B.C. buys Kamloops motel for $4.8 million

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — The Province of British Columbia has purchased the Lamplighter Motel in Kamloops to provide affordable housing.

The province, through BC Housing, invested $4.8 million in the motel. An independent appraisal of the site was completed in August that supports the price point, according to a news release.

The building will be used to “ensure people at risk of homelessness in the community continue to have a place,” writes the province in the release.

The motel has been leased by the province since October 2021. ASK Wellness Society will continue to operate the building, which has 31 rooms with private bathrooms.

“As a transitional supportive housing program, the vision for Lamplighter is to provide culturally appropriate services to those who are prepared to embrace prioritizing their health, employment and educational advancement,” said Bob Hughes, chief executive officer for ASK Wellness Society, in the release.