While BC Housing still hopes to open the Fortune Motel to provide supportive housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness this spring, renovations to the facility will cost a lot more than planned.

In a statement, spokesperson Shrief Fadl told NL News that a flood in early-January, caused by burst pipes during below seasonal average temperatures “impacted” the smaller 12-unit building as well as four units in the main building, which has 28 units.

Fadl says BC Housing had a budget of $578,100 for the first round of renovations to the Fortune Motel, which will fall now short given the work that is needed.

“The flood damage was considerable and the full cost of repairs is not yet known,” Fadl said. “However, the required repairs provide an opportunity for BC Housing to explore alternative designs and use options for the smaller building. BC Housing will provide an update once plans are finalized.”

It is not clear if that means demolition of that smaller building.

“BC Housing is now developing the property in a phased approach,” Fadl added. “The first phase will expedite renovations to open 28 new homes this spring, to address the immediate housing needs of people experiencing homelessness in Kamloops.”

The BC Government announced it had bought the property at 654 Fortune Drive last June with plans to initially turn it into 40 units of supportive housing, the first of which were expected to open in early fall 2021.

“We are working closely with the City of Kamloops to proceed with the building permit which would allow us to complete building renovations,” BC Housing said, in a three-month old statement on its website. “At present, we are undertaking non-structural renovations not requiring a building permit in an effort to expedite the renovation process.”

When BC Housing announced it has bought the property, it also said it would be working with the City and the community on a plan for the permanent use of the property.

At the time, BC Housing were also looking to find a non-profit operator to manage the site full time, something which has also not yet happened.

This future operator will have to have “multiple” staff on site around the clock and also provide support services like daily meals, skills training, along with referring residents in need of mental health and addiction treatment to healthcare professionals.

Fadl also says tenants will be required to pay rent, similar to how they do at other supportive housing sites like Rosethorn House on Victoria Street West and Spero House on the North Shore.

For more on this project, go here.