City seeking input on initiatives aimed at increasing housing options in Nanaimo

Public survey now online; open house on Sept. 12, 2023

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed August 30, 2023 9:00 AM

Summary

With rising housing costs and an influx of newcomers, more housing options are needed for Nanaimo. To address Nanaimo's housing needs, the City is inviting residents to provide feedback on a series of recommended changes aimed at more attainable housing options in the City.

There are two opportunities to provide input:

an online survey will be available on the City's website until Sept. 29, 2023, and
a public Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Beban Park Social Centre (2300 Bowen Road).

The Increasing Housing Options program focuses on four key areas – expanding secondary suite regulations, adding infill housing in existing neighbourhoods (missing middle housing), adaptable housing for all physical abilities, and housing for families. Between 2020 and 2022, the City engaged with residents through the ‘Reimagine Nanaimo’ process that culminated in the adoption of “City Plan: Nanaimo Reimagined” in July 2022. The program is informed by what was heard during the Reimagine Nanaimo process, the Nanaimo Affordable Housing Strategy (2018), and the City’s Housing Needs Report completed in May 2023.

For more information on the Housing Needs Report and Increasing Housing Options program and to take the online survey, visit www.getinvolvednanaimo.ca/housing-initiatives.

Link to Strategic Plan: Planning for Nanaimo's growth supports a healthy and prosperous Nanaimo.

Key Points

The Increasing Housing Options program focuses on four key areas – expanding secondary suite regulations, adding infill housing in existing neighbourhoods (missing middle housing), adaptable housing for all physical abilities, and housing for families.
Residents are encouraged to attend the open house on Sept.12 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Beban Park Social Centre or fill out the survey available on the Increasing Housing Options project page on www.getinvolvednanaimo.ca

Quotes

"Housing affordability and availability is a key concern for our community. Please take the time to participate. Whether it be at an open house or filling out the survey, your input is important to helping us address our housing needs."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

The population of Nanaimo currently sits at just over 100,000 and is expected to grow by an additional 40,000 people by 2046.
The Housing Needs Report (2023) estimates the City will need a minimum of 1,155 housing units annually for the next 10 years to meet housing demand.
The City issued building permits for 1,367 housing units in 2022.

Contact:

For media enquiries, please contact:

Communications

City of Nanaimo

250-754-4251

Media.Requests@nanaimo.ca

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