Downtown Community Identity and Signage Project

Shaping the Future of Our Downtown:
Community Identity and Signage Project

We're creating a fresh, welcoming identity and signage plan—and we need your input!

What’s this project about?

The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality is creating two important plans to improve downtown Fort Nelson:

  • A Downtown Community Identity & Character Plan
  • A Wayfinding and Interpretive Signage Plan

These plans aim to create a unique and welcoming look for the downtown area that reflects the history, cultures, natural beauty, and community spirit of our region, while also making it easier for residents and visitors to find their way around. The identity plan will focus on design elements like colours, graphics, and street furniture, while the signage plan will develop clear, attractive signs to guide people and share stories about the area. Together, these efforts support the broader goal of revitalizing downtown Fort Nelson to make it more vibrant, accessible, and inviting for all.

Why it matters

Downtown is the heart of our community—it’s where we gather, share stories, and make memories. But right now, it’s missing a sense of identity and connection.

This project is a chance to:

  • Create a welcoming, attractive space that reflects who we are.
  • Make it easier for people to find their way around.
  • Highlight local culture and history.
  • Support local businesses and tourism by making downtown more inviting.

By improving our public spaces and signage, we strengthen community pride and economic vitality.

Where we are in the process

Feedback received from the community in June-July 2025 has been used to develop creative design directions for the project working group’s consideration and input. Working Group meetings continue as we aim to create a Downtown Character Identity and Wayfinding Signage Plan that will be considered by Regional Council in March/April 2026.

 Project Timeline
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Timeline graphic with project milestones from 2025 to 2026.

Public Engagement June 2025, Draft designs reviewed with a project working groups throughout summer 2025, Final concepts and "how to use" documents created in fall 2025, Potential first installments in 2026

Wondering where it all started?

Check out the Downtown Revitalization Plan — this project grew from that vision.