BC government purchases, North Star Inn, Lotus Hotel to create more supportive housing in PG

The un-housed population in Prince George have a few more shelter options in the near future.

According to the provincial government, they have purchased the North Star Inn and former Lotus Hotel creating 123 new spaces.

The North Star Inn, located on 1550 Victoria Street, will provide 96-units through two separate buildings. Both will require renovations which are expected to wrap up during 2024.

The purchase of the facility. is part of an agreement between the Province and the City of Prince George to implement the new Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) program. HEARTH provides emergency housing, shelter options and immediate co-ordinated supports to assist people in encampments or sheltering in public spaces to move indoors and access temporary or permanent housing options that fit their needs.

In addition, the former Lotus Hotel, located on 197 Quebec Street will offer 27-units, 24 of which will be single-occupancy. Renovations, which began this fall are expected to finish by the spring of next year.

It was originally leased by BC Housing as temporary housing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The Association Advocating for Women and Community (AWAC), which has managed the Lotus since BC Housing first started leasing it, will continue to temporarily operate the building until renovations begin.

The 14 current tenants who were occupying that space will be relocated to 1107 3rd Avenue.

“The purchase of these former motel sites and the extension of our Knights Inn lease ensures ongoing access to much-needed shelter and housing for people experiencing homelessness in Prince George, and supports their safety and stability,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing.

“This is part of our work to improve everyone’s quality of life in Prince George and safely help people sheltering outdoors move indoors, where they can access the kind of housing and supports they need to stabilize their lives.”