The next phase for a new daycare facility in Ranger Park is underway.
Following completion of the Smithers Child Care Plan Implementation Project, the town of Smithers conducted Phase 1 which included community engagement to explore applying for 100 per cent capital funding through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund Program to build a new child care facility in a portion the park.
The idea is to build a 76-space facility somewhere in Ranger Park.
In the spring, Council selected the YMCA as the facility operator.
A Traffic Impact Assessment Study to look at how the proposed development might affect traffic in the area was also completed recently.
The town is currently seeking community feedback on two possible locations for the child care centre within Ranger Park.
The town held a public meeting on Dec. 5 to hear from residents about location ideas.
Option one is closer to 16th Avenue, in front of the current building while Option 2 is along Princess Street behind the existing building.
Anyone who missed the open house and is still interested in giving feedback can take a survey. A link is available through the town’s website. It will be available until Dec. 20. Paper copies of the survey are also available at the town’s office on Aldous Street.
If the town’s grant application is approved, the detailed design process for the facility will begin using the preferred location. Part of this process includes an environmental phase 1 report, a geotechnical report, a landscape plan, and an arborist report.
There is currently a childcare space gap of just over 200 spaces in Smithers.
