The Discovery Supportive Housing project aims to provide housing and round-the-clock support services for at-risk community members in the Capital City Center Hotel. This hotel is currently owned by BC Housing and operated by Our Place Society as a response to transitioning individuals out of encampments in Topaz and Pandora Parks in Victoria in 2020. Although initially intended as a temporary solution during the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel lacks the necessary space, amenities, and security to meet the long-term needs of those most at risk of homelessness.
This new supportive housing project will offer a permanent, purpose-built facility designed to address the complex needs of Victoria’s homeless population, benefiting both current residents and future generations, all without displacing tenants. The project will include 90 self-contained studio suites, supported by a commercial kitchen, dining area, outdoor amenity space, bicycle storage, and staff areas on the main level.
The project has increased in size, necessitating a shift from modular wood construction to non-combustible construction. After collaborating closely with the contractor, a panelized load-bearing steel system was chosen due to its ability to minimize scheduling impacts compared to a modular, non-combustible design. To offset the building’s power consumption and reduce the project’s greenhouse gas footprint, the plan includes the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on the rooftop.
The site features existing Garry Oak trees that have been identified for preservation. Detailed review and research into the extensive root systems of these trees have informed design considerations to mitigate any impact on their health.
