Qualicum Beach will need 2,435 additional housing units over the next 20 years to meet growing demand, according to the Interim Housing Needs Report (HNR) presented at the January 22, 2025 Council meeting. Mandated by the Province, the Report establishes actionable targets in five-year increments, with 726 new units needed by 2030. The HNR will play a key role in shaping the upcoming Official Community Plan (OCP) Review.

The Report highlights municipal policies and initiatives that support housing solutions for diverse resident needs, while promoting sustainable community growth. The data highlights that three-fifths of the projected housing need is for larger units with three or more bedrooms. In the short-term, single-family homes represent 56% of the five-year housing requirement, a proportion that remains relatively stable at 55% over the 20-year period.

The need for rental housing is also significant, comprising 27% of the total housing demand over the next five years (199 out of 726 required units). A healthy rental market requires a vacancy rate of 3%, and the Report indicates that addressing this gap is a key priority.

This HNR was funded by the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) as part of a regional planning initiative, and prepared by consultants Deloitte, alongside similar reports for the District of Lantzville and the RDN rural areas. A fully updated HNR, incorporating community consultation and additional elements, will be required by the end of 2028 to align with the 2026 Census results. Subsequent updates will occur every five years as new Census data becomes available.

The upcoming OCP Review will commence in March to help guide the Town’s approach to increased housing. This process will offer extensive opportunities for public engagement, ensuring that residents provide essential input on the future look and feel of housing in Qualicum Beach. To stay informed on the OCP progress and engagement opportunities, residents are encouraged to sign up to receive updates.

For further details, read the 2025 Qualicum Beach Interim Housing Needs Report and visit the Town’s Affordable Housing webpage

Media Contact

Luke Sales, RPP, MCIP

Director of Planning & Community Development

media@qualicumbeach.com