Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

DAYCARE SPACES

Children’s Circle Childcare submits rezoning application for proposed expansion

Sep 5, 2024 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — With a waiting list of approximately 800 names, the Children’s Circle Daycare Society in Kamloops is hoping to expand. The centre has submitted a rezoning application for a lot next to the existing facility in hopes of constructing another building.

Executive Director Karyn Sutherland says the need for childcare spaces in Kamloops is high. For example, Children’s Circle has about 150 children registered with hundreds more on a waiting list. If rezoning is approved and the centre can secure provincial funding to build, the daycare would see another building on the lot beside the current facility at 1500 Ninth Avenue.

“Obviously, if we’re going to enter into something like this, it would be a significant number of new spaces,” says Sutherland, who notes that the cost, size and scope of the work hasn’t been finalized. “The province wants to see new spaces in infant care, so under three years old and also school aged is where the major demand is coming from and the shortages. That’s probably where we would focus our energies.”

The proposal also has the backing of the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, with the hope that more childcare spaces in the city could help recruit and retain doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Week in Review

Week in Review: Week of Sept. 30

Oct 05, 2024

Two and Out

PETERS: Four dogs will die and the owners responsible will get away with it

Oct 04, 2024

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: October 3, 2024

Oct 04, 2024

“We have 800 names and about 300 of those are for healthcare professionals,” explains Sutherland, “so I think across the board, it’s a need for the entire community.”

In a release, Children’s Circle states that it wants to work with neighbouring residents, including the Sagebrush Neighbourhood Association, to deal with any concerns around traffic and other potential impacts.

The property rezoning application will go before Kamloops council later this fall. Should that be approved, Children’s Circle hopes to have an answer on provincial funding options for the project by the end of the year.