Update September 2019*
Winner of the 2019 Visual Engagement Core Values Award From the IAP2 (International Association for Public Participation)
In 2017, the City of Nanaimo engaged CitySpaces Consulting to prepare an Affordable Housing Strategy. The Strategy, adopted by Nanaimo Council in September 2018, was the culmination of a year-long process, involving extensive engagement with the community, and close collaboration with a Steering Committee of non-profit, market, and government stakeholders.
As part of identifying issues and opportunities, CitySpaces Consulting, along with Nanaimo’s planning staff, undertook a number of consultations. These included an online survey with 967 respondents, three stakeholder workshops, one-on-one meetings, and “pop up” engagements in six Nanaimo neighbourhoods, with almost 300 people taking part.
Nanaimo’s strategy targets low and moderate income households, both renters and homeowners. Key objectives are to increase the amount of rental housing, encourage infill in existing neighbourhoods, diversify housing forms, support housing for low-income households and people with special needs, and strengthen partnerships.
Over 100 actions are identified, and prioritized for implementation by 2028. The City of Nanaimo is committed to the vision that all “Nanaimo residents have access to a diversity of housing options that are safe, stable, appropriate and affordable”.
PROJECT TEAM:
Noha Sedky Lani Brunn Linda Allen Julia Bahen Talia Kerr