Outdoor recreation is an important part of life in our community. The Nelson Cycling Club invited candidates in the 2026 City of Nelson and RDCK elections to share their priorities and commitments to help voters make informed decisions.
All candidates received the same questions and a 350-word limit. Their responses are shared below as submitted, in the order received.
Question: Where does support for outdoor recreation fit within your policy priorities?
What specific actions have you taken, or will you take, to improve access, support sustainable trails and strengthen the community organizations that maintain them?
Candidates for Area E, RDCK:
Erin Fitchett.
Outdoor recreation is an important part of life in our region. Our trails provide opportunities for residents to stay active, connect with nature and enjoy our communities, while also contributing to the tourist economy.
I also recognize that these trails do not maintain themselves. The Nelson Cycling Club contributes significant volunteer time, expertise and coordination to maintaining sustainable trail networks that are enjoyed by mountain bikers, hikers and trail runners.
If elected, I would support continued collaboration between the RDCK, recreation organizations including the Nelson Cycling Club, land managers and community groups to ensure outdoor recreation opportunities are safe, sustainable and well managed.
My priorities would include:
Supporting community organizations that demonstrate responsible stewardship and provide clear community benefit. I support the RDCK continuing to consider grant funding for trail maintenance and recreation initiatives while ensuring public funds are used responsibly and transparently.
Protecting access to recreation. When land use, infrastructure or other RDCK decisions could affect established trail access, I believe recreation groups should be included early in those discussions.
Supporting sustainable trails. Maintenance, drainage, erosion control, signage and responsible trail planning are important both for protecting the environment and keeping trails usable over the long term.
Encouraging partnerships. The RDCK can accomplish more by working alongside local organizations and community groups. Strong partnerships with organizations such as the Nelson Cycling Club can leverage volunteer effort, community knowledge and outside funding.
My approach as Area E Director would be to listen to the organizations doing the work on the ground, understand their needs and challenges, and advocate for practical solutions that balance recreation, environmental stewardship, affordability and the interests of residents.
Outdoor recreation is one of the things that makes this region such a special place to visit and live. I believe supporting the people and organizations who responsibly maintain access to it is a worthwhile investment in our communities.
Candidates for Nelson City Council:
Aviva Keely.
Outdoor recreation and extreme sports are an important part of what makes Nelson a great place to live. Although my body cannot handle these activities, I believe they are an important part of the economic and social fabric of Nelson’s community.
Through Positive Apparel, my family and I have supported local sports, gymnastics, dance, schools and youth programs for many years. I understand how much work volunteer and non-profit organizations put into maintaining recreation opportunities that the whole community benefits from.
If elected, I would support working directly with organizations such as the Nelson Cycling Club to understand what barriers they are facing and where the City can realistically help. That could include improving access and trail connections, protecting important recreation corridors through land-use planning, helping organizations navigate permits and approvals, and advocating for provincial, regional and grant funding for sustainable trail maintenance.
I also think we need to consider parking, safe pedestrian access and connections between neighbourhoods and trail systems as Nelson grows.
Outdoor recreation fits strongly within my priorities around children and youth, recreation, community health and protecting the things that make Nelson a place where people want to live and work.
Jess Phillips.
Outdoor recreation fits directly within my priorities for families, affordability, community wellbeing and protecting the natural spaces we love. I am running on a platform that continually asks, “Are we helping Nelson remain a place where families and all residents can create a good home?”
Supporting Nelsonites, including many families, to get out and enjoy our world-class trails fits right into that vision!
I want people of all ages and abilities to have opportunities to get outside, be active and feel connected to this place. Our trails also support the local economy by attracting visitors. I know passionate, committed athletes and recreation seekers use trails all over Nelson every day. I strongly support initiatives that improve our trails and give families more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and find connection in nature.
My community work has included serving on the Kootenay Kids and Nelson & District Arts Council boards, supporting local arts organizations, and creating Nelson Kids (a former community calendar and resource website) and a parent Facebook group that continues to connect families. Those experiences have shown me how much community opportunities depend on volunteers, reliable support and clear communication.
On Council, I would work to:
Identify practical access improvements. Meet with the Nelson Cycling Club and other recreation groups to understand barriers, goals, needs and where the City can fit into that plan.
Support sustainable maintenance. Work with the RDCK, trail organizations and land managers on shared priorities, since many trails require cooperation beyond City boundaries.
Strengthen the organizations doing the work. Review how City funding, in-kind assistance, and administrative processes can better support community groups, with clear criteria, predictable decisions, and coordinated grant support for projects and ongoing maintenance.
Make progress visible and communication clear. Set achievable priorities with partners, clarify responsibilities, and track and review results.
My approach would be to listen, understand the constraints, and turn shared priorities into manageable steps. Caring for Nelson includes caring for the trails, natural spaces and community organizations that help make life here so rich.
Jesse Woodward.
Outdoor recreation is critical for community health and wellbeing. I see outdoor rec as a major component of Nelson’s culture and history and is a large driver of our local tourism sector. It employs many people and has many spin off benefits to our local business sector, food and culture scene. I also see outdoor rec as an amazing way for family and friends to play together and get healthy in a natural setting away from the ever-present pull of technology and the internet. I also truly believe that getting out in Nature has never been more important for a healthy community as it is these days. Nature and outdoor rec are a restorative combination.
City Council can support outdoor rec groups through lobbying upper levels of government, letters of support from the city and support through grant streams like the yearly ReDi grants or possible direct funding from the city but that is a whole Council decision. I have and I will, if re-elected, continue to support community groups who help make our local outdoor recreation sector more accessible and open to more of our community members and visitors alike.
Not all candidates responded. Additional submissions will be added as they are received.