NELSON, B.C. — A new 43-unit supportive housing complex is set to open in Nelson, with BC Housing confirming that Nelson CARES Society has been awarded the contract to operate the facility. Officials say the project will provide much-needed stability and wraparound services for people experiencing homelessness, while reinforcing local economic and community development.
The four-storey, 30,000-square-foot building at 45 Government Road will become a cornerstone of the city’s housing strategy once construction is completed, expected in the summer of 2026. The development was initially built in 2019 and rezoned in 2023 for mixed residential and commercial use. BC Housing will assume ownership when the project is complete.
Support for Vulnerable Residents
The facility will add 43 supportive homes, each designed to connect tenants with essential non-clinical services. Supports will include life skills training, healthcare connections, mental health and substance-use resources, and tailored programming for adults, seniors, and people with diverse abilities.
Nelson CARES Society Housing Director Joanne Motta emphasized the importance of location and design in addressing community needs. “The 45 Government Road building is an ideal location to provide a supportive housing program that will best serve Nelson’s unique needs. We look forward to working with BC Housing, the City of Nelson and the community overall to provide another successful supportive housing program,” Motta said.
Nelson CARES already operates a supportive housing project at the North Shore Inn, a program launched in 2020 and strengthened in 2022 when BC Housing purchased the building. That initiative provides 28 units of low-barrier housing with round-the-clock staff support. Officials say it has already reduced visible homelessness in Nelson while creating a pathway for residents to move into more stable housing.
One tenant, for example, was able to transition into independent living after accessing the SAFER (Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters) subsidy program with staff assistance, illustrating the model’s potential to stabilize lives and reduce reliance on emergency services.
Expanding a Proven Model
Nelson CARES Society Executive Director Sarah Magee said the new building will expand on lessons learned at the North Shore Inn. “We very much look forward to taking on the operation of this building and adding to the already vital housing and support services that we provide the community,” Magee said.
The partnership with BC Housing has been central to the society’s work, ensuring that projects are financially sustainable and aligned with provincial housing strategies.
Christine Boyle, B.C.’s Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, said the province views supportive housing as a proven solution to homelessness. “We know people experiencing homelessness benefit from homes with access to life skills training and other supports,” Boyle said. “These homes will greatly impact the Nelson community by providing people with connection and services to help them stabilize their lives. Working with our housing partners, we will continue bringing people indoors, keeping people safe and making our communities stronger.”
Local and Regional Impact
For Nelson and the wider Kootenay region, the project signals more than just a housing investment. It represents coordinated action across multiple levels of government and civil society to address homelessness, improve health outcomes, and stimulate local economic stability.
Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central, said supportive housing is about giving people a chance to rebuild. “Having safe and supportive places to go when you’re struggling is essential, which is why we’re investing in supportive housing in Nelson and throughout B.C.,” Anderson said. “These homes are going to help many people experiencing homelessness receive the support that they need and deserve to find stability. I am grateful to see so many partners working together to take care of people.”
Municipal leaders echoed the sentiment. Nelson Mayor Janice Morrison said the decision to place operations with Nelson CARES provides assurance that the project will meet local needs. “We are pleased that 45 Government Road will be managed by a trusted local organization with deep roots in Nelson,” Morrison said. “We look forward to this project having a positive impact on the community.”
Building for the Future
The supportive housing project also carries economic implications. By reducing homelessness, officials anticipate decreased demand on emergency shelters, healthcare facilities, and policing. At the same time, the facility’s construction and operation create local jobs and contribute to Nelson’s commercial base.
The Nelson CARES Society Board and staff said they are eager to deepen collaboration with BC Housing and the community. In a joint statement, they noted that such partnerships are “crucial to creating a supportive housing facility that best meets the specific needs of the City.”
As Nelson prepares for the completion of the project in 2026, stakeholders from government to non-profits to residents are looking to the 45 Government Road development as a blueprint for how communities can respond to homelessness through targeted investments, collaboration, and long-term planning.
