Residents of Nelson and surrounding communities now have better access to health services with the official opening of the Nelson Community Health Campus. The new facility brings together long-term care, community programs, and culturally safe services in one modern space designed to meet the needs of people of all ages.
Provincial officials emphasized that the project represents a major step in strengthening health services in the region. The site will not only provide high-quality medical care but will also create jobs and boost long-term well-being in the community.
Located on the former Mount St. Francis hospital site, the campus features two new towers. These have been designed with residents in mind, ensuring both function and comfort while improving the way care is delivered in Nelson and the surrounding area.
The campus includes Fairview Gardens, a modern long-term care home. The facility is built with private rooms and small “neighbourhoods” named after local trees, giving residents a warm and familiar environment. Outdoor areas provide safe, accessible spaces where seniors can spend time with family and friends.
Health officials said the design was guided by a focus on resident-centered care. By combining community programs and long-term care, the facility allows health teams to work more closely together, making services easier to access for clients and families.
The Community Health Services Centre is another key part of the new campus. It provides a wide range of health services under one roof, including public health, home support, childhood development, and mental health care. Bringing these services together in a single location means residents can find the help they need more quickly and without unnecessary travel.
The project also responds to the growing demand for long-term care in the Nelson area. The opening of 75 new care beds will give frail seniors a safe place to live sooner, while also reducing pressure on hospitals and emergency departments. Doctors, nurses, and care staff are already working with palliative and geriatric teams to ensure residents receive both medical and comfort care, with a focus on quality of life.
A central feature of the Nelson Community Health Campus is its strong focus on cultural inclusion. The facility was developed with guidance from the Kootenay Boundary Aboriginal Services Society Collaborative. The design includes Indigenous artwork, language, and welcome signs from the Ktunaxa, syilx, Michif, and Inuktitut communities. This approach aims to make the space more welcoming and culturally safe, while also honoring the territory on which the building stands.
The official address of the new campus is 902 11th Street in Nelson. The opening has taken place in stages. The Community Health Services Centre began operations on August 12, 2025, while Fairview Gardens is set to welcome its first residents in September 2025.
The total cost of the project to make the facility ready for health services is estimated at $20.6 million. Of this amount, $4.8 million was provided by the West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District. Funding and support also came from the Ministry of Health, Interior Health, Columbia Basin Trust, and Golden Life Management. Interior Health will operate the campus under a lease agreement.
Officials noted that the Nelson Community Health Campus is not just a building but a step forward in how care is delivered. By combining modern infrastructure, inclusive design, and community-driven programs, the campus is expected to serve as a model for how regional health services can evolve in the future.
The opening marks a significant milestone for the community, providing both improved health services and a stronger sense of connection for residents across Nelson and nearby areas.
