Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, has issued the following statement on recovery-oriented housing in Nanaimo:

“We know people need a spectrum of housing options to support their recovery journey and stay in the communities they love. Recovery-oriented housing is a substance-free surrounding that helps people who are recovering from substance-use disorders stabilize in their recovery and build confidence to continue getting healthier.

“In communities that already have a range of low-barrier supportive housing, a recovery-oriented housing site can provide a valuable additional housing option. Our government, through BC Housing, currently funds and supports various housing operating models based on the needs of the community in Nanaimo.

“We have determined the new purpose-built housing coming to 250 Bryden St. (formerly known as 250 Terminal Ave.) in Nanaimo will operate as recovery-oriented housing. In making this determination, we considered the existing range of low-barrier housing and shelter options available in Nanaimo, as well as the community’s need for recovery-oriented housing as part of a comprehensive housing continuum. By creating spaces for people who are ready to move into recovery-oriented housing, we are also helping to make other spaces available for people who need different kinds of support.

“This housing will support people in recovery from substance use who have been at risk of homelessness or experienced homelessness and need additional support to stay housed, and who want to reduce their exposure to drugs and alcohol. Residents may access health and recovery services in the community, with housing staff supporting connections to and co-ordination with these services.

“Our communities are stronger when we lift each other up, and these homes will build on the significant progress already made to support people experiencing homelessness in Nanaimo. I look forward to working with the City of Nanaimo to help deliver these homes and to continue our significant progress made to help vulnerable people in the community.”

Leonard Krog, mayor of Nanaimo, said:

“Nanaimo is a passionate city with a strong voice, especially when advocating for a true community need. I would like to extend my thanks to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs for hearing the long-standing concerns of Nanaimo city council and the Newcastle Neighbourhood Association. Their voices have helped to bring this recovery-oriented housing initiative forward, an important next step in creating a complete system of care that connects housing, health and recovery. This solution will create a recovery-oriented housing environment to better support addiction recovery and wellness. Together with the existing supportive housing in the community, this housing will provide more resources to people experiencing homelessness by providing an option for people who wish to avoid substances.”

Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo-Gabriola Island, said:

“We’ve been building housing to help people struggling with homelessness get back on their feet, and with several hundred supportive housing units in Nanaimo, we can now offer people more options. Making 50 units at 250 Bryden St. recovery oriented gives people more choice, and I’m grateful to the Newcastle Community Association and city council for constructively partnering on this change. When people are supported, they can start to re-establish stability in their lives and build a better future.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2017, the Province has more than 11,000 supportive homes open or underway throughout B.C., including 550 open or underway in Nanaimo.
• It includes nearly 1,500 HEARTH units open or underway in 16 communities, including 159 open in Nanaimo.
• The Province funds 63 permanent shelter spaces in Nanaimo with more temporary shelter and emergency weather-response spaces funded during the winter.

Learn More:

• To read the Belonging in B.C. plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BelongingStrategy.pdf
• For information about the Homeless Encampment Action Response Teams and the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing programs, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/homelessness-services/HEART-HEARTH
• To learn about the steps the Province is taking to address the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes in B.C., visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/
• To see a map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C., visit: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC