The Town of Comox and Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North (Habitat VIN) are pleased to announce the transfer of the former Gladstone Avenue fire hall property for the development of affordable housing for local families.
The property, located at 266 Gladstone Street, was officially transferred to Habitat VIN on September 16, 2026, following unanimous support from Comox Council.
The site was first identified in 2022 as a potential opportunity for affordable housing development. Following evaluation and planning discussions between Habitat VIN and the Town of Comox, the property was determined to be well-suited for a small-scale, family-oriented housing project in a central and walkable neighbourhood.
Recent provincial legislation enabling small-scale multi-unit housing, combined with the Town’s commitment to support rezoning of the property for multi-family residential use, has created an opportunity to develop up to four homes on the site.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the community through attainable housing opportunities for local families,” said Comox Mayor Nicole Minions. “The Gladstone property presents an opportunity to make meaningful use of Town-owned land while supporting long-term community well-being. Council is proud to support this project and the work Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North does across the region.”
Habitat VIN formally entered discussions with the Town in 2025, with multiple presentations to Council and ongoing collaboration involving staff from planning, engineering, development, and administration.
“This project represents an exciting first step for Habitat for Humanity in the Town of Comox,” said Jeff West, Executive Director of Habitat VIN. “From the beginning, we have been encouraged by the enthusiasm, collaboration, and shared vision demonstrated by Council and Town staff. Together, we have an opportunity to create safe and stable homeownership for working families with children who are already part of this community, and we see this as the beginning of a strong and lasting partnership.”
In addition to the land transfer, the Town of Comox has committed to supporting Habitat with a contribution towards permit fees, development cost charges, servicing, and off-site infrastructure costs associated with the project.
The proposed development aligns with the Town’s broader housing objectives and ongoing efforts to support diverse and attainable housing options within the community.
Habitat VIN notes that while its immediate construction focus remains on current and upcoming projects in Campbell River, planning and development work related to the Comox project will continue in collaboration with the Town.
The Gladstone property itself holds a long history within the community. Originally constructed in 1957 as a fire hall serving the Town of Comox, the building operated until 1978 before later being decommissioned and demolished in 2024.
