the Equalized Payment Plan?

For Nelson Hydro customers on the Equalized Payment Plan, you may notice an adjusted preauthorized payment in September and October as the annual payment amounts are recalculated. The new adjusted amount will be withdrawn on the next bill in November or December. If you haven’t received your bill for September or October and you are on an Equalized Payment Plan, please call 250-352-8206 or visit in person at City Hall for your updated equalized payment amount.

How will the City be paying vendors?

Cheques of all amounts will be held for pick up at City Hall. If you have questions, you can call the Finance department at 250-352-5511.

How can I contact Customer Service?

Call us at 250-352-8206 or visit City Hall at Suite 101 - 310 Ward Street between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

How can I stay informed?

To stay informed, sign up for the Nelson Hydro newsletter at nelson.ca/hydronews.

September 29, 2025

With cooling fall temperatures and rain in the forecast, the City of Nelson has returned to Stage 1 Water Restrictions as of Monday, September 29, 2025.

• Watering of lawns is allowed using a shut-off nozzle, sprinkler, or irrigation system, only between 4-9 am or 7-10 pm.
• Even-numbered homes water Wednesdays and Saturdays only. 
• Odd-numbered homes water Thursdays and Sundays only. 
• You may water trees, shrubs, vegetables, and flowers with a handheld container or a hose with a shut-off nozzle on any day.  

For more details on Stage 1 Restrictions and how you can conserve water, please visit nelson.ca/water.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to water conservation!

Nelson Hydro is submitting a two-year rate application to the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC). This means that the rates will be set in advance for 2026 and 2027 at the same time.

Learn about the regulatory context, how rates work, the Nelson Hydro budget, and the proposed rate increases for 2026 and 2027.

Share your feedback: 2026-2027 Electrical Rates | Lets Talk Nelson

EVs are on the Move at the City of Nelson

September 22, 2025--The City of Nelson is celebrating National Drive Electric Week with the addition of a fifth electric vehicle (EV) to its fleet, proving that even small rural communities can make a big impact. The newest addition, a 2025 Ford Lightning, joins the Nelson Hydro vehicle inventory this month.

The move toward fleet electrification is another step in advancing a carbon-neutral future—one of the pillars of the City of Nelson’s 2023–2026 Strategic Plan and its climate action strategy, Nelson Next. In June 2024, Council adopted the Fleet Electrification Plan to support this goal.

The plan promotes an “electric-first” approach, meaning that when vehicles are due for renewal, the Fleet team considers EVs first and integrates them whenever possible. To accommodate the growing number of City-owned EVs, new charging infrastructure has been installed at the Public Works facility with support from a Plug In BC grant. Five charging heads are now in place to serve the current fleet, with additional capacity available for future expansion. In 2026, BC Transit will install EV chargers in the City Works yard, to support two new EV buses that will replace two diesel buses in Nelson Conventional Transit fleet.

“We’re building the foundation for the future,” says City of Nelson Fleet & Transit Manager Jody Koehle. “The new chargers allow us to expand the City’s EV fleet in a smart, affordable way.”

The City will continue acquiring EVs where appropriate to reduce fuel costs, improve air quality, and set an example for other rural communities across BC.

“As a clean energy provider, it makes sense for Nelson Hydro to add an electric vehicle to our service fleet,” says Nelson Hydro General Manager Scott Spencer. “This transition shows how small communities can embrace new technology while keeping essential services running reliably.”

For more information about Nelson Next and Council’s strategic priorities, visit nelson.ca

-30-

City Council seek Nelson’s next Sports Ambassador

NELSON, BC (September 18, 2025)--The City of Nelson is calling for applications and nominations for the community’s next Sports Ambassador, a celebrated role that recognizes athletes who inspire both on and off the field.

Each year, City Council selects one individual athlete, group, or team who has achieved a high standard of excellence in their athletic pursuits and who represents Nelson’s sports and recreation community in a positive, inspiring way. The chosen Sports Ambassador is announced at a Council Meeting or the City’s Annual Reception and receives a $1,000 honorarium.

“Our Sports Ambassadors highlight how sport connects us,” says Nelson Mayor Janice Morrison. “They inspire us both on and off the field, and their commitment to our community makes them role models we can all be proud of.”

Sports Ambassadors are committed athletes who lead by example. They strive for success in their sport while giving back to the community, and they embody the value of recreation and active living, earning the respect of teammates, competitors, and community members alike. Applications and nominations are now open, and the deadline to nominate yourself or someone who inspires you is October 17, 2025.

-30-

BACKGROUND:  

The 2025 Sports Ambassador was volleyball player Atlyn Proctor. Atlyn graduated from L.V. Rogers Secondary School in 2024, where she was awarded their Most Outstanding Athlete. As a member of LVR’s volleyball team at the AAA provincials, she was acknowledged as a first Team All-Star. In addition, Atlyn was a member of team U18 B.C. Atlyn was offered a full scholarship to Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, where she plays for the Blue Dragons. 

Previous Sports Ambassadors are: Lola Brouillette, boxing (2024); Jazmine Lowther, ultrarunning, (2023); Travis Hauck, mountain biking (2022); Jesse Pineiro, boxing (2021); and Matti Erickson, track (2020). 

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. 

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.

City of Nelson Welcomes Donated Sculptures to Public Art Collection

The City of Nelson is pleased to announce the addition of two striking new sculptures to its public art collection, made possible by the generous donation of Nelson resident Dr. Ken Muth.

Arachnid meets artistry in Gigaspider, a playful sculpture with an environmental message. Previously featured in the 2024 Castlegar Sculpturewalk, Gigaspider, a 10-ft tall sculpture made from old car parts and recycled steel, has found a new habitat on the front lawn of City Hall at 310 Ward Street. 

“Gigaspider is a whimsical commentary on our fear of spiders,” notes Ron Simmer in his artist statement. “Most spiders are benign and environmentally important creatures.” Simmer, an Emeritus Librarian at UBC, is known for transforming found materials into imaginative works of art—drawing inspiration from his background in commercial fishing, steel fabrication, and construction, as well as his love of kayaking, sailing, skiing, and hiking.

Dr. Muth’s gift also includes a second sculpture from Castlegar Sculpturewalk, installed at Lakeside Park. A Song to Mothers by Bonnington-based artist Zen Wang welcomes visitors at the park entrance garden. Depicting a serene mother figure, “the work is a tribute to the nurturing side of the human spirit,” notes Wang. “Mothers are full of hope, love and courage while facing down uncertainty and fear.” Wang, who holds degrees in art and film, comes from a long lineage of Chinese artists, including his grandmother, a celebrated embroiderer, and his grandfather, a sculptor whose tools and books continue to inspire his creative journey.

“These works enrich Nelson’s cultural landscape, offering residents and visitors alike meaningful and inspiring encounters with public art,” said Sydney Black, Chair of the Cultural Development Commission. “We are deeply grateful to Dr. Muth for his generosity in making these additions possible.”

All art donations to the City are reviewed and approved by the City’s Cultural Development Commission and City Council in line with the City of Nelson’s Art in Public Places Policy, which is designed to expand community access to art, raise public awareness, and foster cultural enjoyment.

—30—

September 10, 2025: 

Nelson City Council Adopts Official Community Plan – Nelson 2050: Leading the Way, Together

Nelson City Council has unanimously adopted its new Official Community Plan (OCP) — Nelson 2050: Leading the Way, Together. This milestone marks a forward-looking vision to guide Nelson’s growth and change over the next decade and beyond.

Developed after two and half years of extensive community engagement, Nelson 2050 reflects the aspirations and priorities of residents, businesses, and community organizations. The plan serves as a long-term compass for decision-making, providing direction on land use, housing, climate action, transportation, reconciliation, economic development, and more.

“This plan will guide our city and provide a strong foundation for the decades ahead,” said Nelson Mayor Janice Morrison. “It reflects the voices of our residents through extensive public engagement, and I am incredibly proud of the work our community and staff have done to bring it to life.”

Section 4.9 – Granite Pointe Development Area

As part of the adoption process, Council carefully considered feedback received during the public hearing. In response, Council directed staff to strengthen the language in Section 4.9, which addresses the Granite Pointe Development Area in Rosemont. The updated introductory section now reads:

"Support the long term vitality of the Rosemont neighbourhood by encouraging redevelopment of the Granite Pointe Redevelopment Land Use Designation to foster a healthy and diverse community." 

Currently, the majority of the land in question is zoned P1 – Park, Open & Recreational Space, meaning any development of the P1 lands would require a rezoning application and that would result in a decision by Council to approve the zoning change based on the designs and use proposed. The current policies in Section 4.9 support any future decision(s) around rezoning by providing guiding direction, including:

• Commercial uses must be small-scale.

• Residential development should prioritize a mix of housing types, including single-detached, multi-unit residential, seniors’ housing, and affordable housing units.

• Green space protection remains a priority, with the majority of the Granite Pointe Development Area lands retained as Park, Open & Recreational Space

About the OCP

The Official Community Plan is the City’s highest-level planning document. It establishes a shared vision and provides clear guidelines to help Mayor and Council make decisions that will shape Nelson for years to come.

Residents can watch the video of the public hearing and Council meeting at nelson.ca or on the City of Nelson’s YouTube channel.

-30-

September 8, 2025 

Construction completed on Victoria Street Transit Exchange 

NELSON – The City of Nelson, the Regional District of Central Kootenay and BC Transit, in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, are pleased to announce the completion of the Victoria Street Transit Exchange.  

The new exchange facilitates more frequent and regularly scheduled routes that better connect the West Kootenay region to Nelson’s downtown, helping improve access to commercial, retail, medical and work offices. The project achieved SAFE (Security Achieved through Functional Environmental) design certification, an approach that reduces the risk and fear of crime and enhances public safety. 

The new exchange, located in the 300 block of Victoria Street, includes: 

• Five bus bays with the potential for an additional bay to support future transit expansion;
• Five bus shelters with bench seating to protect customers from weather elements; 
• Improved streetlighting and bus shelter lighting for increased safety;
• Bicycle racks and garbage cans;
• New sidewalks along Victoria Street; and
• An accessible public restroom near the library.

The City of Nelson is planning to add additional landscaping to the area.

The project budget of $2.4 million is jointly funded by the Government of Canada through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, Province of British Columbia, and the City of Nelson together with the Regional District of Central Kootenay. 

For more information, visit: Nelson Transit Exchange | Nelson, BC

Media Contacts:

BC Transit Communications                            

250-880-1303 | media@bctransit.com 

School Zones Active: Nelson Police Emphasize Road Safety for Back to School 

September 2, 2025: With students returning to school on Tuesday, September 2nd, the Nelson Police Department is reminding all motorists to exercise extra caution around school zones and neighborhoods. The start of the school year means an increase in foot traffic, bicycles, school buses, and children on the road. 

The school zone speed limit is 30 km/h and is in effect from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Motorists are reminded to obey and watch for posted signs. Remain alert when approaching school grounds and crosswalks, as children may cross unexpectedly. 

Drivers are also reminded to always stop when approaching a school bus that is displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. Traffic in both directions must stop while the bus is loading or unloading passengers. 

Parents and guardians are encouraged to review safety rules with children, including: 

• Looking both ways before crossing streets
• Wearing helmets when biking or using scooters
• Walking on sidewalks when possible, or facing traffic if none are available
• Staying alert and avoiding phone use or headphones when crossing the street 

The Nelson Police Department will maintain an increased presence around school zones in the coming weeks to ensure safety for all road users, enforce speed limits, and provide education to the community. 

August 29, 2025

Yesterday evening, August 28, the City of Nelson learned that a section of Anderson Creek, located in the Fairview neighbourhood of Nelson, was running dry. After being notified of the problem, crews worked through the night to resolve the issue.

The incident was related to an emergency repair that took place earlier in the day at the Five Mile Creek water intake, which supplies 70 per cent of the City’s drinking water. In order to complete the work, the water intake at this location was bypassed (shut down), and the city’s water was supplied entirely by our secondary sources, which are Anderson and Selous Creeks. Using the secondary sources, the city's system was able to meet the city’s demand. The bypass was in place for six hours, and was lifted shortly after 4pm.

Due to a number of unanticipated factors, including infiltration in the creekbed (the amount of water that seeps into the ground), and high residential water consumption, the amount of water flow that was left to supply Anderson proved to be insufficient. The City of Nelson holds a license to divert 1.5 million gallons of water per day from this system in order to supply Nelson households.

The City has been made aware that a number of fish were found in the creek bed when the water levels dropped. City personnel are working closely with environmental consultants, biologists, and regulatory officials to investigate this incident. 

