The Te’tuxwtun Project at 564 Fifth Street and 502/505 Howard Avenue in Nanaimo is a 5.8-acre, mixed-use redevelopment plan that strategically combines affordable housing, community services, and cultural facilities. Spearheaded by a partnership between Snuneymuxw First Nation, BC Housing, the City of Nanaimo, and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools, this project targets Nanaimo’s growing housing demand by delivering 358 rental units, spanning both affordable and market categories to ensure diverse resident appeal.

The development’s design caters to family and community-oriented living, incorporating essential amenities like an on-site childcare center, multi-purpose community gathering spaces, and an alternative-learning school, all of which elevate the property’s community value and functionality. These facilities are integrated around a central, open courtyard, enhancing recreational and communal spaces.

Infrastructure improvements emphasize long-term sustainability and safety, with a focus on traffic-calming modifications along Howard Avenue and comprehensive stormwater management systems. Additionally, the project maintains strong cultural ties, with Snuneymuxw First Nation guiding the development to preserve and honor the land’s heritage while creating a vibrant, multi-functional space that enhances Nanaimo’s urban landscape.

A new residential and commercial hub is taking shape at the corner of Uplands Dr. and Turner Rd., bringing a fresh look to the neighborhood. The proposed, five-storey development will feature 82 rental units, accompanied by a separate single-storey commercial building at 5730 Turner Rd.

At the Oct. 10 design advisory panel meeting, the requested height variance – bumping the building from 14 metres to 16.25 metres – was met with no objections.

Originally, the developers had hoped to cut down on parking spaces, but after a bit of a shuffle, they've managed to meet (and exceed!) the required spots. The plan now includes 120 underground and surface-level parking spaces, a solid five more than the 115 required.

The residential side of things will offer a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, all surrounding a shared plaza that connects the two buildings. Meanwhile, the commercial building is designed to house offices, a financial institution, and a cozy little restaurant/cafe.

The design panel did throw in a few suggestions to amp up the project, like giving the commercial building a bit more “wow” factor with bolder colors or materials. They also suggested adding plants to break up any dull concrete and finding ways to better connect the ground floor units to the street. Also noting that making some units adaptable for accessibility wouldn’t hurt either.

While a development permit was initially granted in 2021, it was canceled last year after the developer made some tweaks to the plans. The project now awaits approval from Nanaimo City Council. Stay tuned!