Anyone who lives in or visits Nelson can see significant renewal and development happening both in our downtown and waterfront areas. The Hall St. Stores to Shores revitalization project which has been in the planning stages for the last three years has begun.
This work will result in improvements to the City’s underground utilities, improved pedestrian and vehicular safety, better access to the Community Complex and a new public plaza area adjacent to the IODE Park. This project will enhance an important connection between downtown and our waterfront. Please keep in mind and let your guests and visitors know that the businesses in the area of this construction are open and want your patronage. Please make an effort to stop in. Also take extra care walking and driving in this area. Thank you for your patience and understanding as our staff and contractors do their best to get the work done as soon as possible.
Council has a standing practice of having councillors fill the role of acting mayor on a rotating basis. During April and May it was my pleasure to represent the city in this capacity. My duties have included welcoming the 300 Rotarians from southern BC, Washington and Idaho as well as exchange students from Mexico and Brazil, who were in town for a district conference.
The members of Nelson’s two Rotary Clubs did an excellent job of organizing and hosting which included an enchanting performance by the Corazon choir, and an evening of magical music and song from local musicians Clinton Swanson and Nelson’s cultural ambassador Bessie Wapp.
As the city’s representative I had the honour of participating as the reviewing officer for Nelson’s sea cadets at Lakeside Park. Presenting the Lord Strathcona Medal to chief petty officer Katelyn Ellis and touring the skills demonstrations were the highlight of the afternoon. Congratulations to all the cadets in attendance for a job well done. For more information about sea cadets in Nelson contact Michelle.Harris@cadets.gc.ca.
Kudos to KATI: 2015 marked the 20th anniversary of the Kootenay Art Therapy Institute. Located in Nelson, this nationally-respected school held this year’s graduation at the Prestige ballroom. Over 100 friends and family were on hand to celebrate this year’s 14 graduates of the two year masters of art therapy program.
On behalf of the citizens of Nelson I was so very proud to congratulate both the students, staff and school co-founder Monica Carpendale. Collectively the students from this program have provided thousands of practicum hours of art therapy for seniors, children, teens and families in our community. What a wonderful example of a local success story. For more information visit their web page at kutenaiarttherapy.com
British Columbia’s lieutenant governor stopped in Nelson this month. While the whole idea of the monarchy may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is worth noting the message that the Queen’s representative shared with the students at L.V. Rogers and at a reception at Touchstones.
The Honourable Judith Guichon, the 29th lieutenant governor, studied holistic management, a farming method which promotes sustainable management of livestock by utilizing the natural habitat.
She stressed the importance of healthy soil as the foundation of our food, fuel, fibre and medicine. Healthy soil is needed to keep our air and water clean was her message. She also encouraged young people to get involved in local politics. Both of these points seem more made in the Kootenays than from across the pond!
In closing I want to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer. Keep in mind with the summer weather more walkers and cyclist are crossing or sharing our roads. If you have any questions or ideas to improve the services of our local government, please contact me at mdailly@nelson.ca
Councillor Michael Dailly shares this space weekly with his council colleagues.
