“New buildings take capital and time,” said Tom Grauman, executive director with the Columbia Centre Society. “The appeal of motels is that they are already contained units that just need refurbishing.”
Nanaimo city staff members could soon investigate the potential to turn hotel suites into low-income rentals.
The new research will be geared towards providing new options to hotels and motels looking to exit the hospitality industry. City staff members say the new hotel tax exemption bylaw is expected to increase the stock of quality hotel rooms in Nanaimo, but it could also make the industry too competitive for those already struggling with low occupancy rates.
