Affordable housing in Nelson is critically low due to sky rocketing rents and conversions in the downtown core. In March 2002 Nelson District Community Resource Society (now known as Nelson CARES Society) purchased Ward Street Place to preserve affordable housing for Nelson residents with low and limited income. Financial contributions from various funders enabled NDCRS to make a down-payment towards the purchase of the building and undertake massive renovations.
Building operations are solely funded by rental income; we receive no government subsidies to assist with building operations or rents. Commercial tenants on the ground floor are important partners in this social enterprise.
567 Ward Street
In addition to the 34 Single Residential Occupancy (SRO) units, the 3 one-bedroom apartments on Victoria St., and Stepping Stones emergency shelter, the 500 block of Ward Street (pictured above) is home to five thriving commercial tenants including Vadim Kristopher Hair Salon, Still Eagle, Hairlines, Fisherman’s Market and the ECO Store.
- Occupancy rate has been at 95% throughout 2009-2010
- A Building Inspection Report was completed in April 2009
Photo by Robert Neufeld