People with chronic health challenges in Kamloops who require supportive housing will soon have access to 24 new units of housing.

Following the September 2016 announcement of a $500-million investment in affordable rental housing, the B.C. government has selected ASK Wellness Society to receive $2.5 million in capital funding to convert the rooms at the Fountain Motel on Columbia Street into supportive housing.

Ten of the units will be designated for people being discharged from hospital that require temporary housing with supports. The remaining units will be for people 50 years and older experiencing chronic health problems.

BC Housing will work with the society to fully develop the project plans and ensure the proper rezoning and consultation is considered and confirmed before renovations on the motel begin.

The Province has committed $855 million over five years, including $575 million this year, to support the construction or renovation of 4,900 units of affordable housing throughout B.C.

Quotes:

Todd Stone, MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson –

“It’s very important to identify the specific housing needs of our community and ensure that we make affordable options available to those who need it the most. For people suffering from chronic health challenges, these new units will provide a much needed transition from hospital care to a place where they can take time to recover their health.”

Terry Lake, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson –

“Today’s announcement builds on the province’s commitment to increase affordable housing options that meet the needs of communities across British Columbia. This project will help vulnerable people in our community who are in need of stable housing while recovering their health.”

Bob Hughes, executive director, Ask Wellness Society –

“ASK Wellness Society has been partnering with IHA for several years to support individuals leaving the hospital who do not have suitable housing to recover their illness and injuries with transitional housing in several motels. The purchase, renovation, and operation of the Fountain Motel, now called McQuillan Manor after the extensive contributions to community made by Terry McQuillan, will provide 24 new transitional and supportive apartments in Kamloops.”

“These units are a vital contribution to our housing inventory and will allow individuals 50 and over living with chronic illness and patients being discharged from hospital a safe, affordable, and supportive living environment to recover from their illness.”

Erwin Malzer, board chair, Interior Health –

“Without a safe and secure roof over their heads and wrap-around health services readily available, some of our at-risk clients with more complex mental-health needs may not be in a position to fully recover from the condition that resulted in a hospital stay. In the past we were able to work with ASK Wellness Society and the Fountain Motel to support this service when the motel had available space.”

“With this announcement, we will now have dedicated, year-round availability to support some of our more vulnerable clients transition to a stable health and housing setting.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4.9 billion to provide affordable housing for low income individuals, seniors and families.
• More than 104,000 B.C. households benefit from a diverse range of provincial housing programs and services.
• Since 2001, the Province has completed close to 24,000 new units of affordable housing.
• Last year, the Province invested approximately $10.5 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for 1,900 households in Kamloops.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Province's actions on housing affordability, visit: http://housingaffordability.gov.bc.ca/