All three water sources are now online and supplying water to the city. However, all three creeks (5 Mile, Anderson, and Selous) are at their seasonal lowest point, and it is vital for city residents to adhere to stage 2 water restrictions. Detailed information about restrictions can be found on the City's website at https://nelson.ca/378/Water-Restrictions.

We thank those who brought this concern to the City and want to remind residents to report non-emergency incidents by phone to 250-352-3103. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. 

-30-

We know that the rising cost of living is hard on everyone and as members of this community, we feel it too. That’s why we keep such a close eye on our operating costs each year to ensure that our customers continue to receive safe, reliable and cost-effective electricity.

Each year, Nelson Hydro prepares a plan, budget, and proposed rates for review. Rates for customers within the City of Nelson are approved by City Council, while rates for customers in the rural service area are reviewed and approved by the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC)—an independent regulatory agency. The BCUC ensures that rural rates are fair, reasonable, and transparent for customers outside city limits, while City Council is responsible for ensuring the same within Nelson. This year, we are preparing a two-year plan, as recommended by the BCUC, to create a more efficient process than submitting annual applications.

We would like to invite the public to attend one or both of the following hybrid events:

Public Budget Workshop

📅 Tuesday, September 23, 2025

⏰ 6:30–8:30 pm

📍 Nelson City Hall – 310 Ward St.

This interactive workshop will present Nelson Hydro’s proposed 2026 and 2027 budget projections and highlight key factors that may influence future rates. The session will include a presentation followed by an open discussion, where your questions and input will help shape our planning. Online participation is available for those who RSVP in advance.

Public Open House

📅 Wednesday, November 19, 2025

⏰ 1:30–3:30 pm

📍 Nelson City Hall – 310 Ward St.

This session will present the final version of Nelson Hydro’s 2026 and 2027 budgets as submitted to City Council and the BCUC, and provide another opportunity for community members to learn more and ask questions. Like the workshop, this event will be offered in a hybrid format, with in-person attendance at City Hall or online participation available to those who register in advance.

How to Participate

Both events are free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend in person at City Hall or RSVP to join online. For more information and to RSVP for online access, please visit: 🌐 https://www.nelson.ca/218/Electric-Nelson-Hydro/#registration

Due to high temperatures and low water levels, the City of Nelson is now advising residents to adhere to Stage Two watering restrictions.

For more information, please visit https://nelson.ca/374/Water 

Here are the highlights from the August 19 City Council meeting.

Council heard presentations from City staff on the Q2 financial report and an update on the short-term rental market. 

Council granted a renewal to the Temporary Use Permit held by the Nelson Brewing Co. To continue operating a Neighbourhood Pub. The permit renewal extends operations until September 2028.

Council endorsed the application of a Nelson Council member to apply for a non-board committee appointment with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). 

The Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 3629, 2025 and Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 3626, 2025 passed first and second reading. A public hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 9 at 5pm in Council Chambers. The Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment (Official Community Plan Update) 3627, 2025 passed first three readings. Both the Zoning Bylaw Amendment and the Bylaw Enforcement Amendment are considered housekeeping changes that would be required upon the adoption of the Official Community Plan proposal.

Council approved amendments to the short-term rental (STR) fee structure. The amendment to the Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 3092, 2008 will simplify the fee structure for STR guest room licences, streamline the application process, and ensure greater clarity and flexibility for licence holders.

Council engaged in a thorough discussion regarding withdrawal from the Geographic Information System (GIS) currently administered by the RDCK and instead transition to a City-managed system integrated with the current GIS system used by Nelson Hydro, and the incoming NG911 system being launched. Council approved the recommendation to bring GIS services in-house, and to amend the 5-year Financial Plan to reflect the updated administrative costs. Council also approved the motion to withdraw from RDCK Bylaw 2136 by January 1, 2027.

The council meeting was adjourned at 9:35 pm. Residents are welcome to review the Council agenda or watch a recording of the meeting. 

August 21, 2025: 

On August 20 at 2018 hours, Nelson Fire & Rescue Services responded to several 911 calls, reporting a wildfire with multiple explosions, above the CPR tracks, 500m west of Nelson on Hwy 3A/6. Both on duty members responded immediately with 3 additional members responding from home.

Heading to the scene, the first crew observed a plume of smoke rising from the forested area. Upon arrival, an encampment used by a member of Nelson’s vulnerable population was found to be completely involved in fire. The first arriving crew’s primary objective was to limit the growth of the fire, to protect the surrounding forest. While one structure appears to be destroyed by the fire, the total area affected was limited to a 10m by 7m space overlooking CPR rail. Reportedly, the camp was not occupied at the time, and as a result, no-one was injured.

The origin of the fire is unknown at this time, but crews will re-examine the area during daylight hours to complete an investigation.

In all, 5 NFRS firefighters responded to the incident with two fire engines. BCWS assisted at the scene, with 4 wildland firefighters. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.

Nelson Fire & Rescue Services reminds residents that open burning within city limits is not permitted, except during a Burn Period officially permitted by the Fire Chief. While campfires may be permitted in certain areas, never leave an open flame unattended, especially in forested locations.

Reminder: Normal Water Regulations in Effect

As temperatures rise over the next few weeks and water demand increases, the City of Nelson is taking proactive steps to manage our water resources responsibly.

What this means for you:Please continue to follow our normal water use regulations:

Lawn Watering

• Even-numbered addresses: water on even-numbered days of the week

• Odd-numbered addresses: water on odd-numbered days of the week

• Permitted times: 4:00–9:00 a.m. and 7:00–10:00 p.m.

Gardens (vegetables, flowers, trees & shrubs)• Water any day of the week• Use a shut-off nozzle, sprinkler, or irrigation system• Permitted times: 4–9 a.m. and 7–10 p.m.

💧 Be Water WiseBe mindful of water usage as we work together to keep our system sustainable.

Please skip washing cars, driveways, and sidewalks — and let Mother Nature water your lawn if you can.

For more details, conservation tools, and water-saving tips, visit nelson.ca/water

🙏 Thank you for doing your part!

August 15, 2025--media release from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

NELSON--The Province and the Nelson Police Department have launched HealthIM, a digital public-safety tool designed to improve officer response to people in crisis.

"When people are in distress because of a mental-health or substance-use emergency and they call the police, we need a rapid risk-screening tool to make sure they are safe and connected to the care they need," said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. "HealthIM has proven to be a valuable asset to help police officers safely and effectively deescalate complex situations. Our government will continue to support law enforcement with initiatives that are making a real difference on the ground."

HealthIM is a digital public-safety system to improve emergency police response in mental-health and addiction crisis situations, increasing safety for first responders, health-care providers and the person in crisis. By facilitating better communication, HealthIM aims to help officers gain insight into the factors behind a person's behaviour, leading to more informed and compassionate interactions. 

"When someone is facing a mental-health or substance-use crisis, timely, compassionate care can be lifesaving," said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. "By improving how police and healthcare teams share information, HealthIM ensures people in crisis are met with compassion and connected more quickly to the care they need. This is another step toward a more responsive, integrated system throughout B.C."

The responding officer is guided through a series of questions using HealthIM to help facilitate a better assessment of the person in crisis. The system also improves communication with health-care partners by using consistent clinical language and provides critical information to doctors and nurses immediately. Other benefits include:

• the assessment of risk of harm to self or others, which helps determine the best way that person can receive help;
• provides specific safety and de-escalation information about the person to facilitate a trauma-informed response, leading to better outcomes;
• alerts health-care partners to incoming people escorted by emergency responders and flags instances of weapon possession and/or violent behaviour; and
• a risk of harm-analysis history can be developed over time, providing insight into how to assist those with previous police contact.

As part of its commitment to building safer communities, the B.C. government provides $2 million annually to the BC Association of Chiefs of Police to support the rollout of HealthIM across municipal police departments throughout the province. HealthIM launched in Nelson on May 28, 2025, in partnership with Kootenay Lake Hospital, and will help ensure that individuals in crisis receive timely and appropriate care.

To learn more about HealthIM, visit: https://www.healthim.com/

To learn more about the Safer Communities Action Plan, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/safe-communities/

Media Release, August 14, 4:47pm: NPD and RCMP safely dispose of improvised explosive device

The Nelson Police Department, with the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU) attended a scene near the intersection of Douglas and Pine Streets in Nelson responding to a report of a suspected improvised explosive device (IED). The device was safely disposed of without injury or damage to property.

On August 12, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the Nelson Police Department received a report concerning a suspected improvised explosive device (IED). A local youth, while in the Trail area, discovered what appeared to be a “pipe bomb.” The youth transported the device to his residence in Nelson, where his parents promptly contacted police and secured the item in a locked storage shed. The Nelson Police Department immediately liaised with the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU). Following consultation, the RCMP advised they would attend to safely secure and dispose of the device. The Nelson Police Department notified the Trail RCMP regarding the IED that was located within their jurisdiction and provided GPS coordinates for follow-up action.

On August 13, 2025, the RCMP EDU attended the scene and safely disposed of the IED. EDU advised that the device was capable of causing death and/or grievous bodily harm and spreading shrapnel approximately 50 feet.

As of this writing, this matter remains under investigation.

The Nelson Police Department would like to thank the public for adhering to safety advisories and avoiding the area while police were on the scene.

For media enquires related to the RCMP EDU, please contact the RCMP at 778-290-2929. For additional information, please contact the Nelson Police Department at 250-354-3919.

UPDATE August 13, 3:09pm: The area near Douglas St and Pine St is safe to return. 

Original notice August 13, 2:15pm: There is a police incident near Pine St and Douglas St and at the moment the Nelson Police Department is requesting that the public avoid the area. A media release will follow shortly and this post will be updated as more information becomes available.  

On Saturday, August 9, on both coasts, Canadians are honouring Nelsonite Lt. Robert Hampton Gray, a Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve pilot who served with the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. On August 9, 1945, Lt. Gray was killed in combat and was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross; he was the last Canadian to receive this honour. In his memory, the Royal Canadian Navy is naming its sixth Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship HMCS Robert Hampton Gray. Here in Nelson, a plaque outside the Government of Canada Gray Building on Vernon Street, installed in 2002, shares his remarkable story.

Update: Tuesday, August 19--the repairs have been completed and the Lions Park spray park is back in operation. 

Due to vandalism, the spray park at Lions Park is not operating normally; the buttons to activate the water are malfunctioning. Rather than closing the park for the upcoming hot and sunny weekend, the spray park will remain open with restricted operating hours on Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10 from 11am to 7pm. The water will be running continuously during this time to avoid any malfunctioning issues. 

After the weekend, the spray park will be closed until it can be repaired later in the week. If the parts do not arrive, it will operate the following weekend with restricted hours on Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17 from 11am to 7pm.

Nelson Hydro is removing the trees this week at Trafalgar Middle School along Josephine Street as part of our ongoing commitment to electrical safety. Community members are welcome to take home some firewood—primarily fir and pine. If you do, please be mindful of crews and active work zones on site. 

The trees are currently growing within the limit of approach to high-voltage power lines, posing a serious safety hazard. Power lines can arc to a nearby branch even without direct contact, creating a risk to anyone near the area.

To support the replacement of the trees, Nelson Hydro has donated $10,000 to SD8 so that new trees will be planted at a safe distance from the power lines. SD8 and Trafalgar Middle School have formed a committee and are working with City of Nelson arborists to develop a replanting plan for Fall 2025.

We appreciate the community’s understanding as this important work takes place while school is out for the summer.

Here are the highlights from the July 8 Council meeting.

Council approved changes to the Official Community Plan and Zoning bylaws to rezone 818–824 Front Street, following a public hearing on the rezoning in June. Council also approved leasing 818–824 Front Street to Nelson CARES so they can apply to the BC Housing Community Housing Fund for support to build an affordable rental housing development. The lease is conditional and depends on Nelson CARES receiving funding from BC Housing within a year.

Council directed staff to move the Wednesday Farmers Market back to Baker Street for the remainder of the market season. The Wednesday market will be back on Baker Street starting on July 16. The Saturday markets will remain at Cottonwood Falls Park.

Council directed staff to continue implementing the Active Transportation Plan and to explore cost-effective options for improving bike routes.

Council also directed staff to look into pedestrian-crossing options for busy intersections on Baker Street that would allow pedestrians to cross in all directions at once, including diagonally.

For more information, review the meeting agenda or watch a recording of the Council meeting.

The City of Nelson, in partnership with Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism, is installing 35 new bear-resistant garbage bins in the downtown area. These bins will replace all existing trash cans to better protect our community and local wildlife.

