Roughly 1,300 housing units are being built across Nanaimo, whether they be single-family, multi-family or hotel. (City of Nanaimo)

By Spencer Sterritt

construction frenzy

Nanaimo building permits exceed $300M so far in 2019

Jul 8, 2019 | 6:43 AM

NANAIMO — It’s been a banner year for construction in Nanaimo, exceeding what was already expected to be a significant surge.

The City of Nanaimo confirmed roughly $230 million in residential construction was completed or underway in the first six months of 2019. The average in slightly less than $65 million.

All told, Community Development director Dale Lindsay told NanaimoNewsNOW the construction value for all projects so far in 2019 is three times greater than all of 2018. Currently, more than $300 million has been spent.

“We knew there was potential for some very strong activity. To actually see many of those development permits and rezonings convert to building permits has probably caught us a little big off guard.” _{Dale Lindsay}

The high amount of building permits translates into nearly 1,300 housing units, including single-family, multi-family apartments and hotel rooms.

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Lindsay said many of the projects are purpose-built rental buildings, which help alleviate the financial burden on families and provide steady accommodations.

“The community went for a considerable period of time with limited purpose-built rentals. Probably 50 to 60 per cent of the units coming online are for purpose-built rentals.”

While the amount of multi-family units and purpose-built rentals is increasing, the number of single-family building permits declined.

Single-family developments peaked at 180 residential permits issued in 2017. It declined to 160 in 2017 and has plummeted to 116 so far in 2019.

Where the housing units are being built is also key. Lindsay said the City’s goal of densification throughout the downtown and around existing services and transit opportunities is occurring and will have long-term positive effects for the community.

Major projects currently underway or expected to begin within 2019 are the 89 unit hotel at 15 Front St., the Gordon St. hotel, a 74 unit apartment building on Estevan Rd. and a 90-unit apartment building on Barsby Ave.

Looking ahead, Lindsay is expecting 2019 will finish as a continually strong year for construction and increasing housing options.

“I don’t think you could take this number of $300 million and double it…but I do expect the remainder of the year to be steady.”

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit