My thanks to Helen Sarrazin for her suggested changes and improvements to the proposal for the possible use of the former Connaught Motor Inn. Her concept of using the motel for disabled and others is indeed a great idea, one that should be implemented.
As she pointed out, there are presently facilities for the homeless in Prince George but little for the working poor, students saddled with huge debt, seniors, the disabled and no doubt others who would benefit. While I am not certain how the criteria for residents would be determined, no doubt B.C. Housing could evolve some standards for residents. Too often, it seems, we concentrate on the visible human problems and not those that lie out of sight. This might make an interesting pilot project supported financially by all levels of government. Some years ago, a former motel in Courtenay-Comox was renovated as a much needed assisted living facility; a similar conversion was done in Salmon Arm.
When the Connaught was built, Prince George needed a motel. In the years that have passed, we have added many hotels and motels to service visitors and the Connaught would have a hard time competing. The use suggested by Ms. Sarrazin deserves further study.
Willow Arune
Prince George
