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Fortune Motel to be renovated, reopened this fall as 40-unit supportive housing project

Motel to become housing

The provincial government has purchased a North Kamloops motel for $3.6 million with plans to create 40 temporary supportive housing units.

The Fortune Motel, on Fortune Drive near Vernon Avenue, across from the North Shore McDonald’s, is slated to undergo renovations over the summer before reopening in the fall.

“Buying this property means that dozens of people who are struggling to find a place to live in Kamloops will have safe and secure shelter, as we work with the community on plans for this property to provide the housing people need for years to come,” David Eby, Attorney General and minister responsible for housing, said in a news release.

“While there is much more to do, helping people come inside, keeping them off of the streets and out of the parks, is good news for them and the community.”

BC Housing is in the process of selecting “an experienced non-profit operator” to run the project, according to the release. A request for proposals is expected to be issued in the coming weeks.

Plans are to have the operator provide meals on-site and a number of supports, BC Housing said. The project is also expected to be staffed 24-7.

The Fortune Motel is made up of a number of buildings, including a 28-unit building and a 12-unit building.

BC Housing said it plans to seek rezoning for the property, which will mean a proposal submitted to the City of Kamloops outlining plans for the future of the site.



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