Former Kelowna motel being transformed into housing for the homeless

There will be more homes for the homeless in Kelowna with the government purchase of a former motel.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is providing $6 million to buy and renovate the Good Night Inn on Highway 97 North.

A news release states the 42 unit building will support some of the area’s most vulnerable citizens and will have capacity for shelter spaces in extreme weather.

“We have seen this same development model be very successful in Kelowna and we appreciate the Province stepping up again to create more of this kind of housing in our community,” said Kelowna mayor Colin Basran.

The facility will be operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association and will be staffed around-the-clock.

“We know that when people have a roof over their head, they actually have a chance to improve their quality of life in areas of health, mental health, substance use and employment,” said CMHA executive director Shelagh Turner. “Our goal is to offer services, supports and connections that will maximize housing stability and prevent returns to homelessness.”

The first tenants are expected to move in early next year.