Major Boost for Affordable Living: Nearly 300 New Homes Coming to Victoria by 2029.
Two major developments in Victoria, B.C., are set to reshape the city’s housing landscape with nearly 300 new affordable and supportive housing units. Backed by a $100 million investment from the provincial government, the projects aim to provide safe, stable housing for both working families and people at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness.
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The two housing projects — located at 726 Discovery Street and 926/930 Pandora Avenue — are part of the government’s broader strategy to address housing insecurity and affordability in British Columbia.
Discovery Street Project: 90 Supportive Housing Units with Built-In Services
Construction is already underway at 726 Discovery Street, where a modern eight-storey steel-frame building will house 90 studio apartments, each with a private bathroom. The development is designed specifically for individuals experiencing homelessness or those at risk of becoming homeless.
Key features of this supportive housing complex include:
- Two daily meals
- Laundry access
- 24/7 staff and reception
- Security infrastructure, including a single point of entry, fenced grounds, and surveillance
- Onsite supports: life-skills training, employment assistance, addiction recovery, and more
This project is scheduled for completion by mid-2027. It will be operated by Our Place Society, a local non-profit known for its compassionate work with vulnerable populations.
Julian Daly, CEO of Our Place, emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative:
“This much-needed resource will provide 90 supportive homes for people in Victoria, offering stability and services to help them thrive. It’s a vital step forward for those we serve and for access to housing in Victoria.”
The provincial government has also contributed land valued at $2.6 million to support the Discovery Street project.
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Pandora Avenue Project: High-Rise to Deliver 205 Homes and Community Amenities
The second project, slated to break ground soon at 926/930 Pandora Avenue, will involve demolishing existing buildings to make room for a 21-storey tower. This development will include:
- 158 affordable rental homes
- 47 supportive housing units
- Community space, likely to include child-care facilities
The Pandora Avenue building is expected to be completed by spring 2029. The Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC) will oversee the affordable rental units, while a non-profit organization — to be selected at a later date — will operate the supportive housing portion.
Zac de Vries, Chair of the CRHC, praised the collaboration between different stakeholders:
“Projects like Pandora show the powerful possibilities of partnership, and the CRHC is excited to get another 158 affordable homes underway in the city of Victoria.”
The City of Victoria is contributing $1.2 million to the Pandora project through its Victoria Housing Reserve Fund, further underlining municipal commitment to tackling the local housing crisis.
A Comprehensive Housing Strategy for Victoria
B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon stressed the importance of offering diverse housing options to meet varying needs in the community:
“During a time of economic uncertainty, these homes will lower rental costs for working people and families while bringing people sheltering outside indoors, so they can have the stability, dignity and support they need to move forward.”
Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto echoed these sentiments, calling the developments “a significant step forward” in addressing the region’s complex housing challenges.
Meanwhile, Victoria-Swan Lake MLA Nina Krieger noted that the new homes will help people live closer to jobs, schools, and essential services — reinforcing the role that proximity and stability play in building resilient communities.
A Step Toward Hope and Housing Security
Together, these two major construction projects not only represent significant financial investment but also a commitment to long-term, systemic change in how Victoria supports its residents.
By 2029, nearly 300 individuals and families will have access to dignified, safe, and affordable homes — offering new hope and stability in a city facing ongoing housing pressure.