Thanks to the generous support of Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism, which utilized grant funding to help purchase these new bins, Nelson residents can look forward to a more bear-aware downtown core.

The new bins are the Freedom 32 model, manufactured by Canadian supplier Haul-All. They feature a hands-free foot pedal as well as a handle for snowy months and are certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC). This means they have passed rigorous testing — including live bear trials in Yellowstone and Montana — to ensure the highest level of bear resistance.

While no container is completely “bear-proof” due to factors such as improper securing of lids, these bear-resistant bins represent a major step forward in reducing human-wildlife conflicts and protecting both our community and the bears that call this region home.

Installation is starting this week and will continue into the fall, with crews working to ensure a smooth transition throughout downtown Nelson.

The City of Nelson and Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism thank the community for their ongoing support in keeping Nelson safe, clean and bear-aware.

For more information on wildlife in Nelson, visit nelson.ca/1020/Wildlife-in-Nelson.

How you can help

• Store garbage securely. It must be placed curbside between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. on your pick-up day.

• If food scraps must go in the garbage, freeze them until pick-up day to reduce odours.

• Clean BBQs after use.

• Do not leave pet food outside.

• Harvest fruit trees promptly.

• Put bird seed away until winter.

• Use a wildlife-friendly option for food scraps, like the FoodCycler. Learn more and join the waitlist at nelson.ca/organics.

• Do not feed wild animals.

• Manage waste bins at your workplace, keep them locked, and ensure the bear bar is engaged and locked in place.

• Encourage your workplace to become a certified WildSafe Business.

• Share these tips with family members, neighbours and coworkers to keep wildlife safe.

• Follow the City’s Waste Management and Wildlife Attractant Bylaw 3198.

How to report issues:

Myth: Reporting a bear means it will be destroyed.

Fact: Early reporting helps prevent conflict through education and enforcement — and is one of the best ways to keep both people and wildlife safe.

• Bear sighting? Contact WildSafeBC at nelson@wildsafebc.com or 250-551-6376.

• Immediate threat? Call the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277 or call 911.

• Unsecured garbage? Report issues to City of Nelson Bylaw Services at bylawenforcement@nelson.ca or 250-505-5666. The City is increasing enforcement. Tickets for violations are $150.

Together, we can keep Nelson safe for both people and wildlife. For more information, visit nelson.ca/1020/Wildlife-in-Nelson.

Nelson City Council is cancelling their scheduled Special Council and Committee of the Whole meetings that were planned for Tuesday, July 22.The next City Council meeting is on Tuesday, August 19 at 4:30 pm in Council Chambers at City Hall. To see Council meeting dates and agendas or to watch recordings of previous Council meetings, visit Nelson.ca/CouncilMeetings

Update on July 9, 2025

At the July 8 Council meeting, Council voted to move the Wednesday market back to Baker Street starting on July 16. The Saturday market will remain at Cottonwood Falls Park. A recording of the Council meeting is available here. 

Media release from May 29, 2025: Downtown construction necessitates Wednesday Farmers Market moving to Cottonwood Falls Park

As several major construction projects are creating congestion and parking challenges downtown this spring and summer, the mid-week Nelson Farmers Market is moving to Cottonwood Falls Park for the season. The move will give the City, vendors and market participants a chance to experience the market in a new location that was designed to accommodate events.

The City would like to apologize for the short notice about the Wednesday market location change before the mid-week market resumes on June 4. We have been exploring all options to ensure a positive Wednesday market experience in 2025. Losing our market coordinator during this critical time led to a delay in finding a solution for this season.

 Several factors influenced the decision to move to Cottonwood Falls Park for 2025, including:

• Ongoing construction on Baker Street, Vernon Street and Victoria Street,
• A survey of Nelson Farmers Market vendors in March, which indicated that vendors would like access to amenities that are limited on Baker Street, such as:
  • Free parking for vendors and customers, 
  • Potable water, 
  • Washrooms on site, and
  • Access to electrical plug ins.
• Parking considerations,
• Traffic flow issues along Baker Street, including a close call with a vehicle during last year’s market season,
• Impact on transit routes,
• Accessibility,
• The opportunity to host more vendors from our lengthy waitlist at Cottonwood Falls Park than can be accommodated on Baker Street, 
• The success of the Saturday markets at Cottonwood Falls Park, and 
• Upgrades made at Cottonwood Falls Park last year that make the location ideal for hosting markets, including a new bridge, sidewalks, an improved parking area and enhanced green space. These upgrades ensure a functional and vibrant venue for the Nelson Farmers Market.

The City is committed to promoting the Nelson Farmers Market and helping vendors connect with customers, and will run a communications campaign around the location change, including public signs, posters, radio ads and social media posts.

The City has already received a record of over 450 vendor applications for the Nelson Farmers Market. We are looking forward to another successful market experience this season for all vendors, businesses, community members and tourists visiting throughout our region.

Join the Wildfire Awareness Party at Lakeside Park in Nelson on July 10

The Nelson & Area Wildfire Risk Reduction Committee is inviting residents and visitors in the Kootenays to take part in a family-friendly Wildfire Awareness Party at Lakeside Park on Thursday, July 10, from 2 to 6 p.m. Hosted at the Rotary BBQ Shelter, the event promises a vibrant afternoon of family-friendly fun and engaging conversation, including a free BBQ, music, games, and prizes.

This is the fourth year the committee has hosted the community event. Representatives from the City of Nelson, Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), BC Wildfire Service, Ministry of Forests, and BC Parks will be on hand to answer questions and showcase the wide range of local risk-reduction efforts.

The City of Nelson and the RDCK have been active leaders in wildfire mitigation. In recent years, both have implemented numerous FireSmart initiatives, including free Home Ignition Zone assessments and rebate programs for homeowners. Through Nelson’s Wildfire Resilience Program, the City has completed annual fuel management projects on municipal land. The RDCK has supported collaborating agencies to conduct large-scale risk reduction projects in the forests and parks surrounding Nelson.

Throughout the RDCK, the FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program also continues to expand, supporting local volunteers in organizing wildfire preparedness at the neighbourhood level. These types of efforts are recommended in technical planning documents, such as the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans, that provide guidance and direction for the range of initiatives in the region.

“This event is a great way for people to meet those folks who are doing the work on a day to day basis, from planning to response,” said Rob Leland, one of the event’s organizers and Nelson’s Wildfire Resilience Program Coordinator. “It’s about building relationships, answering questions, and empowering residents to take simple steps that make a big difference.”

Everyone is welcome, from local homeowners to new residents and visitors. The casual event is designed to be accessible, informative, and enjoyable for all ages.

For more information, contact:

 Rob Leland

Wildfire Resilience Program Coordinator – City of Nelson

firesmart@nelson.ca

250-352-8116

The City is reminding members of the public that it is illegal, unhelpful and costly to leave waste items along Government Road and in other public spaces.

Recently there has been an increase in illegal dumping in Nelson, especially along Government Road. Waste items the City has found this spring include: food and waste containers, clothing, recyclable bottles, cartons and cans, fridges, vacuums, pallets and various household items. The City conducted a site clean-up along Government Road earlier this month.

While there are several people living in temporary shelters along Government Road, even the most well-intentioned illegal dumping of household waste is not helpful. Local service providers are supporting those in the area with food, mental-health services, water, tents, sleeping bags and the basic essentials. They are also offering laundry, showers and clothing regularly on set days of the week.

Illegal dumping – including free piles and unsolicited donations – attracts wildlife, becomes unsightly and leads to health and safety issues with mold, bugs, soiled items and rot.

The City’s cleanup efforts are costly, and these costs are on the rise. The City added $35,000 to the 2025 budget to deal with increased waste and cleanup of this type throughout Nelson.

The fine for illegal dumping is $250. There is an additional $150 fine for prohibited disposal of any garbage or wildlife attractants.

Instead of illegal dumping, the City asks members of the public to:

• Put waste out for curbside collection or take it to the Grohman Narrows Transfer Station at 1201 Insight Drive.
• Put recyclables out for curbside collection or take them to the Nelson Recycling Depot at 70 Lakeside Drive.
• Take clean items that are in good condition to organizations that accept donations.

To report instances of illegal dumping, please contact Nelson Bylaw Services at 250-505-5666 or bylawenforcement@nelson.ca

The new Victoria Street Transit Exchange between Kootenay Street and Stanley Street will open on Monday, June 30, with bus service moving from Ward Street and Baker Street over to Victoria Street. To complete the last of the roadwork, the 300 block of Victoria Street will be closed to traffic from Thursday, June 26 to early morning on Monday, June 30.

While the new transit exchange will be open for bus service, the finishing touches are still in progress. Bus shelters will be installed later this summer. Landscaping will be completed in the fall.

The Victoria Street Transit Exchange will facilitate more frequent, regularly scheduled and aligned routes that will better connect residents and students to destinations within the region.  

There are some minor schedule and routing changes on all routes that service the City of Nelson. Please visit BC Transit’s website for up-to-date trip schedules and maps.   

The previous transit shelter at Ward Street and Baker Street will be decommissioned this summer. A number of parking changes will occur this summer to increase the number of stalls in the area.

Nelson Public Library is open during the construction.

The City launched an educational video series to help you get the most out of your FoodCycler. In April 2025, the City received more than 1,000 responses to a survey on how residents’ FoodCyclers are working for them. 

The survey allowed the City to learn if any FoodCyclers needed repairs and to find out what, if anything, was keeping residents from diverting 100% of their food waste through the FoodCycler. 

The City took the key questions residents had and created a series of educational videos with tips to help everyone get the most out of their FoodCycler. The main tips are to:

• Leave a scoop of pre-treated material from the previous cycle in the bucket for each new cycle,
• Add a variety of scraps to each bucket, and
• Clean the lid filter regularly.

The series includes videos on:

• Processing very fibrous foods
• Processing starchy foods 
• How to prevent jams
• How to access the no-cost local FoodCycler repair program
• Basic FoodCycler maintenance
• Fridge cleanouts
• Using soil amendment in your garden
• Using the organics drop-off bins  

Why it matters: we all need to keep our household food waste out of the landfill, where it creates pollution and uses up landfill space. Using the FoodCycler to keep all of your food waste – even the trickier items – out of the garbage helps protect our environment, extend the lifespan of the landfill, and keep wildlife safe. Over 2,300 Nelson households are now using the FoodCycler to keep organic waste out of the landfill.

For more information and to watch the videos, visit nelson.ca/organicsresources

Nelson Hydro is preparing for the future by exploring options to replace our aging electric meters. Many of our current meters are nearing the end of their approved lifespan, and we’re working now to plan a responsible and efficient path forward.One option we’re evaluating is AMI – Advanced Metering Infrastructure. AMI is the next generation of metering technology that enables real-time energy use data, faster outage detection, and improved communication between you and your utility.We’ve launched a planning project to assess whether AMI is the right fit for our customers and our community. As part of this process, we want to hear from you.💬 Learn more and share your feedback at https://letstalk.nelson.ca/AMI-Project Your input matters as we plan for the future of metering in Nelson.

The City of Nelson is proud to announce improved accessibility at Rotary Lakeside Park, thanks to the arrival of two pieces of adaptive mobility equipment now available at the Paddle Rental Centre: a Mobi floating wheelchair and an All-Terrain beach wheelchair. These additions are complemented by the recent installation of a Mobi mat, offering safe and stable access across the sand to the shoreline.

Beginning June 12, 2025, the equipment will be available for free public use during Paddle Centre hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday through Monday, continuing through to Labour Day weekend.

These improvements align with the City’s ongoing efforts to foster inclusive, barrier-free recreation opportunities for all residents and visitors.

The City would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Nelson Rotary Club for their continued support and dedication to community projects. Their contributions have been instrumental in making Rotary Lakeside Park a more accessible and welcoming space for everyone.

Visit the Paddle Rental Centre at Rotary Lakeside Park to borrow the wheelchairs. 

The roadwork portion of the Victoria Street Transit Exchange is nearing completion in downtown Nelson, allowing bus service to start while finishing touches continue at the exchange.   

On Monday, June 30, bus service from the Ward Street and Baker Street exchange will move over to the new transit exchange on Victoria Street between Kootenay Street and Stanley Street.   

There will be some minor schedule and routing changes on all routes that service the City of Nelson. Please visit BC Transit’s website for up-to-date trip schedules and maps.   

New bus shelters will be installed this summer. Once fully complete, the Victoria Street Transit Exchange will facilitate more frequent, regularly scheduled and aligned routes that will better connect residents and students to destinations within the region.  

