Opening new supportive housing in Duncan

Summary

  • New supportive homes are opening for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Duncan and North Cowichan
  • The new homes are for people of all genders older than 19
  • The building will be operated by Connective with staff on site 24/7

DUNCAN - People experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Duncan and North Cowichan will have access to permanent supportive housing with the opening of 48 new homes.

"These new supportive homes will provide safe places for people who are vulnerable and need reliable access to daily living supports like food, health care and skills training," said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. "Communities are stronger and safer for everyone when we bring people indoors. Everyone deserves a safe place to live and call home and in Duncan and North Cowichan this will be their place."

The new building at 260 White Rd. in Duncan offers homes for people of all genders older than 19. Residents for these new supportive homes will be selected through the Coordinated Access and Assessment process to help ensure the housing will best meet people's needs. Some people currently staying at the temporary supportive housing site at 610 Trunk Rd,. known as The Village, will be moving into the new building.

About the homes

The new homes are owned by the Province through BC Housing. Each of the units is a self-contained studio with a private bathroom, kitchenette with full-sized fridge and is fully furnished. There is also a dining room, shared amenity room and office space at the building. Residents will pay the provincial shelter rate of $500 per month or 30% of their employment income.

Supports and services

Connective is the operator and will provide staff on site, 24/7. Residents are expected to move in the week of March 23, 2026, and will receive:

  • two meals a day
  • on-site case management
  • access to health and wellness programs

Project funding

  • The Province, through BC Housing, provided a grant of approximately $25 million, and will provide approximately $1.5 million in annual operating funding from the Building BC: Supportive Housing Fund.
  • The federal government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), provided $2.4 million from the Affordable Housing Fund.
  • The Province, through BC Housing, also provided the land.

This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has more than 95,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including 465 homes in Duncan.

Quotes:

Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors) and MP for Esquimalt–Saanich–Sooke, on behalf of Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada –

"Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. By partnering with local organizations here in Duncan, we're making that possible for the people who need it most. This is an important step forward, and we'll keep working so that more Canadians have an affordable home they can count on."

Debra Toporowski (Qwulti'stunaat), MLA, Cowichan Valley –

"More people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness will have a safe place to come indoors and bring stability to their lives. This is an important milestone for our community, and a sign of care for one another as these new, self-contained supportive homes will help make life better for people, and strengthen Duncan and the Cowichan Valley."

Michelle Staples, mayor of Duncan –

"The new supportive housing units at 260 White Rd. are a vital addition to the diverse housing options available in our community. When it comes to housing, one size does not fit all. These new units are a place for individuals to transition to stability from the outdoors or temporary housing and will help prepare them for greater independence and a healthy future."

Liz Vick Sandha, chief operating officer, Connective –

"Connective is grateful to operate these homes and help bring this project to completion. We look forward to collaborating with the local partners involved and drawing on our 30 years of experience on the Island, including providing affordable housing and rent supplements in Duncan, to support residents in meaningful ways."

Quick Facts:

  • Research has shown that supportive housing is an important part of community safety, and helps reduce health care and corrections involvement, and hospital stays.
  • After six months in supportive housing, research shows improved mental and physical health, employment opportunities and housing stability for tenants.
  • Connective, with more than 90 years of experience, oversees more than 1,500 housing/shelter spaces in 27 communities throughout British Columbia and the Yukon, including operating more than 450 units of transitional, supportive, and affordable housing on Vancouver Island.

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Contacts
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Media Relations
236 478-0251
BC Housing
Media Relations
[email protected]
Connective
Media Relations
[email protected]
Renée LeBlanc Proctor
Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
[email protected]
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Media Relations
[email protected]