Questions in the Legislature have led to a clearer picture of some of the work being done at the old Airport Comfort Inn to house people who are having difficulty getting safe and affordable housing.
Opposition Leader Tony Wakeham wanted to know whether the $21-million being spent to lease the facility for the next three years is providing the best bang for the buck.
To date, only a handful of people are living at the 140-room facility, which is supposed to include a variety of health, social, and mental health services.
Wakeham asked Housing Minister Fred Hutton who spaces in the hotel are for.
Wakeham questioned Hutton who indicated the hotel would have 130 client rooms, while last week, Executive Director of End Homelessness St. John’s, Doug Pawson said there would only have 100.
“Does the Liberal Government have any idea of how many rooms we are getting and what the total cost is?”
Hutton says “there are 140 rooms, some of those rooms have been converted into medical rooms that can be used, similar to what you would see when you walk into a doctor’s office.” Hutton says the facility will also include rooms for staff, for counselling purposes, and private areas. There will also be common areas for people to gather to watch a movie or meet with family members, Hutton told the Legislature.