Frequently Asked Questions

Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions related to Duncan Housing Society and the Replacement Project. Additional information can be requested through the project team at info@wiserprojects.com

Why must Duncan Manor be replaced? Can’t it simply be renovated?

The Duncan Manor building was built in 1976 and does not meet current standards for accessibility or energy efficiency. In particular, 48 of the units do not have their own kitchens or showers, meaning residents cannot cook for themselves and must use communal showers. In addition, the plumbing, electrical systems, and roof require replacement. It is not cost-effective to consider renovating a building of this age. As such, we have made plans to build a new building that will enhance the community and the lives of residents.

What will happen to current tenants?

The proposed development will prioritize the rehousing of existing tenants of Duncan Manor. While the majority of Duncan Manor tenants would relocate to the new housing, there may be a few tenants unable to live independently and therefore may need to relocate to new housing. DHS would work closely with tenants and BC Housing to find them suitable housing. The remaining tenants would be selected from the Housing Registry managed by BC Housing.

How is this project being funded?

BC Housing has committed to project funding under the Community Housing Fund program. Cowichan Housing Association has generously provided $50,000 in pre-development funds which have been instrumental in the creation of conceptual drawings and the completion of site studies and reports.

The project has also applied for project development (seed) funding from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and will also apply for Co-Investment funding from CMHC. DHS will continue to pursue public and private grants and contributions throughout the lifetime of the project.

DHS would not have the ability to construct a building of this size without the generous assistance of BC Housing and CMHC. We very much wish to take advantage of the funding that has been made available to us.

Why now and why here?

DHS has spent four years (and counting) exploring various sites for the redevelopment of Duncan Manor. The following timeline shows a high-level recap of the process to date.

In early 2022, a new potential site for the redevelopment Duncan Manor emerged. The proposed site is close to the existing Duncan Manor and includes many favorable features and characteristics, including:

A church site that is currently under-utilized
Vacant CVRD land
Support from Anglican Diocese and Parish Council to explore land and housing opportunities
ongoing engagement with Parish has been planned
Opportunity for Parish and Diocese to provide long-term, ongoing community support to vulnerable populations
Close to services and amenities for tenants and staff
Centrally located, benefitting the majority of tenants who do not have personal vehicles
Tenant relocation and re-housing can be a significant challenge for some, impacting both mental and physical wellbeing; this location provides minimal disruption to residents

What is being proposed, and why?

There is a housing crisis in the City of Duncan and the CVRD, and this project will contribute approximately 125 new units of affordable housing to the community. There is a significant shortage of affordable rental units in Duncan and surround communities, especially for seniors and those who need additional supports. Some statistics (as of 2022) to consider:

309 households in the CVRD are on the BC Housing Registry (April 2022)
300% increase in the number of seniors on BC Housing Registry, when compared to end of December 2021
61% of people on BC Housing Registry are seniors or persons living with disabilities
Canada approaching 20% of population being over the age of 65 years.
36% of the population in Duncan is over the age of 65 years
Growing need for seniors housing and related services in Duncan
Most seniors have between $900-1400 for rent. However, the average 1-bedroom costs $1,500
There is limited availability for rentals - Many seniors in Duncan fear they will become homeless
Social media sites are increasingly being used to search for/advertise rental housing
Fewer seniors have access to computers/internet, making navigating the housing system even more challenging for them.
21% of the people who contact Cowichan Housing Association in a crisis (that is, imminently facing homelessness) are seniors. This percentage is growing year over year by almost 5%

How does this project address those housing needs?

Duncan Manor Independent Housing will provide approximately 125 subsidized and affordable rental units for seniors and people living with disabilities as indicated on the spectrum of housing below.

The proposed new building will also have benefits not only for tenants, but for the City of Duncan and Cowichan Valley as well, such as:

~125 units of rental in perpetuity, that is they will stay as rentals for the life of the building
Potential for an additional ~175 units of future affordable housing at the existing Duncan Manor site, following the completion of the proposed replacement project
An attractive, highly energy efficient new building
High quality of life for vulnerable tenants with deep levels of affordability, and a mix of rents
Downtown, pedestrian-friendly location that enables tenants to age in place
An investment in a growing demographic – significant capital projects in Phase 1 and potentially Phase 2
Growth and renewal opportunity on St. John’s parish site, including replacement of aging facilities with modern community spaces
Universal accessibility, adaptable units in the community

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions related to Duncan Housing Society and the Replacement Project. Additional information can be requested through the project team at info@wiserprojects.com

Why must Duncan Manor be replaced? Can’t it simply be renovated?

What will happen to current tenants?

How is this project being funded?

BC Housing has committed to project funding under the Community Housing Fund program. Cowichan Housing Association has generously provided $50,000 in pre-development funds which have been instrumental in the creation of conceptual drawings and the completion of site studies and reports.

The project has also applied for project development (seed) funding from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and will also apply for Co-Investment funding from CMHC. DHS will continue to pursue public and private grants and contributions throughout the lifetime of the project.

DHS would not have the ability to construct a building of this size without the generous assistance of BC Housing and CMHC. We very much wish to take advantage of the funding that has been made available to us.

Why now and why here?

DHS has spent four years (and counting) exploring various sites for the redevelopment of Duncan Manor. The following timeline shows a high-level recap of the process to date.

In early 2022, a new potential site for the redevelopment Duncan Manor emerged. The proposed site is close to the existing Duncan Manor and includes many favorable features and characteristics, including:

A church site that is currently under-utilized

Vacant CVRD land

Support from Anglican Diocese and Parish Council to explore land and housing opportunities

ongoing engagement with Parish has been planned

Opportunity for Parish and Diocese to provide long-term, ongoing community support to vulnerable populations

Close to services and amenities for tenants and staff

Centrally located, benefitting the majority of tenants who do not have personal vehicles

Tenant relocation and re-housing can be a significant challenge for some, impacting both mental and physical wellbeing; this location provides minimal disruption to residents

What is being proposed, and why?

309 households in the CVRD are on the BC Housing Registry (April 2022)

300% increase in the number of seniors on BC Housing Registry, when compared to end of December 2021

61% of people on BC Housing Registry are seniors or persons living with disabilities

Canada approaching 20% of population being over the age of 65 years.

36% of the population in Duncan is over the age of 65 years

Growing need for seniors housing and related services in Duncan

Most seniors have between $900-1400 for rent. However, the average 1-bedroom costs $1,500

There is limited availability for rentals - Many seniors in Duncan fear they will become homeless

Social media sites are increasingly being used to search for/advertise rental housing

Fewer seniors have access to computers/internet, making navigating the housing system even more challenging for them.

21% of the people who contact Cowichan Housing Association in a crisis (that is, imminently facing homelessness) are seniors. This percentage is growing year over year by almost 5%

How does this project address those housing needs?

Duncan Manor Independent Housing will provide approximately 125 subsidized and affordable rental units for seniors and people living with disabilities as indicated on the spectrum of housing below.

The proposed new building will also have benefits not only for tenants, but for the City of Duncan and Cowichan Valley as well, such as:

~125 units of rental in perpetuity, that is they will stay as rentals for the life of the building

Potential for an additional ~175 units of future affordable housing at the existing Duncan Manor site, following the completion of the proposed replacement project

An attractive, highly energy efficient new building

High quality of life for vulnerable tenants with deep levels of affordability, and a mix of rents

Downtown, pedestrian-friendly location that enables tenants to age in place

An investment in a growing demographic – significant capital projects in Phase 1 and potentially Phase 2

Growth and renewal opportunity on St. John’s parish site, including replacement of aging facilities with modern community spaces

Universal accessibility, adaptable units in the community