Saanich - Nigel Valley
Overview
The Nigel Valley project covers nine acres of land in Saanich, next to District Hall. The area is bordered by Vernon Avenue to the south, Lochside Trail to the west, and Darwin Avenue to the north. Most of the buildings were built in the 1970s and are no longer able to meet current needs for housing and care. They are aging and need a lot of repair to keep them in usable condition. This redevelopment is an opportunity to provide hundreds of new homes and care facilities for individuals, families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities or mental health challenges.
BC Housing is leading this project in partnership with the federal government and several local organizations: Broadmead Care, Garth Homer Society, Garth Homer Foundation, Greater Victoria Housing Society, and Island Community Mental Health Association.
By working together, these groups saw an opportunity to create a more connected neighborhood with more housing and care services.
The Comprehensive Development Plan includes improvements to public spaces, such as streets and parks. Each non-profit group will manage the development of their own building, while still contributing to the overall neighborhood plan.
The planning for this project started in 2015, with the first phase of construction beginning in 2021. The full development will take place in several phases over the next 10 years. This approach will help minimize disruptions for current residents and service providers, allowing them to stay in their homes and facilities until new buildings are ready.
The Comprehensive Development Plan includes:
- 440 affordable rental homes
- 220 market-rate homes
- 41 long-term care beds
- 37 homes with support for seniors and veterans
- 25 homes with support for people with mental health challenges
Steering Committee
The planning process is guided by a steering committee made up of the following organizations:
- BC Housing
- Broadmead Care
- Island Community Mental Health
- Garth Homer Society
Greater Victoria Housing Society
Neighbourhood Proposal
In 2015, BC Housing led a study to plan the redevelopment of the Nigel Valley area, working with the steering committee. The result is a shared vision to transform the area into a mixed-use neighborhood with both market and non-market housing. This will also include new amenities, like better streets, utilities, a park, and a plaza.
Vision
The steering committee set the following vision for the project:
“A thriving and inclusive community where everyone feels at home and connected.”
The committee worked with local residents, community groups, and stakeholders to develop 11 Planning Principles to guide the project. These principles aim to create a vibrant, renewed neighborhood.
Master Planning – Completed
The Master Plan stage included detailed consultations with project partners and the community, as well as design and planning for each phase. This stage concluded with the approval of zoning changes in 2019. The plan will be carried out in phases, starting with public space improvements and the redevelopment of existing properties.
Phase 1 (Civil Works and Residential Development) - (2021-2026)
The first phase started with improvements to public spaces, like roads along Vernon Avenue, and construction of a new part of Nigel Avenue. These changes were completed in 2023, allowing for the start of redevelopment on two properties:
- Broadmead Care Society’s Nigel House: This new long-term care facility at 851 Nigel Ave. will include 88 units, with 41 long-term care beds, 37 homes for seniors and veterans, and 10 affordable rental units for seniors and veterans. Construction is expected to finish in summer 2025.
- Greater Victoria Housing Society’s Nigel Square: This five-story apartment building at 856 Nigel Ave. will offer 70 rental homes for low- and moderate-income individuals, families, seniors, and adults with disabilities. Construction is expected to be finished in summer 2026.
Phase 2 (Civil Works) - (2026-2028)
In the second phase, more public space improvements are proposed, including upgrading underground utilities and streets, replacing a nearby sewage lift station, and creating a new public plaza. Construction for this phase is expected to begin in 2026 and finish by 2028.
Phase 3 (Civil Works) - Anticipated Start 2027/2028
The final phase of civil works includes a new road connecting Nigel Avenue and Darwin Avenue, as well as a new public park. Design work for the park will involve neighborhood engagement in 2026, with construction starting in late 2027.
The Nigel Valley Comprehensive Development Plan includes more non-profit housing as part of each Phase. Non-profit partners are working on the designs, and the projects are waiting for approval from the District and confirmation of funding.
