ABBOTSFORD - The Province, through BC Housing, has purchased the former Red Lion Inn and Suites in Abbotsford to provide 30 temporary shelter spaces for people experiencing homelessness in the community.

"Our government is committed to helping at-risk and homeless people in the Fraser Valley and across the province," said Pam Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, on behalf of David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing. "By purchasing the Red Lion Inn and Suites, we are one step closer to our goal of providing permanent supportive housing for members of our community."

Located at 2509 Pauline St., the former hotel will provide temporary shelter spaces for 30 people currently staying at the Bakerview Church shelter, which is closing on June 30, 2021.

The new shelter will be operated by Lookout Housing and Health Society, an experienced non- profit housing provider. The society will provide residents with support services, including daily meals, life-skills training, employment assistance and counselling, physical and mental health resources, and access to addiction treatment and recovery services. At least two staff members will be on site 24-7 to provide around-the-clock support to residents.

The society will set up a community advisory committee (CAC) to oversee the shelter's integration within the community and to address any questions raised by people in the neighbourhood. More information about the CAC and the building can be found here: http://letstalkhousingbc.ca/abbotsford-pauline

The Province is also purchasing the hotel's adjacent lots at 2481 and 2489 Pauline St. Over the long term, BC Housing will apply for rezoning to redevelop the hotel and the lots into a permanent supportive housing building with an adjoined shelter. In the meantime, the City of Abbotsford is allowing operation of 2509 Pauline St. as a temporary shelter due to the COVID- 19 pandemic.

Residents will finish moving into the temporary shelter by the end of June 2021.

Quotes:

Shayne Williams, executive director, Lookout Housing and Health Society -

"Lookout Society is thrilled to be partnering with BC Housing and City of Abbotsford in managing the new emergency response shelter at Red Lion Inn and Suites in Abbotsford. We are pleased to be able to provide much-needed housing with supports for folks experiencing homelessness and vulnerable residents in the community."

Henry Braun, mayor, City of Abbotsford -

"We appreciate the Province recognizing the need to increase supportive housing options in Abbotsford. With more than 300 people who are homeless in our community, this investment helps contribute to a long-term vision to support individuals experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. Affordable housing and homelessness continues to be a growing issue in communities across the province, and this is why the BC Urban Mayors' Caucus is working with government to advocate for more affordable, supportive and social housing."

Quick Facts:

• The Province is investing $6.9 million to purchase the hotel and its adjacent lots through the Supportive Housing Fund and will provide an annual operating subsidy of $2 million.
• An independent appraisal of the site was completed on March 14, 2021, and supports the purchase price, which is below the appraised value.

Learn More:

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://workingforyou.gov.bc.ca/

Contacts:

Ministry of Attorney General and Responsible for Housing
Media Relations
778 678-1572

BC Housing
Media Relations
media@bchousing.org