Former Main Street motel to find new life in supportive housing

PENTICTON – The provincial government is providing money for more shelter for Penticton’s homeless.

The province said in a press release issued yesterday, Aug. 8, it will invest $4.5 million to purchase the former Super 8 Motel in Penticton to convert the rooms into housing units and emergency shelter beds for the homeless, those at risk of homelessness, people with mental health issues or drug and alcohol addictions.

Shelter spaces are expected to be ready for occupancy in the former motel, to be known as Compass Court, by early 2018, with residential units and program space renovations expected to be completed by spring, 2018.

Capital funding will be provided to the Penticton and District Society for Community Living, which will also oversee renovations and provide management once in operation. The Salvation Army’s emergency shelter program will also be relocated to the site once renovations are complete.

A neighbourhood open house is scheduled for Aug. 15. Provincial representatives and societies involved in the supportive housing initiative will be on hand to address local business and residents' concerns.

“Our society is excited to be working with B.C. Housing, the Salvation Army and other partners on this much-needed housing for our community. Compass Court will fill a gap in services that Penticton citizens have required for some time, and allow people to move along the continuum towards more independent living,” said Penticton and District Society for Community Living Executive Director Tony Laing.

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