(North Cowichan, BC) – North Cowichan has applied to the BC Housing Community Housing Fund for a 58-unit building proposed to be located at the former elementary school site at 2988 Elliott Street in Chemainus. The proposed project would provide affordable housing options for moderate and low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities, at a range of levels of affordability.
If successful, BC Housing will provide capital funding, financing, and an ongoing operating subsidy for the life of the building. It is anticipated that a community partner would oversee the operation and tenant application processes.
“This is an exciting and much needed step toward providing affordable housing in Chemainus,” said Mayor Rob Douglas. “We know there is a desperate need for housing, in particular affordable rental housing for families and for seniors, and this site could make a real difference.”
Affordable housing is identified as a priority in North Cowichan’s Council Strategic Plan, with the vision for sustainable housing opportunities that represent the interests of residents. The 2022 Official Community Plan (OCP) provides long-term policy direction to pursue new affordable housing opportunities.
The former school site property is owned by North Cowichan and is currently zoned for a mix of single-family/duplex parcels and multi-family dwellings. In 2018, North Cowichan explored the possibility of adding density to the site, including for affordable housing. The outcome of that process was a realization that the site can accommodate more homes than the existing zoning allows.
If the application with BC Housing is successful, public input on a zoning amendment would take place prior to any final decisions being made regarding the site. North Cowichan is expecting to hear if the application with BC Housing is successful in the coming months.
Conceptual rendering of the proposed building
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Media contact:
Mayor Rob Douglas
rob.douglas@northcowichan.ca
250-746-3117