The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine has voted in favour of a proposal to redevelop the Northern Motor Inn in Thornhill, a project that could result in a large assisted-living facility along with additional commercial space and staff housing.
The board voted to provide a letter of support for the proposal from the owner of the Northern Motor Inn as discussions begin with Northern Health and BC Housing.
The proposal will see the existing motel renovated and expanded into an assisted living facility with long-term plans for up to 92 units of assisted living space. The plan also includes a multi-unit retail plaza and the development of staff housing on a newly subdivided parcel of land.
The proposal was put forward as a means of addressing the growing need for seniors’ housing in the region and will also serve as a community-based commercial space.
“The project is intended to address the growing need for seniors’ housing and care while supporting a community-serving commercial hub that advances region’s priorities such as local employment, access to essential services and long-term tax base stability,” the application states.
During the meeting, representatives of the project stated that the redevelopment would involve the repurposing of the existing building for assisted living and the addition of a new wing to increase the capacity. The first phase would have 32 units, and the expansion would increase the capacity to 92 units.
Other plans for the site include the addition of retail space that would offer services to Thornhill residents and Highway 16 travelers. The site would also have housing for the staff working at the assisted living facility and the businesses nearby.
As part of the project, the proponents have also started discussions with the regional district regarding the expansion of the Thornhill Commercial Core sewer line to accommodate the redevelopment.
Engineering modelling will be required to to determine the increase in the demand for water and sewer services from the project. The regional district states that it expects to share the cost of the modeling with the developer because it would also be beneficial for future sewer expansion planning in the area.
Although the cost of the project has not been determined, the developer states that more details will be made available after conducting feasibility studies and consulting with potential funding partners.
The requested letter of support will be used to help advance discussions with Northern Health’s Assisted Living Program and BC Housing’s assisted living and workforce housing programs as the project moves forward.
