Purpose-Built Supportive Housing With Wraparound Services Only Real Long-Term Solution – Mayor Wells

More from the City of Courtenay on the province’s purchase of a motel to house the homeless.

BC Housing is buying the Super 8 as the lease at the Travelodge, where residents began living during the pandemic, expires at the end of June.

The Comox Valley Transition Society provides support at the Travelodge and will continue to do so at the new location.

“It’s unfortunate that the province and BC Housing were unable to purchase the Travelodge property for supportive housing as that location had more units and we have a lot of people who are still in dire need of shelter and support,” said Courteany Mayor Bob Wells.

“Buying the Super 8 and simply moving residents between motels with no added capacity or additional services really isn’t the long-term solution we’ve been pushing for. Council has been unanimous in its call for purpose-built supportive housing and the wraparound services needed to make it work. BC Housing and the provincial government know that, so while this temporary solution at the Super 8 ensures people at the Travelodge continue to have a roof over their heads, it does nothing to address the serious long- term need that isn’t going away.”

Wells said council will continue to work with the provincial government and BC Housing because Courtenay needs long-term solutions, and the concerns and expectations of residents need to be heard and addressed.

BC Housing has scheduled a public information meeting at the Lower Native Sons Hall Lodge Room, Thursday June 8 at 6-8 pm.

To learn more, visit City of Courtenay.