PoCo approves rooftop daycare in Fremont Village
More than 13 years after getting council approval, a Fremont Village building is set to be slightly reconfigured to make room for a 150-space rooftop daycare play area, following a vote on Tuesday from Port Coquitlam council.
“This is fantastic creativity and innovation,” said Coun. Paige Petriw. “I think rooftop is a perfect space, especially on commercial, and it’s generally used for nothing.”
Set to be operated by CEFA Early Learning, the daycare would accommodate infants and toddlers and children between three and five years old. The rooftop play area is 6,382 square feet.
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To meet Fraser Health’s childcare requirements, Onni development company is slated to add a stairwell, a combined stairwell and elevator shaft, as well as guardrails around the play area.
Given that commitment from the owner, city staff expressed confidence the proposal will move ahead.
Staff recommended approving the amendment, noting the importance of daycare in the city. The city has a stated goal of adding 145 childcare spaces each year until 2030.
Council unanimously approved the amendment.
Located at 815 Village Drive, the building is one of four structures approved by council in 2012. Two have been built. The land earmarked for the other two buildings is vacant.
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