Transit System: West Kootenay
The City of Nelson, the Regional District of Central Kootenay and BC Transit, in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, are pleased to announce the completion of the Victoria Street Transit Exchange.
The new exchange facilitates more frequent and regularly scheduled routes that better connect the West Kootenay region to Nelson’s downtown, helping improve access to commercial, retail, medical and work offices. The project achieved SAFE (Security Achieved through Functional Environmental) design certification, an approach that reduces the risk and fear of crime and enhances public safety.
The new exchange, located in the 300 block of Victoria Street, includes:
- Five bus bays with the potential for an additional bay to support future transit expansion;
- Five bus shelters with bench seating to protect customers from weather elements;
- Improved streetlighting and bus shelter lighting for increased safety;
- Bicycle racks and garbage cans;
- New sidewalks along Victoria Street; and
- An accessible public restroom near the library.
The City of Nelson is planning to add additional landscaping to the area this fall.
The project budget of $2.4 million is jointly funded by the Government of Canada through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, Province of British Columbia, and the City of Nelson together with the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
For more information, visit: Nelson Transit Exchange | Nelson, BC
Media Contacts
BC Transit Communications
media@bctransit.com
QUOTES:
The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) and Member of Parliament for Kelowna
“The completion of the Victoria Street Transit Exchange is an important milestone for the community. Investments like this improve safety and accessibility for riders, strengthen regional transit connections, and help ensure people can reliably get to their jobs, local services, and amenities in the city’s core. We are proud to support projects that provide long-term benefits for residents and visitors alike.”
Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central, on behalf of Minister of Transportation and Transit Mike Farnworth
“The completion of the Victoria Street Transit Exchange is a positive step forward for transit in the West Kootenays. This new hub in Nelson will make it easier for people to get where they need to go whether it’s work, school, medical appointments, or shopping — while also supporting a safer, more accessible, and sustainable transit network.”
Erinn Pinkerton, President and Chief Executive Officer for BC Transit
“The new exchange makes it easier and safer for people to move seamlessly from their neighbourhoods to the heart of downtown Nelson by transit – strengthening everyday connections between homes, jobs, schools, local shops and restaurants, medical services and more. Thank you to our funding partners for making this possible, and to everyone who contributed to this community-focused project that strengthens transit connections in the West Kootenay region.”
Mayor Janice Morrison, City of Nelson
“The completion of the Victoria Street Transit Exchange is an exciting step forward for Nelson as we build a more connected community while taking care of the environment. We’re happy to support projects like this that make it easier for residents and visitors to explore our beautiful city and the surrounding communities in our regional district in a sustainable way.”
Maria McFaddin, Regional District of Central Kootenay, Board Member and West Transit Services Committee Chair
“Transit is a vital part of the transportation eco-system of the West Kootenays. This project helps to ensure riders can use the system while staying safe, dry, and connected. We are thankful for the investment from our partners in this project.”
