North Shore Inn to be transformed into supportive housing

Located at 687 Highway 3A, the North Shore Inn was purchased by BC Housing in 2022 with the intention of turning it into supportive housing. It had been leasing the site since 2020 as a COVID-19 isolation response.

In a letter obtained by Vista Radio, which was issued on September 5 to residents living near the motel, BC Housing stated that the project plays an important role in the province’s efforts to address and prevent homelessness in the community.

Renovations won’t be complete until early 2026. In the meantime, temporary modular housing units will be placed in the parking lot until renovations are finished.

The modular housing component will provide 28 supportive housing units. The seven residents currently residing at the North Shore Inn will move into the modular units during the renovation period, with the remaining 21 units available for other community members in need.

BC Housing expects the temporary modular housing to be installed by the end of this year and emphasizes that the site will not be a shelter, but rather supportive homes that are deeply affordable and intended for those who need extra help maintaining their housing.

“All supportive housing residents are selected through a Coordinated Access and Assessment (CAA) process, sign program agreements, and pay rent. By comparison, a shelter is temporary emergency accommodation with support services aimed at helping people enter stable and long-term housing, including supportive housing.”

Once renovations are complete, the modular housing will be removed from the site and residents will be transferred back into the North Shore Inn.

Nelson CARES Society, which has been the operator of the site since 2020, will maintain management of the housing component, offering residents 24/7 access to supports such as life skills training, wellness checks, and referrals to health services.