Victoria - 953 & 959 Balmoral Road

The above image is an artist's rendering of the building, and is subject to change. The orca mural is an example. BC Housing and Cool Aid will be initiating a request for proposals later in 2022 to identify a local artist to complete the future mural.

BC Housing is working with the Victoria Cool Aid Society (Cool Aid) to build 56 new permanent homes with support services. Together the project will provide safe, secure homes for people who are experiencing homelessness.

What is supportive housing?

Supportive housing is a self-contained studio home. It typically includes 24/7 support services such as meals, life and employment skills training, and more. Many also provide culturally informed services.

Supportive housing is for British Columbians experiencing or at risk of homelessness. People experiencing homelessness are not all the same. They can be young people, seniors, or people with physical or mental disabilities. They may have experienced trauma, poverty, or struggled with the high cost of housing. Staff are on-site 24/7 and work with each resident to understand their needs and help them achieve stable housing.

Operator

Cool Aid is an experienced local operator acting to end homelessness by working in partnership to develop community-based solutions.

Construction

BC Housing expedited the process to build 953 & 959 Balmoral Road. This was done because of the immediate need for permanent supportive homes. Construction started in December 2022. We plan for people to move in the winter 2023.

Part of the modular building process involves “craning”, where parts of the modular building are moved into place with a crane. Craning work will cause traffic delays as trucks access the site. Craning is anticipated to occur between May 8 - 16, 2023. We will do everything we can to complete the work within the timeframe. However, the work is subject to weather and there may be other unforeseen delays extending this timeline. Construction updates will be posted here regularly.

Community Engagement

BC Housing is engaging with the community throughout the development process. Please visit this page often for updates and information.

2021 Community Dialogue Sessions

To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to learn more, ask questions and provide feedback, BC Housing hosted two Neighbourhood Dialogue Sessions in May 2021. BC Housing shared information about this project and listened to ideas about how we can work together to integrate this housing into the community.

Due to COVID-19, meetings took place virtually. For privacy, these sessions were not recorded, however the PowerPoint presentation can be viewed below:

Neighbourhood Dialogue Session Presentation - May 2021

Your feedback and comments are important to us

Do you have questions or concerns?

We welcome questions and comments. Please email communityrelations@bchousing.org