A rendering of a proposed apartment complex in South Nanaimo, with attached coffee shop. (Matthew Hansen)

By Alex Rawnsley

community builder

Coffee shop & apartment building envisioned for south Nanaimo neighbourhood

Jul 25, 2025 | 4:16 PM

NANAIMO — Apartments and a coffee shop are planned for a south end neighbourhood.

A development permit application is before the City of Nanaimo for 79 residential units in a four storey building on the southwestern corner of Haliburton St. and Finlayson St., attached to a ground level coffee shop.

Project architect Matthew Hansen told the City’s Design Advisory Panel on Thursday, July 24, the proposed build earned a lot of support during a recent meeting with the South End Community Association, who see its value for the area.

“We’re offering a collection of studios, one and two bedroom units. Each taking advantage of views and natural light where possible. The size and layout of these units has been in high demand and affordable in the local market.”

Thirteen of the units will be studio apartments, ranging in size from 365 to 430 square feet, while 48 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom units are also planned, the largest of which will be 915 square feet.

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All the required parking will be in an underground lot, along with bike storage and EV charging for residents.

Space is also being made for a public plaza next to the coffee shop.

Hansen added a lot of the design elements chosen mirror either buildings previously on the property, or those in the neighbourhood.

Red accents, for example, pay tribute to the a small red house currently on the property.

Improvements on the laneway running parallel to both Nicol St. and Haliburton St. are also planned, and will include lighting and security measures.

The Panel, which reviews proposed developments for form and character, made a dozen recommendations which will be reviewed by developers over the coming weeks.

Recommendations included the addition of public seating in the plaza, changes to bike storage locations, addition of a rooftop amenity for residents and other minor design tweaks.

Three variances are attached to the project, including for height, with developers requesting a 14.7 metre building instead of the permitted 14 metre.

Other variances request very minor changes to required lot coverage percentages and road setbacks.

The project overall, including requested variances, was supported unanimously by the Panel.

City Council will review the development permit application at a future meeting, with a building permit required before construction can begin.

The developer said sales of units, which will be under a strata, are anticipated to begin as early as July 2026.

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