The long wait for childcare in the Tri-Cities may be about to get a bit shorter.
Despite some qualms about its appearance, Port Coquitlam council was unanimous in their early support for a proposed childcare facility with a capacity for 65 children.
Located on Grant Avenue between Oxford and Cambridge streets, the project would mean consolidating two lots and demolishing a single-family house in favour of a new two-storey facility.
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For the project to move forward, council would have to rezone the site from residential to institutional. However, a few councillors were adamant that, while the development would be institutional, it shouldn’t have to look institutional.
While she was supportive of the project, Coun. Paige Petriw described the design as a: “Bit of an eyesore.”
“Too institutional,” Coun. Steve Darling said.
“The only issue I have: I don’t think it looks very good,” Coun. Glenn Pollock said, suggesting the facility should look more residential to blend into the neighbourhood.
“I’ll still be in favour of it,” he added.
Operated by non-profit Kallu Family Childcare Society, the facility would have space for 41 children between three and five years of age and 24 infants and toddlers.
Fees at the facility could be reduced by about $550 from market rates through provincial programs. Additional subsidies could allow low-income families to eventually pay $10 a day, according to a city staff report.
“Makes sense. We need it,” Mayor Brad West said about the project.
The biggest issue may be the pick-up and drop-off area, according to Coun. Darrell Penner.
The site is set to include six parking spots.
To facilitate the project, the applicant is asking to chop two trees and to plant two replacement trees.
The applicant is proposing a 1.5-metre setback on the west side. The city generally requires a six-metre setback.
The project still needs to go through a public hearing and a subsequent council vote before construction can begin.
In 2019, the city set a goal of adding a total of 1,449 new child care spots by 2030. As of 2022, the city has added a net total of 204 spaces – 77 fewer than the municipality’s target.
