Accessible Home Modifications in Nanaimo & Parksville
Central Vancouver Island's RAHA home value limit is $824,999—250K lower than Victoria. More Nanaimo homeowners qualify. Up to $20,000 in rebates.
Find Nanaimo ContractorsThe RAHA home value limit for Nanaimo, Parksville, and Qualicum Beach is $824,999 as of 2026. This lower threshold (vs. $1,074,999 in Victoria) means a higher percentage of Central Island homes qualify. RAHA provides up to $20,000 for accessibility modifications including grab bars, ramps, walk-in tubs, stair lifts, and bathroom conversions.
$824,999
Home value limit for Nanaimo/Parksville
BC Housing 2026
59.5 years
Median age in Parksville-Qualicum
StatsCan 2021
$20,000
Maximum RAHA rebate
BC Housing
$134,140
Income limit (province-wide)
BC Housing 2026
The Context
Nanaimo's retirement reality
Parksville-Qualicum has the oldest median age (59.5) of any Canadian metro area. Nanaimo's close behind at 47.3. These aren't stats—they're neighbors. Half of Parksville's housing stock is in 55+ communities with specific accessibility requirements and strata rules. Contractors here see more RAHA projects per capita than anywhere else on the Island.
Why This Matters
Lower home value threshold
At $824,999 (vs. Victoria's $1,074,999), more Nanaimo-area homes qualify. If Victoria's market priced you out of RAHA, Central Island might qualify.
55+ community expertise
Our contractors know Parksville and Qualicum's manufactured home parks and strata rules—what modifications need board approval and which don't.
No ferry delays
Island-based contractors. No waiting for mainland crews to book a sailing.
Established OT network
Private OTs serving Central Island can often schedule assessments within 2-3 weeks. Public waitlists run 4-6 months.
Services & Pricing
What you can get done
Grab bars
RAHABathroom and hallway safety bars. Strata-friendly installation.
$150–$400 per bar
Walk-in tubs
RAHARequires OT assessment. Popular in manufactured homes with small bathrooms.
$8,000–$15,000
Barrier-free showers
RAHACurbless design fits most manufactured home bathrooms.
$6,000–$12,000
Wheelchair ramps
RAHAModular aluminum popular in 55+ communities (removable if you sell).
$1,500–$8,000
Stair lifts
RAHALess common here—most retirement homes are single-level.
$3,500–$15,000
Threshold ramps
RAHASmall ramps for sliding door tracks and doorway steps.
$200–$600
Local Knowledge
Manufactured homes and 55+ communities
Parksville and Qualicum have dozens of 55+ manufactured home parks. These homes have specific considerations: floors may not support walk-in tub weight without reinforcement, exterior modifications need park approval, and some parks have preferred contractor lists. Our directory notes which contractors have experience with manufactured home modifications and 55+ community requirements.
Common Questions
FAQ
What is the RAHA home value limit for Nanaimo?
The RAHA home value limit for Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Ladysmith, and Duncan is $824,999 as of 2026. This is $250,000 lower than Victoria's limit, meaning more Central Island homeowners qualify for the program.
Can manufactured homes qualify for RAHA?
Yes, manufactured homes qualify for RAHA if you own the home (not just rent/lease it) and it's your primary residence. Homes on leased pad land still qualify—you don't need to own the land. Some modifications may need park management approval.
Are there OTs who serve Parksville and Qualicum?
Yes. Several private OTs serve Central Island, and Island Health's Home Health program covers the region. Private OTs typically schedule within 2-3 weeks; public waitlists are 4-6 months. RAHA rebates up to $300 of the OT assessment cost.
Do 55+ communities allow RAHA modifications?
Most do, but check your strata bylaws or park rules. Interior modifications (grab bars, bathroom conversions) rarely need approval. Exterior modifications (ramps, handrails) often require written permission. Some parks have preferred contractor requirements.
Find Nanaimo-area contractors
Contractors who serve Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, and Ladysmith. Free RAHA-compliant quotes.
View Nanaimo Contractors