Being dubbed Vancouver Island’s largest investment, construction is underway on a housing redevelopment in Saanich.
Construction is underway on the $250-million Nigel Valley housing redevelopment which is bordered by Darwin Avenue to the east, Vernon Avenue to the west, Lochside Regional Trail to the north of the property and Saanich Road to the south.
The 3.6-hectare (nine-acre) site currently provides about 150 homes, plus long-term care for people living with disabilities and people with mental-health challenges.
Prior to construction beginning, a section of Blanshard Street was updated and included a new sidewalk, and downsized lanes to make way for a bike lane.
The massive project will provide approximately 800 new homes for a range of people in need, including 440 affordable rental homes, 41 long-term care beds, seven homes with supports for seniors and veterans, 25 homes with supports for people with mental-health challenges and approximately 255 units of market housing.
“This investment from the National Housing Co-investment Fund is improving the economic and social well-being of the individuals, seniors and families who will soon call Nigel House their home and will make Saanich a better place to live,” said Fred Haynes, Mayor of District of Saanich.
“When people have a secure and stable home, they gain the confidence they need to succeed and fulfill their potential,” added Haynes.
The Nigel Valley redevelopment will be completed in three phases over the next decade to allow current residents to remain in their homes until construction of their new homes is complete.
Phase one the the project will include Broadmead Care’s new long-term care home, Nigel House which will be located at 851 Nigel Avenue.
The new building will provide 88 units, including 41 long-term care beds, 37 homes with supports for seniors and veterans, and 10 affordable rental units for independent seniors and veterans.
Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2024.
The first phase of the redevelopment also includes a second housing project, which is scheduled to break ground in late 2022.
The Greater Victoria Housing Society’s new five-storey apartment building will provide 70 rental homes for moderate- and low-income individuals, families, seniors and adults living with disabilities.
