The house on a large lot at 6010 is slated to become 53 units of housing for seniors and those with disabillities. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Slate of new affordable housing projects announced for Nanaimo, Parksville and Snuneymuxw First Nation

Dec 2, 2020 | 12:25 PM

NANAIMO — New affordable housing projects will provide more than 150 living spaces throughout the mid island area.

Three projects within Nanaimo, Parksville and Snuneymuxw First Nation was announced on Wednesday, Dec. 2 by the province.

The Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society will be responsible for 53 homes for independent seniors and those with disabilities at 6010 Hammond Bay Rd.

The Society has also partnered with the province for 87 homes at 371 Alberni Hwy. in Parksville, near the Quality Foods currently under construction.

Eight units are being built in Snuneymuxw First Nation. They’ll be constructed on Lots 14, 15 and 16 in a cluster with SFN’s newly built school, health centre and gas station.

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SFN chief Mike Wyse said the housing is important for their relatively small nation.

“About two-thirds of our membership lives abroad in Vancouver and down into the United States. Locally, we have a number of Snuneymuxw who rent off reserve. With these units becoming available we’ll be able to bring members back home.”

The three projects were among 13 others announced on Wednesday by the province through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund. Only one other project was announced for Vancouver Island, in Tofino.

Jill Atkey, CEO of the BC Non-Profit Housing Association, said prices of homes built through the community housing initiative won’t fluctuate with the market.

“Every new home announced today will make a difference…because homes in the community housing sector remain affordable forever. While we have much more to do, these homes add to a strong foundation on which to keep building.”

Half of the projects announced are for households with an annual income of up to $64,000.

A further 30 per cent of projects are designated for households making up to $74,000 annually, with 20 per cent designated for people on income or disability assistance.

The Nanaimo and Parksville projects are expected to fall into the 20 per cent of housing dedicated for those requiring disability assistance.

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