Uplands Walk officially opened its doors to the community today, creating 33 units of supportive housing for those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness in Nanaimo.

Located at 6025 Uplands Dr., the four-storey building is situated within walking distance of commercial and retail services, a library, hospital and a shopping centre. Constructed to meet LEED Gold standards, the development features 33 self-contained studio apartments and one respite unit for additional care. Shared amenities include dining and lounge areas, kitchen, laundry, bike storage, bed-bug sauna and landscaped outdoor spaces.

Uplands Walk is the third new supportive housing site to open under a partnership between the B.C. government and the City of Nanaimo. This development is managed and operated by Pacifica Housing Advisory Association. Two staff members will be on-site at all times, providing 24/7 support services.

Project partners and funding include:

• The B.C. government arranged approximately $7 million in long-term financing and is providing annual operating funding of $761,938.
• The City of Nanaimo provided $229,277 in municipal reductions, and the land is valued at $307,000.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation -

“By collaborating with the City of Nanaimo and Pacifica Housing Advisory Association we’re bringing much-needed supportive housing to north Nanaimo. Uplands Walk provides not only stable housing for 33 individuals, but an opportunity for people to rebuild their lives in a healthy and positive way.”

Mayor Bill McKay, City of Nanaimo -

“Uplands Walk is a positive step forward in the fight against homelessness for the City of Nanaimo. I want to express my gratitude to the community for their tremendous support and understanding of the City of Nanaimo’s long range plans concerning homelessness, and look forward to developing an all-encompassing strategy for affordable housing. With this new development, Pacifica Housing has added capacity to continue to administer their proven programming and support systems. Homelessness touches everyone in the community, and we remain dedicated to supporting important projects like this.”

Karyn French, executive director, Pacifica Housing Advisory Association -

"We are thrilled about offering supportive housing for Nanaimo. Uplands Walk is truly a community achievement and we are thankful to all the partners who have helped make it a reality. Together, we can provide individuals in need with a home and the possibility of a better life."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4 billion to provide affordable housing for nearly 100,000 low-income individuals, seniors and families in communities throughout the province.
• Last year, the B.C. government invested over $7.8 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 2,000 households in Nanaimo.
• Pacifica Housing Advisory Association is a non-profit society providing affordable housing for low-income families, persons with disabilities and adults who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness with 842 units of affordable housing, including 170 units of permanent supportive housing.

Learn More:

For more information on provincial affordable housing programs and efforts to end homelessness in B.C., please visit: www.housingmattersbc.ca/factsheets.html and www.bchousing.org

To learn more about Pacifica Housing Advisory Association, visit: www.pacificahousing.ca

Follow BC Housing on Twitter: @BC_Housing (twitter.com)

Media Contacts:

Elaine McKay
BC Housing
778 452-6476

Philip Cooper
Communication Manager
City of Nanaimo
250 755-4532