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). The delivery of modulars were originally expected in December 2024, and are now expected to arrive on-site January 2025. Residents are anticipated to begin moving in Spring 2025.

This project is funded by the Province’s HEARTH program. It is also one of four temporary supportive housing projects in the community, totaling 238 units as outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in January 2024 with the City of Nanaimo.

Services and Supports

BC Housing will work with community service providers to assess potential residents and offer units based on their individual needs and the supports available. This process also ensures there is a balanced mix of residents.

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

About the Operator

BC Housing has selected Connective through a fair and open process to manage the housing and provide services to the residents. The society has over 90 years of experience providing person-centered programs and services, including housing, to communities across BC and the Yukon. Learn more at: connective.ca.

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.

Please watch the web page for updates and opportunities for further engagement or email communityrelations@bchousing.org.

Spring 2024

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.

At these sessions, BC Housing discussed the HEARTH program, and project partners shared details about the temporary housing with supports at 1300 Island Highway South. Community members then participated Q&A period. See the Neighbourhood Dialogue Session presentation.

Fall 2024

BC Housing was bound to rules regarding the 2024 provincial election and were advised by the Province not to undertake any public or stakeholder communications and engagement, including project updates between September 21 through to the formation of the new government – exceptions only for life safety issues that may arise.

Winter 2024

An update regarding the selected operator, as well as a timeline for modular installation on-site, was sent via emails to interested and affected parties on December 6, 2024. This was in lieu of a mailout due to the Canada Post strike.

For further details, view the Engagement Summary Report.

Spring 2025

Modular units are expected to be delivered early 2025, with opening in Spring (TBC). We look forward to sharing more information with neighbours once construction is further along and opening dates are finalized.