Media Contacts

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Media Relations
778 584-1255

BC Housing

Media Relations
media@bchousing.org

City of Nanaimo

Media Relations
MediaRequests@nanaimo.ca

Backgrounders

Proposed new housing developments in Nanaimo

The following developments are being proposed under the new agreement between the Province and the City of Nanaimo.

Affordable Rental Housing

564 5th Ave. (Te'tuxwtun): Owned by BC Housing, this property is part of an existing partnership between BC Housing, the City of Nanaimo, the Snuneymuxw First Nation and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools. Approximately 40 new homes are being proposed for this site.

1425 Cranberry Ave.: Currently a vacant lot owned by the City of Nanaimo, this location is proposed for an affordable rental housing development with approximately 46 new homes.

250 Terminal Ave.: Owned by BC Housing, the proposal for this property includes removing the temporary modular housing and using a portion of this site for the development of approximately 40 new affordable rental homes.

Supportive Housing

250 Terminal Ave.: There is an intent to develop part of the site into new permanent, purpose-built, supportive housing with approximately 50 homes for people experiencing homelessness in the community. People currently living in the temporary housing at the site would be supported by BC Housing in moving to permanent housing in the community.

285 Prideaux St. (Community Services Building): Owned by the City of Nanaimo, this site is being proposed for approximately 50 new permanent supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness. A portion of the building is being used as a temporary emergency response centre. The city will work with community organizations that lease space in the building to meet their needs elsewhere in the community.

355 Nicol St.: Recently purchased by BC Housing, this property is being proposed for approximately 40 new permanent supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness. Services provided to women through the existing Samaritan House at this location would be relocated to a secure area of 285 Prideaux St. (the Community Services Building), and later to the development at 702 Nicol St.

702 Nicol St.: BC Housing is in the process of purchasing this vacant property with the intent of redeveloping the site to provide approximately 50 permanent supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness and shelter spaces.

Services and supports provided for supportive housing

All new supportive housing buildings in the province have around-the-clock staffing to help young people, people with disabilities, seniors and others in critical need of housing.

The Province is providing annual operating funding to help those with the highest housing needs to build new beginnings. Experienced staff provide support to tenants based on their assessed needs.

Services and supports provided to young people, seniors, people with disabilities and others who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, include:

  • both on-site supports and connection to additional specialized supports in their community;
  • supports that are tailored to the needs of the residents, including education and employment opportunities, and health and wellness services, including mental health and addiction treatment programs;
  • individual or group support services, such as life skills, community information and social and recreational programs;
  • meals;
  • case planning and needs assessment;
  • other supports designed to assist residents in meeting their personal and housing goals, including culturally specific programs;
  • help accessing income assistance, pension benefits, disability benefits, obtaining a B.C. identification card or establishing a bank account;
  • support for residents to learn how to operate and maintain a home; and
  • no-cost laundry services, either on or off site.