Kelowna advances plans for new all-ages activity centres

News Release

The City of Kelowna is moving forward with some major components in its Building a Stronger Kelowna initiative: three new all-ages activity centres in Glenmore, Rutland and Mission.

These facilities will expand access to recreation and community services, creating inclusive spaces for residents of all ages and abilities.

“These activity centres are creating welcoming spaces where people across Kelowna can connect, stay active and thrive,” said Derek Edstrom, Divisional Director, Partnership & Investments. “By expanding access to recreation and wellness services, we’re ensuring every resident has the opportunity to enjoy a healthier, more vibrant life.”

The three new centres will offer inclusive spaces for recreation, learning, family support, and cultural activities — promoting community wellness and ensuring equitable access for residents of all ages and abilities. All three centres have been designed with sustainable initiatives as it relates to energy and performance.

The need for additional indoor recreation facilities was identified through the Indoor Recreation Facilities Strategy and the 10-Year Capital Plan, to meet the demands of Kelowna’s growing population and provide multi-generational spaces that foster connection and wellbeing.

The activity centre in Glenmore will be located within the northeastern quadrant of Glenmore Recreation Park and is envisioned as a vibrant hub for the community. It will feature an activity hall that can function as a competition gymnasium and accommodate activities such as dance, yoga, basketball and volleyball, while dedicated kids’ areas and social spaces will ensure inclusive programming for all residents. This centre includes an express Okanagan Regional Library branch and 91 licensed childcare spaces funded through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, ensuring inclusive programming for all residents.  

The new activity centre in Rutland will be a modern two-storey facility adjacent to Lions Park, designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding green space. It will include a teaching kitchen for culinary learning and cultural exchange, a youth-oriented lounge, multi-use spaces suitable for medium-sized social gatherings and movement classes, and a central community living room and socialization areas that serve as casual gathering spaces to encourage connection. This project responds to the removal of the damaged building at 155 Gray Road and leverages the consolidation of nearby lots to expand recreational opportunities.

The activity centre in Mission will complement the Mission Recreation Park campus, strategically positioned between H2O and MNP Place to serve as a connector within the park. Its single-storey design emphasizes openness and flexibility, offering spaces for cultural programs, wellness activities, and community gatherings. Key features include 91 licensed childcare spaces funded through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, a teaching kitchen, multi-purpose rooms, and a central community room that functions as the heart of the facility.

"Kelowna is a fast-growing community, which is why we are investing in more childcare spaces,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. “When complete, these new spaces will give parents peace of mind, ease financial pressure and allow parents to balance work and family life. Affordable, reliable childcare is a major win for communities and we’re proud to be delivering the support families deserve.”

Childcare spaces at the Mission Activity Centre and the Glenmore Activity Centre have been made possible through more than $16 million from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. This fund is jointly supported by provincial investments and federal funding under the Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. British Columbia and the federal government signed an extension to the agreement for 2026-27 until 2030-31.

“These new child-care centres will give families in Kelowna opportunities to connect and thrive,” said Anna Gainey, Canada’s Secretary of State for Children and Youth. “By investing in affordable childcare, we’re helping families access the support they need close to home.” No matter the childcare option parents choose, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides direct, tax-free support, helping about 3.5 million families every year, including more than 450,000 families in B.C. Families can use the benefit however they need. For many, it significantly reduces the burden of childcare expenses – in some cases, cutting them entirely thanks to federal, provincial, and territorial investments to reduce childcare fees in the Canada-wide early learning and childcare system.

Designs incorporate syilx/Okanagan cultural principles, including Indigenous art, symbolism, and environmental stewardship. Each centre will feature culturally inclusive spaces for ceremonies and storytelling, ensuring they serve as welcoming places for all.

Detailed design and permit submissions for all three activity centres is currently underway in preparation for site mobilization in early 2026. Council will consider the rezoning and OCP amendment for the new activity centre in Rutland on Dec. 8, 2025, with adoption anticipated in early 2026, paving the way for groundbreaking in spring. Construction will progress with Glenmore’s foundations beginning in May 2026, Rutland following in July, and Mission commencing later in 2026 after third party approvals.

With strong collaboration across teams and adjacent projects, all three centres are anticipated to be completed and open by end of2027, serving as vibrant community hubs that enhance connectivity and wellbeing in Kelowna. The total investment for the Activity Centre Bundle is $74.8M. This includes $58.8 million for the Activity Centres and $16 million of grant funding from the Province of BC through the Childcare New Spaces Fund as previously reported. For more information, visit kelowna.ca/StrongerKelowna.