Operational since the fall of 2018, this temporary housing facility will remain in place for much longer than originally anticipated. (Image Credit: Jordan/Davidson)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

temp housing

Extension granted for longstanding Nanaimo temporary housing complex

May 5, 2026 | 2:06 PM

NANAIMO — A large central Nanaimo temporary housing facility is scheduled to remain open well into next year.

Facing eviction as a result of the pending construction of Nanaimo’s Public Works facility rebuild on Labieux Rd., the City and BC Housing announced a lease extension for the 90-unit Nikao complex through the end of September 2027.

“BC Housing and Pacifica will be working on a closure plan to transition Nikao residents into alternate housing ahead of the September 30, 2027, closing date. This may be to other supportive housing in the community, to subsidized housing, or to market housing with the help of a rent supplement,” read a joint City of Nanaimo and BC Housing statement.

Operated by Pacifica Housing, Nikao is a modular housing complex in operation since the fall of 2018.

The facility, along with another temporary housing facility on Terminal Ave., arose following the court-ordered closure of a large homeless encampment just south of Port Place Shopping Centre.

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Both facilities were anticipated to be operational for shorter durations as more permanent housing became available in Nanaimo, however, those long-term projects are well behind schedule.

Permanent housing is envisioned in the future for 250 Terminal Ave.

A recent BC Housing statement to NanaimoNewsNOW outlined over 380 supportive housing units have opened in Nanaimo since 2017, including 159 HEARTH units.

Building permits are anticipated by BC Housing to be awarded for a pair of permanent housing projects later this year: a complex care facility at 1850 Boxwood Rd., and a supportive housing complex at 355 Nicol St.

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by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Extension granted for longstanding Nanaimo temporary housing complex

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