More than 520 licensed child-care spaces have been added in Penticton since 2021, putting the community 70 per cent of the way toward its goal of creating 722 new spaces by 2030. Council will receive an update on the Child Care Action Plan at its regular meeting on Aug. 4.

The update highlights progress made through partnerships between the City, School District 67, child-care operators, community organizations and senior levels of government to expand access to child care for local families.

Adopted by Council in 2021, the Child Care Action Plan established a roadmap to improve access to affordable, inclusive and quality child care in Penticton. The plan identified a target of creating 722 new licensed spaces by 2030 to help address growing demand and support children, families and the local workforce.

"Finding child care remains one of the biggest challenges many families face," said Rachel McGeachie, social development manager. "Adding more than 500 licensed spaces in five years is meaningful progress that helps parents participate in the workforce, supports local employers and gives families more options close to home. While there is more work to do, Penticton is making steady progress toward its long-term child-care goals."