Osprey Community Foundation

Nelson and area residents respond to What Does Community Mean to You? Contest

September 9, 2026

This summer, we asked Nelson and area residents a simple question: What does community mean to you?

The response was heartfelt, personal, and inspiring.

Through our Community Summer Contest, community members were invited to share stories and photos that captured what makes Nelson special, from the people and places that create a sense of belonging, to the traditions, gatherings and everyday acts of kindness that bring people together.

What we heard was clear: community isn’t simply a place. It’s something we do.

Community is about belonging

For many participants, community means finding a place where they can put down roots, feel accepted, and build meaningful connections.

“The Kootenays eventually gave me something I’d never had, or could’ve even conceptualized before.”

Another participant shared:

“Being newer to Nelson, I can say that I experience the feeling of interconnection and acceptance here more than I have anywhere else.”

Others spoke about Nelson as a place where they have been able to build a life, raise families and find a sense of home.

“Most of all, we live in a wonderful place because of the other people who live here too.”

Community is about everyday kindness

Again and again, participants pointed to the small moments that make a community feel welcoming, a smile on the street, a friendly greeting, a helping hand, or simply being noticed.

“I can walk down the street and receive a smile from the people who pass by.”

One submission captured the uniquely connected feeling of a small community with humour:

“When you have been here for a year, you no longer know who you know and don’t know. So you say hello to everyone in case you know them!”

Another described community as being built through:

“thousands of everyday acts of kindness, collaboration and shared purpose.”

These seemingly small gestures can have a lasting impact, helping people feel seen, welcomed and cared for.

Community is about participating and giving back

Participants also told us that community is strongest when people get involved, when they contribute their time, talents, energy and care.

“The doing, the creating, the being a part of.”

For others, participation creates connection and purpose:

“Being involved alongside others creates a sense of meaning, belonging, and connection.”

And perhaps most importantly, several submissions reflected a spirit of reciprocity, recognizing that the benefits of community come with an opportunity and responsibility to give back.

“Now, it is our turn to give back.”

Thank you, Nelson

The Community Summer Contest was made possible through the generosity of local community organizations and businesses who donated prizes to celebrate connection and community spirit.

The draw prizes and winners include:

$500 donated to a local registered charity or non-profit organization of the winner’s choosing

• Leo Bartels. Donation of $500 made to Nelson Pride Society.

Capitol Theatre Season Show tickets — three shows, with two tickets per show

• Tanya Brunelle, Jane DiGiacomo, Debra Benjamin

One-month NDCC pass for RDCK Recreation facilities

• Madeline Setzer

Two $100 Kootenay Co-op gift cards

• Karin Bayoff, Lynzee Bewyck

The contest closed on August 31, 2026, and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to share their story, reflection or photo.

Our favourite quote from Stephanie Myers: Community should be a verb.

Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate what makes Nelson special.