50 new housing units in Chase River will begin seeing residents arrive later this spring courtesy a new BC Housing project run locally by Connective. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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Fifty new spaces opening in south Nanaimo for unhoused

May 9, 2025 | 10:57 AM

NANAIMO — New housing projects for people experiencing homelessness are opening in the city.

The province formally unveiled, on Friday, May 9, a new collection of 50 temporary shelter spaces at 1300 Island Hwy. South in Chase River, opposite RONA, and operated by Connective Support Society (formerly the John Howard Society).

People who have occupied beds at overnight shelters in Nanaimo will be given the first opportunity to move into more stable housing later this spring, with the facility including on-site laundry and amenity spaces, individual units for residents and on-site staff 24/7.

“The team are able to support with skills training, navigating very complex systems of social services and healthcare which many of the tenants here are likely needing to access,” Liz Vick Sandha, COO of Connective, said. “We will also have a mental health case manager as well as a cultural liaison worker, dedicated to this program and the people who live here.”

Each resident has their own personal, private suite in the complex. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Residents will also be better connected to community programs to help their forward progression and continued move away from homelessness.

She added all the services and staff are designed to eventually help people move on from this facility into more longer-term, stable housing options.

Yael Zachs, vice president of service delivery for Connective, said the units will be limited to people with no pets or children, with staff to work with people at whatever stage of life they’re in.

“We’re not putting a timeline on how long people can stay. We’re really approaching people from what their needs are and then helping them with their plans as they evolve.”

Connective’s senior program manager Anne Marie Tosh added every resident who comes to the facility will take different paths.

“A lot of people that are coming here are coming here with individual needs and are starting fresh. We’re providing an assessment for them…so if that’s reintegration back into the community, then that’s something we’ll work on. If it’s employment, if it’s life skills…it depends on their goals and where they’re at at that time.”

Each resident will have their own private unit and living space. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Opening the Chase River supportive housing project is several months behind schedule, with BC Housing originally projected a mid-to-late 2024 opening.

The project was first announced in early 2024, when a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the City and the province to provide more transition and supportive housing through a number of projects to fill voids until permanent housing solutions materialize.

A supportive housing site opening at 285 Prideaux Ave. last year represents the first of multiple permanent housing developments to be created in the years ahead.

The MOU was to move forward with the Homeless Encampment Action Response Team (HEART) and the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) programs, with slow and steady progress being made on those projects.

Similar temporary housing projects are also being developed along 1030 Old Victoria Rd., operated by the Vancouver Island Mental Health Society, as well as 78 renovated units which are yet to open at the former Travellers Lodge on Nelson St., which will be run by Pacifica Housing.

Shared amenity space and common areas are included for residents. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Total funding provided by the province for these units is around $32 million.

BC Housing and the province are also working towards a more permanent housing initiative adjacent to the Old Victoria Rd. temporary housing site, where 60 units are planned.

A supportive housing site opening at 285 Prideaux Ave. last year represents the first of multiple permanent housing developments to be created in the years ahead to replace interim temporary housing solutions.

The facility, much like others in Nanaimo, has a single point of entry for residents, ensuring their security, privacy and safety. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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