A supportive housing complex in Nanaimo’s north end has struck gold.
Pacifica Housing’s Uplands Walk building officially obtained LEED gold certification from the Canada Green Building Council and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Canada for its environmentally friendly sustainable design.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on being more than just an affordable housing landlord. We care about the individuals that we house and also the impact on the world,” said Dean Fortin, Pacifica Housing’s executive director.
Located on Uplands Drive, the four-storey building was constructed in 2015 and provides low-barrier housing to 33 people in Nanaimo. It was designed by architects Low Hammond Rowe and has environmental features such as solar panels, energy efficient lighting and water-saving devices.
“It’s both strategic and financially smart,” Fortin said. “It’s an up-front investment that allows us to have huge returns for the residents who are there.”
Pacifica Housing owns and operates the supportive housing complex on Uplands Drive. Fortin said this is the first supportive housing project that Pacific Housing owns that has obtained LEED gold certification in Nanaimo. He said Uplands Walk is proof that low-barrier housing projects can be beautiful, environmentally friendly and affordable.
“Often it is seen as either-or and we are excited about the LEED certification with the Uplands supportive housing facility because it is clear proof that you can do both,” he said.
Fortin said the biggest challenge that Uplands Walk faces is a lengthy waiting list of individuals who want to live in their building, which is filled to capacity.
“There is such a strong need for supportive housing for individuals who are suffering from mental health and addiction in Nanaimo,” he said. “This is an important project. We couldn’t have done this without the City of Nanaimo, who donated the land.”
LEED is a worldwide certification system that recognizes environmentally responsible architecture and design practices. More than 500 building projects in British Columbia have obtained LEED certification, including 22 projects in Nanaimo.