Nanaimo, McKenzie Avenue – Supportive Housing

A satellite map highlighting a proposed supportive housing site and an existing temporary housing site in Nanaimo, BC.


To meet the urgent needs of the community, BC Housing is proposing to build 60 units of housing with integrated services and supports at McKenzie Avenue (adjacent to 1030 Old Victoria Road). A rezoning application for this proposed development was submitted to the City of Nanaimo on March 17, 2025. Building new supportive housing is part of BC Housing’s commitment to move people currently staying in temporary transitional housing into permanent housing. It aims to ensure everyone experiencing or at risk of homelessness has a safe and affordable place to live.

What is Supportive Housing?

Supportive homes are deeply affordable studio apartments. They are intended for people who need support to maintain their housing. Residents would be single adults of all genders, including seniors and people with disabilities.

The proposed permanent supportive housing at McKenzie Avenue would be offered to people who currently live in Nanaimo and have applied to live in the building. Residents would pay the provincial shelter rate, with meals and laundry services included, and sign an addendum that addresses expectations about appropriate and respectful behavior, especially as it relates to the health and safety of themselves and others.

Health and Safety Services

There would be a variety of health and safety services and supports onsite, including:

  • 24/7 staffing and security
  • Meal programs
  • Life and employment skills training
  • Health and wellness support

About this Location

The permanent supportive housing would be located on a 1.2-acre site. If rezoning is approved, the permanent supportive housing would be constructed on a site adjacent to the temporary housing with supports located at 1030 Old Victoria Road.

Rezoning

This proposed project is in early stages. The rezoning application was submitted in March to be considered by City Council. If the rezoning is approved, BC Housing would buy the land and submit applications for development and building permits in late 2025/early 2026.

Community Engagement

We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication and to sharing information and engaging with the community. To inform the community about the rezoning application for this proposed permanent supportive housing development, a neighbourhood letter was mailed to direct neighbours and interested parties on March 21, 2025.

We welcome questions and comments by email at any time to: communityrelations@bchousing.org.

About the Temporary Housing with Supports at 1030 Old Victoria Road

In addition to the proposed permanent project at McKenzie Avenue, BC Housing is leasing the adjacent site for 59 units of temporary modular housing. This site will be operated by Vancouver Island Mental Health Society and construction is expected to be completed in Spring 2025.

This temporary housing will be in place for a minimum of three years to provide urgently needed housing to people experiencing homelessness in Nanaimo, with a focus on individuals currently living in shelters. Residents will be able to transition into new homes as spaces in appropriate permanent housing buildings open in the community. Once residents have moved to other permanent housing, the temporary structures are intended to be removed, and City of Nanaimo (the landowner) will determine future plans for the site.

Learn more about the temporary housing with supports at 1030 Old Victoria Road.


To meet the urgent needs of the community, BC Housing is proposing to build 60 units of housing with integrated services and supports at McKenzie Avenue (adjacent to 1030 Old Victoria Road). A rezoning application for this proposed development was submitted to the City of Nanaimo on March 17, 2025. Building new supportive housing is part of BC Housing’s commitment to move people currently staying in temporary transitional housing into permanent housing. It aims to ensure everyone experiencing or at risk of homelessness has a safe and affordable place to live.

What is Supportive Housing?

Supportive homes are deeply affordable studio apartments. They are intended for people who need support to maintain their housing. Residents would be single adults of all genders, including seniors and people with disabilities.

The proposed permanent supportive housing at McKenzie Avenue would be offered to people who currently live in Nanaimo and have applied to live in the building. Residents would pay the provincial shelter rate, with meals and laundry services included, and sign an addendum that addresses expectations about appropriate and respectful behavior, especially as it relates to the health and safety of themselves and others.

Health and Safety Services

There would be a variety of health and safety services and supports onsite, including:

  • 24/7 staffing and security
  • Meal programs
  • Life and employment skills training
  • Health and wellness support

About this Location

The permanent supportive housing would be located on a 1.2-acre site. If rezoning is approved, the permanent supportive housing would be constructed on a site adjacent to the temporary housing with supports located at 1030 Old Victoria Road.

Rezoning

This proposed project is in early stages. The rezoning application was submitted in March to be considered by City Council. If the rezoning is approved, BC Housing would buy the land and submit applications for development and building permits in late 2025/early 2026.

Community Engagement

We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication and to sharing information and engaging with the community. To inform the community about the rezoning application for this proposed permanent supportive housing development, a neighbourhood letter was mailed to direct neighbours and interested parties on March 21, 2025.

We welcome questions and comments by email at any time to: communityrelations@bchousing.org.

About the Temporary Housing with Supports at 1030 Old Victoria Road

In addition to the proposed permanent project at McKenzie Avenue, BC Housing is leasing the adjacent site for 59 units of temporary modular housing. This site will be operated by Vancouver Island Mental Health Society and construction is expected to be completed in Spring 2025.

This temporary housing will be in place for a minimum of three years to provide urgently needed housing to people experiencing homelessness in Nanaimo, with a focus on individuals currently living in shelters. Residents will be able to transition into new homes as spaces in appropriate permanent housing buildings open in the community. Once residents have moved to other permanent housing, the temporary structures are intended to be removed, and City of Nanaimo (the landowner) will determine future plans for the site.

Learn more about the temporary housing with supports at 1030 Old Victoria Road.

Page last updated: 24 Mar 2025, 10:27 AM