Forty-one new units of supportive housing are currently under construction for men and women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Nanaimo.

Once complete, the four-storey building on 1597 Boundary Crescent will be the fourth development to open under a partnership between the B.C. government and the City of Nanaimo. Residents will have access to several amenities including a common dining space and lounge, a kitchen, laundry facilities, bicycle storage and a bed-bug sauna.

Designed to achieve LEED Silver certification, the development will incorporate numerous energy-efficient and sustainable measures into its design, such as Energy Star-rated appliances and windows, water-efficient landscaping, low-flow water fixtures and high-efficiency water heaters.

The housing component of the development will be managed by Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society. Columbian Centre Society and Haven Society will provide programming and supports to residents.

(flickr.com)

Project partners and funding include:

• The B.C. government will arrange construction financing of approximately $9.6 million and will be providing approximately $1.2 million annually in operating funding.
• The City of Nanaimo will contribute $300,000 in municipal reductions and the land valued at $432,000.

Quotes:

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

“This development is another great example of what can happen when two levels of government work together and build supportive housing to help those who need it most. Thanks to this partnership, there will soon be 41 new homes here in Nanaimo for people in need, and this is something we can be proud of.”

Mayor Bill McKay, City of Nanaimo -

“We can be truly proud of projects like this that are the result of the City of Nanaimo’s long-range plans in our fight against homelessness. Not only are we proactively addressing the issue of homelessness now, we are making important decisions for the years ahead. This development is an embodiment of the progress we are making in our city, and it’s truly remarkable.”

Jim Spinelli, executive director, Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society -

“Nanaimo Affordable Housing is always pleased to participate in the development of new affordable housing projects that will provide safe, secure and affordable homes for people in the community who are most in need.”

Anne Taylor, executive director, Haven Society -

“We are excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the Boundary Crescent project. By collaborating with Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society and Columbian Centre Society, we are uniquely positioned to provide programs and support services that help those in immediate need in the City of Nanaimo.”

Dr. Barnabas Walther, executive director, Columbian Centre Society -

“Columbian Centre Society is thrilled to expand our services to a purpose-built development like 1597 Boundary Crescent. We look forward to the challenge of continually raising awareness of mental health issues and addictions concerns in the community through programs that promote recovery, social inclusion, safe housing and public education.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families.
• This year, nearly 100,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.
• 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.

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

Since 1990, Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society has played an active role in many issues relating to affordable housing in Nanaimo. For more information, visit: www.nahs.ca

Haven Society’s mission is to promote the integrity and safety of women, children, youth and families, and the development of a respectful and healthy community. For more information, visit: www.havensociety.com

Established in 1977, the Columbian Centre Society currently owns and operates five residences in Nanaimo providing housing and services to approximately 30 adults. For more information, visit: www.columbiancentre.org

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