By Spencer Sterritt

housing controversy

BC Housing steps in to co-operate rundown Fifth St. housing project

Nov 2, 2020 | 5:30 AM

NANAIMO — BC Housing has stepped in to operate a dilapidated affordable housing complex in Nanaimo’s Harewood neighbourhood.

The Sanala townhouses on the corner of Fifth St. and Georgia Ave., is in a state of disrepair, with widespread mold, bug infestations and crumbing walls. It was bought by BC Housing in 2017 and operated by the Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre in an effort to provide better living at the notorious complex and hopefully rebuild.

A statement from BC Housing to NanaimoNewsNOW confirmed they’ve stepped in to a greater capacity. A site representative is managing day-to-day operations, with support from the Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre.

The statement said BC Housing is currently working on a plan for facility repairs.

The provincial organization said it was limited in what it could discuss without a sitting government.

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Questions about how many BC Housing staff are on site, timelines for the repairs and clarification on the working relationship with the Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre went unanswered.

Kari White, a tenant representing neighbours in a lawsuit, said their civil claim against BC Housing will continue despite the change.

The Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre isn’t named in the suit.

Chris Beaton, executive director of the Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre who provided quotes for NanaimoNewsNOW’s original story, declined an interview on the matter.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt