Polson Park Motel will be converted into supportive housing thanks to a provincial investment (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Supportive Housing Investment

Province purchases Vernon motel to provide supportive housing

Mar 31, 2022 | 12:05 PM

The B.C. Government has bought the former Polson Park Motel in Vernon to provide 29 permanent homes with supports for people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.

The province is providing $2.6-million to purchase and renovate the former motel on 24th Avenue.

B.C. Housing will also fund an annual operating subsidy of approximately $1-million.

“With this purchase, we are continuing to add to the significant efforts underway to ensure vulnerable people in Vernon have access to stable and permanent housing,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee.

“Budget 2022 provides money for a new permanent housing plan so vulnerable people who have been living in temporary housing since the start of the pandemic will now have a permanent place to call home.”

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The former motel across from Polson Park, is a two-story building with 29 units. Each unit has its own washroom and kitchenette.

“The establishment of more affordable permanent housing is critical for our community to continue addressing a growing need of our residents,” said Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming.

“The city is grateful to BC Housing for securing these units and to Turning Points Collaborative Society (TPCS) for the ongoing, impactful support it provides to local residents who are living in vulnerable housing circumstances, including many families and seniors.”

The society will operate the building, providing residents with support services like daily meals, life-skills training, employment assistance and counselling, physical and mental-health resources, and access to addiction treatment and recovery services.

Full-time staff will provide residents with around-the-clock support.

“As we slowly come out of the pandemic, we recognize that the need for affordable housing services in Vernon is greater than ever,” said Randene Wejr, executive director, Turning Points Collaborative Society.

“Inflation, the lack of affordable housing units and a growing wait list have meant more, and more families and seniors are on the verge of homelessness. We are extremely grateful to BC Housing for adding these 29 units to our permanent housing stock in Vernon.”