Peachland council has given initial consideration to changes to the Official Community Plan (OCP) and zoning bylaws to support the construction of a new childcare centre. 

The proposed site is adjacent to Peachland Elementary School and includes offsite improvements, such as a new road named "Wild Goose Street," which will provide access to the facility.  The childcare centre is funded by $12.2 million from ChildCare BC鈥檚 New Spaces Fund announced in August. The plan includes a 104-space childcare centre operated by the BGC Okanagan. The facility will provide 48 spaces for children aged 0-5 and 56 spaces for school-aged children.

The OCP supports development that protects the environmental values of nearby Trepanier Creek. Approval of the amendments will require the Ministry of Transportation's endorsement and the registration of a covenant ensuring the site and building design are safe from potential flooding. The project has been referred to key stakeholders, including the Westbank First Nation (WFN), which has requested more information.

Given the extensive prior notification of the project, staff recommend waiving the requirement for a Public Information Meeting and recommend proceeding directly to a Public Hearing which will be scheduled at a future date.