Province to Convert Astoria for the Homeless

Friday, January 30, 2009 12:31 PM

Prince George, B.C. - The B.C. Government has purchased the vacant Astoria Hotel at 1145 2nd Avenue and plans to convert in into supportive housing for the homeless in Prince George and those at risk of homelessness.

Renovations at the 21-unit property will include fire and life safety upgrades, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and minor
aesthetic improvements. The Government will use An Expression of Interest to identify experienced non-profit societies to manage the housing and provide on-site support services.

The Prince George purchase is one of 15 properties being acquired in 10 communities with an investment of over $34 million by the Province under the umbrella of the Provincial Homelessness Initiative. Six of the properties are located in Vancouver, while the rest are spread across the province. The Jamboree Motel in Williams Lake will provide 33 units and is scheduled to open in December, pending rezoning.

The 18 units at the Astoria in Prince George are scheduled to be available this June. Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Mt. Robson, says the government is responding to the requests of concernced citizens and business owners.

"Our community has expressed their desire to deal with homelessness by providing additional housing and supports. This innovative project does just that."

The Provincial Government has not revealed the price tag for the Astoria and the required renovations.

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Posted on Friday, January 30, 2009 12:31 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: meinbcbud on January 30 2009 1:08 PM

This downtown improvement should be adapted to include those with Mobility devices. I really hope the city planners are considering this in the develops!

Posted by: Born in BC on January 30 2009 1:15 PM

Thats a great initiative.

Posted by: tinyapplecork on January 30 2009 1:53 PM

Long overdue...glad to see this project finally underway.

Posted by: Junco on January 30 2009 3:36 PM

Positive news.

Posted by: opinionated on January 30 2009 4:26 PM

I was wondering why all those buildings where the O Grady school is couldn't also be used for homeless. That property is just siting there.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on January 30 2009 4:33 PM

Why always right downtown?
How will they ever clean up the downtown core if they make it a haven for the homeless?
Would it not make more sense to move them AWAY from the dope and booze etc.?
I agree this is a good thing that should have happened a lot sooner.
Must be an election coming?

Posted by: Windigo on January 30 2009 5:22 PM

The Gov better make sure they plan for expansion, more and more people are becoming homeless every day in this region because of a lack of focus on job creation. Still this is a very good project.

Posted by: rambleon on January 30 2009 7:18 PM

Why not downtown? Do you have a vacancy for a homeless shelter in your neighbourhood, Andyfreeze?

Posted by: HD on January 31 2009 9:35 AM

This is happening because they will ship homeless people from Vancouver to Prince George.

Posted by: yellow shovel on February 1 2009 4:38 PM

you hit the nail on the head HD!!

Posted by: Resident on February 1 2009 8:52 PM

Make downtown a gated community. Keep 'em all in one place.