Nicholson operates a farming business in Shoal Lake, Manitoba.

He served on the council for the Rural Municipality of Shoal Lake and was reeve from 1907 to 1922.

The separately administered town of Shoal Lake lies within the municipality, just southeast of its centre.

In the 1886 provincial election, he won the Shoal Lake riding.

Shoal Lake is also home to Manitoba Pioneer Camp.

Two First Nations reservations lay claim to much of Shoal Lake.

Shoal Lake falls under special and specific developmental guidelines in order to protect its water quality and unique wildlife.

He campaigned for mayor on the basis of developing a new source of city water from Shoal Lake in northwestern Ontario.

The railroad is located 110 feet south of the aqueduct linking Winnipeg to Shoal Lake.

Both are located in the Rural Municipality of Shoal Lake.