Here are the highlights from the June 3 Council meeting.

Council considered changes to the Official Community Plan and Zoning bylaws to rezone 818–824 Front Street. The proposed project is a 6-storey building that includes 50 residential units and may also include potential recreation space connected to the neighbouring Nelson and District Community Complex. There will be a public hearing on the rezoning on June 23, 2025. 

Council adopted the Nelson Fire & Rescue Services Fire Master Plan, which includes recommendations to increase firefighter staffing, hire a Deputy Chief, secure a new fire hall location and more. Council also directed staff to look into outsourcing fire dispatch services and to bring a contract to Council for approval.

Council approved asking to renegotiate recycling fees with the Regional District of Central Kootenay. Adopting a more accurate model would ensure a fairer distribution of costs and could save the City over $100,000 annually.

Council approved requests from the Nelson & District Arts Council for two new murals on City-owned property. Gijs VanHee designed a mural that will go on the west wall of the parkade at 420 Vernon Street. Axel Morrison designed a mural that will be displayed on all four walls of the pumphouse at 920 Simpson Road.

Council accepted and approved installation of two sculptures that Dr. Ken Muth donated to the City. A Song to Mothers by Zen Wang will be installed in Lakeside Park. Gigaspider by Ron Simmer will be installed in front of City Hall.

For more information, review the meeting agenda or watch a recording of the Council meeting.

Highlights from previous Council meetings are available here.

Nelson Civic Theatre Society (NCTS), in collaboration with the City of Nelson, is proud to announce their receipt of the 2025 Rob Stewart Sustainability Award at ShowCanada, the national convention for the Canadian film exhibition industry, presented by the Movie Theatres Association of Canada. This esteemed award recognizes their shared commitment to environmental and social sustainability in the ongoing revitalization of the historic Civic Theatre.

Named in honour and memory of the late filmmaker and environmental activist Rob Stewart, the award spotlights projects that drive positive change in their communities. This year’s recognition celebrates the extensive green upgrades and accessibility improvements undertaken and underway at The Civic Theatre, a cherished cultural venue operating within the City-owned 1935-built Civic Centre.

Intended sustainability highlights of the project include:

• A 33.7% annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through modern HVAC systems and high-performance windows. The project will result in an annual reduction of natural gas consumption of 722 GJ (Gigajoules) and an annual emissions reduction of 36.2 tCO2e (tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent), representing a 25 year emissions reduction of 905 tCO2e.
• Major accessibility upgrades, including a LU/LA (Limited Use/Limited Application) elevator and accessible washrooms.
• Water conservation infrastructure, including low-flow toilets and a refill station.
• Preservation of heritage architecture while optimizing building efficiency.

This project received funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program - CleanBC Communities Fund, and development will continue this year to complete the full scope of The Civic Theatre’s upgrades with the support of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the BC Rural Dividend Program, Columbia Basin Trust, BC Arts Council, BC Gaming Fund, and the support of private donors. NCTS also will continue fundraising this year to complete the full scope of the project.

“Rob Stewart believed in the power of storytelling to inspire environmental and social action – values that are at the heart of everything we do at NCTS,” said Eleanor Stacey, Executive Director of NCTS. “We’re deeply honoured to receive this award. It not only recognizes our board and staff team and our collaboration with the City on the revitalization of The Civic Theatre, but it also celebrates the determination of our entire community. It has been the collective vision, persistence, support, and partnerships that have continued to sustain this project through every challenge. Our goal is the same as it has been since the founding of NCTS in 2012: to ensure that The Civic Theatre remains not only a beloved and diverse cultural space, but also a model for sustainable, inclusive infrastructure in small communities.”

Nelson Mayor Janice Morrison emphasized the importance of collaboration: “This project is a shining example of what’s possible when a city and a non-profit work together. The Civic Theatre holds an irreplaceable place in our city’s history and its future. By investing in sustainable upgrades and preserving our heritage, we’re ensuring that this facility serves generations to come - with greater efficiency, accessibility, and heart.”

The Rob Stewart Sustainability Award was presented to NCTS Executive Director Eleanor Stacey during ShowCanada’s opening night celebration at the Victoria Conference Centre on May 27, 2025, where professionals from across North America gathered to celebrate innovation in film and community engagement.

Photo: Eleanor Stacey in front of Victorian-style AI-generated portraits of award winners at the ShowCanada Gala, May 27, 2025. Photo credit: Tara-Lee Novak

Nelson City Council Receives Fire Master Plan to Strengthen Emergency Services

As part of its 2024 strategic priorities, City Council funded the development of a comprehensive Fire Master Plan, the first ever completed for the City. Nelson Fire and Rescue Services (NFRS) engaged Tim Pley & Associates Ltd. to develop the plan, which will guide the future of fire and emergency services as the community continues to grow and change.

The Fire Master Plan provides a thorough review of NFRS, including its operations, facilities, staffing, and the City’s evolving risk environment. It incorporates input from City and department personnel and considers regional trends, legislative changes, and the growing complexity of emergency response in Nelson.

“Our fire department delivers exceptional service, but the demands on our firefighters have changed dramatically over the past three decades,” said Mayor Janice Morrison. “This plan gives us a clear path forward to ensure NFRS remains sustainable, effective, and equipped to serve a growing and changing community. Council has taken some early steps to address the staffing recommendations in the plan by authorizing the hiring of two new career positions and third-party dispatch to free up additional resources.”

Calls for service to NFRS have increased from 429 in 1993 to 1,806 in 2024—a rise of over 320 per cent. Over that same period, staffing levels have remained unchanged, even as the city has experienced a 17 per cent population increase, over 1,000 new residential units, and a steady rise in building height and density. The increase in multi-family housing and medical-related emergencies has significantly expanded the scope and complexity of fire service demands.

To keep pace with this growth and ensure continued public safety, the plan recommends incremental staffing increases and a restructured department to improve operational capacity and resilience.

Key recommendations include:

• Restructuring the department to strengthen leadership and crew capacity.
• Incrementally increasing staffing, including both career and paid-on-call firefighters.
• Outsourcing fire dispatch services, currently managed in-house, to free up personnel for emergency response.
• Planning and constructing a new fire hall to replace the aging 1913 facility and meet modern safety standards.
• Enhancing training, fire prevention, and inter-agency collaboration to improve efficiency and readiness.

“NFRS is rooted in service to our community, and we’re proud of what we’ve built,” said Fire Chief Jeff Hebert. “This plan builds on that strong foundation while addressing today’s pressures. With strategic changes and continued support, we can evolve to meet the challenges ahead.”

The Fire Master Plan is available for public review at nelson.ca. City Council received the Fire Master Plan at their meeting on May 20. The plan will go back to a future business meeting of Council for further consideration.

Here are the highlights from the May 6 City Council meeting.

Council denied a proposal to allow a cannabis patio on Hendryx Street. As staff believe the cannabis patio would be the first of its kind in BC, Council members discussed how regulation and enforcement could be a challenge. Council members also raised concerns with smoke and air quality. 

Council approved a request from Sue Big Oil – West Kootenay to pledge $11,500 toward legal fees in support of a class action lawsuit against major fossil fuel companies. The funding has several conditions, including that other BC municipalities participate.

Council adopted an amended Financial Plan Bylaw for 2024-2028 and approved the 2025 property tax rates. Property taxes are due by July 2.

Council approved taking on a loan on behalf of the Railtown Housing Society at 85 Baker Street that would upgrade the existing road – adding water, hydro, road and yard improvements they would need to develop a 55-unit workforce housing project in the area. The loan (which would be approximately $750,000) would be added to the Railtown Housing Society's property taxes and would be paid back in full including interest.

Council authorized staff to apply for funding from the Union of BC Municipalities to hold relationship-building forums between the City of Nelson and the Sinixt Confederacy/ Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and between the City of Nelson and Ktunaxa Nation/Yaqan Nukiy.

Council authorized staff to apply for additional funding from the Union of BC Municipalities for Next Generation 911 improvements. The City received $3.5 million for this work in 2023 and will apply for an additional $715,490 this year.

Council approved an Interim Urban Forestry Plan to manage Nelson’s urban forest, which includes actions such as piloting a tree trimming program, launching a Tree Protection Bylaw, and initiating public engagement programs. Staff are continuing to develop a full Urban Forestry Management Plan for Council consideration by 2027.

Residents are welcome to review the Council agenda or listen to a recording of the meeting.

Due to technical difficulties, the recording of the May 6 Nelson City Council meeting was interrupted. The audio file has been restored. The recording is available on the City's YouTube Channel.

The City apologizes for the inconvenience.

On May 4^th, 2025 the Nelson Police Department executed a high-risk search warrant on a residence located on View Street, near Kootenay Lake Hospital.  The search warrant was authorized after an illicit drug and illegal firearms investigation was completed by members of the NPD.

Given the nature of this investigation and the potential for there to be firearms involved, the RCMP’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) was called in to assist in the execution of the warrant and clearing of the residence prior to the search being conducted.

Two individuals were taken into custody and a quantity of illegal drugs and cash were seized.  The individuals arrested in the residence are facing potential charges for Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) as well as Proceeds of Crime charges.  Other individuals associated to the residence are also under investigation for related offences.

During the initial phase of the warrant execution, a section of View Street had to be closed and the Kootenay Lake Hospital, upon request of police, was put into lockdown as a precaution.

The Nelson Police Department would like to thank the RCMP for their assistance and thank the public for their patience and staying away from the area, allowing police to focus on the operation.

At the time of this media release, the two individuals arrested remain in custody.

For more information, contact Nelson Police Department at (250) 354-3919.

The City of Nelson will perform a TEST of the City’s Emergency Notification System on Monday, May 5, at Noon during Emergency Preparedness Week. Anyone registered with the City’s Emergency Notification System will receive a TEST notification on the device they registered with – text, landline, email or app. This test aims to get residents thinking about emergency preparedness, provide a preview of what an Emergency Notification alert would look and sound like and encourage those who have not yet registered to do so. 

Emergency Preparedness Week is May 4 to 10 and is a great time to learn about preparing for emergencies. This year, the theme is Be Prepared. Know Your Risks. We encourage you to understand the risks in your area and learn what actions you can take to protect yourself and your household. Also remember that we’re in it together. True preparedness and resilience come from all of us working together: individuals, organizations, and government, so we can all respond and recover better. Now, more than ever, it’s important to stand together, connect with our neighbours, identify those who may need extra support and take steps to be personally prepared. 

The Voyent Alert! Emergency Notification System aligns with communities throughout the Kootenays as the primary notification system, including RDCK, RDKB, RDEK and the Town of Creston, allowing residents to be “in the know” across the Kootenays. Emergency Notifications will only be used for significant emergencies such as a nearby wildfire, hazardous materials release, extreme weather or other high-consequence events. Notifications will advise users on what is happening and what they should do, such as preparing for an evacuation or taking shelter by closing all doors and windows. Signing up to receive Emergency Notifications is vital to individual and community preparedness. 

To sign up, go to nelson.ca/notifications or your favourite App Store to download the Voyent Alert! App and register. 

In addition to signing up to receive Emergency Notifications, everyone should have a personal Emergency Plan, an emergency kit and a Grab-and-Go Bag. In particular, if asked to evacuate, residents should know in advance where they will go and how they will get there. Also, check with your neighbours as they may require assistance. Don’t forget to plan for your pets – have carriers, leashes and food in a “Grab-and-Go” bag. 

Emergencies happen unexpectedly and can progress quickly, so by making a plan, having a “Grab-and-Go” bag and registering for Emergency Notifications, you can take a proactive approach to be prepared.

For more information on the Nelson Emergency Notification System, click here. 

Helping neighbours, friends and families recognize the signs of intimate partner violence

The Nelson Police Department Victim Services team encourages everyone to learn the signs of intimate partner violence to help protect one another.

The Neighbours, Friends and Families Program is a public education campaign aimed at raising awareness about intimate partner violence, helping individuals recognize warning signs, and providing guidance on how to support those affected. The Nelson Police Department’s Victim Services team has been piloting the program since 2019 and partnered with Western University and research associate Margaret Macpherson to adapt the program for British Columbia.

The program aligns with the recommendations from the 2016 BC Coroners Service death review panel on intimate partner violence, which advocated for enhanced provincial messaging campaigns to increase public awareness of risk factors and available support services.

