The Knights Inn motel in Merritt will serve as a 40 bed shelter for homeless people for at least the next two and a half years.

BC Housing says it has leased the facility at 2702 Nicola Ave. until March 30, 2027, with plans to keep the shelter open 24/7.

In a statement, BC Housing says the new Knights Inn shelter will include an outdoor area, a dedicated office and a programming space. They also say its close to local amenities, essential services and transit.

“As the only shelter in the community, this project is critical to ensure people will continue to have access to basic services, such as food, a warm indoor space and support services,” the statement said. “The new shelter will replace the former Desert Inn shelter, which closed at the end of July 2024 due to building safety conditions.”

“Guests from the former Desert Inn shelter were offered temporary accommodations by BC Housing to ensure no one was displaced during the transition to a new site.”

The Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society, which managed the Desert Inn shelter, will take over at Knights Inn “to ensure continuity of relationships and services for returning shelter guests.”

BC Housing says occupancy is expected to begin in late 2024 as the fire-safety systems at the Knights Inn building needs to be upgraded. It will also be installing fences and gates “to ensure privacy and access control.”

The Province, through BC Housing, will provide approximately $1.9 million in annual operating funding for the new shelter.

Town Hall Meeting set for Thursday

In a statement Friday, the City of Merritt says it was recently informed about BC Housing’s decision to move the location of the shelter, and that its planning a town hall meeting this Thursday, Sept. 5.

“This lease agreement between BC Housing and the private landowner conforms to City Bylaws, and thereby did not require consultation with City Council,” the City of Merritt said, in a statement. “BC Housing has informed the City that they are communicating directly with area neighbours.”

“In response to this news and acknowledging the breadth of misinformation in the community, the City of Merritt is hosting a Townhall at the Merritt Civic Centre.”

That town hall meeting is set to get underway at 6 p.m. to enable residents to learn more about the role of BC Housing in this matter and the limited role of the City of Merritt.

Those with questions can submit them in advance by email here.