The City of Penticton announced today (Sept. 18) that they have been approved for a capital grant totalling $2.9 million from the Child Care BC New Spaces Fund.
The city plans to use the grant to replace the Edmonton Avenue Centre with a new child care facility.
In partnership with the City of Penticton, OneSky Community Resources will lead the design, construction and operation of the new building, which will add up to 116 additional child care spaces in Penticton.
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Penticton mayor John Vassilaki is thankful for the grant.
“On behalf of Penticton city council and parents of children who will benefit from the added childcare spaces, I’d like to thank the Province for this grant and the economic value it will bring through the construction of a new facility,” said Vassilaki.
OneSky executive director Tanya Behardien said a new child care facility has been a known need in Penticton for some time.
“OneSky is thrilled to be a part of this initiative with the City of Penticton and to support our community,” said Behardien. “Before COVID, we knew that more quality, affordable child care was an important need for families. We appreciate the support of the Province of BC to help improve this vital resource for families in Penticton.”
With the success of the grant, the city is preparing to initiate the process for a zoning amendment to add daycare as a permitted use in Kiwanis Park.
Although Kiwanis Park has been home to two childcare facilities for the past 30 years, childcare is currently not a permitted use in the park. As part of this process, the city will also review the proposal for the new childcare facility with interested community members.
A news release from the City of Penticton states that more information about opportunities to get involved will be shared at a later date.
READ MORE: City of Penticton developing plan to improve access to child care
jesse.day@pentictonwesternnews.com
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