Increasing Family-Friendly Housing

In 2018, Nanaimo City Council endorsed the Nanaimo Affordable Housing Strategy (AHS). The AHS recommends the following actions to support the development of Family Friendly Housing in the city:

• Complete market research analysis to understand the cost implications of requiring an increased proportion of 2 and 3 bedroom units in new multi-unit residential developments, including both rental and ownership housing.
• Consult with the development community and non-profit housing sector regarding the proposed incentive program.
• Develop a specific policy on family-friendly housing to encourage new multi-unit developments to provide a minimum percentage of 2 and 3 bedroom units.
• Provide incentives for developments that provide a greater proportion of units that are 2 and 3 bedrooms. For example, where a project included 20% of units as 2 and 3 bedrooms, then the additional incentive would apply.
• Ensure the parking requirements for family-friendly housing reflect access to frequent transit service and that there be access to local amenities such as parks, playgrounds, and schools.
• Provide guidelines or suggestions to developers in terms of family-friendly design, space programming, and availability of amenities.