GHS Rental Homes on Paisley Place

Each of the eight triplex buildings contains three homes, all with ground-level entry and in suite laundry.
There are 4 studio, 8 one-bedroom, 4 two-bedroom, and 8 three-bedroom homes.

Accessibility: Four 1-bedroom and two 3-bedroom homes are accessible for people who have mobility challenges (with the bathroom and a bedroom on the main floor). Floor Plans for all the homes are on our website.

All rents are at or below the Average Market Rents for Nanaimo and area (BCH requirement) based on the CMHC Annual Rental Market Survey for 2026. None of the rents are at “open market” rates.

•  8 homes have LOW rents for low income households
• 9 homes have rents BELOW the Average Market Rents, for low-to-moderate income households
• 7 homes have AVERAGE MARKET RENTS, for moderate income households

The 2026 rent ranges are as follows (BC Shelter Rates to CMHC Average Market Rents for Nanaimo area):

• Studio: $500 to $1,244
• One-bedroom: $695 to $1,527
• Two-bedroom: $790 to $1,895
• Three-bedroom: $840 to $2,057

Homes at specific rental amounts will be offered to successful applicants based on information they provide. Annual rent increases (within the limit set by the BC government) can be applied to a rent provided the tenant is given at least 3 full months’ notice.

People who may apply for this housing must be within certain household income and asset limits and have an existing strong connection to Gabriola.

FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY
The 24 new affordable homes are intended for households with limited to moderate income and assets. Applicants are required to submit financial information to confirm their income eligibility and to ensure they meet the ratio of household rent to income according to the Housing Agreement. Financial eligibility (BC Housing criteria) is as follows:

1. The maximum before-tax household income (BC-wide data):

• For studios and one-bedroom homes — $90,560
• For two- and three-bedroom homes — $146,270

2. The maximum combined asset value of the household is $200,000.

Assets to be included:

• Stocks, bonds, term deposits, mutual funds, and cash, and
• Real estate equity net of debt, and
• Business equity in a private incorporated company.

Assets that are exempt from the calculation:

• Bursaries or scholarships from educational institutions for any household member who is a current student, and
• Registered Educational Savings Plans (RESPs), Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs), Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs), and
• Assets derived from compensatory packages from the government such as Indian Residential School Settlements and Japanese Canadian redress, and
• Trade and business tools essential to continue current employment such as farm equipment, specialized tools, and vehicles, and
• Personal effects such as jewellery, furniture, vehicles.

The information provided in the tenant application is subject to the Personal Information Protection Act that outlines the rules for collecting, using, storing, disclosing, and protecting a tenant’s personal information.

CONNECTIONS TO GABRIOLA
Although anyone who meets the financial eligibility requirement is welcome to apply for this affordable housing, priority consideration for choice of tenants is set out in a legal agreement between GHS and the Local Trust Committee of the Islands Trust: Gabriola Island Housing Agreement Bylaw 308, 2022, Schedule B Eligibility Criteria for Tenancy for a Qualified Occupant

This Agreement is meant to ensure that the housing is first available to people with strong connections to Gabriola Island. To this end, applications will be prioritized as follows:

Highest priority:

• Residents of Gabriola for at least one year, or
• Commuters to Gabriola for work (minimum half-time) for at least one year, or
• Registered members of Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN).

Expanded priority:

• Former residents of Gabriola within the past 7 years, or
• Residents of Gabriola for less than one year, or
• Commuters to Gabriola for work (minimum half-time) for less than one year, or
• Those with a confirmed offer of work on Gabriola that begins within two months of beginning tenancy, or
• Persons with an immediate family member living on Gabriola (child/parent/sibling related by blood, adoption, marriage, or common law relationship), or
• Status or non-status and/or self-identifying Indigenous, Inuit, or Metis person.

All rentals are month-to month. The rental contract used is the BC Government Residential Tenancy Agreement.

Up to two pets are allowed (only 1 dog) with certain conditions for pet-owners set by GHS. Tenants with allowed pets will be required to sign a pet contract and provide a deposit. View the GHS Pet Ownership Rules (PDF).

Water is provided to the homes by a well and rainwater collection. The water supply system is based on an average use of 160 Litres (42 US Gallons) per person per day. Each home has its own water meter, and tenants must be willing to manage their own household’s water use carefully.

No smoking or vaping of e-cigarettes or cannabis is allowed in the homes or on the property.

WHEN WILL THE HOUSING BE AVAILABLE TO MOVE IN?
The current construction schedule is for the homes to be ready for tenants in July or August 2026.

WHO CHOOSES THE TENANTS?
The GHS Board is not involved in choosing tenants and no priority is given to GHS members. GHS has contracted with a professional property manager, Victoria-based Firstline Commercial, to provide management services for the 24 new affordable homes on Gabriola. Their responsibilities include all aspects of managing the property and tenants: for example, choosing the tenants, managing and enforcing the rental contracts, hiring contractors as required, and overseeing the general maintenance of the buildings and grounds.

WHEN AND WHERE CAN I APPLY?
Between January 15 and March 15, 2026 the application form will be available on the GHS website. Applications will only be accepted electronically; no phone calls or emails will be accepted. Applications will NOT be considered on a first come, first served basis. Decisions will be made after the application period closes.

WHEN WILL I KNOW IF I WILL BE OFFERED A HOME?
Between May 1 to May 15, 2026 successful applicants will be contacted directly with an offer of tenancy. (Only those applicants who are being vetted for tenancy might receive inquiries between March 15 and April 30, 2026.)

NOTES:
1. Due to BC privacy legislation no information about the selection process will be provided.
2. There will be no waitlist. Future tenancies will be advertised as they become available.