The proposed development at 3530 Hillside Avenue will introduce 22 townhouse units across six three-storey buildings, designed to work with the site’s steep slope. Located in the Long Lake neighbourhood, the property sits near Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park, offering a balance of urban convenience and nearby green space. The project aligns with the Suburban Neighbourhood land use designation and follows Steep Slope and Form & Character Development Permit Area Guidelines.

Each unit will include three bedrooms, private patios, and side-by-side two-car garages, with 46 parking spaces across the site, including visitor parking. The layout features an internal road network, pedestrian pathways, and direct access to Hillside Avenue. A pocket park and shared amenity area with seating and play structures will provide additional recreational space. The landscaping plan includes a variety of trees and plants, with some existing vegetation retained.

Designed in a modern, functional style, the buildings will feature flat roofs, Hardie panel siding, metal cladding, and glass railings, with additional materials to complement the surroundings. This development brings much-needed multi-family housing to the area while offering a well-planned, efficient use of space.

Construction is in full swing on Vancouver Island University's new 10-storey student housing building, set for completion by 2027. Located at the 900 Fifth St. campus, this project will add 266 student beds, with shared lounges, washrooms, and kitchens on every residential floor. The development will also feature a 200-seat dining hall, study spaces, a multi-purpose room, bike storage, shared laundry, and office space for staff. Seven of the units will be fully accessible.

Backed by up to $103 million in provincial funding, the building is being constructed to meet Step 4 of the B.C. Energy Step Code and align with Clean B.C.'s energy-efficiency goals. This aligns with the government's broader push to cut emissions by 40% by 2030.

Anne Kang, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, emphasized the growing need for secure, affordable student housing, stating that the expansion at VIU Nanaimo will help more students live on campus and get the most out of their post-secondary experience. The project is part of the province’s larger commitment to delivering 12,000 student housing units, with over 10,760 already completed or in progress.

A key sustainability feature of the project is its connection to VIU’s geo-exchange system, which uses water from an old coal mine under the campus to provide heating and cooling. The new building will tie into an expanded system, cutting emissions and aiming to bring heating and cooling output across multiple buildings close to net zero. Future-proofing is also in place, with the infrastructure designed to potentially connect other student housing buildings down the line.

In short—VIU’s stepping up with a modern, sustainable solution to tackle student housing demand while keeping environmental impact in check.

The Dover Ridge Apartments at 6330 McRobb Avenue in Nanaimo are expanding with a second phase. This new six-storey building will add 86 rental units, including studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Amenities feature underground parking, outdoor spaces, and a rooftop gathering area. A height variance was approved to accommodate the design. The development permit, initially approved in 2022, was renewed by the City Council in September 2024.

The first phase, completed in 2016, comprises 50 rental units. The development is situated near major shopping areas, schools, parks, and beaches, offering residents convenient access to various amenities.

The addition of this new building aims to provide more housing options in the desirable north Nanaimo area, contributing to the city's growth and development.

DP File  https://www.nanaimo.ca/whatsbuilding/Folder/DP001347

Nanaimo’s highest-assessed residential properties: 

1. 5025 Hinrich View $4,911,000

2. 3372 Stephenson Point Rd. $4,844,000

3. 5512 Hiquebran Rd. $4,654,000

4. 3384 Stephenson Point Rd. $4,112,000

5. 5508 Hiquebran Rd. $3,740,000

6. 3432 Stephenson Point Rd. $3,360,000

7. 3484 Arrowsmith Rd. $3,315,000

8. 3394 Stephenson Point Rd. $3,263,000

9. 5019 Hinrich View $3,131,000

Lantzville’s highest assessed residential properties: 

1. 6970 Dickinson Rd. $5,919,000

2. 7386 Sunbury Rd. $5,761,000

3. 6952 Dickinson Rd. $5,564,000

4. 6960 Dickinson Rd. $5,509,000

5. 6998 Strait Rd. $5,157,000

6. 6940 Dickinson Rd. $4,827,000

7. 7600 Harby Rd. $4,816,000

8. 7972 Lantzville Rd. $4,638,000

9. 7088 Dickinson Rd. $4,655,000

10. 7052 Myron Rd. $4,070,000

Nanaimo’s highest-assessed commercial properties:

1. 6631 Island Hwy. N. (Woodgrove Centre) $216,013,000

2. 1000 Wave Pl. (Nanaimo Forest Products-Harmac) $135,050,300

3. 3200 Island Hwy. N. (Country Club Centre) $82,271,000

4. 4750 Rutherford Rd. (Nanaimo North Town Centre) $78,682,000

5. 300 Howard Ave. (DLX on Third) $50,871,000

6. 650 Terminal Ave. (Port Place Shopping Centre) $50,113,000

7. 6200 Oliver Rd. (Canadian Tire) $42,495,000

8. 5801 Turner Rd. (Longwood Station) $40,444,000

9. 6900 Island Hwy. N. (Dickinson Crossing) $37,748,000

10. 2000 Island Hwy. N. (Brooks Landing) $36,122,000

TELUS Living Nanaimo isn’t just about creating homes—it’s about reshaping downtown Nanaimo with a bold, forward-thinking development that prioritizes community, sustainability, and innovation. This $70 million investment will transform a previously underutilized lot into a thriving urban hub, with two six-storey buildings housing 195 rental units designed to suit a wide range of lifestyles. From studio apartments to spacious three-bedroom homes, every unit balances modern design with functionality, ensuring residents feel both stylish and comfortable.

The development embraces a sustainable future by aligning with the BC Energy Step Code, aiming to exceed energy efficiency standards while incorporating eco-friendly features like rooftop gardens and enhanced public spaces. Beyond housing, TELUS Living is about connectivity—both digitally and socially. With TELUS Pure Fibre and 5G technology, these homes are designed for seamless smart living, while the inclusion of a vibrant public plaza, private courtyards, and gathering spaces fosters a true sense of community.

Thoughtful urban planning also extends to mobility, with secure underground parking, long-term bicycle storage, and easy access to transit and bike lanes, encouraging sustainable transportation. Importantly, the project will revitalize downtown streetscapes, create 700 jobs during construction, and inject new energy into Nanaimo’s growing city core. TELUS Living Nanaimo represents not just a place to live, but a vision for how a well-planned development can elevate an entire community.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of Nanaimo’s landmark properties. Currently operating as a hotel and marina, the owner proposed a rezoning application to the city in 2019. This proposal included plans for 25 to 30 condominium units and 110 hotel rooms over 10 storeys, as well as conference space, a lounge and cocktail bar, spa, and food outlets. The application received full support from city staff and council; however, it was ultimately postponed. Any future purchaser may acquire the drawings for this proposal and either resubmit or create a new vision for this one-of-a-kind site.

The existing 45-room Waterfront Hotel was originally developed in 1974 by Nanaimo’s colorful former mayor, Frank Ney. The building and marina operations are well-established and run seamlessly, ensuring a smooth transition for the next owner.

Developing a new hotel or condominium in Nanaimo presents a promising opportunity. The city's expanding population, combined with its appeal as a destination for both residents and visitors, suggests a sustained demand for additional housing and hospitality services. Investing in such developments could meet this demand and contribute to the city's ongoing growth and economic vitality.

Interested parties may inquire to tanner@tannersaywell.com for pricing details. 2024 assessment $6.4m.

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.