BACKGROUND

Nelson, like many mountain communities in British Columbia, is exposed to a range of natural hazards because of its location and landscape. These include wildfires, flooding, steep creeks that can carry fast-moving water and debris, unstable slopes, and seizmic activity. Climate change is expected to affect some of these hazards over time, especially by increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

The “Hazard and Risk Management – Policy Roadmap Recommendations” study builds on earlier work by the City. In 2022–2023, a preliminary study reviewed several local creek systems and helped identify priority areas for further study. This work showed the need to improve how hazard information is used in planning and permitting decisions.

Following this, the City secured funding through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Disaster Risk Reduction–Climate Adaptation program. This funding supports the development of a more comprehensive and forward-looking approach to managing risks. This study is an important step in that ongoing effort.

WHY IS THE CITY DOING THIS STUDY

This project aims to strengthen how the City plans for and manages natural hazards. It reviews current policies and regulations, examines best practices and lessons learned from other jurisdictions in Canada and internationally, and identifies practical, locally appropriate policy recommendations for Nelson. The goal is to support more consistent land-use decisions and build a safer, more resilient community.

No new regulations are being introduced at this stage. Instead, the focus is on identifying gaps and improving clarity, consistency, and alignment with best practices over time.

Clearer policy direction will help residents and applicants understand requirements earlier in the process and reduce uncertainty. It will also provide better guidance for professionals preparing hazard assessments and support City staff in reviewing applications more consistently and efficiently.

WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED

The report can be viewed here.

What’s already in place

The review shows that the City already has a strong foundation for managing natural hazards. Many hazards are mapped, and tools like Development Permit Areas (outlined in Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 3629, 2026) and professional assessments help guide safe and informed decisions.

Some hazards (like wildfire, earthquakes, and flooding) are already managed through existing policies and regulations. However, there are opportunities to improve how up-to-date information is used, and some areas, like steep creeks, are not yet fully addressed.

How we can improve

The project identifies ways to improve clarity and consistency over time. These are not new rules, but a roadmap for future improvements. Key recommendations include:

• Better addressing steep-creek hazards;
• Updating flood-related policies using current information;
• Clarifying expectations for professional studies;
• Improving public information about hazards and requirements;
• Planning future studies to fill remaining knowledge gaps;
• Some additional hazard areas have also been identified and may be studied further in the future, in coordination with neighbouring jurisdictions.

Overall, this work builds on what’s already in place and provides a clear path to strengthen how the City plans for natural hazards by supporting safer development, better decision-making, and clearer information for residents and applicants.

NEXT STEPS

How does this study impact development?

Currently, if your property is located in an area with known natural hazards, the City may require additional information to support development or building permit applications. This can include areas identified in the Official Community Plan, such as floodplains, riparian areas, or wildfire interface zones.

As more detailed studies are completed (such as the detailed hazard and risk assessment of Anderson/Fell Creek), the City will gain a better understanding of how risk varies within these hazard areas. For example, some locations may be identified as lower risk, while others may be higher risk. Over time, this could lead to updates to Development Permit Area requirements, for example streamlining processes in lower-risk areas while maintaining appropriate safeguards in higher-risk locations.

What happens next?

If Council supports moving forward, the recommendations will be considered as part of future City workplans. This includes more public engagement, technical review, and exploring how the recommendations could be applied locally before any policy or bylaw changes are proposed.

The City will also continue working with the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) on shared priorities. This may include applying for funding together to study areas like Cottonwood Creek and Giveout Creek.

Looking ahead

Some new steep creek hazard areas have been identified and will be studied further over time. As more information becomes available, certain areas may require a higher level of review for future development.

Overall, these steps are focused on improving long-term planning, coordination, and community safety.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please visit the Links & Documents and the FAQs tabs, where you’ll find helpful resources to explore the topic in more detail. If you have specific questions that aren’t addressed on this page, don’t hesitate to contact our project team using the email address provided in the right column.