The province’s lease at the Travelodge will be up at the end of June, and they are planning to purchase the Super 8 to keep supportive housing going.
BC Housing says they are currently in the process of submitting a temporary-use permit application to the City of Courtenay. This would allow the Super 8 at 1885 Cliffe Ave. to provide housing for people facing homelessness staying at the Travelodge, where the lease is ending in late June.
The city says the current zoning does not allow for supportive housing in the area where the Super 8 is located. The application also outlines requirements for community consultation and public engagement, along with site plans and building and safety inspections.
The Super 8 has 67 units, each with its own bathroom, according to the province. It will be operated by the Comox Valley Transition Society, who have been operating the Travelodge.
The province says it will have staff on site 24/7 with support services that will include daily meals, life-skills training and health and wellness services.
Residents of the Travelodge are scheduled to start moving in next month, and BC Housing will fund the purchase and operating costs of the building.
Courtenay-Comox MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard adds she is looking forward to seeing tenants get settled in over the coming weeks.
If you are interested in learning more about the plans for the Super 8, an information session will be hosted by BC Housing on June 8 at the Native Sons Hall Lodge Room from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Courtenay mayor Bob Wells says the city is disappointed that BC Housing and the province were not able to buy the Travelodge property for supportive housing, and staff will work closely with them to finalize the Super 8 purchase.
The province adds they will start exploring permanent housing options for the site once residents have moved in.
