City Transfers $468,000 Property - 1406 Bowen Road

City Transfers Land to 
Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre Society

At the In Camera meeting on April 4, 2016, Council approved, in principle, the sale of 1406 Bowen Road to the Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre (NAC) for $1 to facilitate the creation of a affordable rental housing project that will support urban aboriginals living off Reserve in Nanaimo. According to BC Assessment, this fully serviced 0.4 hectare (1 acre) property has a value of $468,000.00.

There is access to the property through a laneway from White Street and the NAC will sign a repurchase agreement enabling the City to buy back the land for $1 if construction has not started by April 4, 2019.

NAC will leverage the City's contribution of the land to secure funding from BC Housing to fund the construction of the rental facility.  Council will be asked to approve the sale at the May 16, 2016 Council meeting.

"The provision of affordable, culturally appropriate housing for Aboriginals living in Nanaimo is an important step to addressing an area where the housing needs of our community are particularly acute. The project represents a tremendous opportunity for the children and families who will reside here. We must acknowledge that this project would not be possible without the commitment of the City to work with community and collectively build new, affordable housing units"  -  Chris Beaton Executive Director Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre