Village Centre | Nelson Granite Pointe Working Group

Help us protect what makes Nelson special.

Nelson is more than just a scenic backdrop—it’s a close-knit, high-trust community built on creativity, simplicity, and a strong sense of local identity.

The proposed “Hallō Nelson” development at Granite Pointe Golf Club threatens that foundation. So does the vague “Community Centres” concept introduced in the latest Official Community Plan (OCP) draft. Both conflict with the OCP’s own stated values and risk turning Nelson into a luxury destination for outsiders, not a livable town for locals.

We’re calling for the removal of both from the plan.

This is a pivotal moment. If we want Nelson to remain a place where families, artists, workers, and seniors can continue to thrive, we must insist on planning that is thoughtful, sustainable, and locally grounded.

To show your support, please take a moment to send a form letter to your civic representatives. Every voice counts.

Subject: Remove “Neighborhood Centres” & Review of the 2019 Granite Pointe OCP Amendment

Your Message

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To: Nelson City Council and Planning Department Subject: Reconsideration of “Neighborhood Centres” and Review of the 2019 Granite Pointe OCP Amendment As a concerned resident of Nelson, I am writing to respectfully request two urgent actions regarding the future of development in our community: Remove the “Neighborhood Centres” concept from the current draft of the Official Community Plan (OCP). Conduct a formal review of the 2019 OCP amendment that enabled the Village Centre at Granite Pointe. Both initiatives raise serious concerns—not only because of their long-term impacts on affordability and community cohesion, but because of how they appear to contradict the spirit and even the letter of Nelson’s own planning framework. 1. Neighborhood Centres The proposed “Neighborhood Centres,” while intended to promote local gathering spaces, risk creating economically exclusive enclaves. Without clear safeguards, these hubs could quickly become dominated by upscale businesses, imported boutique amenities, and higher-income housing—ultimately marginalizing lower-income residents and weakening the social cohesion that defines Nelson. The OCP (Page 27, Section 3) calls for equitable, inclusive development where all residents can access services and public space, regardless of income. Nelson’s OCP also explicitly emphasizes the need for affordability and mixed-use development that reflects our diverse population. If “Neighborhood Centres” accelerate gentrification, they could raise rents and costs of living, displacing both small businesses and long-time residents. This would directly conflict with the OCP’s stated goal for Nelson to “proudly exemplify an inclusive, affordable and compassionate community” (Page 29, Section 3). There is also a risk that these new commercial hubs will draw economic activity away from Baker Street, which the OCP (Page 75, Section 5, 5.4.1.9) identifies as the historic and cultural heart of our town. The vibrancy of Baker Street depends on strong foot traffic and support for independent, locally owned businesses. Newer developments that prioritize convenience, chain retail, or luxury offerings could undercut that ecosystem, weakening both local identity and long-term economic resilience. More broadly, this model promotes centralized commercial consolidation over Nelson’s existing organic, community-driven economy. It undermines the very culture and connectedness that residents value most. 2. 2019 OCP Amendment We are calling for a formal review—and full repeal—of the 2019 OCP amendment. The majority of Nelson residents who attended the 2019 open houses did so to oppose the proposed rezoning of the golf course. However, very few were aware that the developers were also seeking to amend the Official Community Plan (OCP). Whether intentional or not, this lack of transparency created the appearance of bad faith. While the rezoning and OCP amendment were technically presented together in 2019, most residents were only aware of the rezoning. Whether intentional or not, this disparity in public understanding created the appearance of bad faith. The City appeared to be consulting the public on the more familiar and straightforward issue—rezoning—while the more far-reaching implications of the OCP amendment passed largely unnoticed. When Hallō described the project as a future “resort community,” it sparked one of the most divisive public controversies Nelson has seen in decades—fueling confusion, mistrust, and an unprecedented level of community resistance. For these reasons, I respectfully urge city planners and council to: • Withdraw the “Neighborhood Centres” concept from the OCP draft. • Revisit and revise the current planning model for the Granite Pointe development to better align with Nelson’s long-term values of inclusivity, affordability, and sustainability. Thank you for considering this request. I care deeply about the future of our community, and I believe we have a collective responsibility to ensure that Nelson grows in a way that benefits all residents—not just a select few.