The Bridge 103.5 Radio Interviews Hellnō Hallō About Opposition to a $500 Million Development in Nelson, BC

In a recent interview with the Bridge 103.5 Radio Show "My Nelson Now," HellNō Hallō representative Paul Saso addressed the community’s concerns regarding the $500 million Hallō development at Nelson’s Granite Pointe Golf Course.

The project has drawn significant backlash due to its focus on high-end luxury housing, which Saso argues does not align with the needs of local residents.

The article discusses the first phase of the development, known as "The First Homes," which features 24 luxury homes priced at $1.85 million each. Developers Graham Kwan and Farhad Ebrahimi, in a Globe and Mail article, described their target market as “downsizers, urban families, investors, and people who want a bolthole,” a description that Saso and his team found offensive. "This project seems aimed at the elite, those flying in on private jets while our community faces housing crises and environmental challenges," Saso stated.

HellNo Hallō is advocating for a shift in the project’s direction, the story continues, proposing that it incorporate affordable housing models and supportive housing components to better serve Nelson’s residents. Saso emphasized that the community doesn’t need luxury homes but rather affordable options that can address the growing housing disparity in the area.

While one developer expressed openness to these suggestions, others have been resistant. Still, Saso remains optimistic, believing that with continued community pressure, the project can be adjusted.

He encourages residents to support their cause by signing the online petition, which has already gathered 2,300 signatures, and to participate in the upcoming Official Community Plan (OCP) sessions. These sessions will allow Nelsonites to voice their concerns and shape the city’s future development in a way that aligns with the community’s values and needs.