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Minister’s statement on recovery-oriented housing in Nanaimo

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JOINT NEWS RELEASE - Distributed September 3, 2026 10:46 AM

The Honourable Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs and MLA for Vancouver-Little Mountain, has issued the following statement on recovery-oriented housing in Nanaimo:

“We know people need a spectrum of housing options to support their recovery journey and stay in the communities they love. Recovery-oriented housing is a substance free surrounding that helps people who are recovering from substance use disorders stabilize in their recovery and build confidence to continue getting healthier."

“In communities that already have a range of low-barrier supportive housing, a recovery-oriented housing site can provide a valuable additional housing option. Our government, through BC Housing, currently funds and supports various housing operating models based on the needs of the community in Nanaimo."

“We have determined the new purpose-built housing coming to 250 Bryden Street (formerly known as 250 Terminal Avenue) in Nanaimo will operate as recovery-oriented housing. “In making this determination, we considered the existing range of low-barrier housing and shelter options available in Nanaimo, as well as the community’s need for recovery-oriented housing as part of a comprehensive housing continuum. By creating spaces for people who are ready to move into recovery-oriented housing, we are also helping to make other spaces available for people who need different kinds of support."

“This housing will support people in recovery from substance use, who have been at-risk of homelessness or experienced homelessness and need additional support to stay housed, and who want to reduce their exposure to drugs and alcohol. Residents may access health and recovery services in the community, with housing staff supporting connections to and coordination with these services."

“Our communities are stronger when we lift each other up, and these homes will build on the significant progress already made to support people experiencing homelessness in Nanaimo. I look forward to working with the City of Nanaimo to help deliver these homes and to continue our significant progress made to help vulnerable people in the community.”

Quotes

"We’ve been building housing to help people struggling with homelessness get back on their feet, and with several hundred supportive housing units in Nanaimo, we can now offer people more options. Making 50 units at 250 Bryden Street recovery-oriented gives people more choice, and I’m grateful to the Newcastle Community Association and City Council for constructively partnering on this change. When people are supported, they can start to re-establish stability in their lives and build a better future."

The Honourable Sheila Malcolmson
Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and MLA for Nanaimo-Gabriola Island

"Nanaimo is a passionate city with a strong voice, especially when advocating for a true community need. I would like to extend my thanks to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs for hearing the longstanding concerns of Nanaimo City Council and the Newcastle Neighbourhood Association. Their voices and tenacity have helped to bring this recovery-oriented housing initiative forward, an important next step in creating a complete system of care that connects housing, health and recovery.

Nanaimo City Council recognizes that supportive housing projects can and do present challenges within a neighbourhood. This solution will create a substance-free housing environment to better support addiction recovery and wellness. Once built, this housing will create a healthier, safer and more supportive environment for residents at Newcastle Place, while reducing the impact that supportive housing has had on the Newcastle Neighbourhood."

Mayor Leonard Krog
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • Since 2017, the Province has over 11,000 supportive homes open or underway across B.C., including 550 open or underway in Nanaimo. This includes nearly 1,500 HEARTH units open or underway in 16 communities, including 159 open in Nanaimo.
  • The Province funds 63 permanent shelter spaces in Nanaimo with more temporary shelter and emergency weather response spaces funded during the winter.
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Contact:

Province of BC
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Media Relations
hmamedia@gov.bc.ca
BC Housing
Media Relations
media@bchousing.org
www.bchousing.org
City of Nanaimo
Communications
250-754-4251
Media.Requests@nanaimo.ca

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