On August 8th, 2023, Smithers town councillors sat for nearly 2 hours as residents and community members of the town shared their thoughts on the possible rezoning of the Capri Motor Inn for Supportive Housing.

The proposed Bylaws under discussion were No. 1958 - Town of Smithers Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1935 Amendment No. 23-02" [Capri Motor Inn and Tandoori Restaurant land use designation change] and "Bylaw No. 1959 - Town of Smithers Zoning Bylaw No. 1936 Amendment No. 23-02" [Capri Motor Inn and Tandoori Restaurant zoning]. The documents related to these bylaws can be found here.

Under these bylaws, the Capri Motor Inn which is located on Highway 16 between the Tim Horton's and Tandoori Bistro, would cease to be a hotel and become a Supportive housing unit. The hotel has already been purchased by BC Housing with the intent to create 60 short and long-term housing units.

The people that spoke at council were unanimously against the project. Over 20 people presented their letters and thoughts to the council members. Some common themes that were brought up and echoed from speakers were the proximity of the proposed housing project to the elementary school and seniors' residence and the need for more mental health supports before putting everyone in one building.

"You're building it and you're putting it in a place where it's 100 feet from seniors home, 300 feet from an elementary school. Those seniors are going to be afraid to walk around, kids are going to be afraid to go to school. I believe all you're doing is just, just going to create an instance. I don't know how you can possibly regulate 60 rooms, 60 people, or even find enough staff to do that. It's going to be totally impossible."

The result of the councillor's votes were Councillor Wray, Councillor Buikema, Councillor Elliott, and Councillor Leonard opposed while Councillor Raven and Patterson voted for the bylaw change.

To listen to the full episode on CICK News, click on the link below.