Through the program, Victim Services is screening a video called Relationship Violence: What Everyone Needs to Know at the annual Nelson Violence Against Women in Relationships networking meeting today (April 17) during the Prevention of Violence Against Women Week. This screening marks the beginning of the provincial rollout of the program to a wider audience. It aims to educate neighbours, friends, families, and coworkers on recognizing signs of intimate partner violence and empowering them to support those at risk.

The Neighbours, Friends and Families program was championed by the BC Society of Transition Houses and the BC RCMP. 

For more information, watch the video, visit the Victim Services webpage and review this list of warning signs.

As of April 8th at 9:00am, this issue has been resolved.

Our apologies for any inconvenience this caused.

~~~~~~

Nelson Hydro is experiencing a problem with online payments in the Hydro Portal.

The error is being investigated by the service provider and is expected to be resolved within the next few days.

Customers can still make payments for their electric bill through their bank (online or in person) or in person at City Hall.

If you have any questions, please call 250-352-8206.

Thank-you for your patience.

The City of Nelson is looking for volunteer board members for the Nelson Police Board. Police boards provide independent civilian governance and oversight of municipal police services. 

The goal of the Province and the City is to have a police board that reflects community demographics and that consists of qualified people who have shown they can act in the best interest of the public.

Under the Police Act, municipal police boards are required each year to determine the priorities, goals, and objectives of the department, in consultation with the Chief Constable. Police boards must oversee policing to ensure a high standard of policing and fair and responsive interaction with the community.

The Police Act requires each municipal police department to have a board consisting of:

• A member of the City’s council appointed by the council,
• One non-elected person of the community appointed by the municipal council, and
• Up to seven people appointed by the Province.

 There are two current and two upcoming Provincially-appointed vacancies on the Nelson Police Board.

Specific experience and qualifications include:

• Human Resources;
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion expertise; and
• Reside or work in the Nelson region.

Previous experience as a board director is preferred. Board members can expect to spend approximately 10 hours a month on board business. 

For more information, review the position details, find out more about the Nelson Police Board and learn about the Nelson Police Department. 

Apply by email to sperkins@nelsonpolice.ca. Applications will be accepted until April 14, 2025.

Council Highlights

Here are the highlights from the April 1 City Council meeting.

Three members of the Fire Department received awards at the start of the Council meeting. Captain Scott Jeffery (left) received a Long Service Award for 20 years with the City of Nelson. Fire Chief Jeff Hebert (centre) and Captain/Training Officer Marc Thibault (right) received the British Columbia Long Service Award for 25 years of dedication to fire service.

Council considered taking on a loan on behalf of the Railtown Housing Society at 85 Baker Street that would upgrade the existing road, adding the water, hydro, road and yard improvements they would need to develop a 55-unit workforce housing project in the area. The loan (which would be approximately $750,000) would be added to the Railtown Housing Society's property taxes and would be paid back in full including interest. The proposal will return to Council for further consideration.

Council approved increasing fees at the Nelson and District Youth Centre by $7 a day for the Weekday Warriors afterschool care program and for day camps. The increases will help offset rising costs for food and staffing. The increases are now in effect.

Council considered amending the Financial Plan Bylaw for 2024-2028 to account for several unanticipated challenges that arose after the financial plan bylaw was adopted. First, the City’s insurance payout for the Mill Street substation failure was $1.7 million, but had been forecast at $2.5 million. Second, power purchases from Fortis BC were $477,000 greater than budgeted as there was a cold weather event in January 2024 that increased peak demand by 16% and as charges are based on the highest level of demand in the year. Further, the amended financial plan reflects Council’s decision in 2024 to provide grant funding to the Nelson Civic Theatre Society.

Council adopted a policy on reviewing the City Manager’s performance. As the only employee of Council, previously there had not been a formal policy guiding the City Manager’s performance reviews. The purpose of the policy is to establish a structured, fair, and transparent process for City Council to conduct regularly-occurring performance reviews of the City Manager.

Residents are welcome to review the Council agenda or watch a recording of the meeting.

Highlights from previous Council meetings are available here.

Please disregard the letter dated April 1st, 2025 for a Hydro Equivalency Program for Electric Vehicles (EV) that is circulating to Nelson Hydro customers. This is a scam and it is false.

Thank you for your patience.

Nelson Hydro

 Here are the highlights from the March 4 and March 18 City Council meetings.

City Council received a presentation on what residents think about the preliminary draft budget. Following the presentation on March 4, Council moved forward with the corresponding Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw. Council adopted the bylaw on March 18. The bylaw includes a proposed property tax increase of $165 for the average single-family home. More information is available at LetsTalk.Nelson.ca

 Council approved increasing fees at the Nelson and District Youth Centre by $7 a day for the Weekday Warriors afterschool care program and for day camps. The increases will help offset rising costs for food and staffing. The increases are effective as of April 1.

 On March 4, Council passed first and second reading of the Official Community Plan Amendment and Zoning bylaw Amendment as the first steps in the process of rezoning the property at 1306 and 1308 Fell Street for a 48-unit SHARE Housing project. Council also directed staff to research two alternatives – reducing the building from five storeys to four storeys and to consider moving the project to a neighbouring lot – prior to scheduling a public hearing. 

Residents are welcome to review the Council agendas or watch recordings of the March 4th and March 18th meetings.

The City of Nelson’s Preliminary Draft Budget for 2025 is now available for public feedback. The preliminary draft budget focuses on community safety and infrastructure, while addressing long-term inflation that has been raising costs for municipalities.

Highlights from the 2025 Preliminary Draft Budget:

• To create safer neighborhoods, we are increasing funding for police resources and modernizing the 911 service by upgrading to Next Generation 911. 
• Recognizing the City's growth and densification, we are increasing funding for the fire department to ensure adequate firefighter deployment and to plan for a new firehall. 
• To allow for greater enjoyment in our growing park spaces, we are allocating more resources for parks maintenance and annual public washroom upgrades over the next five years.
• To allow more options for people to move in and around our community, we are increasing our investments in roads and active transportation. 
• We are also investing in our future by planning ahead for large capital projects. We have several major capital projects in the works in the coming years and need to continue to build our capital reserves to fund these projects.

The proposed budget includes a property tax increase of $165 per year (or $13.75 per month) for the average single-family home with an assessed value of $680,000. It also includes a property tax increase of $693 for a Class 6 commercial property with an assessed value of $1,000,000.

Residents are invited to review the budget at LetsTalk.Nelson.ca and share their feedback by March 1, 2025. City Council will consider the 2025 Preliminary Draft Budget and any public feedback on March 4, 2025.

For more information, please see:

• the 2025 Preliminary Draft Budget Quick Facts, and
•  LetsTalk.Nelson.ca

The new $2.4M Victoria Street transit exchange will better connect the West Kootenay region to Nelson’s downtown, helping improve access to commercial, retail, medical and work offices. 

The new exchange, which will be located on the 300-block of Victoria Street, will include: 

• Five bus bays with the potential for an additional bay to support future transit demands;  
• Bus shelters with bench seating to protect customers from weather elements; 
• Improved streetlighting and bus shelter lighting for increased safety;
• Bicycle racks and garbage cans;
• New sidewalks along Victoria Street;
• An accessible public restroom near the library;
• Wayfinding signage to assist pedestrians, cyclists and transit customers in and around the exchange. 

Construction will begin in early March 2025 and is expected to be complete by July.

Once completed, the exchange will facilitate more frequent, regularly scheduled and aligned routes that will better connect residents and students to destinations within the region. 

The existing exchange at Baker and Ward Streets will be relocated to the new Victoria Street location once the new exchange is open; however, a bus stop will remain on Baker Street.

Funding partners for the project include the Government of Canada, Province of British Columbia, City of Nelson and the Regional District of Central Kootenay.

For more information, visit the project web page.

The PayByPhone option will be available for all city parking meters by the end of the month, providing residents with a convenient and flexible way to pay for parking. Residents can choose to pay for their parking using coins in the physical meter, by using the PayByPhone app on their mobile devices or by visiting the paybyphone.com website. The parking fees are the same whether residents use the app or the website or continue paying with coins.

Benefits of using PayByPhone include that residents can pay directly from their mobile devices, with no coins required. Those who choose to use the app will receive reminders when their parking is about to expire, so they can add more time as long as they are within the maximum time limit for the specific parking space. PayByPhone allows residents to extend their time from their location instead of running back to a meter to add more time. 

A minimum booking of one hour of parking is required when using PayByPhone. Those who wish to pay for less than one hour of parking should continue to use coins in the physical meters.

In the coming weeks, pay station areas will have signs posted and all meters in the city will have green PayByPhone stickers with instructions. Each parking meter will display a unique code that residents can input to pay for their parking. It is important for residents to ensure they are using the correct meter number to avoid being issued a ticket.

The PayByPhone app offers reminders when parking time is about to expire. These reminders are offered for free through the app. If residents would prefer to receive SMS text message confirmations and reminders, they can set this up through the app. There is a fee for these optional text messages. 

Residents are encouraged to download the PayByPhone app directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play to make sure they are downloading a legitimate version of the app. 

To learn more about parking in Nelson, please visit https://www.nelson.ca/498/Parking. 

Here is how the app appears with Google Play.

Here are the combined highlights from the February 4 City Council meeting and the February 18 Special City Council meeting.

• City Council received a presentation on PayByPhone, a system that will allow drivers to pay for parking via an app or a website. Drivers can still use coins in the meters if they prefer. PayByPhone will be available at all metered parking spots by the end of the month. For more information, see the PayByPhone media release.
• Council adopted an updated Advisory Planning Commission Bylaw that allows more flexibility in how members can be appointed. The bylaw also clarifies that the type of development applications that would be presented to the Commission for a recommendation, prior to going to Council for a decision, includes amendments to the Official Community Plan, amendments to the Zoning Bylaw, and other requests.
• Council adopted an updated Board of Variance Bylaw that includes updated references to the Local Government Act and clarifies meeting procedures.
• Council adopted a bylaw to increase the fee for an annual seniors parking pass from $90/year to $144/year. The parking passes allow seniors to park at any meters except those on Baker Street. While downtown parking fees increased in early 2024, seniors with annual parking passes for the downtown area were exempt last year.
• Council approved increases to vendor fees for the Nelson Farmers Market in the range of $2 to $5 per market event to increase revenue and improve operations. Currently our vendor fees are lower than other markets in comparably-sized BC communities. The increase would put our fees on par with other communities.
• Each municipality and regional district received funding from the Province to engage with Indigenous Governing Bodies on emergency management. Council agreed to a proposal from the Regional District of Central Kootenay to transfer the City’s allotment of $40,000 to them to pool our funding and respond collaboratively.
• Council voted to raise the following topics at the Association of Kootenay and Boundary Local Governments, where local governments vote on items of shared interest.
  • Increased Funding and Requirement for Civics Education
  • Enhancing Rural Transit Systems
  • Rural Health Transportation
  • Ranked Voting for Mayoral Elections
  • Water Security in British Columbia
  • Addressing Repeat Offenders 
  • Regional Approach to Homelessness
  • Increasing Investment in Recreational Tourism to Support Rural Border Communities
  • Interprovincial Trade Barriers
  • Speculation Housing and Vacancy Tax in Rural Communities
  • Eliminating Income Tax on Secondary Suites and In-Home Rentals
  • Ensuring Equitable Access to Child Care Funding for Private Child Care Providers
  • Supporting Rural Contractors for Effective Home Retrofits
  • Rural Focused Immigration Policy to Support Workforce and Economic Stability
  • Provincial Core Funding for Evolving Public Libraries
  • Regional Strategy for Rehabilitation, Homelessness, and Public Safety

Residents are welcome to review the February 4 and February 18 meeting agendas or watch recordings of the meetings. 

To see previous Council Highlights, visit https://www.nelson.ca/2046/Council-Highlights.

The City of Nelson is pleased to announce the construction of two new cricket pitches at Lakeside Park, which will be located near the existing softball pitches. This exciting project will enhance recreational opportunities for residents and visitors while fostering the growth of cricket as a popular sport in our community.

The materials for the cricket pitches have been delivered, and construction is set to begin this spring. The project will involve the development of two pitches:

1. Western Cricket Pitch: This pitch will be situated parallel to the first and second bases of the western softball pitch.
2. Eastern Cricket Pitch: This pitch will be constructed parallel to the second and third bases of the eastern softball pitch.

