The B.C. government announced the purchase of two downtown Prince George motels Wednesday to provide 123 units of safe and secure housing in for people experiencing homelessness.
The former North Star Inn and Suites at 1500 Victoria St. will have 96 new supportive homes in two separate buildings, one with 60 units and the other with 36.
Both North Star Inn buildings will require renovations, expected to be completed early next year for the larger building and by mid-2024 for the smaller one. With winter fast approaching, essential repairs to both buildings will be completed first, with the remaining renovations to be done after tenants move in.
The other property, formerly known as the Lotus Hotel, is at 197 Quebec St., and it will have 27 units - 24 for single occupancy as well as two one-bedroom units and a single two-bedroom unit.
Once renovations begin later this fall, the 14 current tenants will be permanently relocated to another supportive housing building at 1107 Third Ave. When renovations are complete next spring, 27 new residents will be able to move in.
BC Housing began leasing the building for temporary housing during the pandemic in 2020. Its operations are managed by the Association Advocating for Women and Community (AWAC), which will continue to temporarily operate the building until renovations begin.
AWAC provides residents with 24/7 staffing, daily meals, employment support and referral to community services. A permanent operator will be selected by BC Housing through a request for proposals.
“The purchase of these former motel sites and the extension of our Knights Inn lease ensures ongoing access to much-needed shelter and housing for people experiencing homelessness in Prince George, and supports their safety and stability,” said Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon.
“This is part of our work to improve everyone's quality of life in Prince George and safely help people sheltering outdoors move indoors, where they can access the kind of housing and supports they need to stabilize their lives.”
The North Star Inn purchase is part of a June agreement between the province and City of Prince George to implement the new Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) program. It provides emergency housing, shelter options and immediate supports to help people living outdoors in encampments or public spaces move indoors and access temporary or permanent housing options.
