City gives approval to expand daycare
North Shore News
Aug 7 2009
By: Benjamin Alldritt

IN the first test of its new childcare regulations, North Vancouver city council has approved the expansion of a commercial daycare facility.

BA … operates …Daycare out of his home … He came before council July 27 seeking permission to expand from 12 spaces to 20.

Council brought in a series of new childcare bylaws in April in response to ongoing noise and traffic disputes between another daycare and its neighbours. The bylaws were hotly debated at the time and passed by a 4-3 vote. Mayor Darrell Mussatto and Couns. Craig Keating and Mary Trentadue argued the requirements were too onerous and would deter potential daycare operators.

As required by the new bylaws, A.. developed a plan to minimize traffic and noise in the neighbourhood. Pick-up and drop-off times will be staggered and parents will be encouraged to walk or use transit. A… will also provide subsidized transit passes to his employees to keep his two parking spots available for parents.

… "The process was too long and kind of hard," said A…, who declined to comment further.

"Well I think for once council got this exactly right," said Coun. Rod Clark. "Yes, he had to spend four days knocking on doors and he had to jump through some hoops at city hall but I think the process has served us well. I see no one here complaining. This has been a stellar first case."….

Council voted unanimously to approve A… business licence application.