The BC Government has announced that construction is set to get underway on two new affordable apartment buildings in Nanaimo.
The new buildings, which are being designed for middle-income families and individuals, will have a total of 120 units available for rent.
“People deserve safe and secure homes, but even middle-income people like teachers and small business owners have struggled to find affordable housing in Nanaimo,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo. “These new homes will mean that more people – from young families to seniors – have access to affordable housing in their community, close to their friends, family and work.”
The plan is for construction to commence in August at the site, which will be located at 4745 Ledgerwood Rd. The new homes are being created for families with annual incomes between $44,000 and $76,000.
With a collection of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes, the government said rental costs will range between $1,100 to $1,900 per month.
The entire project. which is part of a partnership between the Province and WestUrband Developments, is expected to be completed by the spring of 2022.
“We commend the Province of British Columbia and WestUrban Developments for their commitment to developing 120 new market rental units for middle-income earners in Nanaimo as these units will be a welcomed addition in our community, and will help move people along the housing continuum,” said Leonard Krog, mayor, City of Nanaimo.
The affordable homes project in Nanaimo is being built through BC Housing’s HousingHub – an initiative that works with communities, government, non-profit and private-sector partners to help create new affordable rental housing.
“We are very excited to partner with BC Housing on another project to help address middle-income rental housing needs,” said Sean Roy, CEO, WestUrban Developments Ltd. “The HousingHub is a phenomenal program that is making a difference within British Columbia. This latest project will provide high-quality residential living in Nanaimo, and we look forward to continuing to partner with BC Housing on future developments.”
The Province will be providing construction financing of up to $24.8 million for the Nanaimo project.
Nanaimo has seen the creation of nearly 850 affordable homes since 2017.
In addition to the new affordable homes, Nanaimo will also be constructing more permanent fixtures geared towards the city’s homeless population.
There will be four supportive housing developments created with approximately 190 homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the community. These also are being developed in partnership with the Province of British Columbia.
The planned new permanent supportive housing is intended to replace the temporary housing at Labieux Road and Terminal Avenue, as well as add new supportive housing at additional locations within the city.
Graham Cox
