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Uplands housing project changes parameters

A proposed social housing project in Nanaimo’s north end has been scaled back and will not target young, homeless single adults.

A proposed social housing project in Nanaimo’s north end has been scaled back and will not target young, homeless single adults.

Part of the B.C. government’s Housing First initiative, the development, at 6025 Uplands Dr., was originally 35-40 units, housing 19- to 30-year-olds as well as 45 and older.

No longer accepting the younger adults, the number of units is also reduced to 28-33.

Representatives from Pacifica Housing, the project operator, and B.C. Housing met with residents, community groups and businesses in the area to share information and receive feedback on the development.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2013.

Mayor John Ruttan said, in a press release, the Uplands Drive site is an important part of the city’s plans to address homelessness.

“Especially for our community members who are aging and need help to gain housing with supports,” he said