Malahat Nation Mixed Use Development Project

The Economic Development Department is working on a potential new development in the Malahat Business Park that is intended to include market rental housing and commercial space. This development would include two apartment buildings with commercial space on the ground floors, expanding housing while creating commercial spaces that can support community needs.

Proposed Project Features:

• Rental Housing Units: 160 rental housing units, including studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom options to accommodate diverse needs.

• Commercial Space: Over 1,600 square meters of commercial space for possible uses such as Malahat Nation offices, food services, retail establishments, member-owned businesses, health services, and other community uses.

• Affordable Housing Component: In the structuring of this arrangement, it is being planned to have at least 20% of units offered at 20% below market rates, with Malahat Members receiving the first right of refusal as units become available.

• Nation Ownership: The development will be wholly owned and operated by the Malahat Nation, ensuring long-term control and benefit.

Potential Benefits:

• Housing Options: Increased housing options for Members addressing the growing need for housing within the community.

• Economic Development: Space for new or expanded services and businesses to support economic growth that benefits Members .

• Employment Opportunities: Job creation during construction phase and ongoing employment opportunities after completion.

• Sustainable Revenue: Long-term revenue generation to support Nation initiatives and community programs.

• Community Services: Enhanced access to health services, retail, and other essential services within the Business Park.

Proposed Timeline:

• Securing funding: 2025.

• Engagement: 2025-2026.

• Approvals: 2025-2026.

• Design: 2025-2026.

• Construction: 2027.

• Operations: 2028.

Project People & Organizations:

• Owner: Malahat Market Housing LP (100% owned by Malahat Nation).

• Guidance: Malahat Nation members.

• Consulting services manager: RavenStone Contracting LP.

• Contractors: Thuja, Colliers, engineers, and subcontractors.

• Staff: Economic Development, Capital Projects, and Lands and Environment teams.

Project development agreement:

• • Signed by all relevant parties on Oct 24, 2025.

Community engagement activities:

• June 2018 – Malahat Nation Land Use Plan: Highlights the 2013 Comprehensive Community Planning process, which identified opportunities for higher density housing and a broader mix of housing options. The Community Lands Designations include Mixed Use Neighbourhood and Residential/Market Housing Areas, enabling a range of densities with both multi and single family housing to support attractive, livable neighbourhoods.

• June 2025, a Times Colonist article quoted Malahat Chief Gordon Harry and Malahat Nation CAO Josh Handysides discussing the community’s affordable housing needs and a potential mixed use development project on Malahat lands. Follow the link Victoria Times Colonist to read the article.

• August 2025 - Economic Development Update Dinner: we shared an overview of the Malahat Nation’s economic development approach and current projects; heard a wide range of thoughtful questions, concerns, and ideas from community.

• October 2025 - Malahat Nation Newsletter: Featured three full pages of project information, visuals, questions, answers, and community comments. It also included contact details for submitting feedback, questions, or additional comments.

• November 2025 - Project Design Kickoff Meeting: Initiated the project, provided key information to the Design Consultants, and established expectations and timelines for project start up and ongoing work.

• December 2025 – Visioning Workshop at the Kwunew Kwasun Cultural Centre: Brought together Malahat Nation Elders, leaders, community members, youth, and project partners to share ideas for the development. Discussions focused on the Nation’s vision for the commercial space, the types of businesses and partnerships that would best support the community, and key objectives to guide the next phases of the project. The workshop helped ensure the project reflects the community’s culture, values, and economic goals. It also provided valuable feedback to guide the next steps in planning and engagement.

• February 10, 2026 – MMU Open House: Community engagement session.

• April 15, 2026 – MMU Commercial Space Scenarios engagement and discussion.

• Stay tuned for updates and engagement opportunities