Extensive re-building plans have been hatched for the well-used Salvation Army facility on Nicol St. with the two storey building (right) set for demolition. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

big change

Salvation Army to tear down aging half of downtown Nanaimo building

Jan 16, 2023 | 1:33 PM

NANAIMO — A critical local social service provider is forging ahead with redevelopment plans to expand its busy Nicol St. location.

Salvation Army New Hope Centre executive director Jeffrey Baergen said the old half of the building constructed in 1888 has served as home to their popular meal programing but needs to be replaced.

“The older half (of the building) is two storeys high, that’s going to be coming down, we’re going to be putting up an additional two storeys.”

He said the extra space will complement the Salvation Army’s adjoining New Hope Centre, which opened in 2007.

Baergen said expanding the facility allows for additional housing options and programs for marginalized populations.

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“Homelessness, poverty and addiction is just growing at some a fast rate that we’re really excited that we’re going to be able to open some more sheltering space, more residential space, some more community programming space.”

With the Salvation Army’s existing dining room and commercial kitchen recently closed, Baergen said a large mobile van was bought in to serve breakfast and lunch for the time being.

A Salvation Army vehicle is temporarily being used to serve roughly 300 meals daily to people relying on the Salvation Army for consistent meals. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Baergen expected they’ll be able to move in shortly to the old Caprice Theatre location at 46 Nicol St, where meals will be temporarily served during the construction phase.

“We didn’t expect that we would have to be out of the facility as soon as we have, but plans were to demolish the current facility in 2023 anyway,” Baergen said in reference to structural concerns.

He said they are “well into the design phase” to enhance the New Hope Centre, citing a mid-2024 as best case scenario for their enhanced facility to open.

The Nanaimo Salvation Army’s New Nicol St. facility provided about 144,000 breakfast and lunch meals last year, up steadily compared to recent years, according to facility director Bern Muller.

Nanaimo Salvation Army New Hope Centre provides a variety of services for unhoused and marginalized populations, including transitional and emergency shelter space, rent supplements and spiritual care.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @Reporterholmes