Nanaimo - Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to build new housing

Illustration of buildings


We have exciting news about new housing for Nanaimo. The City of Nanaimo and BC Housing have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to build new housing in the community over the next few years.

This landmark MOU includes new developments proposed on six sites around the city. It includes three affordable rental buildings with approximately 125 homes for families and individuals. It also includes four purpose built permanent supportive housing developments with approximately 190 homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

This housing is needed to ensure some of Nanaimo’s most vulnerable people can access a basic and fundamental human right: housing. This partnership between the City and BC Housing is a commitment to act on housing needs in Nanaimo. Information on each site can be found on the project pages below.


We have exciting news about new housing for Nanaimo. The City of Nanaimo and BC Housing have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to build new housing in the community over the next few years.

This landmark MOU includes new developments proposed on six sites around the city. It includes three affordable rental buildings with approximately 125 homes for families and individuals. It also includes four purpose built permanent supportive housing developments with approximately 190 homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

This housing is needed to ensure some of Nanaimo’s most vulnerable people can access a basic and fundamental human right: housing. This partnership between the City and BC Housing is a commitment to act on housing needs in Nanaimo. Information on each site can be found on the project pages below.

  • 702 Nicol St.

    Current use: Vacant Lot, BC Housing-owned

    New use: Permanent Supportive Housing / Bridge to Housing for women

    52 self-contained studio homes, plus 14 ‘bridge to housing’ spaces exclusively for vulnerable women on a secured floor.

  • 250 Terminal Ave.

    Current use: Temporary Supportive Housing, BC Housing-owned

    New use: Permanent Supportive Housing & Affordable Housing

    Approximately 50 new permanent homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness as well as future affordable rental housing. Will require rezoning. Assuming rezoning is approved, completion expected spring/summer 2025.

  • 285 Prideaux St.

    Former use: Community Services Building – Emergency Response Centre opening date TBC, City-owned

    New use: Permanent Supportive Housing

    Approximately 50 new homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness; community amenity space; Requires Demolition, Development and Building Permits.

  • 355 Nicol St.

    Former use: Shelter + Transitional Housing, BC Housing owned

    New use: Permanent Supportive Housing

    Approximately 40 new homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness; shelter & drop-in removed. Requires Demolition, Development & Building Permits. Assuming rezoning is approved, construction to begin summer 2023. With a projected completion winter 2024.

  • 1425 Cranberry Ave.

    Current use: Vacant Lot, City-owned

  • 564 Fifth St, 502 & 505 Howard Ave (Te'tuxwtun)

    Current use: Mixed-use education, social housing, recreation

    New Use: Affordable Rental Housing with other uses

    New affordable rental homes; integration of education, culture, parks and recreation services; other community services such as health services and childcare (announced 2018).

Page last updated: 20 Jan 2023, 04:26 PM