Non-profit groups are named as operators for two new social housing projects in Nanaimo, but will controversy fade?
Pacifica Housing and Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society, in partnership with Columbian Centre Society and Haven Society, have been selected as the successful non-profit providers to develop, manage and operate two new supportive housing developments for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Nanaimo. The announcement came from B.C. Housing on November 30th.
Pacifica Housing will manage the politically-charged low-barrier housing planned for 6025 Uplands Drive, while the other three groups will co-manage a development 1612 Dufferin Crescent. The low-barrier project was opposed in the weeks leading up to recent municipal elections by a group called Concerned Citizens of Nanaimo. In the aftermath of the protest group’s failure to defeat city councillors who support social housing, and the post-election announcement of the housing project operators, the mayor of Nanaimo has said he hopes there will be some peace on the issue.
We speak with Karyn French of Pacifica Housing, Tom Grauman of Columbian Centre, and Jim Spinelli of Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society.
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