Reporting back from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference in Ottawa, and being on Parliament Hill for the King’s throne speech.
Blog
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Nelson councillor shares thoughts as local Kootenay ridings hold steady
Federal election night reaction on Conservative gains across rural ridings and what voters were looking for.
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Responding to Tariffs
As we navigate another cycle of U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and softwood lumber—imposed, lifted, and reimposed—our community faces familiar challenges. Unlike previous rounds, Canada is now holding firm, maintaining our countermeasures rather than lifting them. While this principled stance may protect Canadian interests long-term, it creates immediate economic pressures we must address together.
When tariff wars escalate, we feel it at home: in higher prices at our stores, in uncertainty for our local manufacturers and forestry operations, and in the tough decisions our neighbours face. But throughout history, communities like ours have not just survived economic challenges. They’ve emerged stronger by turning inward to discover their collective power.
Our community’s potential
Remember our “Open for Business” campaign during COVID-19? When travel restrictions kept us close to home, we discovered the treasures in our own backyard. We can rally around local shops and services again, creating a surge of hometown support that helps businesses not just survive, but thrive.
This is the resilience we need to build
- We can support each other. When we choose local shops over big-box stores, we invest in our neighbours’ dreams and our shared future.
- We can innovate together. Our community investment cooperative can fund local startups, our housing cooperatives can create affordable living options, and our worker cooperatives can build sustainable jobs with shared ownership. These cooperative models can reduce our dependence on outside systems.
- We must include everyone. Our strongest solutions will come when we bring diverse voices to the table: youth, seniors, immigrants, long-time residents, all contributing their unique perspectives.
- We need to invest in our future. Our Youth Climate Corps can create meaningful employment for young people during uncertain times. When economic downturns typically hit youth employment first, our community must prioritize opportunities that build skills while addressing local environmental challenges.
Moving forward together
When you come to the meet-up at the NDCC, let’s bring our personal stories, our concerns, and our ideas. What skills can you share? What connections can you foster? What vision do you have for our community?
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Nelson City Council — Regular Meeting
The plain-language recap of what came up at Regular Council and the Regional District this week.
Childcare and community engagement
We’re working on bringing a comprehensive update for the Regional District, focusing on supporting families and early educators in the sector.
RDCK budget public meeting for Nelson, E and F
Looking at a 9.4% property tax increase for Nelson. Within that, a 12% increase in recreation, which returns those services to 2014 funding levels, with a focus on the upcoming ice plant renewal at the NDCC.
Long-term campus review
Progress is ongoing with initial outcomes reviewed and next steps planned, expecting to bring the results to the public by the end of March.
RDCK joint resource recovery
We’re seeing rate pressure relief from the service efficiency study, but those will need 2025 and 2026 to unfold. This year we have a resulting 10% budget increase with expected drops in 2027 once capital projects in organics are paid off. The industrial and commercial green-bin organics pilot launches.
Community safety and housing
Attended the Nelson Neighbour Network meeting. The Police Chief provided an update on the work they are doing, re-enforced the importance of housing, and communicated the difficulties across the country.
Questions about any of this? Get in touch.
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What is Neighbours United deep canvassing?
Neighbours United, formerly West Kootenay EcoSociety, pioneered deep canvassing to foster meaningful conversations on climate and energy issues. This approach focuses on listening, sharing personal experiences, and creating space for open discussions.
By using deep canvassing techniques, Neighbours United helped shift perspectives and build support for climate action, even in resource-based communities. Our issue-based meet-ups take inspiration from this method, creating opportunities for community members to connect, share values, and work toward real solutions together.
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What was the Nelson Nest Lab?
The Nelson Nest Lab was a community-driven initiative that brought people together to tackle local challenges. It focused on collaboration, resource-sharing, and problem-solving, helping shape Nelson Next, the city’s climate action plan. The lab demonstrated how grassroots efforts can drive real change, proving that when communities work together, they can build lasting solutions.
We’re taking that same approach here. By joining our issue-based meet-ups, you’ll be part of a network that turns ideas into action — helping to build a stronger, more connected future for everyone.
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What is the Youth Climate Corps?
The Youth Climate Corps (YCC) provides young people with paid opportunities to work on climate action projects while developing skills and leadership experience. Their work focuses on reducing emissions, restoring ecosystems, and strengthening community resilience.
By supporting programs like YCC, we ensure the next generation has the tools and experience needed to build a sustainable future. Our initiative draws from this model, giving young people a role in shaping real solutions.
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Rural Phone and Internet
Access to reliable, affordable telecommunications isn’t just a modern convenience — it’s essential for everyone. Unfortunately, in rural and remote communities, including those in the RDCK, many people still struggle with inadequate broadband and unreliable phone service. During emergencies, these gaps can have dire consequences. In everyday life, they hinder students’ learning, parents’ ability to work remotely, businesses’ competitiveness, and the safety of our residents.
As your representative, I’ve seen firsthand how dropped calls, slow speeds, and excessive bills hold our community back. That’s why I’m proud to support our plan to designate high-speed internet as an essential service, cap prices to prevent unfair charges, and invest in expanding coverage — especially in rural and remote areas. Every family, student, and local business deserves reliable, affordable connectivity, and I’m committed to making that a reality for all of us.
Source
RDCK requests federal government address poor rural telecommunications — Nelson Star, November 12, 2024.
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Consideration to combine commissions, committees on some regional services being investigated
Recreation and community commissions across the RDCK passed similar motions on governance, sending staff to study a sub-regional community services model.
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Eight topics of relevance set out for resolution by City council for consideration
Council approves eight AKBLG resolutions and invites three regional district boards to co-sponsor seven of them, so the ideas are already familiar before they reach the floor.