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!”
The Association des francophones des Kootenays Ouest promotes French language and culture throughout the West Kootenay region.
Everyone is welcome to visit the community centre to learn about their numerous services and activities. Au plaisir!
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.
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.
Our early childhood educators are passionate about helping young minds grow through art, music, reading and more in Nelson. As a non-institutional facility, we are known for our pre-Kindergarten program which welcomes children as young as 2.5 years old— we also offer after-school care for children up to 12 years of age.
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. We grow year round in our annualized geo solar greenhouse that is predominantly heated and powered by the sun.
The Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA) administers and manages arts and culture granting programs on behalf of the Columbia Basin Trust.
Here you will find information on the annual arts and culture funding programs, contacts for local arts councils in the Columbia Basin, lists of arts, culture and heritage projects that have been funded by the Trust through the CKCA, arts links to funders and arts, culture and heritage resources, and an on-line art gallery showcasing the work of Basin artists.
Community Education and Support Services is a collaboration between Jodi Bergman Counselling and Thrive Tutoring Services. We are a tutoring, education support and counselling cooperative offering individualized programs, small group learning, after school homework help, and family-centred counselling services in person and online. At CESS we strive to meet the needs of each student, helping them identify their own unique learning style and personal education goals using relational connection as our base.
“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@shaw.ca
– 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
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.
Air B &B Experience Packages
Come stay over- night in our tipi or beautiful wall tent healing studio and wake up to a welcoming, fun and warm environment. Guests always speak of the tranquility and peace they feel while staying on our 7- acre Cultural Education and Wellness Facility.
Enjoy a continental breakfast in preparation for a full day of cultural activities, healing and learning, or perhaps you’ll go for our ethnobotanical packages:
- Indigenous Cultural Package
What you’ll do:
–meet and work with a Traditional Indigenous Knowledge Keeper
-learn how to build a primitive shelter with natural materials
-learn how to predict the weather using science as well as spiritual techniques
-learn
how to build a fire, using materials from nature
-learn techniques in how to cook a delicious meal over an open fire; creating up to 4 different temperature ranges on your fire!
-learn and practice traditional Indigenous drumming techniques
-listen to Indigenous Ghost stories around the campfire
What you’ll learn:
-perspectives on traditional Indigenous Worldviews and Ancient Ways of Knowing
-the Sacred Interrelated Laws of Mother Earth and how they pertain to Indigenous cultures and our Settler friends
-to be able to describe and identify animals and their habits indigenous to the Kootenay region
Positive and responsible social impact accomplished by staying with us!
*Twenty percent of the proceeds from your stay go toward sustaining our Traditional Cultural Outdoor Education and Wellness Centre
- Ethnobotanical Package
Come and learn about the ancient botanical knowledge and sustainable botanical practices of the Indigenous peoples of Canada.
What you’ll do:
-go on a nature walk and explore the botany of the region and the historical uses employed by Indigenous peoples
-collect food and medicinal plants and learn how to make herbal teas, tinctures, lotions, salves etc.
-experience a body care session with our professional health practitioner using ancient Indigenous Healing Techniques
-ancient herbal cleansing bath and river ceremony-feel good mind, body, spirit and emotions!
-enjoy traditional Indigenous healing songs around the campfire and learn how to drum
What you’ll learn:
-describe the traditional Indigenous Worldview and Ancient Ways of Knowing
-describe the Sacred Interrelated Laws of Mother Earth
-how to listen to plants to obtain specific knowledge about their use, how to prepare them, their medicinal properties etc.
-measure your intuitively acquired plant knowledge with herbal reference books and your teacher
-traditional hand drumming techniques
-ancient cleansing ceremonies
Positive and responsible social impact accomplished by staying with us!
*Twenty percent of the proceeds from your stay go toward sustaining our Traditional Cultural Outdoor Education and Wellness Centre
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.
| 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. |
The Kootenay Columbia College of Integrative Health Sciences (KCCIHS), formerly the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences (ACOS), is a well-established school with over 20 years of Private Training Institutes Branch (PTIB) accreditation. This standing means that our programs, instructors, and facilities are all government-approved and regulated and that our students are eligible for student loans. Our Traditional Chinese Medicine graduates have successful practices all over the world and KCCIHS is renowned for its comprehensive educational programs and its rigorous academic standards.
The Kootenay Columbia College of Integrative Health Sciences is located in the heart of the Kootenay Columbia region of BC , Canada. Offering courses in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Registered Massage Therapy, and a Holistic Nutrition Program, it is the only institution of its kind in the area.
At KCCIHS our programs are distinct and demonstrate a multi-disciplinary approach to health and healthcare. Students enrolled in all of our programs benefit from exposure to guest lectures, informal discussion, shared classes in professional development, research, business practice, and treatments from faculty and students enrolled in complementary disciplines. This type of education reflects the modern popularity of multi-disciplinary clinics and creates practitioners who have a natural awareness and understanding of other disciplines.
