More than 500 refugees will soon leave their homes after the federal government chose not to renew the shelter contract with a Cornwall hotel.

The DEV Hotel and Conference Centre has been hosting asylum seekers since September 2022 through a program with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The program primarily provides temporary housing, and allows families to learn English at the center while children attend school on-site.

Earlier this week, the 524 hotel residents received notice that the IRCC will not renew its contract with the DEV Hotel, which ends at the end of the month. Families are expected to find housing by that time.

Abasi Mugisha, a Ugandan refugee, said, "They provided us with good food and good shelter and everything." "We are very happy to have met many people from different countries - Arabs, Africans, West Africans, and Caribbeans, but the truth is I am very sad that I will leave the DEV Hotel."

The DEV Hotel declined to be interviewed on Thursday, referring questions to the federal government, which wrote: "Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is the sole responsible party for managing this program. As such, they are the only party qualified to comment on this matter."

In a statement, the IRCC said: "IRCC is committed to working with the City of Cornwall to ensure that no applicants are left homeless as part of this process, and the IRCC is available for support during this transitional period."

Refugee Kiyomuhindo Oliver said: "I heard rumors when they said they would help people to get some homes, but from my side, I haven’t seen anything yet."

Cornwall declared a housing affordability crisis in 2022. With hundreds of families now searching for housing at the same time, it has been a challenge.

Mugisha said, "Right now, homes are scarce; there are very few homes in Cornwall." "The price is high - getting a one-bedroom is $1,400 not including bills."