The B.C. government is investing more than six million dollars towards 51 housing units for Victoria’s homeless population, including campers at tent city.
The province plans to buy and renovate the former Super 8 hotel on Douglas St. for $6.5 million. The building will be converted into supportive housing for individuals in need of short-term housing before moving into long-term stable housing.
“This is another step toward making sure people in the community who are homeless have a safe and secure place to stay,” housing minister Rich Coleman said. “Our hope is that anyone at the courthouse camp who is in need of housing will take advantage of the almost 200 units of new housing we are opening in Victoria.”
A non-profit operator will be selected to take care of the day-to-day operation of the building and provide support services to clients, including a meal program.
The province is also investing $148,000 towards 20 more rent supplements and a full-time outreach worker at Pacific Housing.
The purchase is expected to be finalized by the end of September. The building is scheduled to be move-in ready by November.
Earlier this month the province purchased the former Central Care Home on Johnson St. for $11.2 million. The building will be converted into long-term supportive housing, offering an additional 140 units. It’s expected to be move-in ready in late July.
