Statistics Canada has released the population and dwellings count from the 2016 census. Nakusp’s population saw an increase from 1,569 to 1,605 in this time, which equals an increase of 2.3 per cent. Compared to the census numbers from 2011, Nakusp saw a three per cent increase during that period from 1,524 to 1,569.
There’s no data confirming the reasons for the increase.
Bylaws passed for rezoning
Village council passed zoning bylaws for two buildings in the village.
The first building is the worship hall for Jehovah’s Witnesses. The owners of the building would like to demolish it and build a new place of worship. The current building is a legal non-conforming use under the bylaw, but this use can only be maintained while the building stands.
In order to build a new property it must be rezoned from Urban Residential to Institutional. This would allow churches as permitted use.
The second property is rezoned from Suburban Residential to Urban Residential. The property owners are not able to meet the 96-foot setback required for the zone.
Council hoping to bring broadband to the village
The village has been contacted by the Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation (CBBC), a subsidiary of Columbia Basin Trust, for a letter of support for the CBBC’s application for funding from the Connect to Innovate Program (CTI) from Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada. They have also asked for a commitment from the village to be an anchor institution if the application is successful. Anchor institutions are defined as facilities that serve a public function, including local governments and school libraries.
The letter has been sent and council has committed the village office, public works, Emergency Services Building, and the sports facility to be anchor institutions.
Damage caused to boat launch dock
This winter proved colder than usual, and as a result much of the lake froze. The floating portion of the boat launch was frozen solid in the ice for the last couple of months.
As the lake levels rose, the dock was stranded about 30 feet off shore.
Village crews tried a few in-house methods to free it, but ended up using Interfor’s tugboat to break it from the ice.
There was approximately $500 damage to the dock that is being repaired.
A BC Hydro representative said they are not required to provide year-round access to the lake.
Village crews spoke with this representative in the summer and the representative stated if the dock was to get damaged in the winter, they would just pull it up on dry land until spring.
Because of these factors, it is recommended the village will have to look after the repair costs internally, or risk losing lake access in the winter months.
