Construction fencing is up around Douglas Recreation Centre as the building is renovated to allow for the addition of 72 new child-care spaces, funded by the provincial government.

91原创 City received funding through Childcare BC New Spaces Fund to add 10 infant childcare spaces, 14 toddler childcare spaces and 48 school aged before and after care spaces in addition to the Cookie Monster Preschool which operates out of the building at 20550 Douglas Cres. The provincial government announced the funding in May 2022 and in April 2024, 91原创 City council approved going ahead with the renovations.

"Originally, the province provided $2.4 million, but due to increasing construction costs, the province topped up that funding to $4.4 million," according to Mayor Nathan Pachal.

The project includes renovating the unused second floor, a multipurpose room, and preschool room. The building will also have a new elevator, a new multipurpose space, an additional playground for infants and preschoolers, and various building upgrades.

The City received 12 construction proposals and council made its choice in April. The major construction tender went to Edifice Construction Inc. for $2.76 million, excluding taxes. The project also includes new furnishings and two passenger vans for $450,000 within the $4.2 million budget. The federal government provided $100,000 towards the new elevator.

The preschool will move to the second floor when the construction is complete, which is expected to be early 2025.

"On the main floor there will be 10 spaces for group child care (under 36 months); 14 spaces for 30 months to school age; 48 spaces for before and after care," explained Kim Hilton, the city's director of recreation, culture and community services. "In addition, there will be a new multi-purpose room for additional recreation programs.  The centre will continue to support the great events that happen in the park and other preschool/children's activities."

The Cookie Monster Preschool started 1972 at the Douglas Recreation Centre as a recreational program that has evolved into to a licensed preschool.

During the 2023-2024 School Year, the preschool will be based at the Timms Community Centre while the Douglas Recreation Centre undergoes extensive renovation to create the 72 new child-care spaces.

Other programs at Douglas Recreation Centre have been moved during the work which will impact parking and access to the building's washrooms.

The outdoor public washroom at the centre will be closed as that area is needed for the installation of the elevator. Recently council approved new washrooms for Douglas Park near the pickleball courts. The City awarded the contract to Pacific Casa Construction Inc. for $545,196.04, excluding GST. The City is setting aside a contingency of $76,822.96. Council awarded the project's administration contract to McElhanney Ltd. for $77,981.00, excluding sales taxes.