Nanaimo Council Approves Supportive Housing Project with Amenity Space and Office

Strategic Insights -

Nanaimo council has unanimously approved a proposal for a supportive housing project on Nicol Street, which will include an outdoor amenity space and an office. The project, operated by Snuneymuxw First Nation, will be funded by B.C. Housing and will provide programs, connect residents with the land, and benefit from native and traditional medicinal plants. The amenity space will have gates kept open between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. for community use, and B.C. Housing has advised that they will provide funding and support to improve and restore the property.

Key Takeaways:

  • The supportive housing project on Nicol Street will be operated by Snuneymuxw First Nation and funded by B.C. Housing.
  • The project will include an outdoor amenity space and an office, which will provide programs, connect residents with the land, and benefit from native and traditional medicinal plants.
  • The amenity space will have gates kept open between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. for community use.
  • B.C. Housing will be responsible for all costs for maintenance, repairs, operation, and security.
  • The project has received support from the local community, including the South End Community Association, which has expressed its support for the stated land use.
  • Coun. Ben Geselbracht requested that any unwanted fruit trees and berry bushes be transplanted elsewhere in the community, and applicants indicated they were amenable to the suggestion.
  • Coun. Erin Hemmens spoke in support of the development, referencing the project's landscape plan and its retention of much of what existed in the food forest.

Statistics:

  • 60-year lease of 354 Haliburton St. to B.C. Housing to construct an outdoor amenity space.
  • 2 parking stalls to be built at the property.
  • Freedom of the gates to the amenity space between 6 a.m.-6 p.m. for community use.
  • B.C. Housing will provide funding and support to improve and restore the property.
  • The site will be a "healing space where the tenants can gather for programs, connect with the land, and benefit from native and traditional medicinal plants and the curative properties of the natural setting."

Sources:

  • Nanaimo News Bulletin (2025)
  • B.C. Housing
  • Snuneymuxw First Nation
  • Island Crisis Care Society
  • South End Community Association