The City of Vancouver says it’s adding 157 new units of housing for the homeless at a former hotel on Howe Street.
The Quality Inn will be shut down at the end of October and turned into interim housing for the homeless by early November. The city plans to lease the building for two years, before it’s demolished for redevelopment.
An operator is still being selected and the city says it’s looking for an agency that has experience working with the homeless.
“The City is currently in the process of contracting with an operator who has experience working with the homeless and those at risk of homelessness and is committed to working closely with the local community to ensure support for this important activity and to meet the needs of local neighbours,” reads a statement from the city.
The new Quality Inn shelter is across the street from another new homeless shelter in the former “A Kettle of Fish” restaurant. That shelter will house beds for up to 60 people, and the city hopes many campers from Oppenheimer Park in the Downtown Eastside will take the city up on its offer to move there.
“Housing costs for the Quality Inn will total $66,725 per month for the duration of the two years, the first month’s rent will be free so that minor maintenance work can be carried out. The developer will pay property taxes and any capital maintenance that may be required,” reads the statement.
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