Traveller's Inn sale to benefit homeless

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Dec. 22, 2009

New hotel owner to slash rent for families in need


Families with nowhere else to go but a motel may get some financial relief at the first Travellers’ Inn to be sold in a bankruptcy sale.

Rents at the motel, which has been operating as the Traveller’s Inn Express at 626 Gorge Rd. E., will drop almost $200 per month.

“We are lowering the rents to the $600 range, so it will be a significant savings for the users,” said Roger Tinney, a consultant hired by City Metro Properties. The company bought the property through a court-ordered sale earlier this month.

The motel was sold to cover debts owed by financially troubled hotelier John Asfar.

“I was a bit surprised by the rents they are charging,” Tinney said.

Rents ranged from $712 to $875, depending on the availability of kitchen amenities.


The new owner is considering whether to continue renting its rooms on a month-to-month basis, or rezone the property for long-term housing.

The motel is among several local establishments utilized by the Burnside Gorge Community Association, which helps families with no place to go find interim accommodation through its Housing Outreach Program.

rholmen@saanichnews.com