PoCo daycare application sails through council

It still needs another vote before any shovels hit the ground, but things seem to be moving swiftly for a proposed 52-unit childcare on Lincoln Avenue.

Council unanimously gave the project second reading on Tuesday afternoon following a brief discussion.

After adding a two-storey addition and renovating the house currently occupying the lot on Lincoln and Coast Meridian Road, the centre would accommodate 28 preschool-aged children and 24 infants and toddlers.

During a previous discussion, council seemed concerned about the lack of sidewalks on the block. With no development pending, it’s unlikely sidewalks will be built in the area, noted Mayor Brad West.

“Are these kids going to walking down the middle of Lincoln to access a park?” West asked when the project first came to council.

On Tuesday, Coun. Nancy McCurrach addressed the sidewalk concern.

“I know those children will be in safe hands and if they want to go out for a walk down the road, I trust the staff at that centre,” she said.

The applicant, Axin Architecture Ltd., would be asked to pay for several off-site improvements including a sidewalk in front of the daycare.

The project includes six parking spots – two for staff and four for parents. However, there will likely be four parking spots along Lincoln as well, according to staff.

To move ahead, the property at 1551 Lincoln Ave. would have to be rezoned to industrial. The site is currently occupied by a house and garage.

Two coniferous trees and a large cedar hedge along the lane would have to be removed.

The city is currently attempting to add 145 childcare spaces per year to meet demand.