BC Housing invests $5M+ to turn Columbia Motor Inn into transitional housing

KAMLOOPS — A former nuisance property in Kamloops will become an affordable housing building for people transitioning out of homelessness.

In a news release issued Monday (July 10) morning, the B.C. government announced it provided $2.5 million to ASK Wellness Society (ASK) to purchase the Columbia Motor Inn at 575 Columbia St.

The former motel has provided subsidized units for people who are transitioning from shelters or supportive housing and are able to live independently. The motel is a two-storey, wood-frame building with 24 self-contained studio units, a laundry area and on-site parking.

The province says ASK will own and operate the building and receive ongoing operating funding from BC Housing.

File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

“We are extremely excited to continue operating and supporting those individuals who have been able to transition into a more independent component of our housing continuum,” Bob Hughes, ASK CEO says. “We also look forward to renovations that will allow for the building to become a more inclusive, welcoming space for its residents and the community.”

“Because they are very small units, they are really only suited for single adults to stay in them, so that has really been who’s been living in the building. We often see it’s older folks that may have struggled from some barriers in the past but at this point can just benefit from having some daily support that is offered, whether it is access to a bit of food, connecting people to support services, access to a doctor, access to mental health or substance-use supports,” Hughes told CFJC Today.

BC Housing is spending an additional $2.7 million for necessary renovations, municipal fees, soft costs and contingency costs. The province says the renovations are required to meet the needs and requirements of the tenants, ensure the site adheres to the design and safety specifications of BC Housing and to extend the life of the building for another 40 years.

“It’s part of our larger effort to build out a range of housing options for people. We have noted while there is quite a bit of low barrier housing, 24/7 supportive housing, what we are really seeing is people are coming out of treatment or recovery, they are recuperating from a health issue. What they can often benefit from is having an affordable place, maybe really modest like we see here, but its part of creating a more robust tapestry of housing,” added Hughes.

According to BC Assessment, the Columbia Motor Inn is assessed at $1,129,500 as of July 1, 2022. The province says an independent property appraisal was completed in March 2023 and supports the $2.5-million purchase price.