VIEW ROYAL – The temporary shelter, Choices, will continue to provide housing for people in need until spring 2018.

This will allow for the necessary time to transition current residents to a new supportive housing development that is currently being renovated.

Choices, located at 94 Talcott Road, is located at the former provincial Youth Custody Centre in View Royal, and is operated by Our Place Society. The society is creating individualized housing plans for all remaining residents.

“Thank you to the Township of View Royal and residents for their assistance over the past several years,” said Shayne Ramsay, CEO, BC Housing. “We are grateful for the partnership, and the support of the Township, in helping to provide vitally needed housing for individuals from Victoria’s tent city.”

Choices residents will then be transferred to the former Tally Ho Inn, located at 3020 Douglas Street in Victoria, by March 31, 2018. The building is owned and operated by the Victoria Cool Aid Society and will offer 52 units of affordable rental housing for low-and moderate-income individuals with mental health and substance use issues.

The Victoria Cool Aid Society applied for a temporary use permit for a three-year period, which has now been approved by Victoria City Council. Renovations are proceeding to prepare the site for occupancy.

Once residents are transitioned to the former Tally Ho site, the Choices shelter in View Royal will be closed.

BC Housing and Our Place Society will continue to work with the local community and coordinate monthly neighbourhood meetings. The next meeting is Jan. 9, 2018 at 7 p.m. at Choices (94 Talcott Road).

Quick Facts:

• The B.C. government is investing $291 million to build 2,000 modular housing units for people who are homeless and more than $170 million over three years to provide 24/7 staffing and support services.
• The Province will be working with local governments and community partners to develop a Homelessness Action Plan to reduce homelessness through permanent housing and services.
• The provincial government is working in partnership with the Capital Regional District to develop new housing for people experiencing homelessness and low-to moderate-income families and individuals.

Learn More:

To find out what the Province is doing to improve housing affordability, please visit: news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/bc-government-addressing-housing-affordability-challenges

Media Contact:

Rajvir Rao
BC Housing
604-456-8917