Community Development is deeply connected with economic development, regional planning and social and environmental challenges in an interdependent, complex and ever-changing relationship to improve local well-being. Community Development includes projects related (but not limited) to: Walkability and pedestrian walkways; Community service organizations; Transportation routes and networks; Parks, trails and recreational areas; Social opportunities and connectedness; Essential utilities; Communications connectivity throughout the entire region; Health resources in the community; Land-use planning
Official Community Plan
The Northern Rockies Official Community Plan (OCP) was adopted on October 24, 2011. Other than changes resulting from incidental amendments, a fulsome review and update of the OCP has not been undertaken. Since development of the OCP, the NRRM has experienced significant changes in economy, industry, and demographics. As the OCP is foundational to most planning projects and regulatory, land-use bylaws, it is essential that policies and objectives contained within, are reflective of the community's vision and are based on a current and practical outlook concerning the future state of the community over the next 20 years.
Recent Updates:
- The final Draft OCP (Bylaw No. 242, 2025) [PDF/224KB] has received First and Second Readings on November 24, 2025.
- A Public Hearing is scheduled for December 8, 2025.
“In Fort Nelson we stand at the gateway of the Northern Rockies, located in the hearty of a prosperous and diverse economic region that strives to preserve the integrity of the natural environment.
We are a welcoming, self-reliant and healthy community. We proudly embrace life in our unique northern community and we work to create innovative solutions that enhance our quality of life.
Our Community is beautiful, well-planned and safe. Our unique environment provides us with diverse choices and ample opportunities for employment, education, recreation, housing and health and wellness.
As residents of British Columbia's first Regional Municipality, we are responsive to the needs of our residents, we encourage active public involvement and we proactively support inclusive and family-oriented decision making that balances cultural, social, environmental and economic needs in a collaborative and transparent manner.”
- Official Community Plan: Community Vision
Fort Nelson Downtown Revitalization Plan
Regional Council approved the Downtown Revitalization Plan at the October 10, 2023 Council meeting with the expectation that future projects and initiatives stemming from this plan come back to council for review prior to implementing.
This plan intends to support long-range goal-setting, visioning and planning to improve the downtown’s livability and increase its attractiveness to new businesses, residents, and tourists. The Fort Nelson Downtown Revitalization plan breaks recommendations into three overarching concept objectives:
- Non-Motorized Circulation including multi-use paths, pedestrian crossings, connectivity and downtown sidewalks.
- Public Realm Enhancements including developing a community theme/identity, community gathering space, trees and landscaping, way-finding and interpretive signage, public art, and development and maintenance.
- Vehicular Circular including intersection improvements, downtown streets, parking and vehicular way-finding signage.
Interim Housing Needs Report
In November 2023, new provincial housing legislation required local governments to update housing needs assessments with 5-year and 20-year projections. The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) has met these requirements through the Interim Housing Needs Report, which outline current and future housing needs under the Local Government Act and Housing Needs Report Regulations.
The report includes:
- HNR Data Tables: Housing needs calculations.
- Housing Analysis Sheet: Detailed data insights.
- Housing Needs Requirements: Provincial assessment methodology.
While NRRM has adequate overall housing, specific gaps remain. The documents identify the types and number of housing units needed by 2041, based on provincial guidelines, to address issues like homelessness, rental shortages, and suppressed household formation.
Through the Housing Needs Report, NRRM will guide housing planning over the next five years to meet the evolving needs of the community.
Complete Community Needs Strategy
In late 2023, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality launched the Complete Community Needs Strategy for Fort Nelson with UBCM support. The project assessed housing, daily needs, transportation, and infrastructure, identifying strategies to strengthen livability, resilience, and equity across the community. Findings highlighted strong service concentration north of the Alaska Highway and outlined actions to improve service distribution, transit options, and infrastructure. The resulting recommendations provide a roadmap for NRRM and partners to advance projects, respond to community priorities, and support a more complete community.
Fort Nelson State of the Community Report
A document made in 2017 for residents, businesses, investors, non-for-profits, governments and more designed to help make decisions that would lead to greater regional well-being.
Permissive Tax Exemptions
The Northern Rockies has the authority to exempt eligible properties from property taxation for a specified period of time. Permissive exemptions must be provided by bylaw, and are different from statutory exemptions, which are automatic and not at the discretion of Council.