The design and placement of these pitches have been carefully planned to ensure they integrate seamlessly with the existing recreational facilities at Lakeside Park. The construction team will take necessary precautions to minimize disruptions to park users during the construction phase. We are excited to bring this project to fruition and provide a new amenity that will serve Nelson's growing cricket community and visitors from surrounding areas.

In 2024, the City engaged with various user groups, including softball and cricket representatives, to ensure that all perspectives were considered. 

The cricket community had previously been using Queen Elizabeth Field. Lakeside Park was identified as the best option to support their activities, while maintaining harmony with other recreational users.

Safety has been a top priority throughout this project. The pitches will be constructed with high-quality artificial turf that integrates seamlessly with the existing grass, eliminating any potential trip hazards. Furthermore, scheduling will be coordinated to ensure that different sports do not overlap, preventing any conflicts between user groups.

The priority order for bookings is as follows:

• Priority 1 – Youth Non Profit (league play)
• Priority 2 – Adult Non Profit
• Priority 3 – Tournaments
• Priority 4 – School District #8 Bookings
• Priority 5 – Youth for Profit
• Priority 6 – Adult for Profit
• Priority 7 – Casual Users

Cricket currently falls under Priority 7.

The City of Nelson is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all recreational activities. Our fields are designed for multi-use, accommodating a variety of sports and community groups. By adding cricket to Lakeside Park, we are embracing diversity in sports and providing more opportunities for community engagement.

For the construction timeline and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the project web page.

Media release

City of Nelson and Developer Reach Agreement on Land Swap to Improve Wildfire Resilience, Emergency Access/Egress, and Community Connectivity

The City of Nelson will be swapping land with Sunburst Acres Inc., a local developer. The land swap will create a public road through the current private lands at the end of Trevor Street and will create parkland. This will significantly enhance the community's wildfire resilience, emergency preparedness, and connectivity. This strategic exchange allows the City to secure a key parcel of land that is important for wildfire mitigation and to create a critical emergency access route at the top of Fairview.

The land acquired by the City is a continuous stretch of forested area extending from the Great Northern Rail Trail into Nelson. This area is currently one of the highest wildfire risks in Nelson due to its steep slopes, dense coniferous tree cover, and potential risk from ember showers. The land swap will allow the City to apply for grants to begin fire mitigation efforts in this hazardous area and to create a new park that borders the rail trail.

“Council deliberated over a number of factors over the past year related to the land swap – including housing availability, ecosystem stewardship and active transportation connections – and decided to proceed due to the increased safety benefits it will provide for our community,” said Mayor Janice Morrison.

The images below show the area before and after the land swap. The land swap areas are of equal value.

Before

(City land zoned R1; private land zoned R1)

After

In exchange, the developer will construct an emergency egress road to serve the 114 existing residences in the Trevor Street and Selby Street area, which currently have only one access point. The new road will connect Trevor Street to Davies Street, addressing the fact that Trevor Street does not meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for emergency egress due to the number of homes relying on a single access route. The City was not able to put in this road prior to the land swap because the land was privately owned.

This roadway will meet national egress standards, enhance wildfire protection measures, and improve traffic flow during evacuations. The developer will also subdivide approximately 20 R1 (Low-Density Residential) lots in phases as the roadway is constructed. The roadway will extend from Trevor Street to Davies Street, with approximately the first half of the new road paved and the remainder built to a gravel standard. The gravel portion is required to be paved as future lots are developed.

Additional Benefits of the Agreement:

• Housing Development: The lands retained by the developer will remain zoned R1 (low density housing) and will include a requirement to include as a minimum a secondary suite or a duplex.
• Park Lands: Initially both the City and private lands were zoned for low-density residential development. Following the land swap, the upper lands will be rezoned as parkland, supporting recreation and environmental preservation.
•  Active Transportation Corridors: The developer will create a new public pedestrian and cycling connection from Trevor Street to Davies Street and to the Great Northern Rail Trail.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: The agreement allows for improved servicing and operational efficiencies.
• Policy Alignment: The project supports the Official Community Plan's goals for neighbourhood connectivity and the Active Transportation Plan’s vision for connections between Fairview and Uphill, with the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan.

This decision was made in a closed Council meeting in accordance with the Community Charter, Section 90(1)(e). This section allows for private discussions on matters like land acquisition, disposition, or expropriation when public disclosure could harm the municipality's negotiating ability.

The closed meeting was necessary as it related to the City’s financial interests and dealt with sensitive emergency preparedness information. Given the increasing wildfire threat, this land swap aims to enhance safety in Nelson, particularly in the upper Gyro neighbourhood, while also adding housing and dedicated parkland.

For more information, view the file released from the Council meeting and view Fire Chief Jeff Hebert’s presentation.

Official Community Plan Open Houses 

Join our team at an Open House to learn more about the draft Official Community Plan and share your feedback.

We are holding Open Houses on:

• Thursday, February 6 at Wildflower School (811 Stanley Street) from 5-8 p.m.
• Tuesday, February 11 at Rosemont School (1605 Crease Avenue) from 5-8 p.m.

Media release: City of Nelson Shares Draft Official Community Plan for Public Review

January 22, 2025

After nearly two years of research, planning and public engagement, the City of Nelson is launching an updated draft Official Community Plan for public feedback.

“We are thrilled to share the first draft with you,” said Mayor Janice Morrison. “We’re asking all residents to review the draft and let us know if we got it right and what we can improve. It is important to have your say now because the Official Community Plan will determine Nelson’s future.”

Once finalized, the draft Official Community Plan will be a blueprint for decision-making and will provide a framework for managing future growth and change. All of what the City does must conform to the Official Community Plan. Provincial legislation now prohibits public hearings for zoning changes that are primarily residential that are consistent with the Official Community Plan.

Ideas proposed in the draft Official Community Plan include:

• Adjusting policies to align with climate action, equity, and health;
• Increasing our efforts towards Indigenous reconciliation;
• Doing more to protect our community from wildfires;
• Allowing affordable housing providers to build anywhere in the city so that we can solve our housing crisis as quickly as possible;
• Implementing new design guidelines for Baker Street and larger developments citywide;
• Giving property owners more flexibility to lower costs to build housing and to better protect our heritage;
• Working to reduce human-wildlife conflict; and
• Continuing our longstanding work to keep our downtown strong and to make our waterfront even more accessible.

 The City is not proposing any land use designation changes.

The draft Official Community Plan is an update that builds from the current version. More is staying the same than is changing. The plan would lead to gradual changes in Nelson’s neighbourhoods, such as more neighbourhood-serving businesses to help make Nelson more walkable.

Residents are encouraged to visit nelson2050.ca to review the draft Official Community Plan, learn more about the proposed changes and complete a survey or two. Residents who complete a survey by February 12 will be entered to win a $250 gift card to any local business.

Council received an update on the City’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan at their meeting on January 7. City Manager Kevin Cormack’s presentation is available to read or to watch. (The presentation begins 56 minutes into the video recording.)

The Hendryx Street right of way is closed for safety reasons. We are making safety improvements at the right of way, including vegetation management and will develop a plan to increase safety and accessibility with the goal of making the area into a community greenspace. 

The Cultural Development Committee (CDC), on behalf of the City of Nelson, is pleased to announce visual artist and educator Lou Lynn’s appointment as Nelson’s 2025 Cultural Ambassador. The award comes with an $1000 honorarium. 

A true cultural heavyweight in our midst, Lou Lynn is the recipient of the Governor General’s Saidye Bronfman Award in Visual and Media Arts, the highest honour awarded by the federal government, acknowledging her sustained contribution to culture across our country. 

Lynn began exploring the sculptural potential of glass in the mid 1980s at the prestigious Pilchuck Glass School in Washington state. Her work (previously featured in a solo exhibition at NMAG) explores the archaeology of daily life through form and material, creating contemporary objects that reference once-familiar tools, utensils and functional objects – objects which hold a fascination for her as she re-interprets their design and scale.

Her impact on the art world has not only resonated across Canada and the world, it has contributed to the growth of hundreds of artists in our region. As an educator, she taught for over a decade at the Kootenay School of the Arts (now Kootenay Studio Arts), also publishing two essential works assisting artists in marketing and publicizing their work.

“I’m very proud to be the recipient of the 2025 Cultural Ambassador Award,” says Lynn.  “My career has unfolded from my home studio, having lived in the Nelson/Slocan Valley area for more than 40 years.” 

“Lynn has, in a very concrete way, elevated the arts in our region, both through her own work and the passing on of her knowledge to the next generations,” says Sydney Black, Chair of the CDC. “She has travelled far and wide bringing eyes to our region, and her next two years are busy with tours and exhibitions as she represents Nelson as our next Cultural Ambassador, a much-deserved award.”

The CDC established the Cultural Ambassador honour in recognition of local individual artists, groups or collectives who have achieved a high standard of excellence in their artistic discipline and who are active not only in Nelson’s cultural community but extend their talents to other communities and countries. The Cultural Ambassador is expected to represent and promote the City of Nelson on their travels, increasing the visibility and cultural reputation of Nelson. Previous Cultural Ambassadors include Deb Thompson, Robin DuPont, Jane Byers, Roz Nay, Marilyn Hatfield, Allison Girvan, Slava Doval, Eileen Delehanty Pearkes, Ian Johnston, Bessie Wapp, Amy Bohigian, Lucas Myers, Hiromoto Ida, Anne DeGrace, Angelika Werth, and the Corazón Youth Choir. 

The City of Nelson and its Heritage Working Group (HWG) are proud to present the Nelson Izu-Shi Friendship Society with the 2024 Heritage Award and an $1000 honorarium for its Cottonwood Park signage project. 

A non-profit volunteer group that supports the sister city relationship that has existed between Nelson and Izu-shi, Japan since 1987, the Nelson Izu-shi Friendship Society holds seasonal cultural events and workshops to introduce Japanese Canadian culture, arranges multigenerational exchange visits and stewards the Friendship Garden in Cottonwood Falls Park. 

As part of their park caretaker role, the Society undertook a huge initiative to develop display signage telling the stories of Cottonwood Creek. Over a five-year span, it has worked closely with researchers, Indigenous leaders, local historians, Nelson families, and the Museum and Archives to research and develop this project, publicly launched in October of this year. Ten signs in black steel frames and protected by tempered glass take us through the fascinating stories of the wildlife, the people and their histories, and the environment of Cottonwood Creek. 

“The Nelson Izu-shi Friendship Society is surprised and very pleased by this unexpected honour,” says President John Armstrong. “We really appreciate the recognition of our work and the contributions of others over the past five years. We hope the signs will inspire greater interest in the little-known parts of Nelson’s history and lead to a new awareness of the value of Cottonwood Creek and the potential for its restoration as it flows through our community.”  

"The dedication and commitment of the Nelson Izu-Shi Friendship Society's members and volunteers to undertaking the Cottonwood Signage Project has been impressive,” stated Berdine Jonker, Chair of the Heritage Working Group. “The extensive knowledge imparted, the attention to historical accuracy and the engaging design of the signage makes the Nelson Society the ideal recipient for the 2024 Heritage Award.”

The City’s Heritage Working Group established this award in 2015 to recognize individuals, groups, businesses, or other organizations that have made an outstanding contribution towards the preservation and/or promotion of Nelson's heritage. Previous winners are the Hume Hotel, the Nelson Electric Tramway Society, Nelson CARES, the Nelson Museum & Art Gallery, Joern Wingender, Peter Bartl, Greg Scott, the Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce and Cartolina. 

The City of Nelson held the 2024 Annual Reception at the Adventure Hotel on December 10, where Mayor Janice Morrison announced the 2025 Sports Ambassador and provided three Sustainability Leadership Awards.

2025 Sports Ambassador: Atlyn Proctor

The Sports Ambassador designation is awarded to an individual athlete, group, team or other individual for achieving a high standard of excellence in their athletic pursuits and who will represent Nelson’s sports and recreational community over the coming year.

Atlyn Proctor graduated from L.V. Rogers Secondary School in the spring. After graduation, she went to Hutchinson Community College in Kansas on a full scholarship. She plays volleyball for the college’s Blue Dragons as a left side. She was first in the conference for kills. Atlyn earned her second Team All Star this year, and says she hopes for bigger and better things for her team and herself next year.

When City staff told Atlyn she had been selected as our ambassador, she responded by saying: “I am honoured and humbled by being selected for Nelson’s Sports Ambassador as we have such a sports-minded and supportive community. I can’t thank you enough for this, and I am proud to be selected for this award.”

Sustainability Leadership Awards

The City’s Sustainability Leadership Awards go to organizations or individuals contributing to the five pillars of sustainability as set out in the City’s Path to 2040 Sustainability Plan. These pillars are cultural strength, healthy neighborhoods, robust ecosystems, prosperity and resiliency.

