Photo: District of Lake Country

Ground was broken Wednesday on a new $7-million multi-generational activity centre in Lake Country.

Mayor James Baker, council and Kelowna-Lake Country MP Stephen Fuhr took part in the ceremony.

The centre, in the heart of Lake Country town centre, was funded through contributions from the federal and provincial governments as well as $1 million from the municipality.

The federal gas tax fund is providing $5.5 million, while the Childcare BC new spaces fund is providing the other $500,000.

“I am very pleased to see federal gas tax fund dollars supporting dynamic, community-driven recreational facilities like MAC in Lake Country," said Fuhr. "Investing in local infrastructure helps build safe inclusive community spaces that residents and families can enjoy for generations to come."

The facility is designed to provide a centrally located place for the Lake Country Boys and Girls Club and sustainable community activity programming for the municipality.

It will consist of a new two-storey multi-functional building as well as renovations to Winfield Arena and Seniors Centre. 

There will be daycare spaces with outdoor play areas, youth activity spaces, washrooms, offices, reception, a tech lab, maker lab, art studio and kitchen, plus parking.

Additionally, renovations are planned for the existing Seniors Centre and Winfield Arena to address accessibility issues and create dynamic places for people to gather, socialize and participate in recreational activities.  

“Lake Country is a quickly growing community, and finding child care has been difficult for many local families," said Baker. "Partnering with organizations such as the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs and fully benefitting from any senior level government funding grants are what make initiatives like this happen faster."