Courtenay - 1885 Cliffe Avenue

Supportive Housing at 1885 Cliffe Avenue, in Courtenay, BC

1885 Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay has been purchased by the Province, through BC Housing, to ensure former residents of the Travelodge were not left without housing when their lease expired June 30, 2023. The Province, through BC Housing, is funding the purchase and operating costs of the new location.

Now that residents have moved in, BC Housing will begin exploring more permanent purpose-built options for the location. The community will be requested to engage in future discussion about possible long-term solutions, please watch this page for upcoming opportunities to have your say and provide feedback.

Questions can also be posted here, at any time, and will be answered publicly by the project team (see the question submission form at the bottom of the page)

Community Advisory Committee

A Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is being established, to support the successful integration of the building into the community, with representation from BC Housing, Island Health, City of Courtenay, Courtenay Police Department, and relevant community partners, providers and neighbours. CAC members will meet regularly, with the purpose of:

• Identifying and resolving any issues, opportunities and concerns related to building operations
• Building and maintaining positive relationships amongst the community, tenants, the building operators and the program partners
• Facilitating information sharing and dialogue
• Supporting the success of the supportive housing project

Project Background

The Travelodge hotel (2605 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay) opened as a temporary shelter in 2020 in response to the urgent need for shelter in Courtenay amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the housing crisis. It provided vital temporary housing for those experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.

BC Housing’s lease of the Travelodge ended June 30, 2023. Community Engagement during this time included an in-person open house, on June 8, to inform residents of the project. For more details, view the summary engagement report.

About Supportive Housing at 1885 Cliffe Ave

This facility is not a homeless shelter and is not the same as Connect warming shelter. That’s because supportive housing offers on-site staff 24/7. This staff works with each resident to understand their needs and help them achieve stable housing. Services typically include 24/7 support such as meals, life and employment skills training, and health services. Many also provide culturally informed services.

Applicants must also go through an assessment process to ensure supports are available based on the person’s needs. All residents pay rent and sign a program agreement (like a tenancy agreement).

BC Housing is also continuing to work with the City and the Comox Valley Transition Society, on identifying permanent location options for the CONNECT warming centre.

The Operator

Comox Valley Transition Society (CVTS) will operate the supportive housing facility. CVTS has operated the Travelodge shelter for the past three years. Staff have strong relationships with residents, helping to ensure a smooth transition and to foster positive outcomes for residents.

Project Timeline – At a Glance

• Travelodge lease expiry – May 2023
• Travelodge lease extension – June 30, 2023
• Community Engagement Session – June 8, 2023
• Super 8 clean-up/prep – June 2023
• Residents move in – June/July 2023
• Community Volunteer Committee application process – July/August 2023
• CAC established / first meeting – August/September 2023
• Future engagement on purpose-built solutions – TBD

BC Housing is committed to reaching out to neighbours and the wider Courtenay community to share information, answer questions, and listen to concerns and ideas. Your feedback and comments are important to us! You can share your ideas and concerns through this web page’s Q&A portal – please see below. We also welcome questions and comments by email to communityrelations@bchousing.org