From hotel to homeless shelter; As the tourism industry remains deeply mired in recession...

Globe and Mail Tim Quocksister spent $1.4-million to buy a Traveller's Inn in Victoria, but he has no intention of renting rooms to budget-conscious tourists. Instead, he plans to tear down the signs, remove the ice machines and hire someone to make sure the common areas are kept clean. With a little help from the city, the building will become a temporary shelter for homeless families. "It is an opportunity to do something good in the community," says Mr. Quocksister, who runs property group City Metro Properties.