Rendering of a five-storey supportive housing complex to be built at 355 Nicol St to be operated by Snuneymuxw First Nation (BC Housing)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

moving forward

Operator chosen for supportive housing project on Nicol Street

May 4, 2022 | 5:28 AM

NANAIMO — A supportive housing complex planned in south Nanaimo will be operated by Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN).

BC Housing outlined in an email to NanaimoNewsNOW, the First Nation best met their criteria to run the envisioned 35 unit complex.

“SFN is best positioned to operate 355 Nicol Street as they have the relationships, experience, and knowledge needed to make this housing a success.”

The permanent, purpose-built housing facility to include 24/7 on-site supports is intended to address the over-representation of Indigenous people among Nanaimo’s homeless population.

“The housing will prioritize Snuneymuxw members, followed by other First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Peoples,” BC Housing stated.

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The building, subject to re-zoning, has been designed in partnership with SFN to include support services for life skills training, employment assistance, counselling as well as physical and mental health resources.

355 Nicol St. will replace a vacant lot near the intersection of Farquhar St. (BC Housing)

More details on the project with various platforms for the public to offer their opinions can be viewed here.

A virtual community conversation with BC Housing and SFN reps is scheduled on May 18, while an online feedback form can be filled out up until May 26.

Establishing supportive housing at 355 Nicol St. represents the second of four purpose-built supportive housing projects in Nanaimo following a memorandum of understanding struck in 2020 between BC Housing and the City.

One of the sites includes 250 Terminal Ave., currently home to temporary supportive housing.

Overall, the MOU calls for developments at six sites around Nanaimo representing 190 units for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Another site, Samaritan Place, opened in March at 702 Nicol St.

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