Two new housing developments are set to bring nearly 300 new homes to Victoria, offering both affordable rentals and supportive housing options for residents in need.
Backed by a provincial investment of nearly $100 million, the projects will rise on Pandora Avenue and Discovery Street—part of the province’s push to address housing shortages for both low-income families and people experiencing homelessness.
“These homes will lower rental costs for working people and families while bringing people sheltering outside indoors so they can have stability, dignity and support,” said Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon.
The larger of the two developments will go up at 926 and 930 Pandora Avenue, where a new 21-storey building will replace vacant structures with 158 affordable rental units, 47 supportive homes, and a new community space that’s expected to include child care services. Construction is expected to be completed by spring 2029.
The affordable rentals will be managed by the Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC), while an experienced non-profit will oversee the supportive housing.
Meanwhile, work is scheduled to begin this month on a second project at 726 Discovery Street—an eight-storey building that will include 90 supportive studio units for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Each unit will feature a private bathroom, and the building will include 24/7 staffing, daily meals, counselling, health care, and other wraparound services.
The Discovery Street homes will be operated by Our Place Society and are expected to be complete by mid-2027.
Julian Daly, CEO of Our Place Society, said the project marks a “vital step forward” in supporting Victoria’s most vulnerable residents.
“Offering stability and services to help them thrive—it’s a much-needed resource,” he said.
Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto called the developments a “significant step forward” in addressing the region’s housing crisis.
These new homes are part of the BC government’s $19-billion housing investment. Since 2017, the province has delivered or started work on nearly 92,000 homes across BC—including more than 4,120 in Victoria.
CRHC chair Zac de Vries noted the success of public and non-profit partnerships in building affordable housing, saying, “We won’t stop here.”
