Paisley Place is an affordable rental housing project proposed to be built and operated by Gabriola Housing Society (GHS), an incorporated non-profit society and registered charity. Its aim is to provide comfortable and secure rental housing at an affordable rent to people with low to modest incomes. GHS plans to build 24 homes (in triplex buildings) comprising studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom dwellings. Dwelling sizes will range from 400 sq ft to 1,400 sq ft., averaging 900 sq. ft. (Two and three-bedroom homes will have two storeys.)

In January 2020 GHS applied to the Gabriola Island LTC to rezone two properties on Paisley Place for multi-dwelling affordable housing. Community Information Meetings were held in August and December 2020. Below is a graphic showing the approval process as presented at the December 10, 2020, Community Information Meeting.

On June 16, 2022, the LTC gave final reading to three bylaws (#306, 307, and 308) and adopted them. This decision rezoned Lots 1 and 2, north and east of Paisley Place for affordable rental housing for people with low to moderate incomes. On October 27, 2022, on the IT Staff’s recommendation, the LTC approved GHS’s application for a Building Development Permit (OCP Development Permit Area #11: Environmental Protection) and a Development Variance Permit for Paisley Place Lots 1 and 2. This completed the LTC rezoning process described in the graphic below.

After extensive research, the Paisley Place land was one of the options that GHS considered appropriate

• the site is close to services (school, clinic, shopping, public transport)
• an access road is already in place
• the site is adjacent to two forested parks and a public trail system
• in Aug 2019, the land was donated to GHS by the owner, Emcon Services

GHS believes that a strong community needs all members, not just the wealthy and physically able, to have healthy, secure, affordable homes. Multiple studies (including by the Islands Trust) over the last decade have found an acute shortage of affordable, decent, secure rental housing here (as elsewhere). Most communities are experiencing the same problem—moving elsewhere is not a solution.

The Islands Trust Northern Islands Housing Needs Assessment Report (June 2018) defined it this way:

“Generally, affordable housing refers to housing units that are affordable by that section of society whose income is below the median household income.

The definition of affordable housing varies; however, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and British Columbia define affordable housing as housing that does not cost more than 30% of a household’s annual income, which includes utilities.”

Updated May 2025: There will be 24 homes in two clusters of twelve. Each building will house three homes. In the north cluster, walls and roofs are already appearing on two of the four triplexes. Foundation work continues on the other two triplexes. At the south end of the property, the foundation for the utility building (freshwater and wastewater treatment, etc.) is completed. Grading work is underway for the four triplexes in the south cluster, as well as for the two parking lots.

The construction manager, Kinetic Construction, anticipates completion of the whole project in approximately May 2026. Barring any construction delays in the next several months, the Board is planning to publicize the eligibility criteria, rent information and application processes this coming autumn and then to welcome applications in early 2026.

Water licence: As part of the provincial government’s Water Licence application process, on December 3, 2020 GHS received the Hydrogeological Technical Review (3.2MB PDF). This review contains important observations and conclusions that would guide the decision re providing the Water Licence for Paisley Place. GHS received the Water Licence from the BC government on May 3, 2021. All water treatments required by Island Health for potable water are included in our constructions plans.

Early testing of the main well on the project site indicated that there was adequate water for the needs of the project. GHS also investigated rainwater harvesting, rain gardens, and grey-water systems for such things as toilet flushing and minimal irrigation. In 2024, we significantly revised the planned water supply system to incorporate rainwater collection alongside well water to ensure a reliable and sustainable source of potable water, strengthening the project’s longer-term viability.

A Wastewater Report indicated that either a Type 2 or a Type 3 system is adequate for the site. GHS has chosen to go with a Type 3 advanced secondary treatment system.

GHS has received the majority of funding to build our project through the BC Housing Shovel Ready grant program, and through the Affordable Housing Fund operated by CMHC. Following construction, GHS will not receive operating funds or subsidy from BC Housing. Once built, operating costs for Paisley Place will be funded through rental income.

Updated May 2025: The approximate cost for the development activities (since 2019) and construction (2024-2026) of Paisley Place is $17,400,000. Details of funding sources will be published soon.

As required by Gabriola’s current Official Community Plan, on August 18, 2022, Housing Agreement By-law #308 was registered as a covenant on the property titles of Lots 1 and 2 Paisley Place. Among other stipulations, the Housing Agreement Bylaw establishes certain eligibility requirements for prospective tenants.

Information will be available in autumn 2025.

• In accordance with the Housing Agreement between GHS and the Local Islands Trust Committee, initial priority will be given to those who will have already lived on Gabriola for at least a year, or who will have already worked at least half-time on Gabriola for at least a year, or who are registered members of Snuneymuxw First Nation.
• Tenants must be able to live independently (that is, there will be no on-site services provided by GHS for people with special needs).
• View the Adopted Bylaw No. 308 – Housing Agreement PDF here.

• Information will be available in autumn 2025.
• Applicants will not need to be members of the Gabriola Housing Society.

GHS will oversee the work of a Property Manager.