Supportive housing at 2060 Labieux Road maintains operation to September 2027

JOINT NEWS RELEASE - Distributed May 5, 2026 11:00 AM

People living at Nikao, the temporary housing site at 2060 Labieux Road, will continue to have stable housing through September 2027 with the City of Nanaimo and BC Housing having reached an agreement to extend the existing lease for this site.

“We will continue to work together, with Nanaimo and other community partners, as we move toward long-term housing solutions,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “We’re focused on bringing people indoors, and helping them stay indoors, with access to the supports they need to stabilize their lives, and to build a stronger, safer community for everyone.”

“City Council understands the importance of maintaining stability for Nikao residents while longer-term housing solutions are identified,” said City of Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog. “Extending the lease for this site reflects the City’s commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals and ensures that our partners have additional time to plan and transition residents into appropriate housing in the community.”

After the lease ends, the City of Nanaimo requires the site to complete its Community Works Yard project. To prepare for this, 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. Everyone will receive an offer of alternate housing. After all residents have been relocated, the modular units at Nikao will be removed from the current site to allow the City to move ahead with finalizing construction.

The City and BC Housing are grateful to the staff of Pacifica Housing who are on-site 24/7 to provide meals, individualized non-medical case planning, and onsite health services through Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA). Pacifica will support all residents as they transition to other housing in the community.

"We commend the City of Nanaimo and the Province for arriving at an agreement that benefits the residents of Nikao,” said Carolina Ibarra, CEO, Pacifica Housing. “This extension will allow time to work through relocations in a way that ensures continued stability for everyone. This approach is reflective of the commitment we know both levels of government have to addressing homelessness. Pacifica Housing looks forward to continued collaboration as we seek permanent housing solutions for all our unhoused neighbors in Nanaimo."

This final extension will provide additional time to ensure that Nikao residents can be supported and relocated to other appropriate housing in the community.

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