Construction is continuing on a new warehouse facility for Loaves and Fishes Food Bank in Nanaimo, with its future much more secure after the arrival of federal government money. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

major boost

Federal funding finally arrives for Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes warehouse upgrade

Feb 6, 2026 | 12:33 PM

NANAIMO — Long-awaited federal funding has arrived for Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank.

The federal government, via Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced $5 million on Friday, Feb. 6 towards Loaves and Fishes’ new warehouse facility being built on East Wellington Rd.

Federal government funding was one of the last missing pieces to the financial puzzle for the non-profit organization to expand their reach and capacity on Vancouver Island, where it serves over 40 communities.

“We have been working federal government for over a year now, and we are very, very pleased to see it come to this point where we have a signed agreement with them and the money is guaranteed,” Peter Sinclair, executive director for Loaves and Fishes, said Friday. “It’s a huge day for us, it means that this warehouse is going to be completed and have benefit for communities across coastal B.C.”

The rear of the building would be reserved for office space and food distribution, allowing people walk or drive up and get what they need. (Image Credit: Saywell Contracting Ltd/Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect)

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The 24,000 square foot warehouse facility, along with 3,500 square feet of office space, will serve as the food bank’s new headquarters and feature expanded storage capacity for food, as well as improved loading bays.

An expansion in coverage area is also anticipated, to reach rural and remote communities from Victoria to Haida Gwaii.

Money announced Friday guarantees the building will be completed and staff can begin moving in sometime in May 2026, according to Sinclair.

“We will still have a bit of extra money needed to fully finance it, but we can handle it. The next big challenge for us is funding the next $3 million to make sure that we have all of the equipment to make this facility fully operational.”

Equipment needed through grant funding includes generators, pallet jacks, forklifts and a commercial kitchen.

Sinclair said they’ve had direct discussions with several ministers, including then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, over the last two years, with the final details of the funding coming in the last two months.

Completion of the facility will allow Loaves and FIshes to operate out of one, singular location, instead of the three sites staff currently work at.

The provincial government made a $7 million contribution to the project in 2023, while the City of Nanaimo purchased the East Wellington Rd. lot in 2021 and is leasing it back to Loaves and Fishes for a nominal fee.

Sinclair said late last year the organization would be backed into a corner by December, if money didn’t come, where they could be forced to take out a loan to ensure construction continued.

A reduction in services was also on the table.

“Vancouver Island is home to dedicated leaders and organizations working hard to ensure families have access to healthy, reliable food,” Housing and infrastructure minister Gregor Robertson, said. “By supporting community resources like Loaves and Fishes, PacifiCan is helping ease everyday pressures for British Columbians and strengthening the resilience of communities across the region.”

Loaves and Fishes executive director Peter Sinclair standing outside the under-construction warehouse on East Wellington Rd. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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