There are three recipients this year.

L.V. Rogers Secondary School Green Team

The Green Team is a non-credit school club at L.V. Rogers Secondary School. Its main aim is to increase the sustainability and eco-friendliness of the school as well as to provide an outlet for students who are ecologically minded. The club has approximately 25 members and meets once a week to discuss initiatives and all things ecological. Over the three years teacher Tim Wooldridge has been involved with the club, they have:

• Checked on the efficiency of the solar panels on the school roof
• Run a weekly recycling drive to collect recyclables such as pop cans, paper and cardboard
• Contributed to the education of students as to what is and what is not recyclable at the school
• Held Climate Action Summits and Symposiums at the school with invited speakers and guests
• Fundraised and implemented a 100% bear-friendly garbage can system at the school with the assistance of the Ursa Project
• Fundraised and contributed to a 100% Green School in Malawi, Africa
• Created a Green Team Courtyard Garden

The Green Team will be using the $1,150 honorarium that comes with their award towards even more initiatives to help LVR be the greenest school it can be.

Brett Adams

Brett Adams has over two decades of coaching experience and 12 years of dedicated service as the Technical Director of the Nelson Soccer Association. This past July, under Brett’s leadership, Nelson Soccer Association achieved an unprecedented feat—coaching three teams to medal victories at the BC Soccer B Cup Provincials. The U15 girls and U17 girls both earned gold, while the U15 boys brought home silver. Moreover, Nelson Soccer Association received the prestigious Fair Play Award, a testament to the exemplary sportsmanship and character that Brett instills in his players.

Nelson and District Credit Union

Nelson & District Credit Union supports the communities they serve through their community investment program. They provide funding assistance and sponsorships in the areas of education, community, economic development, social responsibility, wellness, recreation, arts, culture and heritage. They have programs to support elementary and secondary schools, with the expectation that, over time, as many students as possible will receive some benefit from this support. They also recognize students with scholarships for their academic, volunteer and community achievements. In the past 24 years, the credit union has provided more than $4 million back to local communities through their generosity.

Joy Barrett, Cultural Development Officer, and Sydney Black, from the Cultural Development Committee, presented the Cultural Ambassador and Heritage Awards. Details on those awards and the recipients are included in the related press releases.

The City of Nelson is extending its Pre-treated Organics Program following a program evaluation that identified opportunities for improvement. The organics program, which provides interested residents with FoodCyclers, will continue into 2025 as the City continues to monitor the program’s effectiveness, pursue opportunities for improvement, and support residents in further reducing their organics waste. The City requires an organics program to divert food waste from the landfill, reduce methane emissions, and minimize wildlife attractants.

The Pre-treated Organics Program evaluation highlighted a high level of community participation with 2,200 homes (51% per cent of eligible homes) across the city voluntarily participating in the program to divert food waste from the landfill. 

Evaluation Methods and Metrics

With a traditional green cart program, diversion can be measured solely by the weight of organic waste collected at the curb. For the Pre-treated Organics Program, it is more challenging to directly measure diversion, because the City only receives a portion of the pre-treated material from residents. Participants have the option to either use the pre-treated material as a soil amendment in their home gardens or drop it off for collection. The City used a combination of metrics to estimate diversion rates, including curbside waste composition, curbside tonnage data, bag tag usage, and organics drop-off bin weights. 

Among households with FoodCyclers, staff measured a reduction in the portion of organic waste in the curbside garbage stream. The evaluation revealed an opportunity for participants to divert even more food waste with their FoodCyclers, as well as a need for the City to inform residents about items found in the waste stream that can go into their FoodCycler, such as avocado pits, bones, and some food-soiled paper. Staff also identified opportunities for improved recycling of materials not accepted at curbside, especially glass and soft plastics. 

Participant feedback was also used to evaluate the program’s impact in our community. Feedback included an overall high level of approval for the program, as well as experiences of common challenges to participating such as mechanical issues, and the size of the appliance in their home.

Sustainable Behaviour Change and Ongoing Data Collection

Components of the evaluation suggest we do not yet have a complete picture of our community’s waste practices.  Survey data on self-reported FoodCycler usage and drop-off bin usage suggest a higher diversion rate than was measured in the audits. 

Through the audits, staff measured low set-out rates for household curbside garbage and low volumes of bulky material and yard waste in the curbside waste stream. This indicates that Nelson residents self-haul these materials to the transfer station in addition to self-hauling household garbage. The weight and composition of the self-hauled material have not been measured. Moving forward, these will be important factors to consider in determining overall diversion rates. 

Evaluating this type of program generally takes several years, because the Pre-treated Organics Program requires participants to make a significant change to their daily behaviour. By extending the program into 2025, staff will assess how additional education and participant support impact organics diversion, which will help inform a decision on the program’s long-term effectiveness.

As the Pre-treated Organics Program continues, the City will focus on: 

• Ensuring participants have all of the information they need to use their FoodCycler to its full potential,
• Minimizing barriers to participation, and
• Continuing to gather data on the program’s effectiveness and potential for organic waste diversion.

For more information, read our organics evaluation. 

Residents are encouraged to join the Pre-treated Organics Program. 

Register today at nelson.ca/organics to claim a FoodCycler.

City of Nelson staff are proposing rate increases for resource recovery, water and wastewater services to ensure sustainable utility services. The proposed rate increases are: a $25 annual increase for resource recovery (from $125 to $150 per year); a 4 per cent increase for water utility rates and a 3.5 per cent increase for wastewater rates due to inflation; and an additional 3 per cent increase for water and wastewater rates to help fund much needed upgrades to capital infrastructure for water supply and wastewater treatment. For an average Nelson household, this would mean an annual increase of approximately $100, or $8 per month, for the Water, Wastewater and Resource Recovery rate increases.

These utility rate increases are needed to address increasing operational expenses, to deliver critical capital replacement projects and to support the aspirations identified in Nelson Next by protecting water, reducing waste and lowering emissions.

The water and wastewater rate increases are needed to fund operations and capital replacement, given the significant generational asset renewals scheduled for the next 10 years. These multi-million dollar capital projects include the Five Mile Pipeline Replacement project (estimated $13M) as well as the Wastewater Forcemain and Treatment Plant Upgrades, which preliminary estimates from Phase 1 of the Liquid Waste Management Plan put at $90M to $120M. These capital projects are required as these critical assets are nearing the end of their operational lifetimes. The City has been building reserves for these major capital expenditures, with a combined balance of $22M at the beginning of the year, although projected costs continue to rise due to inflation and increasing regulations. This budget recognizes that additional capital reserves will be required to fund these generational assets.

The proposed resource recovery fee includes replacing grant funding that supported launching the Pre-treated Organics Program and that is needed to continue running the program. The organics program will continue into 2025 as the City continues to monitor the program’s effectiveness, look for opportunities for improvement, and support residents in further reducing their organic waste. The proposed fee provides for additional waste collection and recycling investments, addresses inflationary costs, and includes investing to modernize the waste collection fleet towards a less manual process. 

Council considered the proposed rate increases at the City Council meeting on December 3, and directed staff to prepare the Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw to reflect the 2025 rates for Water, Wastewater, and Resource Recovery. The proposed rate increases will come back to Council for further consideration and adoption in December 2024.

If Council approves the rate increases, they would be effective as of January 1, 2025 and included in the utility rate invoices that will be sent to residents in February 2025.

For more information on the Pre-treated Organics Program, including the program evaluation and recommendations for improvement, see the Pre-treated Organics Program Update. To learn more about projected Resource Recovery costs over the next decade, view the proposed Resource Recovery Budget (2025 to 2034).

To learn more about the proposed rate increases and where the funds would be directed, see the Council agenda item or watch a recording of the December 3 Council meeting. 

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), in partnership with the City of Nelson, are seeking input from residents in the City of Nelson and Area F and Defined Area E, about if the current recreation amenities offered at the Community Recreation Campus still meet community needs. The Community Recreation Campus includes the Nelson & District Community Complex (pool, fitness centre and arena), Civic Centre and Arena, Curling Rink, Indoor Soccer Facility, and the empty lot at 824 Front Street.

“On behalf of the Nelson & District Recreation Commission, the RDCK and City of Nelson, the objective is to understand the current perspectives of the community, in relation to recreational needs,” said Joe Chirico, RDCK General Manager of Community Services. “We haven’t engaged with residents since 2012, during our Master Plan engagement process and understand the community’s priorities may have changed since that time. Our collective goal for this engagement process is to educate the public on the current state of all facilities and amenities at the Community Recreation Campus and develop a vision for future recreation at the Campus.”

Residents will have the opportunity to hear from the RDCK and City of Nelson staff about the state of the facilities and amenities, at the Community Recreation Campus, during the community meetings and will have the opportunity to ask questions. Following the community meetings, residents can share their thoughts on whether the current facilities fit the community’s recreational needs, through a survey that will be available to the public on November 27.

“Indoor and outdoor recreation facilities provide important benefits for our community – from helping residents develop physical literacy to providing opportunities to stay active through all stages of life,” said Janice Morrison, Mayor of the City of Nelson. “We know residents are passionate about their sports, hobbies and activities, and we encourage all residents to help shape the future of recreation in Nelson.”

Residents can join a community meeting on the following dates and times:

• Tuesday, November 5 from 6 pm - 7:30 pm at Taghum Hall at 5915 Taghum Hall Road
• Wednesday, November 6 from 6 pm - 7:30 pm at Prestige - Monashee Salon at 701 Lakeside Drive
• Thursday, November 7 from 6 pm - 7:30 pm at Ecole Des Sentiers-Alpins - Gym at 2780 Highway 3A

If you are unable to attend any of the community meetings, all material will be shared on the RDCK’s public engagement platform following the first meeting on November 5. To stay up to date on the engagement process, visit engage.rdck.ca/nelson-community-recreation-campus

Project: Waterfront/Trans Canada Trail Multi-Use Path Upgrade - 900 Block of Lakeside Drive

Update as of November 2024: The City has completed the first phase of our Waterfront/Trans Canada Trail Multi-Use Path Upgrade along the 900 block of Lakeside Drive. We will complete the final phase in the spring by adding street lighting, landscaping and seating.

Project Summary: The City of Nelson has received funding to upgrade the Waterfront/Trans Canada Trail multi-use path along the 900 Block of Lakeside Drive. This project is supported by a $500,000 BC Active Transportation Grant, $60,000 from Trans Canada Trail. The project aligns with the City's Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and the Official Community Plan (OCP), aiming to improve safety, connectivity, and the public realm along this key waterfront area. The project is set to begin mid-September and will be substantially complete this fall, with street lighting and landscaping scheduled for 2025. 

Background: The project addresses a gap in the Waterfront/Trans Canada Trail multi-use path, between Prestige Lakeside Resort and Chahko Mika Mall. Currently, the multi-use path transitions into a standard sidewalk, forcing cyclists to use the roadway and presenting safety risks, especially for novice and leisurely cyclists. The narrow sidewalk also presents challenges for pedestrians, particularly those with mobility issues.

The multi-use path aims to create a safer, more accessible route for both cyclists and pedestrians, enhancing the connectivity between key areas along Nelson’s waterfront. The City’s OCP also prioritizes the establishment of a continuous multi-use public waterfront pathway, which this project will help realize.

Project Details:

What is happening?

• New 3.6-meter-wide multi-use path along Lakeside Drive.
• Traffic calming measures along Lakeside Drive to reduce speeds and improve pedestrian/cyclist safety.
• Integration of trees and landscaping along the path.
• Installation of street lighting 

When?

• Start Date: Mid-September 2024
• Anticipated Substantial Completion: Fall 2024 (excluding landscaping and street lights)

Where?

• Project Area: 900 Block of Lakeside Drive, between the Prestige Lakeside Resort and Chahko Mika Mall.

Project Objectives:

• Uninterrupted Pathway: Establish a continuous waterfront multi-use path, providing safe and direct access for cyclists and pedestrians.

Development@nelson.ca 

Media release

October 24, 2024 (Updated with links on November 13, 2024)

The City is providing an update on City-owned recreation facilities in advance of a joint engagement process led by the Nelson & District Recreation Commission that will begin in November and will focus on the future of recreation in Nelson. 

The City has conducted initial structural and geotechnical investigations of the Civic Centre, Civic Arena and Curling Rink. Each of these assessments revealed an urgent need for significant investment. While the City hasn’t yet completed a detailed assessment of the Indoor Soccer Facility, it may also need similar levels of investment.

