To learn about the Plan and participate in any of the online engagement opportunities, click on the corresponding tab below.

Did you know that by simply responding to one of the surveys, you'll be entered into a draw to win one of two $250 gift cards for the local Nelson business of your choice? We recognize that people have busy lives and we want to acknowledge the time it takes to participate in public engagement processes. Rest assured that all survey responses will remain anonymous, and you can choose to not enter the prize draw. Click here for full contest rules and details.

The City of Nelson’s Official Community Plan (OCP) provides a long-term vision for how the community will grow and change in the coming years. City Council, City staff, and citizens refer to the plan for guidance on how decisions should be made in the community, such as where to locate housing and businesses, transportation priorities, and how the community will respond to climate change.

A significant amount of public engagement has occurred over the last two years, including:

• open houses and pop-ups;
• online sessions;
• focused conversations with the community;
• surveys; and
• a citizen advisory committee.

After many rounds of public engagement, the purpose of this final round* of engagement is to confirm we got things right and determine general support or non-support for a wide variety of policies in the draft OCP.

* Note that a public hearing will still be held prior to adoption of the OCP, or any subsequent amendments.

The OCP policies provide a plan for what Nelson should look like by 2050. The OCP is meant to be read in its entirety and no individual policy is intended to stand on its own. The Land Use Plan (see section 4 “Land Use” of the draft OCP, as well as the Land Use Designation map attached to the OCP) is a major component of the OCP, as it shows where different land uses should be allowed across the city. The Land Use Plan is meant to be read alongside the OCP policies in their entirety. Land use designations are generalized in OCPs. They identify what type of uses we want in a certain area (such as residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial). A separate document, the Zoning Bylaw, provides more detailed regulations such as setbacks, height, landscaping, and other requirements.

Much of the content of the current 2013 OCP is still relevant and significant portions have been moved over to the draft OCP. There are several new or significantly revised sections to reflect Nelson’s needs today and into the future.

These include:

• the addition of a section on reconciliation with local Indigenous Nations;
• major revisions to the sections on heritage, housing, and transportation;
• major revisions to the section about design guidelines (rules for what new buildings should look like); and
• confirming the City’s commitment to climate action by continuing to implement ‘Nelson Next’, Nelson’s climate plan.

The OCP engagement process is complex and nuanced. Before deciding on the draft OCP, Council will be provided with wide variety of information, including:

• a summary of feedback collected from all channels;
• summary of technical information;
• professional advice;
• established policies and procedures; and
• requirements for OCPs set out by the Province of BC in the Local Government Act.

When the draft OCP is approved by Council, it does not commit the City to undertaking any of initiatives listed. If the City decides to explore any of the proposed policies or initiatives further, there would be a separate approval process required for each initiative.

Share your thoughts on the City’s draft Official Community Plan.

For nearly two years, the City of Nelson has been working with residents and experts to update our Official Community Plan (OCP). We are thrilled to share a first draft with you. It is a blueprint for what we aspire to become.

We’re asking all residents to review the draft and let us know if we got it right and what we can improve.

👉 Click on "policy survey" tab or "OCP feedback form" tab to complete a survey.

Ready to review the first draft of the 2025 Official Community Plan update?

You'll find it in the Document Library in the right-hand column.

You'll also find our three handouts that summarize key changes and other must-know information.

A paper copy of the draft OCP is available for in-library consultation at the Nelson Public Library (starting Feb. 4).

Interested in seeing the current OCP, adopted in 2013, to compare? Click here.

Four ways to participate

Engagement has been extended to Sunday, February 22nd, 2025

1. Have your say by responding to one or more surveys
2. Use the online discussion tool below to launch or participate in a discussion with your fellow Nelsonites
3. Use the Q&A tool below to ask City of Nelson staff a question about the draft OCP
4. Attend an in-person open house: