By Ian Holmes

Affordable seniors housing approved in Nanaimo despite parking concerns

Jan 17, 2018 | 4:20 PM

NANAIMO — City Council signed off on a proposal to increase affordable housing stock for seniors in Nanaimo.

A development permit was approved this week for a 57-unit, four storey building at 20 Prideaux St. to be operated by the Mount Benson Senior Citizens Housing Society. The one bedroom rental units are geared toward low-to-middle income earners, according to a City staff report.

Councillors Ian Thorpe and Sheryl Armstrong voiced concerns about a lack of parking and opposed the project.

“My goodness, there are still a lot of seniors that do still drive and what about visitors? I don’t see any provision for that, I just can’t see it as being adequate,” Thorpe said.

The parking lot requirement was dropped to 17 from 57, which irked the two councillors.

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A City staff report stated having a parking spot for a third of the units would be sufficient.

The Housing Society operates more than 200 seniors rental units in downtown Nanaimo and anticipated less than 30 per cent of the tenants at the Prideaux St. building would own a vehicle.

Coun. Diane Brennan said she trusts the advice provided by staff and pointed out services and amenities like public transit are nearby.

“I think that the facts have been presented to that, we don’t have any evidence to the contrary.”

A building permit is still required before construction can begin.

NanaimoNewsNOW previously reported the Prideaux St. project was given a substantial $5.5 million boost as part of an affordable housing funding initiative from the province.

ian@NanaimoNewsNOW

On Twitter: @reporterholmes