W. Van addresses childcare: Some new restrictions, but rules allow a broader mix of options
North Shore News
Sarah Ripplinger
May 13, 2009

District of West Vancouver council is considering changes to the municipal childcare regulations that could increase the number of spots available to residents.

The amendments, presented during the May 4 council meeting, would reduce the maximum number of children allowed in a childcare facility located in a single family home from 20 to 16. The new zoning regulations would also make it possible for childcare facilities to operate in commercial areas.

The availability of daycare spaces in West Vancouver is falling short of meeting the need for these spaces, according to a staff report.

The regulations being considered are intended to better meet the needs of the community by allowing for a broader mix of daycare options, said Leanne Sexsmith, social services community planner with the district, while simultaneously taking into consideration the interests of neighbours.

The new regulations would restrict the distance between childcare facilities located in residential homes.

"You will not be able to operate a childcare facility of more than eight children if it is within 600 feet of another childcare facility of more than eight children in a single family home," Sexmith said….

If the facility is not adjacent to a park, school or a community site, the childcare facility would need to provide one parking space for every four children.

… Bob Sokol, director of planning, lands and permits with the district, conceded that there is an inconsistency in the regulations governing home-based businesses and home-based childcare facilities. He suggested that "if council would like to direct staff to address, through the bylaw, home-based businesses, that could be another one of those policy-amendment areas that we look at."…