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By Caden Fanshaw

HOUSING

‘It’s bizarre’: Recently renovated BC Housing building sits nearly empty for months

Apr 6, 2023 | 4:39 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – For months, an apartment building in Prince George managed by BC Housing has sat nearly empty.

“It’s a bizarre situation I’m going through,” said the building’s last tenant William. “But forget about me. The real question is why are all these other apartment units not being rented, basically being threatened, by the rental eviction process? You know, I’m sure that, if everyone else has been moved out there, I’m probably next.”

William did not want to reveal his full identity as he fears himself of being kicked out of his unit where he has been since 2015.

The building located at 1585 Strathcona Avenue only has one tenant, and even he is wondering how this could be happening after thousands were just spent renovating the complex.

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William, the last-standing tenant, is telling his story in hopes of getting more answers on how a public asset can sit empty for so long when so many are desperately in search of a place to call home.

The man said other tenants have gradually moved out since early 2023. He claims that BC Housing threatened him and others that a different housing program would begin in the 11-unit complex and they needed to move out. When William asked for this in writing, he was never given an answer, and he has not been forced to actually leave.

After being asked for clarification on why the building is currently empty, BC Housing said they were planning to repurpose the site.

“BC Housing had previously leased out the property at 1585 Strathcona Ave. in Prince George, which was vacated by tenants between February and March 2023, all of whom have moved to other affordable housing. BC Housing has been renovating the site and will repurpose a new program with the Indigenous community in partnership with multiple local non-profit organizations. The details of the new program are still being finalized and more information will be shared once confirmed.”

It is unknown what this will mean for the last tenant in the building.