For over 20 years the college operated as ACOS, with its specific focus on Traditional Chinese Medicine. In 2017 the college recently expanded to include a Registered Massage Therapy Program and a Holistic Nutrition Program. KCCIHS will continue to diversify its health education offerings over the next few years.
KCCIHS now has 3 central locations in downtown Nelson, the historic Baker Street Nelson Trading Company and Burns buildings, and the modern facility at the Nelson Commons adjacent to the new Kootenay Co-op Store.
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
| Nelson CARES Society sponsors a wide variety of community programs and services including the Advocacy Centre; Earth Matters; Services for Community Living – supported housing and career development; Ward Street Place and Stepping Stones for Success emergency shelter. Nelson CARES Society may be Nelson\’s most diverse non profit organization. We\’ve been a long term catalyst (since 1974) for initiating community services and resources that respond to emerging needs. Not only has our origins as Nelson District Community Resources Society created crucial services, but hundreds of jobs for the Nelson area and generated millions of dollars for the local economy as well. The finest products of course are the results of our project and program work for the Community – some very visible and some simply ongoing and quietly invisible. |
OUR VISION
A compassionate and empowered community where families, youth and individuals receive the supports and services they need to live dignified, resilient and hopeful lives.
OUR MISSION
To support the well-being of families, youth, and individuals in our community by providing counselling, housing, support, and outreach services.
OUR SERVICE PHILOSOPHY
Nelson Community Services believes that all families, youth, and individuals, at some time, experience difficulties in their lives and that they have an inherent right to be heard and to be supported. Our relational approach to service delivery is respectful of each person’s identity, issues, strengths, culture, needs, and choices.
The club has been an active participant in the pursuit of its goal with involvement in projects such as:
- enhancement Projects for Fish and Wildlife;
- securing Habitat for Fish and Wildlife;
- educational workshops and programs for youth and new participants in Wildlife and Outdoor related activities;
- feeding Wildlife programs as required;
- donations to several like minded organizations.
The club facilities are available to other community groups and organizations, however the primary purpose is to provide a base in the community in which to achieve the afore-mentioned goals.
Nelson Rod & Gun Club was organized on the 22nd day of August 1918.
Our mission
This club is organized for the promotion of good fellowship among the sportsmen in the Nelson district and to:
- promote conservation of the wildlife, scenic and outdoor recreational resources of British Columbia, the land and water base on which they depend;
- promote the retention and maintenance of the highest possible quality of environment for all to benefit;
- foster a code of ethical and safe conduct among all people using the outdoors;
- actively co-operate with other organizations in the proper management of natural resources;
- assist in the maintenance and conservation of habitat for fish and wildlife;
- assist and promote youth and related organizations in all the afore-mentioned pursuits.
Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism is a Destination Marketing Organization in British Columbia that represents all the communities along the shores of Kootenay Lake: Nelson to Meadow Creek, and Kootenay Bay to Wynndel. The region is quaint, quirky and sophisticated and hosts things to do all year-round. Photos by RPM Photography
Located in the restored CP Station in the Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce.
We strive to provide visitors and locals with a variety of information and maps of our local area, West Kootenay Region.
One stop, provides: maps, local knowledge, brochures and guides and a great atmosphere. WiFi, coffee shop and parking for visitors.
The place to go to find out about everything in the West Kootenay region and beyond. Travelling to the area? Need a place to stay? Want ideas on what to do in the area?
bUILDING YOUR HOME WITH QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP AND DEDICATION
Hemlock Homes understands how important it is to build your dream that reflects who you are, your values and how you live.
We provide transparent accurate budgeting practices and industry expertise and are passionate about the quality of our work. By intentionally focus on a select number of projects per year we are able to provide the highest best customer service and deliver the quality home that you expect.
MAKING HAPPY CLIENTS BY BUILDING BEAUTIFUL SPACES.
Nathan is the owner and operator of Timberline Home Inspections. He provides exceptional home inspection, commercial inspection and general property inspection services for the Kootenays. This includes Nelson, Castlegar, Trail and surrounding area, Creston, Salmo, Kaslo, the Slocan Valley, Nakusp and surrounding area, Christina Lake, Grand Forks, and everything in between!
Timberline Home Inspections use the highest quality, groundbreaking report writing software to produce your detailed report. Every inspection report is well laid out, easy to use and interactive for our clients. Property inspection reports also include a link to the 472 page Home Reference Guide for you to keep free, along with links to other home improvement documents!
Nathan was born and raised in the Kootenays. Originally from Creston, but now lives in the Nelson area with his wife and two kids. He knows the region very well. His dream of becoming a Home Inspector became a reality in 2020. When Nathan is not working, he enjoys being outdoors to explore all the Kootenays have to offer with his family!
