Peachland municipal council has taken the next steps in advancing a 104-space childcare centre.
Earlier this month, Peachland council gave first readings to amendments to its Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw that will advance the major project.
The childcare centre is proposed to be built next to Peachland Elementary School in the District’s Clements neighbourhood.
A staff report said the project will include offsite improvements in the neighbourhood, including the construction of a new street which has been called Wild Goose Street and will serve as the access to the future centre.
Earlier this year, the District received $12.2 million in funding through ChildCare BC’s New Spaces Fund.
The future facility will be operated by the Boys and Girls Club of the Okanagan and will include 48 spaces for children under the age of five and 56 spaces for kids in school.
District staff told councillors that the proposed P2 – Public Institutional zone accommodates these types of uses.
Additionally, Peachland’s Official Community Plan encourages development that protects environmental values and public access to Trepanier Creek.
“The Clements Neighbourhood has been identified as an area that is well suited for an accessible childcare facility in consideration of its proximity to the elementary school, open spaces, playgrounds, shopping, and transit,” a staff report said.
City staff said they have forwarded the zoning bylaw and OCP amendments to Westbank First Nation who has requested additional information.
Additionally, city staff asked council to waive a public information meeting and directly forward the OCP amendments to a public hearing.
Councillors agreed to give first and second readings to the OCP and zoning amendments and this matter will be forwarded to a future public hearing meeting.
