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.