KELOWNA — It used to be the Econo Lodge motel but it will soon house 44 low-income units.
The provincial and federal governments have pledged a combined $5 million to purchase and renovate the motel.
In the deal, the province will own the property and B.C. Housing will be in charge of operations.
The motel, located on Gordon Avenue, will also provide onsite staff to “work with tenants on an individual basis to connect them with service providers for supports,” according to a government news release.
“We welcome this addition to the City of Kelowna’s spectrum of housing options for people who don’t have a permanent place to live, or are at risk of being homeless,” said Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran. “It’s another great example of governments working together to fund solutions for new affordable housing options in Kelowna.”
The latest homeless count tallied 223 people living on the streets of Kelowna.
READ MORE: Kelowna homeless numbers tallied in Point-in-Time count
The provincial government has yet to provide details about annual operating costs and who will pay, how many staff members will work on site and what criteria must be met to apply to live in one of the units.
The re-vamped motel is expected to be renovated and ready for tenants by this fall.