City Transfers Land to Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre Society

Summary

At the In Camera meeting on April 4, 2016, Council approved, in principle, the sale of 1406 Bowen Road to the Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre (NAC) for $1 to facilitate the creation of a affordable rental housing project that will support urban aboriginals living off Reserve in Nanaimo.

NAC will leverage the City's contribution of the land to secure funding from BC Housing to fund the construction of the rental facility. Council will be asked to approve the sale at the May 16, 2016 Council meeting.

Link to Strategic Plan: Taking Responsibility to be an excellent Municipal Government - Continuing to facilitate change and overall development. Asset Management - disposing of surplus City assets.

Key Points

  • 1406 Bowen Road is a 0.4 hectare (1 acre) City-owned parcel located near the Millstone River. The site is fully serviced and has access through a laneway from White Street
  • A City-owned property at 1406 Bowen Road will be transferred to the Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre for $1. The property has a value of $468,000 according to BC Assessment.
  • Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre will sign a repurchase agreement which will enable the City to purchase the property for $1 if construction has not started by April 4, 2019.

Quotes

"The provision of affordable, culturally appropriate housing for Aboriginals living in Nanaimo is an important step to addressing an area where the housing needs of our community are particularly acute.

The project represents a tremendous opportunity for the children and families who will reside here.

We must acknowledge that this project would not be possible without the commitment of the City to work with community and collectively build new, affordable housing units"

Executive Director
Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre

"The City is excited to be working with the Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre to help support urban aboriginals attending post secondary education in Nanaimo. "

Mayor
City of Nanaimo
-30-

Contact:

Chris Beaton
Executive Director
Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre
250.754.3215
John Horn
Social Planner
City of Nanaimo
250.755.4491

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