The Creston Valley Housing Corporation (CVHC) is pleased to share the preliminary design for its innovative mixed-use childcare and residential development, a significant community investment that will expand access to childcare services while increasing the availability of quality rental housing in the Creston Valley.
The project has been designed to create a vibrant, family-oriented development that combines a purpose-built childcare facility with market rental housing, helping address two important community needs through a single integrated project.
Purpose-Built Childcare Facility
The development includes a Province of British Columbia-approved childcare facility designed to accommodate 110 childcare spaces. The facility is planned to serve children across all age groups, including infants, toddlers, preschool-aged children, and school-aged children requiring before- and after-school care.
The childcare centre design includes dedicated indoor learning environments and appropriately sized outdoor play areas designed to support healthy child development, outdoor recreation, and age-appropriate programming. The facility has been designed to meet provincial standards and support the long-term childcare needs of families throughout the region.
New Market Rental Housing
Above the childcare facility, the project includes a four-storey residential building comprised of a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom rental units. The range of unit sizes has been intentionally designed to accommodate a variety of households, including individuals, couples, families, and workforce residents seeking quality rental accommodation in the community.
The residential component will operate as market rental housing and is not intended to be a subsidized or low-income housing project. The objective is to increase overall housing supply within the community while creating a sustainable financial model that supports the long-term success of the development.
The preliminary design features residential units with private balconies, dedicated residential entrances, and a building layout intended to balance functionality, livability, and community integration.
Project Funding
Funding for the childcare component is supported through the provincial grant program that enabled development of the childcare facility. The residential portion of the project will be financed through private borrowing by CVHC.
As the project proceeds through detailed costing and procurement activities, the Corporation will not be publicly releasing the overall construction budget at this time. Maintaining confidentiality around budget figures during the pricing and procurement stage helps ensure a fair and competitive process as construction management teams, contractors, and trade partners develop and submit cost estimates.
Professional Project Management
Over the past year, CVHC has engaged Michael Lewis as Project Manager to guide the Board of Directors through the planning and design process. Working alongside architects, building professionals, consultants, and construction management experts, Michael Lewis has assisted the Board in advancing project design, budgeting, procurement planning, and project governance.
With more than two decades of construction industry experience, Michael Lewis brings valuable expertise and leadership to the project. His involvement has provided the Board with confidence that the project is being developed using sound construction, financial, and project management practices.
Community-Oriented Design
The preliminary design reflects a thoughtful approach to site development and community integration. The building places the childcare facility at ground level with direct access to dedicated outdoor play space, while residential units occupy the upper floors. Architectural renderings illustrate a modern building form designed to complement the surrounding area while maximizing the functionality of the site.
Parking to support the residential component will be provided through a combination of on-site parking and additional parking facilities located across Cedar Street. This approach enables the project to accommodate both the childcare use and residential parking requirements while maximizing the available development area.
Looking Ahead
The Board of Directors is encouraged by the progress made to date and looks forward to advancing the project through detailed costing, approvals, procurement, and construction planning. Once completed, the development will provide a modern childcare facility and new rental housing opportunities that support families, local employers, and the long-term growth of the Creston Valley.
"This project represents a significant investment in our community's future. By bringing together childcare and housing in one thoughtfully designed development, CVHC is helping to address two critical needs that impact families, workforce attraction, and community growth." said Councillor Denise Dumas, Chair of the Creston Valley Housing Corporation.
Additional project updates will be shared as the project advances through the next stages of development.