Ukrainian refugees begin settling in to former resort in Sooke, B.C.
The first of what's estimated to be around 100 refugees from Ukraine have arrived at their new home at a former resort in Sooke, B.C.
Property owner Brian Holowaychuk says he hopes the former resort will help give the refugees a sense of community.
Seven-year-old Asha and six-year-old Rajib, who are from different families that recently arrived in Sooke, already seem bonded by a common experience.
"They [were] like brother and sister in the first couple hours," said Holowaychuk. "They're almost inseparable here."
Both families have had to leave loved ones behind.
Asha's mother, Anna Buchuieva, says her husband is still in Ukraine.
"We hope that it will end soon and we can be together," she said.
Those who have arrived say they find a sense of comfort in the community here, and for the opportunity for the children to "be kids" after escaping the devastation in their homeland.
The resort in East Sooke, B.C., is pictured. (CTV News)
Holowaychuk is expecting about 100 refugees to come to the former resort, but it's unclear when everyone will arrive. Paperwork and visas have slowed the process down for many.
"I've had families waiting over six weeks now and they still haven't gotten them," he said.
Though not everyone is here, some rooms are already spoken for.
Meanwhile, volunteers are helping clear areas in the 82-acre property to make space for trailers so that refugees can circle up and create a new kind of community far from their old homes.
Holowaychuk and other volunteers spent months preparing the site for refugees by fixing up buildings and collecting donations.
"It's almost like you're prepping for a big, big event for months in advance and then all of a sudden the event's happening. It's really cool," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.