A proposal to build a new commercial marina on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake in Nelson is moving through the federal approval process, with construction aiming to begin in spring 2027.
According to an application filed with Transport Canada’s Navigation Protection Program, the project, referred to as the Culos Marina, would be located at 701 Lakeside Dr., across the road from the Shoreline housing development that is currently under construction.
The proponent submitted the application in November, outlining plans for a 60-slip marina connected to the shore by a 90-metre walkway and ramp. The document states that at least half of the slips, 30, would be reserved for non-motorized vessels.
The proponent also plans to build a 590-square-metre retail platform to house a future restaurant, expected to be built about one year after the marina is complete.
The marina would be located on Crown land. The proponent has submitted a Crown lease application to the province. The foreshore is owned by the City of Nelson.
The legal land description identifies the tenure area as unsurveyed Crown foreshore forming part of the bed of Kootenay Lake, fronting several district lots in the Kootenay District and covering approximately 2.98 hectares.
Kootenay Lake’s West Arm is listed under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, requiring the project to undergo federal review and approval before construction.
The application states that construction materials would be transported by barge and by land. It also anticipates high-frequency pile driving, although the number of piles has not been determined.
Embedded anchors may be used instead of pilings in deeper areas.
Pier decking would be installed using a barge and crane, and the ramp would connect to an existing shoreline walkway.
Construction is scheduled to begin April 1, 2027, with completion targeted for June 30, 2027.
Project documents acknowledge that the marina would likely increase boat traffic along the West Arm and potentially the larger lake. However, the proponent notes that the site is already zoned by the city for marina use.
“The proposed marina is located within an area that has been zoned by the City of Nelson for a marina, with adjacent existing similar uses (i.e., a private marina with 80 slips (Prestige Yacht Club) and the Kootenay Launch Club with 70 boat houses just downstream,” reads the proposal.
According to the submission, an assessment of potential impacts to fish and aquatic habitat has been completed.
Masse Environmental Consultants Ltd. prepared a construction environmental management plan aimed at minimizing environmental effects.
Proposed mitigation measures include conducting an aquatic habitat assessment to inform project risks and retaining an environmental monitor during construction to ensure compliance with permits, approvals and environmental protection requirements.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is among the federal organizations involved in the review.
The project is not considered a designated project under the Impact Assessment Act and is not located on federal lands, according to the filing.
Transport Canada’s Navigation Protection Program reviews works built in navigable waters to ensure they do not interfere with navigation rights.
Federal approval is pending.
A copy of the application is available through Transport Canada’s public registry. Public comments are being accepted online, by mail and by email until March 7.
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