City toddles toward child-care plan; Draft policy requires consultations before day-care licences issued
North Shore News
November 28, 2008
By: Stephanie Mosley

After yet another debate surrounding day-care facilities in residential neighbourhoods, City of North Vancouver council is one step closer to a child care policy that aims to alleviate conflict between residents and providers.

Monday night's 4-1 vote sent the second draft of the city's child care plan back to staff to outline bylaw changes that could change how group child care facilities (for eight or more children) start up.

A last-minute move to amend the recommendations to include some form of public meeting before a business license is issued was put forth…. Heywood said it addressed the concerns he had about finding a balance between the need for day care and the need for communities to enjoy peace and quiet.

"I don't think (a public meeting) needs to be a cumbersome process at all.... It can be specifically designed for this particular piece of legislation," he added.

Amendments would require individuals applying for business licences to open a facility in residential areas to consult with neighbours beforehand. Applicants would also be required to submit a traffic mitigation plan to address expected increases in vehicles to the area.

In addition, the facility would have to be located 90 metres from any similarly-licensed daycare….