For business and pleasure

What locals find so enthralling about this city's work and leisure options

Dave Arsenault skiing Red Mountain on his first ski design, the Kootenay Powdersticks. — Photo courtesy Dave Arsenault

Kootenay Business asked these local business people what they enjoy most about Nelson as a community. Here are some of their replies:

Kate Bridger, author and interior design artist (www.katebridger.ca)

Why did you choose this area to start a business?

I chose to live in Nelson for its beauty, diversity and creativity. Operating a business here provided me with immediate membership in a vibrant community of like-minded people. With the technology now available to all of us, this is also a comfortable base from which to deliver one's message and products further afield. Nelson has a large enough population to make a home-based business viable and yet remains small enough to allow personal lifestyle values and priorities to remain intact.

Boomtown Sports: Dale Arsenault, owner

Why did you choose this area to start a business?

I'm the owner of Boomtown Sports and I moved to the area to raise my kids in a small, safe ski community by water. I just fell in love with the area: playing on the water, skiing the great powder, good hang-gliding, great biking, great music, food and nightlife, and the free-spirited, artistic, talented people. Downtown Nelson is a shopper’s delight, with so many cool shops and cool, friendly people. Nelson rocks year round. I’m proud to be part of this healthy, active, caring community. The picture is me bombing the cliff at Red (Mountain) with Granite in the background on my first design of skis, the Kootenay Powdersticks.

Epiphany Cakes and Pastries: Mellisa Owen, Owner

What do you do in your downtime?

We just love to be outdoors. We like to go cross-country skiing, or go to the beach, go camping or walk our dogs.

What do you like about doing business in your community?

I just find it’s really nice to do business in a small community. I feel very well supported by the community and I am able to develop a relationship with my customers over the years, so I really appreciate that. I also choose to live in Nelson because it’s an amazing community and a great place to raise my son.