Nanaimo – Fifth Street Redevelopment – 564 Fifth Street, 502 & 505 Howard Avenue

Illustration of apartment building and shop front

Project Overview

The Fifth Street Redevelopment is a 5.8-acre site in the Harewood neighbourhood of Nanaimo. The properties involved are owned by different partners: BC Housing owns 564 Fifth Street, the City of Nanaimo owns 502 Howard Avenue, and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools owns 505 Howard Avenue.

As a first phase, BC Housing is planning to redevelop the land at 564 Fifth Street by adding close to 200 modern, energy efficient apartments that will serve the Nanaimo community for years to come. There is also a master plan that outlines possible future uses for the land owned by the City of Nanaimo and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools.

The redevelopment at 564 Fifth Street will:

  • Replace 34 rent geared to income homes for seniors, families with children and people living with disabilities.
  • Add approximately 165 new purpose-built rentals for households with moderate and middle incomes.
  • Include a central outdoor courtyard and underground parking stalls.
  • Include two buildings (Phase 1) up to 6 storeys tall.
  • Include a modest amenity space where shared community use is envisioned.

All former residents will be supported throughout the redevelopment process.

The land at 564 Fifth Street will continue to be owned by BC Housing. Learn more about the Provincial Redevelopment Program.

In early 2026, BC Housing confirmed that a first phase of the project would proceed on the BC Housing-owned piece of land, located at 564 Fifth Street. BC Housing and M’akola Housing Society are working together to prepare Development Permit and Building Permit applications to submit to the City of Nanaimo between 2026 and 2027.

Once permits have been approved by the City of Nanaimo in 2027, construction is expected to begin in 2028.

Operator

M'akola Housing Society was selected as the operator to manage the homes included in the first phase of construction. M’akola Housing Society provides safe, affordable and appropriate homes primarily for Indigenous people and families.

This project is being built on the Traditional and Ancestral Territories of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. M’akola Housing Society will honour the Nation's cultural teachings and Indigenous development strategy.

Community Engagement

We are committed to keeping you informed as the redevelopment proceeds. We will share updates as they are available.

2022- 2026 Design concept

Between 2022 and 2026, community members, including former residents and neighbours, shared their ideas, which helped shape an early design and the rezoning plan.

This feedback will continue to inform phase 1 design.

2026 Phase 1 Planning

There will be opportunities for community engagement. Check back here for updates.

Questions?

Please email communityrelations@bchousing.org with questions about this project.

Project Overview

The Fifth Street Redevelopment is a 5.8-acre site in the Harewood neighbourhood of Nanaimo. The properties involved are owned by different partners: BC Housing owns 564 Fifth Street, the City of Nanaimo owns 502 Howard Avenue, and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools owns 505 Howard Avenue.

As a first phase, BC Housing is planning to redevelop the land at 564 Fifth Street by adding close to 200 modern, energy efficient apartments that will serve the Nanaimo community for years to come. There is also a master plan that outlines possible future uses for the land owned by the City of Nanaimo and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools.

The redevelopment at 564 Fifth Street will:

  • Replace 34 rent geared to income homes for seniors, families with children and people living with disabilities.
  • Add approximately 165 new purpose-built rentals for households with moderate and middle incomes.
  • Include a central outdoor courtyard and underground parking stalls.
  • Include two buildings (Phase 1) up to 6 storeys tall.
  • Include a modest amenity space where shared community use is envisioned.

All former residents will be supported throughout the redevelopment process.

The land at 564 Fifth Street will continue to be owned by BC Housing. Learn more about the Provincial Redevelopment Program.

In early 2026, BC Housing confirmed that a first phase of the project would proceed on the BC Housing-owned piece of land, located at 564 Fifth Street. BC Housing and M’akola Housing Society are working together to prepare Development Permit and Building Permit applications to submit to the City of Nanaimo between 2026 and 2027.

Once permits have been approved by the City of Nanaimo in 2027, construction is expected to begin in 2028.

Operator

M'akola Housing Society was selected as the operator to manage the homes included in the first phase of construction. M’akola Housing Society provides safe, affordable and appropriate homes primarily for Indigenous people and families.

This project is being built on the Traditional and Ancestral Territories of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. M’akola Housing Society will honour the Nation's cultural teachings and Indigenous development strategy.

Community Engagement

We are committed to keeping you informed as the redevelopment proceeds. We will share updates as they are available.

2022- 2026 Design concept

Between 2022 and 2026, community members, including former residents and neighbours, shared their ideas, which helped shape an early design and the rezoning plan.

This feedback will continue to inform phase 1 design.

2026 Phase 1 Planning

There will be opportunities for community engagement. Check back here for updates.

Questions?

Please email communityrelations@bchousing.org with questions about this project.