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Construction to start on south Nanaimo supportive housing complex

Nanaimo, BC, Canada / 102.3 The Wave
Construction to start on south Nanaimo supportive housing complex

A five-storey, 35-unit supportive housing project at 355 Nicol St., next to The Diplomat Motel, has received a building permit, with construction expected to start this month. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)



NANAIMO — A building permit has been awarded, allowing construction to begin on a long-envisioned supportive housing project for Nanaimo’s south end.

The City of Nanaimo awarded the permit early this month for 355 Nicol St., consisting of a five-storey, 35-unit building on a cleared lot near Farquhar St. to be staffed 24/7.

Snuneymuxw First Nation will be the operator for 355 Nicol St., which will prioritize to SFN members, followed by other First Nations, Métis and Inuit people.

A BC Housing representative acknowledged the building permit approval to NanaimoNewsNOW and that construction is getting prepared to begin.

The City of Nanaimo approved a building permit valued at $12.2 million for 355 Nicol St. on July 2.
The City of Nanaimo approved a building permit valued at $12.2 million for 355 Nicol St. on July 2. (Image Credit: BC Housing)

BC Housing expects the facility will open early in 2028, which is when construction is also expected to be complete on a 22-bed complex care facility on Boxwood Rd. for people with severe mental health and addictions issues.

The south Nanaimo subsidized housing is for adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness, which can include seniors and those with disabilities, according to BC Housing.

In addition to 35 studio units, the building will contain a central kitchen and laundry facilities, a reception area, indoor/outdoor common spaces and offices for staff.

The facility provides daily meals, access to health supports, life skills and employment training, as well as connections to community services.

Additional details on the Nicol St. project from BC Housing are available here.

The project is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding struck in 2020 between the City of Nanaimo and B.C. government to heavily invest in supportive and affordable housing locally.

Work at 355 Nicol St. to build the SFN-focused supportive housing complex is expected to start soon.
Work at 355 Nicol St. to build the SFN-focused supportive housing complex is expected to start soon. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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