Nanaimo – Fifth Street redevelopment

Project overview

The Fifth Street Redevelopment is a 5.8-acre site in the Harewood neighbourhood of Nanaimo. The properties involved are owned by different partners: BC Housing owns 564 Fifth Street, the City of Nanaimo owns 502 Howard Avenue, and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools owns 505 Howard Avenue.

As a first phase, BC Housing is planning to redevelop the land at 564 Fifth Street by adding close to 200 modern, energy efficient apartments that will serve the Nanaimo community for years to come. There is also a master plan that outlines possible future uses for the land owned by the City of Nanaimo and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools.

The redevelopment at 564 Fifth Street will:

• Replace 34 rent geared to income homes for seniors, families with children and people living with disabilities.
• Add approximately 165 new purpose-built rentals for households with moderate and middle incomes.
• Include a central outdoor courtyard and underground parking stalls.
• Include two buildings (Phase 1) up to 6 storeys tall.
• Include a modest amenity space where shared community use is envisioned.

All former residents will be supported throughout the redevelopment process.

The land at 564 Fifth Street will continue to be owned by BC Housing. Learn more about the Provincial Redevelopment Program.

In early 2026, BC Housing confirmed that a first phase of the project would proceed on the BC Housing-owned piece of land, located at 564 Fifth Street. BC Housing and M’akola Housing Society are working together to prepare Development Permit and Building Permit applications to submit to the City of Nanaimo between 2026 and 2027.

Once permits have been approved by the City of Nanaimo in 2027, construction is expected to begin in 2028.