Town defeats second reading of land use amending bylaw regarding future childcare facility
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Town of Strathmore Council voted to defeat second reading of Land Use Bylaw Amending Bylaw 24-23, regarding 416 and 417 80B Archie Klaiber Trail.
The bylaw was brought before council during the March 19 regular meeting, first for a public hearing, then later to be voted on.
Town of Strathmore staff had received an application to redesignate 416 and 417 80B Archie Klaiber Trail to facilitate the development of childcare services.
The properties are currently designated as Commercial Highway District according to the Land Use Bylaw and childcare services are not listed as a permitted use in the district.
Currently, the site is under development with plans for four buildings, one of which being the childcare facility in the corner unit on the northern side of the site.
The proposed childcare services include an enclosed playground. Per the land use bylaw, the service is to provide one parking space per staff member. Town development services have indicated the site will provide sufficient parking.
“I had some residents contact me about this and their concerns about the traffic. Even at that time, I did not think it was that big a deal but somewhere along the line, I missed the fact that there was going to be 50 childcare spots in that building,” said Coun. Brent Wiley. “I am just picturing a drop off of 50 kids sometime between, most of them would be 7 a.m. to let’s say, 8:30, 9:00 a.m. 50 spots, we are thinking at least 25 cars and I am just trying to imagine people pulling into those spots in that time when the Starbucks lineup is already coming out of that parking lot.”
Wiley explained as much as he did not like the idea of voting against a business opportunity, he could not support what he described as a “traffic nightmare” in this particular location in town.
Inversely, Coun. Richard Wegener explained he would be voting in favour of the bylaw amendment, citing the need in Strathmore for more childcare services availability.
“There are people in town who are taking their children to other communities, Calgary, and that, for daycare. I do believe there is a number of daycares needed still. I have driven by some of the daycares that are already open, some of them are on busy streets for pickup and drop off,” he said. “I know safety is a huge important factor with the kids … the big thing is I do think more are needed and I do not want to stimy any business from setting up shop here in town.”
As Mayor Pat Fule was absent, a 3-3 vote following the public hearing, discussion and debate resulted in a motion to pass second reading being defeated.