The Association francophone des Kootenays Ouest (AFKO) promotes French language and culture through diverse public art projects and cultural programming that bring together Francophone, Francophile, and Anglophone communities across the Kootenays.
AFKO offers year-round cultural programming that highlights Francophone arts, culture, and heritage:
- Live Performances: Concerts, theatre, storytelling, and bilingual shows presented in collaboration with local venues and touring artists.
- Workshops and Residencies: Educational and bilingual art workshops (music, dance, theatre, visual arts, creative writing) offered in schools and community center, at 807, Baker St.
- Film Screenings and Festivals: French and bilingual film events, including partnerships with local film festivals and cultural organizations.
- Cultural Celebrations: Organization of flagship community events such as Francophonie Week, St-Jean-Baptiste Day, and Black History Month programs.
Community Gatherings: Bilingual cultural nights, family events, and public celebrations fostering intercultural connections.
The Balfour Recreation Commission operates and maintains community use facilities in the Balfour area. The BRC aims to promote healthy living and community spirit while building a network of community resources as a base for future events and community development.
The Balfour Recreation Commission presently provides the following facilities:
Golf Course – http://www.golfbalfour.com
Tennis Courts – by membership or day use
Sportsfield – hourly & daily rental availability
Gazebo & BBQ – hourly & daily rental availability
Fitness Centre – 3, 6 & 12 month meberships
Boat Ramp – free for use. No moorage available
Community Hall – hourly & daily rental availability
If you wish to join a club or use one of these facilities please contact Balfour Golf & recreation at 250-229-5655 for further information.
The Capitol Theatre’s calendar is full of community music, dance and theatre as well as Canadian and international touring performances. The restored theatre is an experience in itself, recapturing the atmosphere of its earliest days as a silent movie house.
The Capitol Theatre Society rents the facility to community groups for dance, theatre, music and film events, presents great touring performances, produces Summer Youth Theatre, a wine-tasting festival and an annual Christmas pantomime, and houses a large costume collection.
The Capitol’s Box office does far more than sell event ticket reservations – it is a gold mine for community arts resources, with friendly staff who go more than the distance to assist folks with their entertainment choices. The Capitol Costume shop may be messaged by calling 354-1510 for fantasy dress-up and show needs.
Our mission is to protect ecosystems and communities by preventing and reducing the harmful impacts of invasive species. An invasive species is a species that is not native to a specific location, and that has a tendency to spread to a degree that causes damage to the environment, human economy or human health.
The Chamber of Mines of Eastern British Columbia is a not-for-profit organization providing authentic, reliable information to the general public and the mining industry. Our members include everyone from individual prospectors to large mining and engineering companies.
We advocate for the mining industry, especially for prospectors and explorationists, as well as serving as an information and resource library with an extensive collection of geological information, maps, as well as rock and mineral specimens. We host elementary to high school classes as well as providing prospecting and other courses. Our graduates have had great success and are responsible for bringing millions of dollars worth of investments to the Kootenay-Boundary region.
We are a community of inspired, clear-minded individuals creating a relational-centered, sustainable lifestyle that we have found naturally catalyzes the evolution of human consciousness. From our earthy off-grid farm setting in the Selkirk Mountains, we supply the West Kootenays & Okanagan with organic Microgreens (sunflowers, peas, daikon radish). We grow year-round in our annualized geo solar greenhouse that is predominantly heated and powered by the sun. During the summer season, we also have an abundance of organic Basil, Long English Cucumbers & Winter Squash. All our produce is certified organic by NOOA.
If you have an idea that focuses on arts and culture, this program could help support it. Grants from the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA)—funded by Columbia Basin Trust and managed by the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council—are available for all art disciplines, for both individuals and arts and culture organizations.
“The Community First Health Co-op operates the Nelson and Area Wellness and Education Centre with volunteers and a volunteer Board of Directors. This Centre houses providers supplying acupuncture and natural health, Chinese medicine, chronic disease support, community services, counseling, educational programs, housing outreach, kinesiology, massage, pre- and post-natal maternity support, pain and addictions management, seniors’ support, social work, and street outreach, together with physician, psychologist, and chiropractic practices.
– lease/rental space available for health/wellness professions and education/community services groups.
