Nanaimo – 1300 Island Highway South

BC Housing and the City of Nanaimo are together working to build approximately 50 units of temporary housing with supports at 1300 Island Highway South (Trans Canada Highway).

This project is funded by the Province’s HEARTH program. It is also one of two projects totalling 100 temporary supportive homes outlined in an MOU signed in January 2024 with the City of Nanaimo.

Housing Operations

BC Housing will select a non-profit operator for this project through a fair and open process. Support services will include:

• 24/7 staffing
• Health care referrals and wellness checks
• Outreach, life skills training, employment assistance
• Connection and referral to community services and support groups

BC Housing and the non-profit operator will assess potential residents and offer units to individuals based on their individual needs and supports available. This process also ensures there is a balanced mix of residents.

Community Engagement

A caring community can contribute greatly to the success of supportive housing residents. BC Housing is committed to being a good neighbour and keeping lines of communication open.

BC Housing held two virtual community engagement sessions on Tuesday, March 5, and Thursday, March 7, 2024. A total of 24 people attended, and representatives from BC Housing and the City of Nanaimo participated in both events. This was an opportunity to present the HEARTH program and temporary housing opening at 1300 Island Hwy S. After a brief presentation a Q&A followed for the remainder of the hour-long sessions. We will be posting a summary report of these engagements in the coming days. Please also view the Neighbourhood Dialogue Session presentation.

We continue to welcome any questions by email to communityrelations@bchousing.org.