
An excavation on the site of the former Fortune Motel in Kamloops. (Photo via Abby Zieverink)
BC Housing says it is “exploring redevelopment opportunities” at the site of the former Fortune Motel in Kamloops.
Now called Genesis Place, it says the smaller 12-unit building at the site on Fortune Drive was demolished last week, more than a year after BC Housing acquired the property.
In a statement to NL News, BC Housing says the building was torn down after a burst pipe in January of last year led to “extensive” damage.
“Given the extent of the damage and the cost of the repairs that would be required, the building was slated for removal and redevelopment,” the agency said. “We are in the early stages of exploring redevelopment opportunities for the site and will share details with the community once they are available.”
There is no word on what those redevelopment opportunities will look like, with BC Housing saying it is in the early stages, with more details to come at a later date.
The first residents began moving into the larger 28-unit building on the property in September last year. At that time, BC Housing said it was working with the City of Kamloops through the permitting process to redevelop the smaller building.
“We will do our best to minimize the impact to tenants of Genesis Place during redevelopment and will keep them informed throughout the process,” BC Housing said, noting the larger building has been fully occupied since last fall.