The Government of British Columbia is taking a multi-faceted approach to address homelessness in Parksville through new supportive homes and a temporary winter shelter to help the people in the community who need it most.

“We continue to see the effects homelessness has on communities and people throughout the province,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “The crisis we see today was many years in the making, but today we take another step toward addressing that crisis. The combination of permanent homes and a winter shelter mean the most vulnerable people in Parksville will have access to the supports they urgently need so they can get back on their feet.”

The Province is partnering with the Regional District of Nanaimo, including the City of Parksville and the Town of Qualicum Beach, to build approximately 50 new units of modular housing at 222 Corfield St. South. Additional space is also being made available in the building for emergency shelter use during the cold winter months.

The Island Crisis Care Society will be on site to provide full-time support. Residents will have access to additional services, such as education and employment opportunities, and health and wellness care.

The three-storey project will be designed to suit the architectural style of the neighbourhood. Each home will include a private bathroom and a kitchen. Occupancy is expected early next year.

BC Housing will provide opportunities for public feedback at a neighbourhood open house on March 20, 2018.

Quotes:

Mark Lefebvre, mayor, City of Parksville –

“Our community is in need of supportive housing, and this project is a significant step in making affordable and stable housing accessible to members of the community. We congratulate the Oceanside Task Force on Homelessness for its leadership and thank the Province for its funding.”

Bill Veenhof, board chair, Regional District of Nanaimo –

"The Regional District of Nanaimo welcomes the opportunity to participate with BC Housing, the City of Parksville and the Oceanside Task Force on Homelessness on this very important project, and to provide $660,000 toward the development of the supportive housing facility at Corfield Street. This facility will not only help meet the immediate need for housing in the Oceanside area, it will also provide appropriate supports to match the needs of its clients. We thank the Province for working with the Oceanside Task Force to complete the project.”

Teunis Westbroek, mayor, Town of Qualicum Beach –

“This development enhances our community, and reflects our values and compassion for people. We want Oceanside to be a welcoming and diverse community, and one of the best places in the world in which to live for people of all ages and circumstances.”

Violet Hayes, executive director, Island Crisis Care Society –

“Island Crisis Care Society is honoured to be entrusted with this important project. I am so thankful for the great collaboration that exists in the Oceanside area. It has been instrumental in putting this project together. Lives will be changed because of this initiative.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province is investing approximately $6.9 million in funding for the project in the City of Parksville.
• These homes are a part of the 2,000 modular supportive homes being delivered throughout the province.
• Budget 2018 is providing further supports for people struggling with homelessness, with an additional 2,500 new homes with 24/7 support services for communities throughout the province.

Learn More:

Read Homes for B.C., government’s 30-point plan to address homelessness and housing affordability for British Columbians:
www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2018/homesbc/2018_Homes_For_BC.pdf