More shelter spaces and supportive homes for seniors are coming to Cranbrook, with the Province’s purchase of a motel on Cranbrook Street North.
The Province, through BC Housing, has acquired the former Lazy Bear Lodge to create 30 supportive homes for older adults and vulnerable seniors.
The building at 621 Cranbrook St. North still needs rezoning and renovations, including safety updates, such as installation of sprinklers and a fire alarm panel prior to occupancy, which is expected in 2025. The Province, through BC Housing, is investing approximately $3.2 million from the Permanent Housing Plan for the purchase and renovation of the former motel.
Some of the tenants will be relocating from the temporary shelter at the Cranbrook Travelodge, according to a release from the Ministry of Housing, Monday, June 3.
The supportive housing will be operated by Community Connections Society of Southeast B.C. (CCSEBC), which has been providing integrated, accessible social services to individuals and families throughout the East Kootenay region since 1982.
Nancy Reid, executive director of CCSEBC, said many of the homeless or adults seeking low-cost rentals in Cranbrook are over age. “Welcoming them into this supportive rental housing community will, in some cases, make space in the shelter for others who need assistance with transitioning to permanent housing.”
In addition to the Lazy Bear supportive housing project, a new permanent shelter at 209 16th Avenue will provide spaces for 40 guests, including those living at the Travelodge at 1417 Cranbrook St. North. This project will resume construction in July.
Community Connections Society of Southeast B.C. will co-ordinate relocating individuals from the Travelodge and continue to provide support services at the new shelter.
“I am happy to see the Province and BC Housing coming forward with a proposal for our low-income senior residents currently living in the temporary shelter at the Travelodge,” said Wayne Price, mayor of Cranbrook. “BC Housing’s rezoning request will be presented to council for consideration and a decision on this specific location.”
The new project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 78,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including more than 230 homes, through BC Housing, in Cranbrook.
“In the midst of a housing crisis, we are seeing more seniors finding themselves at risk of homelessness and the purchase of the lodge helps address that challenge,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “As part of our Homes for People action plan, we are providing seniors throughout British Columbia with the supports they need in homes where they feel safe and connected.”