Friday, March 29, 2024

B.C. buys restaurant on Vancouver Island to convert into homeless shelter

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The property housing a Chinese restaurant in Campbell River that was recently closed for good has been purchased by the B.C. government for the purpose of creating a new homeless shelter in the region.

The provincial government doled out $985,000 to buy the former Rose Bowl restaurant located at 1221 Cedar Street in Campbell River.

The restaurant, which was still operating as recently as last month, was opened in the 1970s and had glowing reviews on Google and Facebook.

Now the property will be repurposed to create much the much needed bridge housing that will remain in place until a new permanent supportive housing project is in place.

Construction will begin immediately to renovate the building and create space for 20 beds and showers for people experiencing homelessness in the region.

“This project will provide people in our community with a safe place to sleep while we work with our partners to build the permanent homes they deserve,” said Claire Trevena, MLA for North Island, in a statement on Tuesday.

“We know our community is safer and healthier when everyone has a place to call home, with supports and services to help them succeed, and we are working closely with the city to build new permanent supportive housing as fast as possible.”

Residents at the temporary shelter will be provided with a bed, showers, meals, outreach services, and referrals to health services, with day-to-day management overseen by the Vancouver Island Mental Health Society.

BC Housing is working with the City of Campbell River to explore potential locations for a permanent supportive housing project.

The homeless shelter at 1221 Cedar St is expected to open in August 2020.

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Brishti Basu
Former Senior Staff Writer and Content Manager at Victoria Buzz.

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