麻豆AV

A youth recovery centre planned for the Glenmore neighbourhood is moving forward.

At Monday鈥檚 (Jan. 20) meeting, council approved zoning amendments for property at 212 Valley Road North, a three-acre city-owned lot, where the Bridge Youth and Family Services Society (BYFSS) plans to build the centre.

鈥淲e鈥檝e had great support from the city in moving this forward,鈥� said John Yarschenko, BYFSS executive director. 

Part of the funding for the centre is coming from the Parade For A Purpose in December 2024 which raised $487,000. The Hall Family Foundation is also a major donor and supporter of BYFSS.

鈥淭his is intended to support young people from 12 to 18 years old who are in recovery,鈥� Yarschenko added. 

Stays at the centre could be anywhere from a few days to several weeks or months.

鈥淚t really commits to a long-term, local service for the Okanagan. I鈥檓 pleased that it鈥檚 moving forward.鈥�

The centre is proposed to include three cottages, a centre learning hub and a barn building. 鈥淭his is a perfect location,鈥� noted Councillor Mohini Singh. 鈥淚t brings a level of calm, and gives people a chance at therapy surrounded by agriculture.鈥�

The property is not located within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) but is adjacent to land within the ALR. A tributary of Brandt Creek runs through the property. 

Yarschenko said the hope is that site preparation can begin this spring.