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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Hotel could house homeless

Residents of tent city could go to the Howard Johnson hotel, says letter writer
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News Bulletin file photo Nanaimo’s Howard Johnson Harbourside Hotel will cease operations Oct. 31 after more than 50 years. It would be suitable for a homeless shelter, says letter writer.

To the editor,

Re: Howard Johnson Harbourside Hotel to cease operations, Sept. 5.

Has anyone given a thought to moving the residents of Discontent City to the soon-to- be closed Howard Johnson hotel?

Its rooms could be modified to hold two people; blankets sheets pillows should still be there. There could be a drop-in centre and health centre, mess kitchen and dining room. There must be a few in group who could prepare light lunches, soup, chili and stews and make bread and buns, maybe cookies, etc. I am sure a few residents could keep up the housekeeping in the halls. Any one who has personal things they could go into locked storage. Parking lot is large enough to hold two temporary housing buildings. Hotel is going to sit empty for a few years. City would have to waive taxes from owners and apply for hydro vacation rates.

All government agencies would have to work together. I keep hearing and reading they are going to something but it just seems to be talk: maybe, if, when.

There are a lot of volunteers. even seniors, who would like to help just to keep busy.

Gwen Bossert, Nanaimo


The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press or the Nanaimo News Bulletin. If you have a different view, we encourage you to write to us or contribute to the discussion below.