Housing, Food and Shelter

Updated on May 22, 2026

Housing, Food and Shelter

This page provides information on a range of housing needs and options in the RDN based on the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) housing continuum shown below. The housing category links that follow includes a definition for each housing category and steps the RDN is taking to support housing diversity in the region. 

The Housing Continuum

In Canada, housing is considered "affordable" if it costs less than 30% of a household's before-tax income. Many people think the term "affordable housing" refers only to rental housing that is subsidized by the government. In reality, it's a very broad term than can include housing provided by private, public and non-profit sectors. it also includes all forms of housing tenure: rental, ownership and co-operative ownership, as well as temporary and permanent housing. 

Source: CMHC (2018) link: About Affordable Housing in Canada

 

There are a variety of services available in our region that address diverse housing needs:

Housing Reports and Policies Shelters & Non-Profit Housing  Housing Diversity

Housing Framework 

The Regional District of Nanaimo’s housing framework includes a series of policies and initiatives with the goal of providing more affordable and supportive housing across the region. A key consideration of the framework is to promote a more diverse range of housing options to meet the current and future housing needs of our communities.  

The Housing Framework is based on three key components:  

A. The high-level housing policy guidance provided in the Regional Growth Strategy (Goal 6) that helps to inform the region's Official Community Plans. 

B. The more detailed housing policy direction contained in the Official Community Plans for each municipality and electoral area in the region. 

C. The RDN Board's Strategic Focus Area for Planning and Managing Growth includes exploring strategies to address the housing affordability crisis in the region. 

Affordable Housing

The Regional District of Nanaimo has an increasing shortage of affordable rental and owned housing for those with low to moderate incomes. The greatest impacts are felt by seniors, single parent families and youth. See the Housing Needs Reports for more information. 

Understanding affordable housing may involve learning new terms and phrases. Visit the BC Housing Glossary for further information. 

Meeting regional housing needs requires an integrated and collaborative approach with member municipalities, other levels of government (Federal, Provincial & First Nations) and numerous non-profit organizations. Follow the links below to find out what others are doing in the region. 

Other Organizations Doing Housing Work in the Region