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Friday, March 20, 2015
Vol. 7 • Issue 75
Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival names new artistic director See Page 11 280 Baker Street Nelson BC (250)
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WILL JOHNSON Nelson Star osemont resident Barry Nelson hasn’t owned a car for the last 15 years, but has no trouble getting around. The busy transportation and social justice advocate has been involved in so many Kootenay initiatives that he’s been named Nelson’s 2014 Citizen of the Year by the Knights of Columbus. “We feel so lucky to live here. This is a real honour,” said Nelson, who sat down with the Star this week with his wife Wendy and their chihuahuas Stitch and Carmel. Behind him on the wall was an array of photographs displaying his four children and 12 grandchildren, many of whom live within shouting distance. Having worked as a banker and restaurateur in a variety of other communities, it wasn’t until he moved to Nelson that he felt like he was home. And ever since he’s been trying to make it a better place. Nelson said he would love to see the community move away from car culture, embrace public transit and think about reducing our global footprint. As a current member and longtime coordinator of the Kootenay Carshare, he’s spent years appearing before city council and researching local transportation issues. “We’ve determined that for each person that joins the car co-op it actually takes the mileage for eight people off the road. Also, people get healthier because they use other modes of transportation — such as their two legs — or biking and things of that nature. Not to mention use of the transit system, which is actually quite good and has improved over the years.” Nelson said he believes moving towards a less car-centric city will have a number of economic and environmental benefits, including an increase in local purchasing, and that’s why he’s helped establish car
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Nelson holds contentious $184,000 in abeyance
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Nelson. “Barry was certainly a key component of the co-op’s start up. Barry provided steadfast leadership for the creation of our governing bylaws and regulations. His commitment and dedication saw us through the planning phase, incorporation and first year of operation.”
BILL METCALFE Nelson Star Staff Nelson city council backed off just a little this week in its attempt to fast track some changes in how regional recreation is funded. At its meeting Monday it decided that rather than getting the recreation commission to reimburse its annual payment of $184,000, that money will be held in abeyance until the city and the rest of the Regional District of Central Kootenay come to new arrangements regarding recreational funding. Afterward, Area F regional director Tom Newell, who asked the city to reconsider its stance, conceded this represented a softening of the city’s approach, but said he is still “very disappointed.” “I remain very concerned that the negotiations city council seems to think we are going to enter into are beginning with a hammer hanging over my head.” Mayor Deb Kozak says the decision was a step forward. “Council is taking a measured approach,” she said in an interview. “I think this is healthy. Let’s all come to the table and have the full conversation and understand each other’s positions and move forward. The usage patterns and the population have changed over time. We need to look at a real regional approach.” This week’s decision by council must also be approved by the regional district board. The key question is how much rural residents should pay to support
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Rosemont resident Barry Nelson, seen here with wife Wendy, has been named 2014’s Citizen of the Year by the Knights of Columbus. He founded the Kootenay Carshare Co-op. Will Johnson photo
Citizen of the Year
Alternative and public transportation advocate Barry Nelson honoured
shares in surrounding communities. “Barry was instrumental in starting branches in Revelstoke, Fernie and Kimberley, and in making sure there were wheelchair accessible vehicles,” said Colleen Matte, who participated in his nomination. Kootenay Carshare branches now exist in six cities. Deb Zeeben of the Community First Health Co-op also praised
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