Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
Rocky Mountain School District No. 6 is continuing full steam ahead with its new child care projects in Invermere and Marysville.
Secretary treasurer Alan Rice gave the board an update on Feb. 13. He presented a report on the new space being built directly south of Invermere’s Eileen Madson Primary School, a project that was announced in May of 2023 with provincial funding of $8.6 million (and Columbia Basin Trust funding of $300,000).
Rice reported that MQN Architects have been awarded the design contract, adding that topographical and geotechnical surveys have been completed. He noted that the conceptual site plan has been completed and reviewed with the District of Invermere, and that the development permit application is being prepared.
Rice said the final proposed site plan is done, pointing out that the construction site slopes away from 15th Avenue, with the design team focusing on determining the facility’s elevation to minimize excavation. In addition, the landscape architect has created a conceptual plan for the outdoor play area.
It was also reported that a traffic engineer is conducting an impact assessment, a requirement of the development permit.
Rice noted that the Marysville facility design will be used as a template for the Invermere facility.
Steve Wyer, acting superintendent of schools, told the Pioneer it is hoped the project will go to tender in April. He noted the facility will have the capacity for 24 group child care spaces (for those under 36 months), 100 spaces (for 30 months to school age/preschool children), and 24 spaces (for school age children).
Wyer said the construction timeline for the project is January 2025 for completion, however, this is subject to change. He pointed out it is important to note that once construction is completed, there will be an internal and external facility licensing process handled by Interior Health before the facility can operate. He added this four to six-week process falls outside of school district control. But once these inspections have been cleared, the building can open.
Wyer said the Windermere Valley Child Care Society will need time to go through the required licensing process with Interior Health and hire staff prior to beginning operations.
