YORKTON - Yorkton Council is moving toward amending the city’s Zoning Bylaw to allow for child care centres in residential zoning districts.
The amendment was given unanimous first reading support at the regular meeting of Council Monday, and now proceeds to the Public Notice process.
Carleen Koroluk – Planner, with the city told Council the changes were being proposed because of a community need.
“Because so many parents work outside the home today, quality childcare provides much needed services where children can enjoy a variety of benefits academically, socially, and physically. However, despite recent legislation to reduce costs, parents continue to struggle with the shortage of child care spaces within the city,” she said.
“A recent inquiry regarding the conversion of an unoccupied residential dwelling to a day care centre to offer more child care spaces in the city prompted review of Zoning Bylaw provisions for child care facilities. The review was brought to the Planning and Infrastructure Commission at the January 29 meeting for their input. The Commission acknowledged the need for, and lack of, child care spaces in the city and was supportive of Administration proceeding with zoning amendments that would allow for additional opportunities.”
In way of background a report circulated to Council noted, “The Government of Saskatchewan website currently lists six licensed Day Care Centres and eleven child Care Homes within the city. A Business Licence is required for local child care providers and in addition to the licensed providers, current records include that there are two additional unlicensed providers. It is anticipated that there are also additional child care providers that the city is unaware of.”
“Due to provincial limitations and requirements for facilities that offer infant care spaces, many parents are encountering difficulties in securing care for children under the age of 18 months and are forced to take extended parental leave,” said Koroluk.
The amendment given first reading support proposes:
* that Day Care Centres for up to 30 individuals on locations on corner lots that abut arterial, major or minor collector streets (see Attachment 2) be Permitted Uses in Single Detached Dwellings in the R-1 General Residential, R-2 Low Density Residential, R-3 Medium Density Residential and R-5 Mixed Density Residential zoning districts;
* that parking requirements be based on the approved number of individuals under care;
* that Day Care Centres outside of the above parameters be Discretionary Uses considered by Council on a case by case basis;
* to delete Zoning Bylaw Section 7.2.1.C requiring on-site fenced outdoor play for Day Care Centres as this requirement is addressed through provincial licensing.
