RDCK backs Nelson CARES’ 56-unit affordable housing proposal

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has endorsed a project proposed by the Nelson CARES Society for a 56-unit affordable housing development on the 800 block of Front Street in Nelson.

If approved by BC Housing, the development would be located on the vacant five-storey lot beside the Nelson and District Community Complex (NDCC).

The RDCK owns the NDCC and a portion of the land parcel located at 824 Front Street. The City of Nelson owns the parcels from 818 to 824 Front Street.

Nelson CARES plans to build a 56-unit affordable/workforce housing complex on the land, which would also include new recreational facilities to expand the NDCC.

During the August 15 RDCK board meeting, directors approved CARES’s request for a letter of support to accompany its project application to BC Housing.

The RDCK stated that it intends to donate the RDCK-owned land, which would be assembled into a single parcel with the properties owned by the city.

Joe Chirico, RDCK General Manager of Community Services, said that if the project receives approval from BC Housing, Nelson CARES would manage the building through a typical BC Housing relationship, meaning the RDCK would not be encumbered as an owner.

“At this point in time, there is some preliminary work that needs to be done in order to keep this process moving. But the intent here is that if this project moves forward, there’s a possibility that it will result in a housing and recreation addition. However, the housing part of the building would be managed by Nelson CARES,” Chirico said.

Nelson CARES must submit the project’s preliminary application to BC Housing this month, with the final application due on January 31, 2025.


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Storrm Lennie
Storrm Lennie
Storrm began her journalism career in the Kootenays, joining Vista Radio in 2022. Originally from Red Deer, Alta., she now calls Nelson home and brings her passion for politics and community to her reporting.

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