– secure inside storage rooms for rent to the public accessible 24/7: cfhcoop@gmail.com
– meeting room for rent to the public (20 people, large table, internet) and an open presentation/meeting room to showcase your product available seven days/nights of the week on a per session basis – Madeline 778-919-5946 or collinsmadeline@gmail.com.
In addition to providing rental space for health/wellness related professions, trained health-care volunteers give free support and education for various chronic issues and seniors care such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, Brain Injury, Cancer, Friends of Family, Heart and Stroke, Hospice, Kidney, Kidsport, Lung, MS, Nelson Elders, Overeaters Anonymous, Parkinson’s Seniors, and TOPS.(Take Off Pounds Sensibly).”
Community Futures Central Kootenay is a not-for-profit community economic development organization. We are committed to helping people in the Central Kootenay region who are either operating or are planning to start their own business.
We are a licensed childcare centre operating 2 programs.
2.5 – 5 yr olds – full and part-time care School Age Care – kindergarten – Grade 5
Hours of operation: 7:30-5:15. We are open year round except for Christmas break
The finest gift gallery in the Kootenays. The Craft Collection is a member-owned gallery with a huge selection of original pieces from local artisans. A ”must-see” destination on your trip to Nelson. We now have two floors with Gallery 378 downstairs displaying fine art as well as more local crafts.
Our Studio
eARTh Community Clay Studios is a home studio with a breathtaking view. It is not just a pottery studio, it is an inspired playground for adults, kids, and anyone who likes to play with mud.
Hands-on help and personalized instruction are at the core of this experience. The friendly atmosphere supplies warm feedback and creative motivation to help you discover your inner potential.
Owner and teacher Diane Walters has worked with clay for thirty-five years and the learning industry for thirty. Sharing her experience and learning from others is at the core of this small business.
eARTh Community Clay Studios is situated in a beautiful studio with a view in Uphill Nelson, BC, Canada, located at 1116 Latimer St, Nelson, BC. We are open Sept – April and closed for late spring and summer.
If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own light-filled art studio, eARTh Community Clay Studios is for you. Though we specialize in beginner wheel and hand-building classes, if you are a practiced potter, you’ll appreciate our wheel and hand-building work areas, Shimpo wheels and slab roller, our selection of stains and glazes, and our regular firing schedule during our open studio sessions. Everything you need is right here. Experienced Potters and Sculptors make up our team of ceramic professionals who are ready to share their talents.
EZ Rock is home of long sets of “Today’s Best Variety” with the biggest songs from the 80’s right through to today’s BIGGEST hits by favourite artists like Adele, Madonna, Elton John, Michael Jackson to Katy Perry, Maroon 5 and Bruno Mars. Our listeners come to us to be energized throughout the workday and to keep informed and entertained during their busy lives. While EZ Rock prides itself for playing the most music, we also have a long standing tradition of supporting our communities. FM 106.9 Nelson FM 93.5 New Denver/Silverton FM 103.1 Nakusp FM 101.9 Kootenay Lake FM 95.3 Kaslo Proud to be part of our Community since 1939 for your local news, sports, weather, events, contests and community involvement. Keep it locked on EZ Rock as we take our commitment to Nelson to the next level!
Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society (FOKLSS) is an inclusive, stewardship organization dedicated to sustaining a healthy Kootenay Lake for future generations. Our mission is to improve the health and stewardship of Kootenay Lake through monitoring, habitat restoration, capacity building, and the empowerment of local communities, First Nations, and stakeholders.
Our services provide a holistic educational support system that welcomes minds of all kinds as we strive to nurture individual potential, inspire academic excellence, and empower each learner on their unique educational journey.
We do this by addressing the diverse needs of students, from individualized tutoring to post-secondary preparation and academic strategizing.
We provide comprehensive support tailored to meet the diverse educational needs of our clients. Whether you’re a student seeking academic assistance, a parent navigating the complexities of post-secondary transitions, or an educator looking for resources to enhance your teaching practice, we’re here to empower you with the tools and guidance you need to succeed.
