NANAIMO – Building permits issued in 2022 totaled $410 million in the City of Nanaimo, second only to the $445 million posted in 2019.
Building permits were issued for a total of 1,370 residential units with 1,065 of those in multi-unit developments. Private developers are responding to public demand for more housing in urban centres, including downtown, with projects throughout the city.
Projects include an 87-unit multi-family building at 550 Brechin Road, a mixed-use development with 98 residential units at 4831 Cedar Ridge Place and a 160-unit seniors care residence at 4979 Wills Road. In addition, there were 152 building permits issued for secondary suites and carriage houses in single-family.
“Our population is growing and our housing options are growing with it,” states Mayor Leonard Krog. “With more and more housing concentrated in areas where people can easily access shopping, services and employment, we are becoming a more vibrant urban centre. By growing up, rather than out, Nanaimo is protecting green spaces and natural areas and providing housing options that more people can afford.”
The City’s long-term vision of more complete neighbourhoods with convenient access to services that can be linked by transportation corridors, including bus service, and the 2022 building permits inclusion of multi-unit buildings near transportation corridors and urban amenities is viewed as a confirmation of the REIMAGINE Nanaimo public consultation process.
By Mark MacDonald
