Nanaimo – 1030 Old Victoria Road

Satellite map image of the site just off the Trans-Canada highway at 1030 Old Victoria Road, Nanaimo


BC Housing and the City of Nanaimo are working together on a proposal for new temporary housing with 24/7 support services at 1030 Old Victoria Road. This building would be known as the Nanaimo Navigation Centre and offer approximately 60 sleeping units to provide urgently needed temporary spaces as we continue to explore new permanent housing options.

Each unit in the modular building would have a locking door, bed, and place to store personal belongings. There would also be communal washrooms, a commercial kitchen, laundry/utility room, amenity room and office space.

The Ministry of Housing and City of Nanaimo signed a HEART & HEARTH Memorandum of Understanding in January 2024 committing to work together to create more housing and shelter options for people experiencing homelessness in the community. This project would be part of that commitment.

Services & Supports

Vancouver Island Mental Health Society (VIMHS) would operate the site. The Navigation Centre would be referral-only and provide enhanced services for people who are experiencing long-term homelessness and require a high level of supports such as:

  • 24/7 on-site services
  • Individualized attention
  • Culturally appropriate services for Indigenous clients
  • Integrated supports and case planning
  • Health services, including connections to community-based mental health and substance use programs, in conjunction with health partners
  • Services focused on stabilization and connections to housing
  • Overdose prevention and response programs
  • A daily meal program

About the Operator

VIMHS is a non-profit organization that has been providing opportunities for recovery in the Nanaimo region for more than 40 years. They engage communities through programs that promote recovery, social inclusion, safe housing and public education. Learn more at: vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org.

Community Updates

A caring community can contribute greatly to the success of supportive housing residents. BC Housing and VIMHS are committed to being a good neighbour and keeping lines of communication open with the community. An in-person open house is planned for August, to provide more information about the project. FAQs will also be posted to this page so please check back for updates in the coming weeks.

Residents are also encouraged to post questions to this page using the Q&A tool below. We also welcome questions and comments by email at any time to: communityrelations@bchousing.org.



BC Housing and the City of Nanaimo are working together on a proposal for new temporary housing with 24/7 support services at 1030 Old Victoria Road. This building would be known as the Nanaimo Navigation Centre and offer approximately 60 sleeping units to provide urgently needed temporary spaces as we continue to explore new permanent housing options.

Each unit in the modular building would have a locking door, bed, and place to store personal belongings. There would also be communal washrooms, a commercial kitchen, laundry/utility room, amenity room and office space.

The Ministry of Housing and City of Nanaimo signed a HEART & HEARTH Memorandum of Understanding in January 2024 committing to work together to create more housing and shelter options for people experiencing homelessness in the community. This project would be part of that commitment.

Services & Supports

Vancouver Island Mental Health Society (VIMHS) would operate the site. The Navigation Centre would be referral-only and provide enhanced services for people who are experiencing long-term homelessness and require a high level of supports such as:

  • 24/7 on-site services
  • Individualized attention
  • Culturally appropriate services for Indigenous clients
  • Integrated supports and case planning
  • Health services, including connections to community-based mental health and substance use programs, in conjunction with health partners
  • Services focused on stabilization and connections to housing
  • Overdose prevention and response programs
  • A daily meal program

About the Operator

VIMHS is a non-profit organization that has been providing opportunities for recovery in the Nanaimo region for more than 40 years. They engage communities through programs that promote recovery, social inclusion, safe housing and public education. Learn more at: vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org.

Community Updates

A caring community can contribute greatly to the success of supportive housing residents. BC Housing and VIMHS are committed to being a good neighbour and keeping lines of communication open with the community. An in-person open house is planned for August, to provide more information about the project. FAQs will also be posted to this page so please check back for updates in the coming weeks.

Residents are also encouraged to post questions to this page using the Q&A tool below. We also welcome questions and comments by email at any time to: communityrelations@bchousing.org.


Comments or questions? Please add below.

Guidelines for constructive and respectful dialogue

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Page last updated: 28 Jun 2024, 10:43 AM