BC Housing mulling options for Genesis Place

MICHAEL POTESTIO STAFF REPORTER michael@kamloopsthisweek.com

BC Housing has torn down a portion of its Genesis Place supportive housing complex and is now exploring options for construction of something new on the property.

The former Fortune Motel in North Kamloops opened last September as housing for the homeless or those at risk of being homeless. The portion of the motel that was demolished was extensively damaged by water when pipes burst in the winter of 2021-2022.

“Given the extent of the damage and the cost of the repairs that would be required, the building was slated for removal and redevelopment,”

BC Housing spokesperson Sophie Gray told KTW via email.

She said BC Housing is still in the “early stages of exploring redevelopment opportunities for the site and will share details with the community once they are available.”

The provincial government purchased the motel in June 2021 for $3.6 million and had originally planned to open in the fall of 2021, with 40 living units in the two buildings on the property.

However, delays — including water damage from the burst pipes — led to the opening being postponed until this September 2022.

The originally planned 40 units have been reduced to 28 in the larger building on the lot.

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