The main entrance, via an alleyway running along Nicol St., to a six storey, 36-bed supportive housing complex set to be operated by Snuneymuxw First Nation. (City of Nanaimo)

By Alex Rawnsley

housing

‘I am here’: proposed south Nanaimo supportive housing complex aiming for community connections

Mar 20, 2024 | 11:27 AM

NANAIMO — Greater connection to the land and the community is driving designs for a new supportive housing complex in the south end.

Operated by Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN), a six-storey, 36-bed facility is slated for 355 Nicol St., near Farquhar St. and is part of a 2020 agreement between the City of Nanaimo and BC Housing for housing projects in the region.

The City’s Design Advisory Panel combed through plans for the look and feel of the building during a meeting on Thursday, March 14 with landscaping and natural elements at the forefront.

“Many of the original trees and landscaping have been removed,” Bianca Bodley, landscape designer, said. “Our goal is to both retain and enhance the remaining plant communities on the site… to restore the land to how it would be found untouched by development, and in this manner work to heal the land.”

Staffed 24/7, the housing facility will be open to those actively experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.

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Services to support those with physical or mental disabilities, past trauma or poverty will also be available.

At least four of the units will be fully accessible, according to developers.

BC Housing said all residents at 355 Nicol St. will currently live in the Nanaimo region and go through an application process.

They will pay rent for their stay and sign a “program agreement”, which is structured like a tenancy agreement.

Frontage on Nicol St. highlights natural trees and plants. (City of Nanaimo)

Joan Brown, chief administrative officer with SFN said the project aims to support those most vulnerable.

Its connection to both the land and community is paramount.

“We want to make sure that we have the opportunity, take every chance to make sure the development itself is connected to the larger community in the south end. But also the interplay, interconnectedness of the other developments in the territory that we’re currently operating on.”

Also included on the site is a single-family home, which will also be operated by SFN, but not attached to the program through BC Housing.

The main entrance to the property, which will also feature outdoor patio space and winding paths, is via a laneway to the east.

Secondary access will be available through Nicol St.

A major design feature of the building is a Hul’q’umi’num’ phrase on the side of the building, ‘i’ cun ‘uw ‘i’ (pronounced ‘eets-in-oh-n-ee’).

It translates to “I am here.”

“From our perspective it means that the land, I am here,” Brown said. “The ancestors, I am here. The residents, I am here. All three in our hearts and mind have really been invisible, so we really want to give them that voice to feel comfortable and welcome in the community.”

The Design Advisory Panel made a total of eight recommendations to the developer, including additional natural light inside the building, weather protection for patio areas and ensuring accessible access from Nicol St.

The Panel also had no issues with a requested front yard setback variance of 1.2 metres.

Several permits are still required and it’s expected the project will move to Council in the coming months, after revisions are made, for further City approval.

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