City breaks ground on new Activity Centre in Glenmore
The City of Kelowna has officially broken ground on the new Activity Centre in Glenmore, marking an exciting milestone for one of the community’s fastest growing neighbourhoods. The new centre will bring much needed recreation, wellness, and community gathering space to Glenmore, supporting residents of all ages and strengthening the area’s role as a vibrant urban hub through the Building a Stronger Kelowna initiative.
Located in the heart of Glenmore, the facility will feature a modern gymnasium, multipurpose program rooms, fitness and wellness spaces, outdoor gathering areas and flexible spaces designed to support everything from youth activities to seniors’ programming. The centre will also include a new Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) hub and a licensed daycare, creating a true community anchor that supports learning, childcare, recreation, and social connection in one place.
More than $8 million from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund will create more than 90 new child care spaces for children aged zero to five. The funding is joint support from the B.C. government and the Government of Canada.
The project reflects extensive community engagement and long-term planning through the City’s Building a Stronger Kelowna initiative. Residents identified the need for more indoor recreation space, particularly in Glenmore, where population growth has outpaced available facilities. The new centre will help meet that demand while supporting broader goals for accessibility, sustainability, and community resilience.
Construction will continue through 2027, with the facility designed to meet high environmental performance standards. Energy efficient systems, natural lighting, and durable materials will reduce long-term operating costs and support the City’s climate goals. The building’s flexible layout will also allow it to adapt to future community needs.
Once complete, the Activity Centre will serve as a neighbourhood anchor, offering recreation programs, cultural activities, community events, and drop-in opportunities that bring people together. This project reflects the City’s commitment to delivering high-quality recreation infrastructure that supports residents today and in the future.
Sign up to receive project updates as construction progresses at kelowna.ca/buildingstronger.
Quotes
Tom Dyas, Kelowna Mayor
“The new Activity Centre in Glenmore represents a major investment in the health and wellbeing of our residents,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “As Glenmore continues to grow, this facility will ensure families, youth, and seniors have access to high quality recreation opportunities close to home.”
The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna
“For families in Kelowna—especially here in Glenmore—this is the kind of investment that makes a real difference in everyday life. By bringing federal funding to expand childcare and create a truly multi-generational community space, we’re supporting children, parents, and seniors alike while helping our community continue to grow and thrive," said the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna.
Danielle Hubbard, CEO Okanagan Regional Library
“We are very excited to be partnering with the City of Kelowna to open a new library branch in Glenmore, said Danielle Hubbard, CEO Okanagan Regional Library. ”This project – and the twin project of introducing a library to the new Parkinson Rec Centre – has been one of the greatest highlights of my work at the ORL.”
Alison Barker, Executive Manager Clubhouse Child Care Center
“The Clubhouse is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to build a strategic community partnership with the City of Kelowna in order to provide much needed childcare for the Glenmore community,” said Alison Barker, Executive Manager Clubhouse Child Care Center. “With support from the Province, the Clubhouse at Glenmore will offer 91 new licensed childcare spaces; including infant care, 3 - 5 group daycare, Pre K, kindergarten and school age care - all within this thoughtfully designed, purpose-built facility, surrounded by so many valuable amenities.”
Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care.
“Families in Kelowna will benefit from a welcoming space where children can learn, play and grow,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. “This new centre brings child care, recreation and community services together in one place. Through our partnership with the federal government, we are creating more licensed spaces and supporting children in the first steps of their education journey so they can grow into confident, well-rounded adults.”
Anna Gainey, Canada’s Secretary of State for Children and Youth
“Affordable child care in Kelowna will lower costs for families and help more children get the best start in life ” said Anna Gainey, Canada’s Secretary of State for Children and Youth. “In partnership with British Columbia, this investment to create over 90 new spaces at the Activity Centre in Glenmore will ensure that children have access to quality early learning and give parents the support they need to participate in the workforce.”
