This thoughtful, modular design-build initiative is more than just a housing solution—it’s a sanctuary for young adults who face significant barriers to securing a safe and stable home. As the design lead, DIALOG worked alongside Townline Housing Solutions, BC Housing, and the City of Victoria to bring the Meares St. Youth Supportive Housing project to life. With 50 purpose-built units, this project aims to provide critical, affordable housing for individuals at a pivotal moment in their lives, offering support as they transition to adulthood and helping to prevent homelessness.
Designed with care and empathy, the building fosters a sense of belonging and community. The first floor is dedicated to shared spaces that nurture both well-being and independence: vibrant indoor and outdoor amenity areas, a fully equipped commercial kitchen and dining room, bike storage for an active lifestyle, and dedicated spaces for administrative and medical support. Every detail was thoughtfully crafted to not only meet the immediate needs of its residents but to also offer a sense of dignity, connection, and opportunity for the future.
- Location
- Victoria, BC
- Client
- BC Housing and Townline Housing Solutions
- Completion
- 2023
- DIALOG Services
- Collaborators
Townline Housing Solutions
BC Housing
City of Victoria
Architecture
Electrical Engineering
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Mechanical Engineering
Structural Engineering
Sustainability
Energy Modeling
The building is composed of simple forms conducive to modular construction and articulated with contrasting materials, including colour accents inspired by local heritage architecture.
A sunny courtyard with bike parking provides a safe place for youth to gather and build a sense of community.
This infill building has transparency at the ground floor to allow natural light into resident amenity spaces and the step down in massing acknowledges the lower scale existing adjacent buildings.
Residents share meals together in the bright and welcoming dining/community room, which connects directly to the courtyard.
The Team
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing“With the opening of this new building, we’re providing young people in Victoria with the support and opportunity they need to achieve their potential.”
