A preliminary review into building a community centre and childcare facility in West Kelowna will move forward despite concerns from council about overburdening staff and prioritizing it over other pending projects.

Councillor Stephen Johnston introduced a notice of motion at the March 25 council meeting, requesting staff to review the property at 2490 Shannon Woods Drive to assess its suitability for the project. The Shannon Lake Neighbourhood Association (SLNA) first proposed the idea to council in January.

Coun. Rick de Jong acknowledged the importance of the project but expressed concern about the city's limited staffing and the backlog of priority items, such as short-term rental regulations and boat launch fees, that remain unresolved.

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Coun. Tasha Da Silva also questioned prioritizing the review over more urgent matters but emphasized the community's need for childcare, particularly after the recent closure of BrightPath Childcare.

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Coun. Garrett Millsap supported going ahead with the review but shared de Jong's frustration over unresolved issues, specifically boat launch fees, which he initially raised in 2024.

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Johnston acknowledged his colleagues' concerns.

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Mayor Gord Milsom suggested the review be done before council begins its strategic planning in the summer.

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De Jong indicated he could support the review if a timeline were included in Johnston's motion.

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Council voted in favour of the review, with de Jong opposed.