Railtown Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan

thinkmodus
Nov 10
1 min read

Revitalizing a Historic Industrial District into a Thriving, Sustainable Neighbourhood.

THE CHALLENGE

Railtown is a 28-acre district between Nelson’s downtown and waterfront, rich in heritage but limited by brownfield sites, disconnected streets, and underused spaces. The City’s broader sustainability vision—captured in the Sustainable Waterfront and Downtown Master Plan—called for Railtown to be a catalyst for local economic growth, ecological restoration, and inclusive community life.

The City needed a plan to overcome the neighbourhood's challenges, embrace the City’s climate policies… and leverage Railtown’s unique character, history, and potential as a driver for sustainable growth.

THE RESPONSE

The Railtown Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan sets out a 35-year roadmap to transform the area into a dynamic mixed-use district with an eclectic blend of housing, light industry, local businesses, art and public spaces.

Developed through an intensive, three-phase engagement process—including stakeholder workshops, design charrettes, and market analysis—the plan refines the vision established in previous City strategies into actionable projects, policies, and partnerships.

The plan proposed several ‘big moves’, including reconnecting Baker Street to the waterfront, enhancing Cottonwood Creek, creating new plazas, and supporting sustainable transportation. Ecological restoration, innovative housing, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings transform the neighbourhood while maintaining the area’s gritty, creative character. With a blend of heritage preservation, ecological restoration, innovative housing, and creative spaces, the plan positions Railtown as a hub for community life and sustainable economic development.