The snow and subzero temperatures have not gone unnoticed by anyone, but when you have no secure access to a home, these circumstances become critical. Harm can occur to anyone living in makeshift conditions long before the mercury dips below zero, which is why a consortium of local interests led by the six First Nations and the Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake has acted to establish a shelter at the site of the former 亚洲天堂 Lake Motor Inn.
The project is in conjunction with BC Housing. An opening date has not been established, other than the knowledge that it is needed as soon as possible.
鈥淲e are behind schedule, owing to things that are out of our hands, including Telus,鈥� said village councillor Kristy Bjarnason during her report at the Nov. 15 public meeting of mayor and council. 鈥淲e are working hard and trying to get staff in there so that we can get people in as soon as possible. It鈥檚 still moving along as fast as they can. We鈥檙e really looking forward to that opening.鈥�
A spokesperson for BC Housing told the Lakes District 亚洲天堂 that work on the first phase of renovations was incomplete but earnestly underway.
鈥淕iven the cool temperatures and the urgent need to offer safe and supported indoor homes for people experiencing homelessness, half of the 亚洲天堂 Lake Motor Inn鈥檚 44 permanent supportive homes will be occupied shortly, pending an occupancy permit from the Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake,鈥� the spokesperson said. 鈥�(When operational) staff will be on site 24/7 to provide support services to residents, such as daily meals, mentorship and skills training, assistance to medical appointments and access to other health supports as needed.鈥�
The intention is to move people into the back half of the facility in the short-term, Phase One, but continue renovations to complete all the units and fill up the remainder in Phase Two.
鈥淭he site is undergoing upgrades including new flooring, kitchens, heat and air conditioning,鈥� said the BC Housing contact. 鈥淲e have also completed major repairs, including upgrading the water main system and installing a sprinkler system, in each of the 44 units. Renovations on the unoccupied suites are anticipated to complete in fall 2023.鈥�
According to BC Housing, residents are being selected 鈥渢hrough a Coordinated Access Table, which consists of representatives from the six nations, Lake Babine, Cheslatta, Ts鈥檌l Kaz Koh, Wet鈥檚uwet鈥檈n, Skin Tyee, Nee Tahi Buhn, Northern Health and BC Housing.鈥�
It is the only new project involving BC Housing to address 亚洲天堂 Lake home insecurity. The spokesperson said 鈥渁t this time, there are no other properties in 亚洲天堂 Lake under consideration for purchase by BC Housing.鈥�
