Penticton city council voted unanimously this week to approve the final design and project schedule for a brand-new child-care centre on Edmonton Avenue.
The city applied for and received a $2.9-million grant from the provincial government and the Union of BC Municipalities to build the child-care centre in Kiwanis Park.
The project will add at least 116 net new child-care spaces in a community struggling with a shortage of quality, affordable child-care options.
In January, city council endorsed the Penticton Child Care Action Plan, which identified a need for at least 722 net new child-care spaces in Penticton.
A public survey revealed that 83 per cent of respondents indicated it’s hard to find childcare in Penticton.
Eighty-one per cent of participating child-care centres reported a wait-list of at least six months, and businesses indicated the lack of child care is hampering their growth and ability to recruit and retain new employees.
City councillor Judy Sentes was overjoyed with the project moving forward.
“This is so exciting because it has been so needed in our community for many years,” Sentes said.
“Our greatest treasures are our children and daycare is so required. People who are looking to move to Penticton are looking for three things. Not only their own work opportunity, but that of their spouse, housing, and childminding. Most couples have got to work to make ends meet.”
The child-care centre will have spaces for children aged 12 and under, will focus on nature play and discovery and include enhanced supports for children with developmental disabilities.
Construction is slated to begin in July with a grand opening scheduled for September.
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