BC government buys hotel in Surrey City Centre for homeless housing

Travelodge by Wyndham Surrey at 13939 104 Avenue, Surrey. (Google Maps)

The provincial government is continuing its hotel acquisition spree to enable the rapid creation of housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, with the latest purchase located at the eastern edge of Surrey City Centre.

Travelodge by Wyndham Surrey at 13939 104 Avenue was acquired for $8.7 million through the supportive housing fund.

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The 1987-built property, containing 28 rooms, underwent a major renovation prior to the pandemic. Its first residents will begin moving into the property in a few weeks, after an non-profit operator has been chosen.

BC Housing will provide the operator with an annual operating subsidy of approximately $840,000 to staff the building 24/7. Similar to other supportive housing buildings, residents will have access to support services such as daily meals, life skills training, employment assistance, counselling, physical and mental health resources, and access to addiction treatment and recovery services.

Travelodge by Wyndham Surrey 13939 104 Avenue Surrey

Travelodge by Wyndham Surrey at 13939 104 Avenue, Surrey. (Google Maps)

“With this purchase, we are able to help support more vulnerable people in the community and provide a safe place for those who don’t have a home,” said Bruce Ralston, the BC NDP MLA for Surrey-Whalley, in a statement.

“Our government has taken strong action to tackle homelessness in Surrey, including ending the encampment on the Whalley Strip. These homes are one more step to help address homelessness in Surrey and give those in need access to vital services.”

The provincial government has been supporting the construction of 250 permanent supportive housing units across three projects in Surrey. To date, 38 units are now open, and an additional 100 are underway in Surrey, with the remaining to be announced over the coming months.

Last month, $16.4 million in federal funding was announced for the construction of 44 permanent modular homes for women at 9145 King George Boulevard, operated by Atira Women’s Resource Society.

And on Wednesday, the provincial government announced it had acquired Capital City Centre Hotel at 1961 Douglas Street, near Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena, in downtown Victoria. The $25 million creates nearly 100 units of supportive housing, and includes an adjacent parking lot.

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