BC Housing expects to have the Fortune Motel on the North Shore open some time this summer.
Now called Genesis Place, BC Housing bought the facility at 654 Fortune Drive for $3.1 million in June last year with plans to initially turn it into 40 units of supportive housing for people experiencing – or at risk of – homelessness in Kamloops.
“Buying this property means that dozens of people who are struggling to find a place to live in Kamloops will have safe and secure shelter, as we work with the community on plans for this property to provide the housing people need for years to come,” David Eby, B.C.’s Minister Responsible for Housing said, in a statement, at the time.
“While there is much more to do, helping people come inside, keeping them off of the streets and out of the parks, is good news for them and the community.”
The facility was supposed to open last fall, but it was delayed partly due to renovation work and then damage caused by burst pipes in January.
As a result, BC Housing spokesperson Shrief Fadl told NL News that the facility, which includes two buildings – a larger one with 28-units and a smaller one with 12-units – will be developed in a phased approach.
“While the flood damage was considerable and delayed the opening of this project, the required repairs provided an opportunity for BC Housing to repurpose space in the larger [28-unit] building to create an amenity and programming area,” Fadl told NL News, in an email this week.
“Regarding [your question on] the operator, specific details on the project, including information on who will operate the housing, will be provided closer to the Fortune Motel’s opening,” Fadl added.
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.
