A new childcare centre in Peachland will provide 104 much-needed spaces in the community.

鈥淚t's a game changer for us," Mayor Patrick Van Minsel told a crowd gathered for the announcement at Peachland Elementary on Aug. 9.

The district is receiving $12.2 million from the provincial and federal governments to fund the centre.

"By partnering with all orders of government we are creating new childcare spaces where people need them most," said Municipal Affairs Minister Anne Kang, who took time out of her Okanagan vacation to attend the announcement.

The province's share of funding comes from a $74 million commitment for childcare in nine communities, including Peachland, announced on Aug. 8.

The district's commitment was to provide the land. 
Peachland's new childcare centre will provide 24 spaces for infants and toddlers, 32 spots for Kindergarten-aged children, and 48 for school-aged kids.

"It will allow us to attract families, and to keep families here...it's part of our larger vision," Van Minsel added.

The centre will be built next to Peachland Elementary, and a 98-unit rental-only apartment building is proposed to be constructed next to the site as well. 

"It's near amenities, the grocery store, the library, public transit," Van. Minsel said. "It helps to create a better community."

A family townhouse complex is also across the street from the site of the planned centre.

The mayor expects tenders for the project to be in by the end of the year and construction to begin in early 2025.