Community Centre Proposal: A Promising Vision Awaiting its Moment

In the growing city of West Kelowna, the proposed Community Centre and Daycare at 2490 Shannon Lake Road has emerged as a hopeful initiative—blending small-town values with the evolving needs of a larger population. Initiated by the Shannon Lake Neighbourhood Association (SLNA), the project aims to offer both childcare services and a community gathering space.

Despite the group’s enthusiasm, City Council has opted to pause the initiative, primarily due to questions around timing and site logistics. Councillor Stephen Johnston praised the idea for helping preserve West Kelowna’s “close-knit, small-town feel.” Councillor Rick DeJong noted the similarity to the successful Julia’s Junction inclusive playground project, while Councillor Jason Friesen acknowledged the broader regional need for more childcare spaces. However, most of Council, including Councillor Carol Zanon, felt the project “deserves its moment in time, but this is not the time.”

This reflects a cautious yet strategic stance: supportive in principle, but hesitant to move forward without further clarity on site suitability and timing.

From a zoning perspective, the project is feasible. The land in question is already city-owned and zoned P1, designated for Civic Uses and Municipal Facilities. As Director of Parks Mark Roberts explained, the development could proceed if the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) grants approval. City staff have also indicated that ALR exclusions may be considered when proposals align with the Official Community Plan and offer “significant community benefit.”

The city staff's Community Centre Site Review described the proposal as “commendable,” highlighting its potential to help with the area’s childcare shortage, enhance park space, and provide a venue for community events. While there are concerns about the site’s relatively modest size—roughly 30,000 square feet—the SLNA believes those concerns can be addressed through further planning and design adjustments.

In fact, a preliminary analysis by an independent design consultant found no major barriers to land capacity. The property already has all essential infrastructure—water, sewer, and electricity—which further strengthens the case for viability. These existing utilities were also noted in the city’s internal review.

Parking has emerged as another concern. City staff raised questions about the area’s capacity, but local users point out that the north gravel lot, often labeled as overflow parking, is significantly underused. They suggest that parking along Shannon Woods Drive is often a matter of convenience rather than necessity. Additionally, since the city’s Public Works department uses the gravel lot for seasonal storage of gravel and snow, it’s clear the space isn’t consistently reserved for recreational use alone.

As a point of comparison, Julia’s Junction offers a compelling precedent. That inclusive, accessible playground succeeded not because every detail was solved upfront, but because citizens and city officials shared a vision and a willingness to act. The SLNA believes the same cooperative spirit can guide this project.

By leveraging generous federal and provincial funding opportunities—such as Childcare BC and the Canada Community Building Fund—along with private and corporate sponsorships, most project costs can be offset, making this a financially responsible and strategically smart investment for the municipality.

While there may still be debate over when construction should begin, now is the time to initiate next steps. Open communication, collaborative planning, and incremental progress can turn this grassroots proposal into an asset with long-term community benefits for the City of West Kelowna.

When the Council decides the time is right, the community is clearly ready to move forward.