B.C. buys Courtenay motel for supportive housing
The B.C. government has purchased a motel in Courtenay to use as supportive housing, as the province's lease on another motel in the city expires.
People currently staying at the Travelodge motel in Courtenay will be moving into the Super 8 motel next month, since the province's lease at the Travelodge is expiring on June 30.
The province first started leasing the Travelodge in spring 2020 to give homeless people in the area a place to stay and self-isolate amid the pandemic.
The province considered purchasing the Travelodge outright, but said it could not reach a deal with the building's owner, prompting the B.C. government to purchase the Super 8 instead.
The Comox Valley Transition Society, which currently operates the Travelodge, will also provide services at the Super 8 to "ensure a seamless transition for residents," said the province.
Those services include 24-hour staffing, daily meals, support services, life-skills training and health and wellness services, according to the province.
"We want to make sure that these vulnerable people are not left homeless, which is why we made substantial efforts to purchase this hotel and create a valuable housing resource for the community," said B.C. Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon in a statement Monday.
"These new homes will further add to the significant efforts underway in Courtenay and across the province to tackle the housing crisis and build the homes people need," he said.
Residents are expected to begin moving in early June.
Anyone interested in commenting on the purchase of the motel can reach out to BC Housing online, or attend an information session at the Lodge Room in the Native Sons Hall in Courtenay on June 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.