The City of Nelson is situated at the junction of provincial Highway 3A and Highway 6 on the shores of Kootenay Lake, one of the largest and most beautiful  lakes in BC. Though the economy was at one time based on forestry and mining, this is less and less true. Tourism, recreation, hospitality and retail sales now also play major roles.  Nelson has also emerged as the provincial administrative center for the Kootenays.

The city is known as a “hotbed“ for entrepreneurs and knowledge workers as well as for local and organic food and product producers (and consumers). Perhaps as a result of all this activity, Nelson also has a cost of living, and housing, higher than any other community KCDS serves. This is a challenge is met by job seekers, employers and residents alike—all of whom appreciate its thriving arts and culture scene and its world class recreational opportunities.