Photo: Castanet Staff

BC Housing has purchased a Valleyview motel that has been operating for more than a year as a temporary supportive housing site.

The purchase of the Lamplighter Motel, 1901 East Trans-Canada Hwy., was announced on Friday.

“With this purchase, people will get to stay in the homes they’ve been accustomed to over the past couple of years, ensuring they have a permanent supportive home to live in close to friends and family,” Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s Minister of Housing, said in a news release.

“Through our permanent housing plan, our government is making temporary homes created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic permanent, so that vulnerable people have a safe and stable foundation to build a better life.”

The 31-unit motel has been leased by BC Housing since October of 2021. It was leased to provide temporary supportive housing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ASK Wellness, which has managed the site since it was leased by BC Housing, will continue to operate the facility. According to BC Housing, ASK will have staff on site 24 hours a day to provide supports including daily meals, life-skills training, vocational supports and health and wellness services.

“A tapestry of supportive housing in Kamloops will ensure that people have the right supports and environment to improve their lives,” said Bob Hughes, CEO of ASK Wellness.

“While the Lamplighter program has historically supported individuals during environmental crisis situations, the operating model for this project has developed and grown in order to complement the existing housing models in the community.”

Hughes said “the vision” for the Lamplighter is to provide culturally appropriate supports to people looking to turn their lives around.

“We are proud to partner with Open Door Group to create vocational supports for those who have demonstrated a readiness to embrace those priorities,” he said.

According to the provincial government, the purchase and renovations cost approximately $4.8 million.

BC Housing said it will apply for rezoning to transition the facility into permanent supportive housing.