Council embarks on new Pathway to 2040
By Nelson Daily Editor
By Timothy Schafer, The Nelson Daily
The impact of a new document developed by City council isn’t sexy, it doesn’t appear to have tangible effect in the life of the average Nelsonite, but it is one of the most important pieces of paper created by council since the update of the Official Community Plan three years ago, according to some councilors.
The Path to 2040 Sustainability Strategy for the City of Nelson has finally been mapped, and for some councilors it is a welcomed road — providing the sustainability principles on which the Official Community Plan is devised and future decisions on all projects will be based on.
Although the backwards philosophy of creating the sustainability strategy after the OCP update was complete was not lost on some councilors, adopting the new strategy this month has finally given the City a tool on which to more effectively do their jobs, said Coun. Kim Charlesworth.
The quality of the work that had gone into the creation of the document over the last nine months by various members of the community was exceptional, said Coun. Charlesworth.
“It is both a visionary statement and a practical tool that will guide decision-making as we move forward,” she said about the Pathway document.
The strategy “takes into consideration economic, environmental, social and cultural aspects of the community, and identifies goals and objectives that will help lead Nelson to a sustainable future,” according to a City news release.
In consultation with the community, the strategy has outlined five sustainability principles to help City staff and council make future decisions that will keep in line with the desire of what is expected to be the greater will and values of Nelsonites.
For the average person on the street, the effect of the Pathway to 2040 will not be evident as there are no actionable items, no enabling legislation. But its effect will be felt outside the walls of City Hall and council chambers, Coun. Deb Kozak said.
“I predict that it will be an integral piece of work in the future development of a comprehensive regional growth strategy,” she said.
The new strategy will influence everything from the broad downtown and waterfront planning initiative, to considering Community Initiative Funds through the lens of sustainability, said City manager Kevin Cormack.
A total of $72,000 in funding was provided for this project by the Union of BC Municipalities, through the federal Gas Tax Fund, and Columbia Basin Trust.
The complete Path to 2040 Sustainability Strategy is available on the City of Nelson website at www.nelson.ca/sustainability.
editor@thenelsondaily.com
