Joint funding agreement to support construction of new Nelson transit exchange

May 31, 2023

The C$2.4 million investment will deliver an exchange with shelters and up to six bus stop zones.

West Kootenay Transit System in British Columbia is getting a new transit exchange in Nelson, B.C., with the support of joint funding provided by the government of Canada, government of British Columbia and the city of Nelson.

The exchange in downtown Nelson will feature bus shelters and up to six bus stop zones. It will provide residents and visitors with better access to the heart of the city and will increase the West Kootenay Transit System’s future service levels, improve the region’s transit network and facilitate connections with local active transportation networks.

"We are thrilled to announce the joint funding for a new transit exchange in the city of Nelson. This project will help enhance accessibility and connectivity for our residents and visitors and improve access to the heart of our city. The new transit exchange demonstrates our commitment to building a better-connected community and supports bolstering our transit network and fostering seamless connections with our regional transportation network. By investing in transit options, we are actively contributing to the aspirational goals of our climate action plan, NelsonNext and ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for all," said Mayor of Nelson Janice Morrison.

In addition to the new transit exchange, the project will enhance public safety and improve the road and pedestrian infrastructure around the new interchange.

“BC Transit is committed to providing a reliable public service and I am thankful to work with our government partners to improve the efficiency, reliability and experience of transit in Nelson. By doing so, we are providing an incentive for all people to choose public transit over cars, benefitting the community and the environment,” said President and CEO of BC Transit Erinn Pinkerton.

The C$2.4 million (US$1.76 million) in join funding includes C$858,266 (US$629,470) from the government of Canada, C$988,828 (US$725,226) from the government of British Columbia and C$578,207 (US$424,069) from the city of Nelson. The government of Canada’s funding comes from the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.