After every snowfall, the City of Nelson staff work hard to clear our streets free from snow and ice, in an effort to keep our streets safe and our city moving. Nelson City Traffic Bylaw NO. 3156 states that every owner, or occupier of residential premises shall remove the accumulation of snow or ice upon any sidewalk no later than 11:00 AM. For some members of the community, including seniors or people with mobility issues, clearing their sidewalks is difficult to do. The Angel Program allows you, as a resident, to help out your neighbours; this is an opportunity for you to make a small difference in someone's life. 

How it Works

The City of Nelson manages requests made to the City by seniors or those with mobility issues who are unable to clear their own public sidewalks due to physical limitations. We will then connect an Angel volunteer with the resident to assist with the removal of snow and debris from their sidewalk. The term will run from October to April every year with requests being weather-dependent. 

How to Access an Angel

If you are a Nelson resident who is in need of assistance from an Angel, please send an email to angelprogram@nelson.ca   with all of your information including your home address. Once we receive your request, you will be matched with an Angel closest to your residence. 

In order to access the Angel Program, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must reside within Nelson City Limits; and, 
• You must be a senior or a resident with limited mobility and unable to clear snow from the adjacent public sidewalk to your home.

If you fit the criteria and wish to access an Angel, please fill out the application form HERE and email it to angelprogram@nelson.ca. Once we receive your information, we will connect you to the closest resident in need.  

How to Volunteer to be an Angel 

Volunteer Angels can be anyone who wishes to volunteer to help make our City's sidewalks safer for those in need. Individuals, groups or families may sign up to become an Angel. 

In order to become an Angel you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have the ability to physically clear the debris,
• You must have your own shovel and adequate clothing for all types of winter weather conditions; and,
• You must commit to a minimum of one home each season. 

To register, please fill out the application found HERE and return the application to angelprogram@nelson.ca. Once we receive your information you will be connected with a resident in need of an Angel. 

If you are under 19 and want to become an Angel

If you are a youth wanting to gain volunteer experience, please have a parent/guardian fill out the application form HERE and email it back to angelprogram@nelson.ca. Once we receive your information, we will connect you to the closest resident in need.

You will be mailed an Angel button to wear while you are shovelling the resident's sidewalk. Upon completion of the program, you will receive volunteer recognition from the City of Nelson. 

No Match? What to do next

All eligible Angel applicants will be placed on a list of addresses to be considered. While we will do our best to connect you with a Volunteer Angel, the City of Nelson cannot predict the magnitude of snowfalls, the availability of volunteers, or the number of eligible applicants. 

Please plan ahead and ensure that you have made arrangements to clear the snow off your sidewalk if there is no Angel match. This can include reaching out to friends, family, and neighbours, or hiring a private snow removal company. 

Please review Traffic Bylaw NO.3156. for the clearing of snow on your residential property. 

Leaf Clearing Angel 

Fly your wings further, volunteer to assist those residents with mobility issues clear the leaves in the fall. To sign up and become a leaf angel please email angelprogram@nelson.ca for more information and to request both a resident and volunteer form. 

“The City of Nelson is collecting your personal information in accordance with Section 26 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The City of Nelson collects your information for the purposes of administering the City of Nelson programs and services, including permits and licensing services. If you have any questions, please contact the Privacy Head at 310 Ward Street, Nelson, BC V1L 4P1 or FOI@nelson.ca or 250-352-8234.”