A new, 116-unit affordable housing complex is proposed for Prideaux St., near Comox Rd. It would feature a mix of studio, one and two bedroom apartments, the majority of which would be subsidized. (Low Hammond Rowe Architects)

By Alex Rawnsley

high density

‘70% of this building will be subsidized:’ affordable rental complex planned in downtown Nanaimo

Feb 28, 2025 | 1:49 PM

NANAIMO — A proposed high-density, affordable rental housing development has cleared its latest hurdle.

Owned and operated by the Ballenas Housing Society, a 116-unit affordable housing complex is proposed to span across four lots on Prideaux St., near Comox Rd.

Jackson Low, the project’s principal architect, told members of the City’s Design Advisory Panel on Thursday, Feb. 27, Ballenas plans to demolish 50 units on the properties to accommodate over double the housing return.

“The project involves for demolishing four existing buildings that are currently on site, and they currently are in disrepair. These buildings are inherited by Ballenas Housing Society from another society that could not carry on.”

The current site along Prideaux St. near Comox Rd. where the 116-unit affordable housing complex is being proposed. ( Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Residents of the current units would work with the society on a one-on-one basis to find temporary accommodations, then move back into the new building once construction is complete.

At present, 29 studio apartments, 70 one-bedroom units and 17 two-bedroom suites are included in the floor plan, ranging in size from 420 square feet to 785 square feet.

An underground parkade would be primarily for resident parking, while some surface level, on-site visitor parking is included in the design.

The proposal also includes bike storage and other on-site amenities.

Designers see the development to appeal to a mix of people, from those on low or fixed incomes to small families.

A shared outdoor recreation area is also envisioned, which will connect an adjacent Ballenas property to the northwest of the proposed development.

Andrea Blakeman, CEO of the Society, said many of the current residents in the Prideaux St. properties could end up benefitting from more than just a new place to live.

“They’ll be potentially be able to live there for less because where they’re living now, none of those buildings are subsidized. Seventy per cent of this building will be subsidized housing.”

A five-storey complex featuring over 100 rental units is envisioned for Prideaux St., near Comox Rd. The site is presently made up of existing rentals falling into a state of disrepair. (Low Hammond Rowe Architects)

The project is requesting two variances, which the City must approve as part of the development permit approval process.

In addition to a front yard setback request, the project features 68 parking spaces, well short of the required 125 for a project of this size.

Blakeman said they don’t anticipate a lot of challenges in their past experience with the Society’s clients.

“Many of them don’t drive either by because they can’t or shouldn’t…or they choose not to because they want to either take public transit or bike. We’re really encouraging those tenants, and we have many, many tenants like that…hence the numerous bike stalls, and it’s a very, very walkable area right into town.”

Members of the Panel were overwhelmingly complimentary of the design, but offered up 10 recommendations for designers to consider before they submit a development permit.

Those included added weather protection for the outdoor common area, accessible visitor parking, artwork in the main entrance and potential layout changes pertaining to the two-bedroom units.

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