The final public hearing for Nelson’s updated Official Community Plan is set for Tuesday, Sept. 9.
The current plan was adopted in 2013, and provincial legislation requires municipalities to update it every 10 years. City staff began the planning process in 2023, which has included community engagement, research and revisions.
The completed plan will serve as a long-term policy document to guide the city’s growth, land use and decision-making in the decades ahead.
The Sept. 9 hearing will be the community’s last chance to provide input before it goes to council for final adoption. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. in council chambers.
The city said in a news release that new provincial legislation has removed the requirement for municipalities to hold public hearings for residential zoning changes that align with the OCP.
“This is why it’s critical residents share their input now to ensure the plan guides how the community grows and changes,” the city said.
The draft OCP keeps the core direction of the 2013 plan but includes updates to meet new provincial requirements and current community priorities.
Notable updates include:
Land use and housing:
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Mixed-use development permitted on institutional lands.
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Council may consider rezoning applications of up to six storeys for non-market affordable housing outside small-scale residential areas.
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Future zoning amendments may allow one or two additional storeys in designated areas to support housing objectives.
Neighbourhood planning:
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Establishes a new planning area for the Selkirk College Tenth Street Campus and reconfirms planning for the Granite Pointe golf course lands.
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Introduces neighbourhood nodes with small-scale commercial uses, subject to rezoning.
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As in the 2013 plan, most housing growth is expected on the golf course lands, downtown, the waterfront and Railtown, with the addition of the Tenth Street Campus.
Indigenous reconciliation:
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For the first time, a dedicated section on reconciliation.
Climate policy:
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Integration of climate measures throughout the plan, aligning with Nelson Next, the city’s climate action plan.
Design guidelines:
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Clearer performance-based guidelines for mixed-use, multi-unit residential, commercial and industrial buildings, as well as development in riparian areas.
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Updated design guidance for Baker Street, with a new Baker Street Heritage Conservation Area.
Targets and implementation:
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Stronger targets and objectives for future decision-making.
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Proposed changes, such as increased building height, will not take effect unless adopted through bylaws. Design guidelines, however, will apply immediately after adoption.
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The OCP will be updated every five years under provincial requirements.
The draft plan, reports from engagement, background materials and public hearing details are available at www.nelson2050.ca.
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