“The upcoming engagement opportunity comes as several of our existing recreation facilities are undergoing urgent repairs, with others in need of millions of dollars of investment,” said Janice Morrison, Mayor of the City of Nelson. “Before making any decisions on further investments in these aging facilities, we would like to hear residents’ hopes for recreation opportunities in our community.”

In 2017 the City completed a Facility Condition Index (FCI) that identified the state of each building, and recommended needed action. Based on the results, the City has performed capital maintenance of these recreation facilities, averaging $200,000 per year, as well as investing another $1.4 million in capital improvements. In 2023 and 2024 the City engaged consultants to complete detailed structural investigations of the facilities that identified major structural deficiencies.

The first project to address these deficiencies, and begin the renewal of these facilities, is currently being delivered on the Civic Centre with $5.3 million for the structural repairs and seismic and energy upgrades. In conjunction with this project, the Nelson Civic Theatre Society (NCTS) is planning to invest $4.2 million in transitioning to a three-screen movie theatre. 

Civic Centre structural repairs – Emergency roof repairs and energy and seismic upgrades are nearing completion at the Civic Centre, including required seismic work at the Civic Arena. The work is happening concurrently as the facilities were built together circa 1935 and share a common wall. The work will bring the Civic Centre up to current snow load and seismic building code requirements and increase its energy efficiency. 

• Roof Structure Assessment Report
• Snow Load Capacity

Civic Arena – The Civic Arena will require additional roof repairs at a later date. A structural assessment on the Civic Arena completed in the summer of 2024 identified the need to increase the strength of the existing roof structure to meet snow loads. Initial structural design has been completed to address the structural deficiencies. In the interim, a snow-monitoring program that may result in additional closures will be in place for the winter. 

• Structural Analysis Report

Curling Rink – The City conducted an initial structural assessment and geotechnical review of the curling centre in the summer of 2024, which showed issues with the foundation, the walls and the roof structure. Like the Civic Centre and Civic Arena, the roof structure will need to be strengthened to meet snow loads. Due to these deficiencies, this facility is closed at this time. 

• Steel Roof Truss Assessment Report
• Geotechnical Investigation

Indoor Soccer Facility – A structural review will be completed in 2025.

The Civic Centre, Civic Arena, and Soccer Facility were built in 1935 and the Curling Rink in 1973. These aging facilities require multi-million-dollar investments over the coming years. The upcoming Nelson and Area Recreation Commission engagement process is your chance to have your say in the future of indoor recreation in the City of Nelson. Details on this engagement process will be released in the coming days.

-30-

For media inquiries, please contact:

Dauna Ditson, Communications Coordinator, City of Nelson  I  dditson@nelson.ca  I  250.352.8263

On January 1st, 2025 the new Nelson Hydro Services Bylaw takes effect. There have been many changes since it was last updated in 2012 to how Nelson Hydro delivers service; technologies, equipment, codes and standards, materials, and staff costs.

On June 20th, 2024 Nelson Hydro hosted an open house to share the proposed updates to the bylaw with the public. It was well attended and several clarifications to the bylaw were made as a result of feedback received. BCUC approved the changes on October 21st, 2024 for rural customers and City Council approved the changes for urban customers on July 2nd, 2024.

Overall changes and clarification to the bylaw include:

• Improved organization and flow of the document.
• Incorporation of fees (billing, meters, rates, etc.) previously found in another separate bylaw for simplification.
• Differences between urban and rural fees as there are differences in travel time for both staff and vehicle rates.
• Increased fees and charges to align with current staff hourly rates, blue book vehicle rates, and meter costs.
• Clarification on landlord-tenant relationships.
• New sections for line sharing, system improvements, and service extensions.
• 48 new terms and definitions.

For a summary of the changes to the services visit the 2025 Nelson Hydro Services Bylaw page.

For more information on the new fees visit the 2025 Fees & Charges page.

To read the new bylaw effective January 1, 2025 visit the Nelson Hydro Service & Fees Bylaw document.

The City of Nelson has contracted a local forestry crew to begin wildfire mitigation treatments this October on eight areas of municipally-owned land throughout the city. Totaling over 10 hectares, this work is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risk in key areas. This season’s treatments will begin with a larger area near the cemetery, and continue into other units west of Gyro Park and various forested lands throughout the city. The fuel modification initiative is fully grant-funded through the provincial Community Resiliency Investment program, administered by the Columbia Basin Trust. The treatments are expected to be completed by December 2024, weather permitting.

Working in accordance with site-specific prescriptions developed by a registered professional forester, the project will focus on selective fuel reduction. The primary work will involve thinning and spacing younger conifer trees, pruning branches up to 2-3 meters from the ground, and removing dead trees and woody debris. These treatments help reduce the chances of a surface fire climbing into the canopy through what are called "ladder fuels" and spreading to nearby trees. By addressing downed material and excessive debris, the overall fuel load is reduced, lowering the potential intensity and spread of a wildfire. Additionally, fires that occur in areas that have been treated are significantly easier for response crews to manage.

In most of the treatment areas, the cut branches and debris will be chipped and transported off-site for disposal. In the larger treatment area adjacent to the cemetery, pile burning will be utilized to manage the debris in a cost-effective manner and return nutrients to the soil. Crews will monitor the piles at all times, with water and suppression equipment readily available. All burning will be conducted in full compliance with provincial smoke management regulations under appropriate venting conditions in order to minimize the impacts of smoke in the community.

While there will be no road closures, some recreational trails may be temporarily closed for safety during active work periods. These closures will be brief, and trails will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.

The City of Nelson has worked hard in recent years to take a proactive approach to wildfire risk reduction, recognizing that the potential costs of response and recovery far outweigh those of prevention. Fuel treatments are one key piece of that puzzle. “Reducing fuel loads on our municipal lands is an important part of improving our overall fire readiness,” said Fire Chief Jeff Hebert. “These treatments help lower the chances of a severe wildfire developing in these areas, making it easier to manage should a fire occur.”

This project is part of a broader wildfire mitigation strategy throughout the city. In addition to fuel treatments, Nelson’s FireSmart program includes initiatives such as free FireSmart Home Ignition Zone Assessments, homeowner rebate programs, public education, and collaborative training with other agencies.

For more information about the City of Nelson’s wildfire resilience efforts, visit: https://www.nelson.ca/975/Wildfire-Resiliency.

For questions about this project please contact the City of Nelson Wildfire Resilience Program Coordinator at: Phone: 250-352-8116 Email: firesmart@nelson.ca

Project Overview:

Nelson Fire & Rescue Services (NFRS), in collaboration with the Regional District of the Central Kootenay (RDCK) and the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) will be conducting a joint wildfire training exercise. This collaborative initiative will be conducted as part of the City's ongoing efforts to proactively build capacity for wildfire response. When completed, the area will see a reduction in wildfire risk through the removal of surface fuels and an increase in tree spacing.

Date: October 9^th or 16^th, depending on weather conditions.

Location: 0.7-hectares, above the Svoboda Road parking lot, North of Anderson Creek. Rationale and Details:

The B.C. Wildfire Service provides essential expertise in managing wildfires outside the city, and Nelson Fire & Rescue Services is dedicated to enhancing its capacity to effectively respond to wildfire risks within the city limits.   This interagency training exercise will allow NFRS, RDCK, and BCWS to exchange knowledge, train with each other's equipment, and enhance their ability to collaborate in a coordinated wildfire response.

Jeff Hebert, Fire Chief of Nelson explains, “This exercise is crucial for strengthening our collective response to wildfires. By training alongside the RDCK and BCWS, we gain valuable insights into each other's systems, allowing us to respond more effectively as a team when it matters most.”

Access through Svoboda Road and the Svoboda parking lot will be maintained, though temporary closures of some trails may be in place during the operation.  Careful planning and preparations will ensure that the bike trails and climbing areas are not damaged by this project.

To minimize the impacts of smoke on residents, ignitions will only begin under appropriate venting conditions and will be postponed if needed.  This prescribed burn is being conducted under special provisions of the Environmental Management Act, which allows burns for training purposes to take place under conditions with less stringent venting requirements than those applied to burns conducted by the general public.  Smoke will be visible on the day of the burn, with a possibility of minor smoke lingering the day after the operation.

Nelson Fire & Rescue Services sincerely appreciates the cooperation and patience of residents during this vital exercise, and remains dedicated to protecting the community and its natural environment. This project was made possible with support from the Columbia Basin Trust and the Province of BC. To learn more about prescribed fire in BC visit: https://prescribedfire.ca/

To learn about the various ways that the City of Nelson is preparing for wildfire visit: https://nelson.ca/975/Wildfire-Resiliency

More Information:

If you have questions or comments regarding this project or other FireSmart activities around Nelson, please contact our Wildfire Resilience Program Coordinator at:

Address: 919 Ward Street Nelson, BC V1L 1T5

Phone: (250) 352-8116

Email: firesmart@nelson.ca

Civic Arena Update

September 11, 2024

Nelson BC - The Civic Arena’s scheduled opening date has been delayed due to the ongoing emergency roof repairs in the Civic Centre and associated seismic work in the Civic Arena. The City of Nelson is working towards an opening date of mid-December for the Arena, under the assumption work from this point forward goes according to plan.

Results from a structural assessment conducted in late 2023 on the circa 1935 building identified the need to repair certain components of the Civic Centre roof structure and re-enforce walls, to meet building code snow load and seismic requirements. Much of the seismic work required is within the Civic Arena – the Civic Centre and Arena share a common wall that converts to pillars and beams in the Arena that are being re-enforced to create a continuous wall. Work began in June of this year and is expected to be complete by January of 2025.

“The City of Nelson recognizes the impact this project has on the organizations that rely on the Civic Centre and Arena to provide programming for the community,” said Mayor Janice Morrison. “The City is working hard to get all user groups back into their spaces, but public and worker safety remain our number one priority. We will be communicating closely with the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) as we progress to ensure ice user groups are notified when the building will be available.”

A structural assessment was subsequently completed on the Civic Arena in 2024 and also identified the need to increase the strength of the existing structure to meet snow loads. The City is currently working on options for this work to be completed, however, the City will be employing a similar snow-monitoring program for the Arena as was used on the Civic Centre last winter. This may result in additional closures once the facility has been reopened.

The Civic Centre and Arena is owned and maintained by the City of Nelson with the Arena being operated and scheduled by the RDCK. RDCK staff will be connecting with ice user groups to discuss how this delay will affect their ice times this fall.

“As an organization that also takes on large scale projects, we understand that these types of unforeseen delays can occur,” said Joe Chirico, RDCK General Manager of Community Services. “RDCK staff will do everything we can to help mitigate the impact that this delay will have on ice user groups. We will be working closely with the user groups affected to support the rescheduling of ice time until the Civic Arena is operational.”

Media Contacts:

City of Nelson: Chris Johnson, General Manager of Community Planning, Climate and Infrastructure CJohnson@nelson.ca

RDCK: Dan Elliott, Communications Coordinator DElliott@rdck.bc.ca

Parking Meter Fees Increase to Address Infrastructure Costs in Nelson

 NELSON, BC - In response to the rising costs of maintaining and expanding our transportation infrastructure, the City of Nelson is increasing hourly parking rates. 

 The City of Nelson last increased hourly parking rates in 2017. Since then, there has been a surge of 42% in non-residential construction costs, which encompass road construction, according to Statistics Canada. 100% of the City’s parking fees collected go directly back into the City’s transportation infrastructure, including the maintenance and enhancement of roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks. Of total parking revenues, 7% is specifically allocated to enhance downtown Nelson, directly funding the installation of sculptures and the upkeep of amenities like flower baskets, lighting and benches, which enrich our community's visual and cultural landscape.  Without this revenue from parking fees, property taxes would need to increase by an estimated 13% to maintain our current levels of service in 2024.

This week, our Bylaw Officers have been programming the meters to the new rate. Parking rates in Nelson will increase to $2.00 per hour, up from $1.25. The designated commuter parking areas will remain at $5 per day. To learn more about parking and how to get around Nelson, click here! 

 "By adjusting parking fees, we're directly investing in Nelson’s future, ensuring our community remains well-maintained and vibrant," says Mayor Janice Morrison. "This approach helps us enhance our community spaces without increasing taxes for our residents."

To improve the parking experience, the City is also introducing a new mobile payment option, with details to be announced shortly. This innovation aims to provide more convenience and flexibility for downtown drivers. Drivers will soon be able to either continue using coins in the meters or pay for and extend parking through their mobile phones.

We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of all community members as we implement these changes. Together, we are working towards a more accessible and lively downtown Nelson.

 For further information about parking in Nelson, please visit nelson.ca/parking.