An application to build a 22-unit complex care housing facility in Nanaimo will go to a public hearing next month.
City council voted in favour of rezoning 1850 Boxwood Road to allow for the development at its June 16 meeting and will now need to host the hearing before potentially approving it.
“This has been a long-time request for the community to see this complex care facility be in place so I am just grateful of the work of everyone that made it happen. Sadly, we probably need many more of this and hopefully this is a first of further investment,” said councillor Ben Geselbracht.
The development is a partnership between Island Health and BC Housing and is focused on supporting people at risk of experiencing homelessness. Lisa Murphy, director of mental health and substance use clinical operations with Island Health, said the aim of the facility is to house people long-term and provide them with support.
Coun. Sheryl Armstrong asked about plans for security on site.
“BC Housing will not be funding security to the provider. It would be for the security features of the building and then the staffing that would be provided by BC Housing funding and Island Health,” said Jennifer Fox, regional director for BC Housing. She added there will be a minimum of two staff on site 24/7 at the facility.
BC Housing hosted information sessions for residents and business owners near the proposed development in April of this year. A report notes BC Housing reached out to 285 neighbours and interest holders through email and direct mail. The engagement led to 24 people attending the sessions in-person to ask questions and voice concerns about the project.
The report says site security operations of the facility and the timeline of engagement were concerns heard from residents.
