District of 100 Mile House councillors had to deal with a glitch in the C-1 (Central Business District Commercial Zone) bylaws that would “disenfranchise” daycare centres from setting up shop on Cedar Avenue.
The issue arose when staff received a business licence application for a new child daycare centre on Cedar Avenue.
Under the former zoning bylaw, daycare centres were allowed under the “private school” definition, but the private school definition was revised in the District’s new Zoning Bylaw and “educational institution” no longer includes daycare centres.
The appropriate class for a commercial daycare is a “care centre,” which is defined as an “establishment licensed under the Community Care and Assisted Act and intended to provide residential care, education services and supervision for children, youth or adults and may include overnight accommodation to accommodate caregivers….”
The new Zoning Bylaw doesn’t permit care centres in the C-1 zone.
The District’s Official Community Plan lists most of Cedar Avenue as Commercial Central Business District designation, which reflected council’s desire to transition the area to commercial land uses over time.
Meanwhile, there are several daycare centres currently operating on Cedar Avenue in the C-1 zone.
The new Zoning Bylaw definition has resulted in these existing businesses becoming non-conforming and new daycare businesses not permitted.
Councillor Ralph Fossum moved, and it was seconded by Coun. Bill Hadden, that staff be directed to prepare zoning amendment for council’s consideration to permit “care centres” in the C-1 zone, with a caveat that “care centres” be restricted to the Cedar Avenue corridor in the C-1 zone.
This motion was approved unanimously.