Sound, Lighting and Audio Visual rentals for ANY event. We also feature an experienced, professional DJ service. Serving Nelson and area for 16 years.
| The Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST), established in 1998, is a critical economic driver and innovator in southern BC’s Kootenay region. Our mission is to foster inclusive economic opportunities and job creation through science, technology and innovation. |
20 years ago, Kootenay Co-op Radio was a sparkle in the eyes of locals who felt the Kootenays needed a community radio station that expresses the unique spirit of the area. Since that time, we’ve built a radio station that broadcasts to communities throughout the West Kootenay and reaches even more listeners through internet streaming.
Member-owned and operated Kootenay Coop radio (CJLY) has served up eclectic music programming and spoken word shows exploring local issues, opinions, and events happening in our community. With almost 100 hours of original programming created by our passionate team of volunteer hosts each week, KCR is the destination for listeners who want an authentic Kootenay experience in French and English.
Kootenay Columbia College (KCC) is a well-established school with over 20 years of Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) accreditation and three campuses in Nelson and Burnaby, BC.
For over two decades, the college operated as the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences (ACOS), specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In 2017, we expanded to include a Registered Massage Therapy Program and a Holistic Nutrition Program. In 2024, KCC launched its Burnaby campus, further diversifying its career education offerings.
KCC is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and comprehensive programs, making it the only institution of its kind in the Kootenays. Our Traditional Chinese Medicine graduates practice worldwide, while our Registered Massage Therapy graduates thrive as entrepreneurs or in integrative health clinics and spas.
Students benefit from our multi-disciplinary approach, which combines professional development, research, and business practice. This innovative education model equips graduates with the skills to excel in today’s competitive job market.
In Nelson, KCC’s main campus is at 402 West Richards Street in Rosemont, with an additional downtown campus in the historic Nelson Trading Company building.
Event rentals: tents, lights, tables, chairs, Dancefloors, speakers, wireless mics, & heaters.
DJ services
production: audio engineering with high quality sound systems & lighting.
Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation is governed by a group of dedicated volunteers whose purpose is to raise funds for the medical needs of our community hospital. The Board of Directors consists of 12 directors who each serve a 3-year term.
Our directors bring to the Board a variety of backgrounds offering their unique skills and talents to ensure the Foundation’s success.
The Foundation Board is a working Board elected by its members. Directors and members serve on various committees such as the Events Committee, Golf Committee, Community Relations Committee, or the Finance Committee.
All directors and members contribute their time and effort without any payment or benefit other than the satisfaction of contributing to the community.
The Kutenai Art Therapy Institute (KATI) is dedicated to the belief that the creative process is healing and life enhancing and that the use of the expressive arts can contribute therapeutically to both individual and community health.
Education
KATI offers a two-year diploma program in art therapy.
Students can take the program in one of two formats: on-campus or blended distance. The curriculum uses a relational model which emphasizes the therapeutic needs of rural communities, the importance of Indigenous approaches to art therapy and research, and the value of maintaining a sense of connection with the natural world.
Community
KATI offers a host of art therapy services throughout the Kootenays through student clinical placements, the local school districts, and partnerships with local service agencies.
First Aid Training in the Kootenays
Make A Change Canada was established in 2005 as a national nonprofit and charitable organization that provides employment and skills training to Canadians who face challenges in finding or maintaining employment in today’s labour market. We are accredited (since 2015) through the Imagine Canada Standards Program, one of just over 200 charitable organizations in Canada to have achieved this important standing. Make A Change Canada is exempted from certification under the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB), Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, and is a certified educational institution under Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This means we are authorized to provide students with T2202A certificates to claim a tuition tax credit. Make A Change Canada has assisted hundreds of individuals in the local community to attain the skills they need to move on to meaningful careers and increased earnings. The net benefit extends to our clients’ families, to local businesses requiring employees with essential technology skills, and to the local economy. Help us celebrate our upcoming 15-year anniversary when we host the Montreal Canadiens Alumni in a charity fundraising game this January 23, 2020. We’ll be celebrating “The Canadian Way of Life!”
Creating a safe, accepting and empowering community where all youth can interact and access a variety of programs, services and activities they need and enjoy. A fun, safe and accepting youth centre with a variety of recreational activities including ramp sports, lessons and special events.
The Youth Employment Resource Centre offers free employment services to youth ages 15-30.





