Ukrainian refugees begin settling in to former resort in Sooke, B.C.

The primary of what is estimated to be round 100 refugees from Ukraine have arrived at their new residence at a former resort in Sooke, B.C.

Property proprietor Brian Holowaychuk says he hopes the previous resort will assist give the refugees a way of neighborhood.

Seven-year-old Asha and six-year-old Rajib, who're from totally different households that lately arrived in Sooke, already appear bonded by a typical expertise.

"They [were] like brother and sister within the first couple hours," mentioned Holowaychuk. "They're nearly inseparable right here."

Each households have needed to depart family members behind.

Asha's mom, Anna Buchuieva, says her husband remains to be in Ukraine.

"We hope that it'll finish quickly and we may be collectively," she mentioned.

Those that have arrived say they discover a sense of consolation locally right here, and for the chance for the youngsters to "be children" after escaping the devastation of their homeland.

The resort in East Sooke, B.C., is pictured. (CTV Information)

Holowaychuk is anticipating about 100 refugees to come back to the previous resort, nevertheless it's unclear when everybody will arrive. Paperwork and visas have slowed the method down for a lot of.

"I've had households ready over six weeks now they usually nonetheless have not gotten them," he mentioned.

Although not everyone seems to be right here, some rooms are already spoken for.

In the meantime, volunteers are serving to clear areas within the 82-acre property to create space for trailers in order that refugees can circle up and create a brand new type of neighborhood removed from their outdated properties.

Holowaychuk and different volunteers spent months getting ready the location for refugees by fixing up buildings and amassing donations.

"It is nearly such as you're prepping for a giant, huge occasion for months upfront after which unexpectedly the occasion's occurring. It is actually cool," he mentioned.