A development permit has been issued for a six-storey building on Prideaux St., to replace 50 aging units with 116 studio, one and two bedroom suites, a majority of which will be under rent subsidy. (Low Hammond Rowe Architects)

By Alex Rawnsley

rental inventory

Subsidized rental housing moving ahead near downtown Nanaimo

Jul 23, 2025 | 12:04 PM

NANAIMO — Over 100 units of rental housing, a majority of which will be under rent subsidy, are moving ahead on the edge of Nanaimo’s downtown.

City Councillors unanimously, and swiftly without discussion, approved a development permit for four lots on Prideaux St., where 116 units are envisioned in a six storey building on 55, 65, 69 and 73 Prideaux St.

Managed by Ballenas Housing Society, the complex would replace 50 units already on the property, with those living there set to move into temporary accommodations once demolition begins.

“We do our very best to ensure that we work with every individual tenant and/or family, and we move them ideally within the neighbourhood,” Andrea Blakeman, Society CEO, told NanaimoNewsNOW. “Some of our units will be coming online after significant renovations within that time frame, so some folks may have literally 100 meters to move.”

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)

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Residents could then return to the new apartments, joined by new neighbours in the 66 other suites.

Current designs call for 29 studio apartments, 70 one-bedroom units and 17 two-bedroom’s.

Around 70 per cent of the units would also be operated under a rental subsidy program, ensuring rents stayed well below market rates.

An underground parking lot is also planned for the complex, featuring 62 spaces plus additional visitor and loading areas.

Bike storage (58 spaces) and short-term bike racks (12 spaces) are also included.

Overall, Blakeman said the project will eventually replace buildings which are not suitable long-term housing options.

“Those buildings are at the end of life, and some are a fair bit past their best before date. Eventually those buildings will need to come down regardless, so the replacement of those 50 very aged units with 116 units of brand new, very efficient, affordable housing is very needed in the downtown area.”

The development permit was issued with two variances attached, including one for parking, with 125 spaces typically required for a project of this size.

Blakeman had earlier said during a February City of Nanaimo Design Advisory Panel meeting, parking was not a major concern for a project like this, as many of their housing clients don’t own cars.

“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.”

A specific construction timeline is still subject to BC Housing approval and other permits and procedures, however Blakeman said they have a two-year window to work with to get shovels in the ground.

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

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