British Columbia Housing Management Commission (BC Housing) purchased King Arthur Court in Nanaimo with the intention of developing it into safe, affordable and quality housing for Indigenous people and their families. The existing structure was renovated so that it could be occupied while waiting for redevelopment of the property. The housing facility, known as Sanala, was managed by Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre Society. As a result of concerns raised by residents of Sanala and their legal counsel, Acheson Sweeney Foley Sahota, LLP, BC Housing became aware that living conditions at Sanala were inadequate.
BC Housing acknowledges that the renovations were not sufficient to create appropriate living conditions and apologizes to the residents of Sanala for being subjected to substandard living conditions. The problems that were experienced at Sanala were not the fault of Sanala residents. BC Housing has taken steps to correct the harm caused to Sanala residents and has relocated Sanala residents to better accommodation throughout Nanaimo. BC Housing remains committed to providing quality, affordable housing for British Columbians.
The Sanala complex will be demolished as part of development of the Te’tuxwtun housing complex. All former Sanala residents who are eligible for affordable housing will be provided with the option to return to the newly developed Te’tuxwtun homes once construction is complete.
Vincent Tong
Chief Executive Officer
BC Housing