Construction is underway on 23 new affordable rental homes in Nanaimo through a partnership between the Government of B.C. and the Vancouver Island Mental Health Society.

“The housing crisis hit Nanaimo hard, making it difficult for people to get ahead,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo. “We’re working hard to shut down speculation and increase supply. These homes in the Rosehill affordable housing project are part of the hundreds that our government is building in Nanaimo in partnership with terrific community groups.”

Vancouver Island Mental Health Society, an organization experienced in providing mental-health and addiction supports and education, will own and oversee day-to-day management of the three-storey building. The project will provide 23 studio-unit homes for people gaining independent living skills.

The society is receiving $2.3 million from the Province’s Building BC: Community Housing Fund, $2.1 million in construction financing and annual operating funding for the project. The society provided the land, valued at $428,000, and equity of $500,000 for the new building.

“We are very excited about this development and the opportunity to provide permanent homes,” said Taryn O'Flanagan, executive director, Vancouver Island Mental Health Society. “We strongly believe that affordable and appropriate housing is a vital part of mental and social wellness.”

The City of Nanaimo provided $54,000 in municipal waivers.

“The Rosehill location will house some of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Leonard Krog, mayor, City of Nanaimo. “The city is very pleased to support this project, which will provide them security, safety and improve their quality of life.”

The building is expected to be complete by October 2020.

This project is part of more than 23,000 new homes that are completed or underway throughout B.C. because of provincial investments.

Delivering affordable housing is a shared priority between government and the BC Green Party caucus, and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.

Quick Facts:

• This housing development is funded through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund, a $1.9-billion investment over 10 years to build more than 14,000 mixed-income rental homes throughout the province.
• The rent mix for this phase of the project is expected to be:
  • four units for people with very low incomes: $375 per month;
  • 12 rent-geared-to-income units (people with low to moderate incomes): approximately $539 per month; and
  • seven affordable market units: approximately $800 per month.
• Including these 23 homes, the Province is working in partnership to build more than 880 new affordable homes for people with a range of incomes in Nanaimo.

Learn More:

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online:
https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit:
https://workingforyou.gov.bc.ca/