BC Housing has purchased the National Hotel with the intention of converting the building into 27 units of supported housing by early 2022, the provincial government said.
The agency has been leasing 18 units at the hotel since summer 2019 for use as temporary support housing. Cost of the purchase and renovation has been set at $6.4 million.
"The purchase ensures much-needed supportive homes permanently remain in the community," the province said in a statement.
The former night club will be renovated and converted into two accessible units, as well as office space.
"The restaurant is in good condition and will be left as-is and will be leased out to an operator or tenant," a BC Housing spokesperson said in an email.
An experienced non-profit service provider will be selected to manage the building with staff on site 24-7 to provide supports, including meal programs, life and employment skills training, as well as health and wellness support services. Each resident will pay monthly rent at the social assistance level of $375 per month.
As well, it said new 30-bed temporary shelter in the community at 1151 2nd Ave. will be opened by January and operated by the Prince George Native Friendship Centre during the winter months.
The shelter will provide access to food and support services. Whether it will cater to a particular gender is still to be determined.
