Currently a makeshift dirt parking lot, 416 Wakesiah Ave. is directly opposite VIU's trades building and set to become a 117-bed student housing complex. (Ian Holmes/WA Architects/NanaimoNewsNOW illustration)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

much needed housing

New 117-bed student housing complex in Nanaimo passes first hurdles

Oct 19, 2021 | 4:45 PM

NANAIMO — A large student housing complex is closer to fulfilling heavy demand in Nanaimo’s university district.

Council gave the green light to a proposed development at 416 Wakesiah Ave., featuring 117 beds of student housing in 44 units. The property would also contain three ground level commercial units.

In order for the development to proceed, a covenant on the property stemming from a failed 2016 development for a 44-bed facility needs to be amended. Council gave unanimous approval through three readings during their Monday, Oct. 18 meeting.

“The proposal at that time was for 44 beds, the applicants indicated demand for additional [beds],” Jeremy Holm, City director for development approvals, told Council. “[The developers have] taken another look at the property, the demand in the area for student housing beds and redesigned.”

The units would be specifically designed for students attending Vancouver Island University, directly across the street and would contain some cooking but full kitchens are not planned at this time. Some additional food services may be available at the complex.

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Beds would be split between studio, two and four bedroom units with resident’s vehicles parked in an underground lot on the property.

Three commercial spaces would feature on the ground floor of a four storey student housing complex on Wakesiah Ave. (City of Nanaimo)

The development sits next to another student housing complex, owned by the same company.

“There’s a 37-bed student housing development that’s been operating a number of years immediately adjacent to this property and there’s definitely demand for additional beds they’ve identified through that,” Holm said of the application.

The City will schedule a public hearing on the property at a future date before the issue, along with resident feedback, returns to the Council table for final approval.

As part of the proposed changes, the developer would pay at least $21,900 to the City for parks, recreation and culture upgrades in the University and Harewood neighbourhoods.

The vacant property on Wakesiah Ave. near Fourth St. is informally used as a parking lot for VIU students.

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alex.rawnsley@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley