Uplands Walk has evolved out of a partnership between Pacifica Housing, BC Housing and a memorandum of understanding with the City of Nanaimo, to provide 33 residential units to house individuals and couples who are homeless or at risk of homelessness due to mental health and/or addiction issues. The facility combines a mix of studio and accessible units ranging from 35 m2 to 52 m2 respectively; supported by administrative facilities that are staffed 24/7; common kitchen, dining, multi-purpose spaces, laundry facilities; storage, service rooms and recycling facilities. Each suite at Uplands Walk is equipped with a kitchen, washroom, personal storage, sleeping area and lounge area.
Uplands Walk consists of approximately 2,400 m2 over three and four storeys. A large south-facing outdoor courtyard provides exterior amenity space for the tenants, while connecting the interior common spaces and corridors to the surrounding landscapes.
The design of Uplands Walk is conceived to strike a balance of form, character and material that creates harmony between the bold qualities of civic and institutional developments, and the subtle distinctions that define the qualities of the adjacent residential developments. CitySpaces was the development consultant for the project.
BC Housing administered the Provincial Infrastructure Grant under the auspices of the Provincial Homelessness Initiative. Pacifica Housing was the non-profit housing society selected to develop and operate Uplands Walk. Originally established in 1984, Pacifica Housing provides innovative affordable housing opportunities for low-income families, single adults and persons with disabilities in Greater Victoria and Nanaimo. The City of Nanaimo has waived all fees, and will provide a permissive tax exemption to the property.
PROJECT TEAM:
Brenda McBain Deane Strongitharm