New transitional housing project announced for Chase River

The province of British Columbia and the City of Nanaimo have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlines the shared responsibility for reducing homelessness in the city.

The province also announced that it finalized a lease at 1300 Island Highway South and 10th Street for a temporary transitional housing project. Prefabricated buildings will be used to house up to 50 people in the Chase River neighbourhood.

The minister says the new site in Chase River is still “a few months away” from opening.

In addition, the modular trailers at Newcastle Place at 250 Terminal Avenue will continue operating with space for up to 50 people after the current residents move into the Cornerstone supportive housing building at 285 Prideaux Street in a few weeks.

The three housing sites will cost $9.6 million and the province is committing to three years of funding for them.