Nelson
Surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains and set on the shores of Kootenay Lake, Nelson’s storybook charm and breathtaking scenery create the classic small town setting. With a population of 9,700, Nelson has a unique mix of urban style and rural character.
There are many reasons to call Nelson your home. The stunning beauty of the area is almost overwhelming, and never fails to inspire. Our mountains offer some of the finest recreational opportunities in the province. Nelson is a very special, close-knit community striving to preserve a great quality of life. Our deep love of these mountains has led to a physically and politically active community that cares about protecting our environment.
Location
Nelson is located in the West Kootenay’s of Southern British Columbia. It is accessed by all methods of transportation with daily service by greyhound bus and charter/private service by small aircraft to the Nelson airport is available. As well there is scheduled domestic air service from Castlegar (30 minute drive) daily. By highway Nelson is 663 km’s (412 miles) from Vancouver, 624 km’s (387 miles) from Calgary, 237 km’s (147 miles) from Spokane Washington and 55 km’s (34 miles) from the U.S. Border.
Nelson is situated on the junction of provincial highway 3A and Highway 6, and sits on the Shore of Kootenay Lake, one of the largest lakes in British Columbia. Traditionally, the economy of Nelson was primarily resource based (forestry and mining) and while this sector still represents a vital component, Tourism is an up and coming sector of the local economy and is fostered by breathtaking scenery within the area and at the City’s doorstep.
Profile of Nelson
Turn of the century ambiance lingers in every corner. Over three hundred and fifty designated residential and commercial heritage buildings create a distinctive Victorian aesthetic. Baker Street, the heart of the downtown core, is alive with the spirit and culture that has slipped away from so many Canadian cities. Nelson will awaken anyone’s sense of nostalgia with its charm and stunning scenery.
Nelson has a diverse infrastructure and development is soaring with the largest areas of growth in education and small and medium sized businesses. The community is looking to attract high tech industry, education, tourism, value added manufacturing, light industry and other areas of technology.
Attractions
The Selkirk Mountains and Nelson’s surrounding area offer a world class recreational playground with all the amenities. Each season brings new sports and activities, skiing/snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, sailing, fishing and golf are all but a few.
Education
The scope of educational opportunities is probably greater in Nelson than in any city of similar size in Canada. In the public school system, student teacher ratios are lower than the BC average and the administration prides itself on its thorough approach to liberal arts. French immersion is also offered.
Government-assisted private schools, from kindergarten to grade 7, also flourish; the 141 student Catholic school runs a particularly strong music program. The Nelson Waldorf School has grown to over 160 children since its inception in 1981 and in 1987 it became one of four Canadian full member schools of the association of Waldorf schools of North America.
For more information of education in Nelson contact these organizations:
Selkirk College
Kootenay School of the Arts
Kootenay Lake School District
Waldorf School
International School of the Kootenays
Acadamy of Classical Oriental Sciences
Housing
Homes /Condos/ Apartments are available to purchase or rent in a variety of price ranges in the city limits or within a ten minute or more commuting distance to Nelson. The average price of a three bedroom bungalow is $225, 000 and like other places in BC real estate prices are increasing. With numerous construction projects currently underway there is opportunity to purchase new homes as well.
