A new supportive housing development in Smithers could be in the works.
BC Housing has entered into a conditional sale agreement with the owners of the Capri Motor Inn to purchase the hotel and adjacent restaurant with the intention of repurposing the existing buildings.
The plan is to create a supportive housing development containing up to 60 units while the building next door, which is currently the Tandoori restaurant will be converted into a kitchen facility for the housing development.
BC Housing has indicated that the restaurant, which is leased, may continue operating while renovations are underway. The restaurant space will later be used as a commercial kitchen for supportive housing tenants — a meal program for tenants is a requirement of the Supportive Housing Fund program.
However, one of the conditions of the sale is a successful OCP and zoning amendment of the property.
Currently, the property is designated Highway 16 Commercial in the Town’s Official Community Plan (OCP) and is zoned Tourist Commercial.
The lot would need to be changed to Institutional and the town would need to create a new Comprehensive Development Zone that will accommodate the specific requirements of the proposed use.
Town staff have made these recommendations to the Advisory Planning Commission. The APC will make its recommendations for council’s consideration.
According to a report from town planners, purchasing private developments to create non-market housing units in established neighbourhoods is a strategy that BC Housing has successfully implemented in communities across the province.
Creation of the proposed supportive housing units will benefit the community in multiple ways a report stated.
The report also noted there is a shortage of supportive housing in Smithers. Currently, there are 28 transitional and supportive housing units in town but many more are needed. There has been a rising number of homeless individuals in the community, steadily rising rental housing costs and a steady zero rental vacancy rate in recent years.
In a statement to the Interior News, BC Housing said they understand the urgent need for housing in Smithers and around the province, which is why they are working closely with partners to provide housing for those who need it, as quickly as possible.
The building would be owned by BC Housing and operated by a service provider, who will be selected at a later date.
Supportive housing at the Capri Motor Inn will follow the requirements of BC Housing’s Supportive Housing Fund. BC Housing will select a non-profit partner and provide annual operating funding.
The operator, who will be selected through a procurement process, will provide 24/7 on-site staffing and support, including a daily meal program and Individual or group support services such as life skills, community information, social and recreational programs.
The support will also include connecting residents to community supports and services such as education, employment, health, life skills and long-term housing.
The supportive housing building would not include any new development. The exterior building height and form would be maintained, while the interior 60 units and common areas would be renovated. Renovation would include improvements to site security, fire prevention, and other operational improvements necessary for supportive housing.
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